D1 D3 Research Articles

A synergistic, global approach to revising the trypanorhynch tapeworm family Rhinoptericolidae (Trypanobatoida).

Since 2010, the trypanorhynch tapeworm family Rhinoptericolidae Carvajal & Campbell, 1975 has housed just two distinctive, monotypic genera (Rhinoptericola Carvajal & Campbell, 1975 and Nataliella Palm, 2010). However, global collections of tapeworms from sharks and rays over the last more than three decades brought to light the need for major revision of the family by suggesting a much greater species-level diversity for the nominal genus Rhinoptericola. Through synonymy and the description of new species, the number of species in the genus is increased from one to eight. A phylogenetic analysis of the D1–D3 gene region of 28S rRNA (28S), including seven of the now nine species of rhinoptericolids, and a broad sampling of the other Trypanobatoida is the first to recover a monophyletic Rhinoptericolidae. In addition to systematic revision, this study allowed for the first evaluation of the degree of intraspecific vs interspecific variation in 28S for adult trypanorhynchs across the various hosts and geographic localities from which they have been reported, suggesting a relatively consistent boundary for Rhinoptericola. It is further suggested that detailed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of both the basal and metabasal armatures greatly aid in the interpretation of hook arrangement and shape. A schematic to streamline determination of the tentacular surface presented in scanning electron micrographs and line drawings of trypanorhynchs is presented for species with both two and four bothria. In combination, these methodological refinements can now be used as a model to resolve issues of classification and non-monophyly within both major lineages of the Trypanorhyncha. As a result of the taxonomic work, Rhinoptericola megacantha Carvajal & Campbell, 1975 (previously only known from the American cownose ray from the Chesapeake Bay and the Ticon cownose ray from the Gulf of Mexico, Venezuela, and Brazil) is now known from an additional species of cownose ray and a species of stingray, and is revealed to have a transatlantic distribution. Data from SEM suggest a simpler interpretation of hook arrangement in the metabasal armature for Rhinoptercola and—in combination with 28S sequence data—support Shirleyrhynchus Beveridge & Campbell, 1988 (a former rhinoptericolid) as its junior synonym. The three species formerly assigned to Shirleyrhynchus are thus transferred to Rhinoptericola. Data from light microscopy on whole-mounted specimens and histological sections, SEM, and 28S showed the eutetrarhynchid Prochristianella jensenae Schaeffner & Beveridge, 2012b to be morphologically consistent with species of Rhinoptericola and it is thus transferred to the genus. The type series of P. jensenae was determined to be mixed, representing two distinct species which are here redescribed and described as new, respectively. Two additional novel species of Rhinoptericola are described from cownose rays from off Mozambique and the Gulf of California.

Three-dimensional Quantification of Enamel Preservation in Tooth Preparation for Porcelain Laminate Veneers: A Fully Digital Workflow In Vitro Study.

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the preservation of enamel after tooth preparation for porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) at different preparation depths based on a fully digital workflow. Sixty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth, including 20 maxillary central incisors (MCIs), 20 maxillary lateral incisors (MLIs), and 20 maxillary canines (MCs) underwent microcomputed tomography (CT) scanning, and were reconstructed as three-dimensional (3D) enamel and dentin models. Subsequently, the three-dimensional (3D) enamel models were imported into Materialise, where each enamel model underwent seven types of virtual preparation for PLVs at preparation depths at 0.1-mm increments from 0.1-0.3-0.5 mm (D1) to 0.7-0.9-1.1 mm (D7). The enamel surface was depicted by merging the virtual preparation and, respective, dentin models. The enamel area and prepared surface were measured to calculate the percentage of enamel (R%). The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α=0.05). The group-wise mean (standard deviation) R values for the MCIs were as follows: D1-D3: 100.00 (0) each, and D4-D7: 74.70 (2.45), 51.40 (5.12), 24.40 (3.06), and 0.00 (0), respectively. The group-wise mean R values for the MLIs were 100.00 (0), 73.70 (3.40), 53.50 (3.44), 25.20 (3.79), and 0.90 (0.99) for the D1-D5 groups, respectively; and 0.00 (0) each for the D6-D7 groups. The group-wise mean (standard deviations) R values for the MCs were as follows: D1-D3: 100.00 (0) each, and D4-D7: 99.00 (1.34), 77.10 (3.28), 74.20 (3.61), and 52.20 (4.09), respectively. The one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between the seven groups in the MCIs, MLIs, and MCs (p<0.05). Our results recommended preparation depths of up to 0.3-0.5-0.7 mm (MCIs), 0.1-0.3-0.5 mm (MLIs), and 0.4-0.6-0.8 mm (MCs) to facilitate complete intraenamel preparation. Moreover, 50% enamel was preserved at preparation depths of 0.5-0.7-0.9 mm (MCIs), 0.3-0.5-0.7 mm (MLIs), and 0.7-0.9-1.1 mm (MCs).

Highly oxygenated isoryanodane diterpenoids from the leaves of Cinnamomum cassia and their immunomodulatory activities

A total of twelve highly oxygenated isoryanodane (also known as cinncassiol D-type) diterpenoids including nine undescribed ones, named cinnacassins A−I, were isolated from the leaves of Cinnamomum cassia. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, calculated 13C-NMR DP4+ analysis, and chemical methods. The absolute configuration of cinnacassin A was unambiguously delineated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Cinnacassin H represents the first example of 16-O-glucosylated isoryanodane diterpenoid, and cinnacassin I is the first isoryanod-13(18)-ene diterpenoid. The relationship of the configuration C-18 and the chemical shifts of H2-19 and C-20 in the 19-hydroxy-isoryanodane diterpenoids was discussed, and the 18S-configuration of three known 19-hydroxy-isoryanodane diterpenoids, cinncassiol D1, 19-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-cinncassiol D1, and cinncassiol D3 was assigned. All the isolated isoryanodane diterpenoids were evaluated for their immunomodulatory effects in vitro, and cinnacassin A and cinncassiol D1 enhanced the proliferation of Con A-induced murine T cells with enhancement rates ranging from 17.9% to 45.4%, which were more potent than the positive control, thymosin α1. In addition, cinncassiol D1 significantly promoted the proliferation of LPS-induced murine B cells with an enhancement rate up to 116.1%, two-fold more potent than thymosin α1 at a concentration of 1.5625 μM.

Diversity and phylogeny of Chaetoceros species (Bacillariophyceae) with a central valve linking protuberance

ABSTRACT Chaetoceros Ehrenberg is one of the most diverse genera of planktonic diatoms and includes important primary producers in marine waters. A valve linking protuberance is a unique character that has only been recorded in Chaetoceros rostratus and C. rostratus var. glandazii. However the taxonomical relationship between the two taxa needs to be clarified. In order to clarify species delimitations, monoclonal strains were established from Chinese southeastern coastal waters. Vegetative cells were observed using light microscopy and electron microscopy of the frustule. The region D1–D3 of the nuclear-encoded large subunit ribosomal DNA and the small subunit ribosomal DNA were sequenced to determine phylogenetic relationships. The phylogenetic analyses inferred from both SSU and LSU rDNA showed that the strains bearing valve linking protuberance clustered into two groups, which corresponded to different morphotypes. One group included the strains isolated from Hong Kong, the type locality of C. rostratus, and matched the original description; this was used herein to delineate the characters of C. rostratus. Another group is described as a new species, Chaetoceros separatus sp. nov., characterized by a long tubular valve linking protuberance and disjoint sibling setae. Previous reports of C. rostratus and C. rostratus var. glandazii were re-examined. The phylogenetic results showed C. peruvianus grouping with species of Chaetoceros sect. Rostrata, thereby suggesting the synonymy between this section and Chaetoceros sect. Peruviana. However, the identity and morphological variability of C. peruvianus need to be re-examined.

Petrography and structural features of the Precambrian basement rocks in the Benin-Nigerian Shield, NW Nigeria: Implications for their correlation with South Atlantic Precambrian terranes

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;This study investigated the petrographic and structural features of the Precambrian (Neoproterozoic) basement rocks of the Benin-Nigerian Shield that crop out in northwestern Nigeria within Kanoma and its environs to give an insight into the evolution and deformational episodes that pervaded them. The major rock types in the area are schists and quartzites, which have been intruded by granitic rocks that appear to be metamorphosed. The origin of these rocks is attributed to the Eburnean Precambrian orogenic episode and the Pan-African orogeny, which started and ended with the intrusion of the granite suites. The dominant mineralogy associated with the rock types includes quartz, orthoclase, plagioclase, microcline, biotite, chlorite, and very few accessory minerals. The schist shows the dominance of quartz, feldspars (alkali and plagioclase), biotite, muscovite, chlorite, and opaque minerals. The quartzite is typically dominated by quartz that appears recrystallized in places, whereas the meta-granite contains quartz, feldspars (alkali and plagioclase), biotite, and opaque minerals. Structural features such as joints, quartz veins with minor folds, and faults observed in the lithological units have a predominant N-S trend and are the imprints of the last tectonic event (Pan-African orogeny). The level of deformation in Kanoma led to the development of N to NNE trending moderately (S&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;) to steeply (S&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) dipping foliations in the schist. The evolution of these deformational mechanisms from moderately dipping foliations to steeply dipping foliations along the N to NNE- trend is associated with late orogenic uplift and exhumation following oblique convergence during the Pan-African orogeny. Structural overprinting relations recognized within Kanoma and its environs allow us to decipher the geologic structures into three successive Pan-African deformational events (D1–D3). D1 fabrics are manifested by simple anticline micro folds in the schist. The D2 structures are the predominant ones in the area comprising the N-S directional joints and faults. The D3 phase of deformation is a progressive one, which started as N-S high angle thrusts and thrust-related folds that resulted from the NE–SW contraction during the orogenic episodes. The studied rocks can be correlated with the Pan-African and Brasiliano belts based on their overlapping features.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

D3 Receptors and Restless Legs Syndrome.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder that severely affects sleep. It is characterized by an urge to move the legs that is often accompanied by periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS). RLS has a high prevalence in the population and is usually a life-long condition. While its origins remain unclear, RLS is initially highly responsive to treatment with dopaminergics that target the D3 receptor. However, over time patients often develop a gradual tolerance that can lead to the emergence of adverse effects and the augmentation of the symptoms. While the basal ganglia and the striatum control leg movements, the lumbar spinal cord is the gateway for the sensory processing of the symptoms and critical for the associated leg movements. D3 receptors are highly expressed in nucleus accumbens (NAc) of the striatum and the sensory-processing areas of the spinal dorsal horn. In contrast, D1 receptors are strongly expressed throughout the entire striatum and in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Long-term treatment with D3 receptor full agonists is associated with an upregulation of the D1 receptor subtype, and D3 and D1 receptors can form functional heteromers, in which the D3R controls the D1R function. It is conceivable that the switch from beneficial treatment to augmentation observed in RLS patients after prolonged D3R agonist exposure may be the result of unmasked D1-like receptor actions.

Parametric Software Effort Estimation Based on Optimizing Correction Factors and Multiple Linear Regression

<italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Context:</i> Effort estimation is one of the essential phases that must be accurately predicted in the early stage of software project development. Currently, solving problems that affect the estimation accuracy of Use Case Points-based methods is still a challenge to be addressed. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Objective:</i> This paper proposes a parametric software effort estimation model based on Optimizing Correction Factors and Multiple Regression Models to minimize the estimation error and the influence of unsystematic noise, which has not been considered in previous studies. The proposed method takes advantage of the Least Squared Regression models and Multiple Linear Regression models on the Use Case Points-based elements. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Method:</i> We have conducted experimental research to evaluate the estimation accuracy of the proposed method and compare it with three previous related methods, i.e., 1) the baseline estimation method – Use Case Points, 2) Optimizing Correction Factors, and 3) Algorithmic Optimization Method. Experiments were performed on datasets (Dataset D1, Dataset D2, and Dataset D3). The estimation accuracy of the methods was analysed by applying various unbiased evaluation criteria and statistical tests. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Results:</i> The results proved that the proposed method outperformed the other methods in improving estimation accuracy. Statistically, the results proved to be significantly superior to the three compared methods based on all tested datasets. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Conclusion:</i> Based on our obtained results, the proposed method has a high estimation capability and is considered a helpful method for project managers during the estimation phase. The correction factors are considered in the estimation process.

Importance of Dynamic Mechanical Analysis to Predict Performance of the Polyvinyl Acetate Wood Adhesives in Summer Season

Conventionally available Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) wood glues are polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) stabilized, with drawbacks like poor strength at high humidity, poor strength at high temperature and workability at low-temperature. PVAc is non-resistant to high humidity, and if such adhesive bonds are exploited in a highly humid environment, its strength substantially decreases. Sufficiently water-resistant adhesive bonds are achieved by modifying PVAc dispersion with special chemicals like acrylic acid (AA) and N-methylol acrylamide (NMA) as a co-monomer, Silanes, and ethylene modified PVA. The Lewis acids like aluminium chloride and aluminium nitrate are used as cross-linkers. So PVAc adhesives are classified as reactive and non-reactive glue. Application of non-reactive D1 (as per EN 204-205) and reactive D2 and D3 (as per EN 204-205) adhesives for bonding laminate on plywood is a regular practice in the Indian market. In summer time, Crack formation was seen in laminate bonded with reactive D2 and D3 adhesives in regions where the room temperature was above 45°C. However, if the same laminate substrates were bonded with non-reactive D1, no cracks were seen. To analyse the above phenomenon, we have done Dynamic mechanical analysis of non-reactive D1, reactive D2 and D3 adhesive.

Three new species of Duplicibothrium (Cestoda: ‘Tetraphyllidea’) from cownose rays in Senegal with a phylogenetic analysis of the genus

Three new species of 'tetraphyllideans' in the family Serendipeidae are described from cownose rays off Senegal. Duplicibothrium jeannettae n. sp. and Duplicibothrium collosum n. sp. parasitize both Rhinoptera marginata and Rhinoptera peli. Duplicibothrium jillae n. sp. parasitizes R. marginata. Duplicibothrium jeannettae n. sp. and D. jillae n. sp. differ from one another and their described congeners in size, number of proglottids, and locular configuration. The generic assignment of D. collosum n. sp. was initially unclear because its scolex more closely resembles that of Serendip than Duplicibothrium. To help inform generic placement, sequence data were generated for the 28S rDNA gene (D1-D3 region) for the three new species as well as for Duplicibothrium minutum and Duplicibothrium n. sp. 2 from Rhinoptera bonasus off North Carolina, Duplicibothrium n. sp. 3 from Rhinoptera brasiliensis off Belize, Duplicibothrium n. sp. 4 and Duplicibothrium n. sp. 5 from Rhinoptera jayakari off Mozambique, and Duplicibothrium n. sp. 6 from Rhinoptera neglecta off Australia. Comparable data were obtained from GenBank for adults and larvae of Duplicibothrium collected from the Gulf of Mexico. The tree resulting from a maximum likelihood analysis (MLA) placed D. collosum n. sp. robustly within Duplicibothrium; the generic diagnosis is emended accordingly. This raises a question regarding the independence, and thus also validity, of the three genera of the Serendipeidae - a question that must await a molecular analysis that includes Serendip and Glyphobothrium. These results extend the hosts of Duplicibothrium to include R. brasiliensis, R. jayakari, R. marginata, R. neglecta and R. peli, and the distribution to include the western Pacific Ocean, eastern Atlantic Ocean, and western Indian Ocean (Zoobank Registration: 97BB5020-BFFF-4FEA-AE07-B4711D1110FC).

Diagenetic evolution and its impact on reservoir porosity in Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation in eastern Sichuan Basin, SW China: Evidence from petrography, trace elements, and Isotopic Studies

The Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation, characterised by a carbonate–evaporite succession, is one of the important pay layers in the eastern Sichuan Basin. Several diagenetic events were identified in this study, including meteoric dissolution, dolomitisation, anhydrite/gypsum replacement/cementation, TSR, BSR, and multiple calcite cementation (C1–C3). Dolomitisation and anhydrite/gypsum replacement/cementation are the major diagenetic events affecting reservoir porosity. The dolostone is composed of D1, D2, and D3 dolomite. D1 dolomite is very finely crystalline, dominating in the low-energy, restricted depositional facies. D2 dolomite is finely crystalline, constituting a major portion of the dolostones. D3 dolomite is depositional fabric retentive dolomite, including dolo-wacke-/packstone, dolo-grainstone, and dolo-boundstone. Four types of anhydrites (A1–A4) were identified in the core and thin sections. A1 is stratabound anhydrite. A2 is the anhydrite in dolostones, filling in the interparticle spaces in dolo-grainstone and the intraparticle spaces in dolo-wackestone. A3 is the anhydrite in limestones, which occurs non-fabric-selectively. A4 is the anhydrite filling in the fractures. The diagenetic anhydrites (A2–A4) are interpreted to postdate to major dolomitisation. D1 and D2 dolomites are characterised by δ13CVPDB values of −3.4–+7.3 ‰ and δ18OVPDB values of −4.7−-2.4 ‰. The REE patterns of D1–D3 dolomites are characterised by light rare earth element (LREE) depletion relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREE) ((Pr/Tm)N of 0.54–1.16, 0.81 ± 0.20), middle rare earth elements (MREE) enrichment (BSI values of 1.06–1.38, 1.26 ± 0.10), and negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* ratios of 0.74–0.94, 0.83 ± 0.07). The diagenetic anhydrites (A2–A4) show δ34SV-CDT values of +25.9–+45.7 ‰, similar to those of the stratabound anhydrite (+29.6–+43.0 ‰). The large variations in the δ13CVPDB values of D1 and D2 dolomites are attributed to methanogenesis and BSR. The δ18OVPDB values and REE characteristics of D1–D3 dolomites suggest that the carbonates are dolomitised by the mesohaline fluid. The δ34SV-CDT values of A1–A4 indicate that the diagenetic anhydrites are formed by redistribution in a closed system. The petrographical and geochemical data suggest that the Jialingjiang carbonate evolved in a closed system during burial diagenesis. Primary pores dominate in the Jialingjiang carbonate reservoirs, and the boundstone and grainstone show the best porosities based on the porosityversus lithofacies data. Therefore, we propose that the lithofacies, instead of the diagenetic events, are the key factors of the Jialingjiang carbonate. The resisting compaction of dolomitisation helps preserve the reservoir porosity, and anhydrite is the major diagenetic event destroying the reservoir porosity.

Phylogenetic analysis and diversity of peculiar new lecanicephalidean tapeworms (Eniochobothriidae) from cownose rays across the globe

The three members of the lecanicephalidean tapeworm family Eniochobothriidae are unusual among tapeworms in that they lack a vagina and possess a series of expanded proglottids forming a trough at the anterior end of their body. They exclusively parasitise cownose rays of the genus Rhinoptera (Myliobatiformes: Rhinopteridae). New collections from six of the nine known species of cownose rays from the waters off Australia, Mexico, Mozambique, Senegal, Taiwan and the United States (off Mississippi, Louisiana and South Carolina) yielded eight new species and a new genus of eniochobothriids. Here we erect Amiculucestus, gen. nov. and describe six of the eight new species – four in the new genus and two in Eniochobothrium – expanding the number of genera in the family to two and the number of described species in the family to nine. Morphological work was based on light and scanning electron microscopy. The tree resulting from a maximum likelihood analysis of sequence data for the D1–D3 region of the 28S rDNA gene for 11 species of eniochobothriids supports the reciprocal monophyly of both genera. The mode of attachment to the mucosal surface of the spiral intestine of the host was investigated using histological sections of worms in situ. These cestodes appear to use the anterior trough-like portion of their body, which consists of an unusual series of barren proglottids, rather than their scolex, to attach to the mucosal surface. Based on our new collections, we estimate that the total number of eniochobothriids across the globe does not exceed 27 species. ZooBank LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:0740EC72‐AC3F‐43AA‐BD41‐B9820BA9D0CE

Dietary with proper ratio of alpha‐linolenic acid to linoleic acid enhanced the unsaturated fatty acids deposition of Chinese perch ( Siniperca Chuatsi )

The study explored the effect of increasing α-linolenic acid (LNA; 18:3n-3)-to-linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n6) ratios on the growth, fatty acid (FA) composition/deposition, hepatic expression of various genes responsible for fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid binding proteins (fabp1) from the level of DNA methylation and liver/intestinal histology in Chinese perch, Siniperca chuatsi. A total of 5 isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated at LNA/LA ratios of 0.15, 0.38, 0.94, 1.43 and 2.94, hereafter referred to as D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5, respectively, and fed to the fish that could accept artificial diets successfully for 90 days. Results showed that the D3 diet led to significantly higher growth than all other treatments. Additionally, the D3 diet led to significantly longer intestinal villi, greater number of hepatic lipid droplets and higher hepatic triglyceride (TG) content. With increasing LNA/LA ratios, the LNA content increased and LA decreased in both the liver and muscle. Dietary LNA/LA ratios markedly affected the relative expression level of some genes of FA metabolism in hepatic, including fatty acid synthase (fas), fatty acid binding proteins (fabp1), fatty acid desaturase 2 (fads2) and fatty acid elongase 5 (elovl5). The D3 diet enhanced hepatic FA metabolism in hepatic markedly and thus promoted the arachidonic acids (ARA) deposition. In addition, it can promote the deposition of eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) in muscle. It was shown that dietary with the ratio of LNA to LA being 0.94 can enhance the FA metabolism in hepatic markedly and thus promoted the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) deposition. And we found that there was high DNA methylation in six CpG sites of fabp11 for D1 group and D3 group, but D3 group had no marked difference with control group (D1). Finally, through the broken-line regression analysis, it was found that the optimal dietary LNA/LA ratio of Chinese perch was 0.81.

Effect of dietary lipid levels on growth, body composition, and enzyme activities of larvae of butter catfish, Ompok bimaculatus (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Siluridae)

The Indian butter catfish, Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794), is a high-value catfish that has gained immense consumer preference in South-East Asia. However, information on the nutritional requirements of this species is scanty. Hence, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying dietary lipid levels on growth, body composition, and activities of digestive and metabolic enzymes in larvae. Three isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) diets were formulated by supplementing fish and vegetable oil (1:1) at 4.5% (D1), 7% (D2), and 9.5% (D3) levels (containing crude lipid 5.7%, 8.0%, and 10.45%, respectively in diets D1–D3) to a fish meal- and oilcake-based formulated diet. Experimental diets were fed to butter catfish larvae (0.15 ± 0.01 g) in triplicate groups for a period of 42 days. Proximate compositions of the experimental diets, as well as fish carcass, were analyzed using standard procedures (AOAC 2005). Digestive and metabolic enzyme activities were analyzed at the completion of the experiment by standard methodology. Butter catfish larvae fed the diet D2 (8% crude lipid) resulted in the best performance in terms of weight gain (final weight 1.40 ± 0.07 g), net weight gain (1.31 ± 0.06 g), specific growth rate (5.50 ± 0.05% · day−1), and protein efficiency ratio (2.39 ± 0.17). The highest lipid deposition (2.90 ± 0.12%) in the carcass was also recorded in fish reared on diet D2. The final weight, net weight gain, protein efficiency ratio, and specific growth rate were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) higher in D2 having 8% lipid. Moisture and lipid contents of the whole body were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) higher in larvae fed diet D2. Amylase activity in fish significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) decreased with increasing dietary lipid levels. The maximum alkaline protease, pepsin, and lipase activities were noticed in the larvae fed diet D2. Progressive decrease in liver glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities and significant increase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the activities of neoglucogenic enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bis phosphatase) were noticed with an increase in dietary lipid levels. Significantly lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) activities of LDH, ALT, and AST were recorded in the group fed diet D2. Results of the study indicated that 8% crude lipid in the diet could assure optimum growth and survival of butter catfish larvae during early development. An appraisal on growth, body composition, and digestive as well as metabolic function in the butter catfish larvae recorded in the study might provide some important information to consider application of formulated diets for the larviculture of Ompok bimaculatus.

Effect of dietary lipid levels on growth, body composition, and enzyme activities of larvae of butter catfish, Ompok bimaculatus (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Siluridae)

The Indian butter catfish, Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794), is a high-value catfish that has gained immense consumer preference in South-East Asia. However, information on the nutritional requirements of this species is scanty. Hence, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying dietary lipid levels on growth, body composition, and activities of digestive and metabolic enzymes in larvae. Three isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) diets were formulated by supplementing fish and vegetable oil (1:1) at 4.5% (D1), 7% (D2), and 9.5% (D3) levels (containing crude lipid 5.7%, 8.0%, and 10.45%, respectively in diets D1–D3) to a fish meal- and oilcake-based formulated diet. Experimental diets were fed to butter catfish larvae (0.15 ± 0.01 g) in triplicate groups for a period of 42 days. Proximate compositions of the experimental diets, as well as fish carcass, were analyzed using standard procedures (AOAC 2005). Digestive and metabolic enzyme activities were analyzed at the completion of the experiment by standard methodology. Butter catfish larvae fed the diet D2 (8% crude lipid) resulted in the best performance in terms of weight gain (final weight 1.40 ± 0.07 g), net weight gain (1.31 ± 0.06 g), specific growth rate (5.50 ± 0.05% · day−1), and protein efficiency ratio (2.39 ± 0.17). The highest lipid deposition (2.90 ± 0.12%) in the carcass was also recorded in fish reared on diet D2. The final weight, net weight gain, protein efficiency ratio, and specific growth rate were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) higher in D2 having 8% lipid. Moisture and lipid contents of the whole body were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) higher in larvae fed diet D2. Amylase activity in fish significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) decreased with increasing dietary lipid levels. The maximum alkaline protease, pepsin, and lipase activities were noticed in the larvae fed diet D2. Progressive decrease in liver glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities and significant increase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the activities of neoglucogenic enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bis phosphatase) were noticed with an increase in dietary lipid levels. Significantly lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) activities of LDH, ALT, and AST were recorded in the group fed diet D2. Results of the study indicated that 8% crude lipid in the diet could assure optimum growth and survival of butter catfish larvae during early development. An appraisal on growth, body composition, and digestive as well as metabolic function in the butter catfish larvae recorded in the study might provide some important information to consider application of formulated diets for the larviculture of Ompok bimaculatus.

Effects of CaO on the Clonal Growth and Root Adaptability of Cypress in Acidic Soils

Cypress (Cupressus funebris Endl.) is a major tree species planted for forestland restoration in low-fertility soil and in areas where rocky desertification has occurred. Calcium (Ca) fertilizer can adjust the pH of soil and has an important effect on the growth of cypress. Soil and water losses are serious in Southern China, and soil acidification is increasing, which results in high calcium loss. However, the adaptability of cypress clones to different concentrations of calcium in acidic soils has not been studied. In this investigation, a potted-plant experiment was set up with three concentrations of calcium oxide (CaO) fertilizer (0, 3, and 6 g·kg−1) added under local soil conditions with 0 and 3 g·kg−1 nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer. The effects of CaO on the growth, root development, and nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency of cypress clones were analyzed. The growth, root development, and nutrient absorption and utilization of cypress differed when calcium fertilizer was applied to acidic soils with different degrees of fertility. In the soil with 0 g·kg−1 NPK fertilizer, the 3 and 6 g·kg−1 CaO treatments significantly increased the clonal growth of cypress seedling height, basal diameter, and dry-matter weight. In addition, the length, surface area, and volume of the roots less than 2.0 mm of root diameter also significantly increased, indicating that the fine cypress roots were somewhat able to adapt to differing Ca levels under lower fertility conditions. Moreover, the efficiency of N, P, and Ca accumulation was highest in the 3 g·kg−1 CaO treatment. After adding 3 g·kg−1 CaO fertilizer to the soil with 3 g·kg−1 NPK fertilizer, only the root dry-matter weight increased significantly, indicating that root development (including root length, surface area, and volume) in the D1–D3 diameter classes (≤1.5 mm in diameter) was significantly elevated. When CaO application reached 6 g·kg−1, the seedling height, basal diameter, and dry-matter weight of each organ decreased, as did the length, surface area, and volume of the roots in the all diameter classes, indicating that the addition of excessive CaO to fertile soil could inhibit the growth and root development of cypress. In Ca-deficient low-quality acidic soils, adding CaO fertilizer can promote the development of fine roots and the uptake and utilization of N, P, and Ca. The results of this study provide a basis for determining the optimal fertilization strategy when growing cypress in acidic soils in Southern China.

A revision of the Rhoptrobothriidae (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea).

The Rhoptrobothriidae are one of the more enigmatic families of cestodes of elasmobranchs. Opinions on the taxonomic status of the familys three original genera (i.e., Myzophyllobothrium, Rhoptrobothrium, and Myzocephalus) have varied over the 115 years since they were erected. Some authors have considered all three valid, others have considered Rhoptrobothrium to be a synonym of Myzopyllobothrium or a genus inquirendum, yet others have considered Myzocephalus to be a synonym of the phyllobothriid genus Thysanocephalum. All three genera were established for specimens collected from eagle rays off Sri Lanka. The erection of Mixophyllobothrium for two specimens from a cowtail stingray off India three decades ago added additional confusion to the situation, with some authors considering it valid and others a synonym of Myzocephalus. These disagreements stem largely from differences in interpretation of the complex morphology of the scolex of members of these genera. Furthermore, with the exception of Rhoptrobothrium comprising four species, each genus is monotypic. All but Rhoptrobothrium has not been considered in detail for nearly a century, largely because of a lack of available material. The taxonomic status of these genera is assessed here based on light and scanning electron microscopy, and molecular data generated from new material collected from eagle rays off Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Viet Nam. Morphological work indicates that the genera differ largely only in the degree of folding of the four remi that extend from the cephalic peduncle. A molecular phylogeny based on sequence data for the D1D3 region of the 28S rRNA gene, which include new data for eight specimens of four species, indicates that Myzophyllobothrium, Myzocephalus, and Rhoptrobothrium are not mutually monophyletic. The latter two genera and Mixophyllobothrium are considered synonyms of Myzophyllobothrium and five species are transferred to that genus. Myzophyllobothrium okamuri n. comb. is considered a species inquirendum. Myzophyllobothrium nagasawai n. sp. is described from Aetobatus narutobiei off Japan. Myzophyllobothrium narinari n. comb. is re-described based on newly collected cestodes from the type host and locality (i.e., Aetobatus ocellatus off Sri Lanka). Despite consisting of only a single genus, the family status of the group is retained in recognition of the unusual configuration of the scolex, which bears four biloculate bothridia and four remi extending from the cephalic peduncle. The ordinal placement of the family remains uncertain, but affinities with the Phyllobothriidea, rather than Tetraphyllidea are considered.

Expanding known global biodiversity of Yamaguticestus (Cestoda: Phyllobothriidea) parasitizing catsharks (Pentanchidae and Scyliorhinidae)

This paper aimed to test the prediction that substantial undiscovered biodiversity in the tapeworm genus Yamaguticestus Caira, Bueno & Jensen, 2021 exists in the 16 of 18 genera of catsharks globally that have not yet been examined for tapeworms. A total of 200 catsharks of 10 species representing eight genera were sampled opportunistically from the waters off Australia, Chile, Malaysian Borneo, South Africa, South Korea, and the UK between 1991 and 2017. Six species in four genera (i.e., Apristurus Garman, Asymbolus Whitley, Holohalaelurus Fowler, and Scyliorhinus Blainville) were found to host a total of six new species of Yamaguticestus, tripling the number of described species. The new species are Yamaguticestus africanae sp. nov. from Scyliorhinus capensis, Yamaguticestus ellisi sp. nov. from Scyliorhinus canicula, Scyliorhinus fairweatherae sp. nov. from Holohalaelurus regani, Yamaguticestus kihongkimi sp. nov. from Scyliorhinus torazame, and Yamaguticestus kuchtai sp. nov. from Apristurus aphyodes. The new species were characterized using a combination of light and scanning electron microscopy; sequence data for the D1–D3 region of the 28S rRNA gene were generated for five of the species. Transfer of a species formerly assigned to Calyptrobothrium Monticelli, 1893 that is morphologically consistent with Yamaguticestus added Cephaloscyllium Gill to the list of catshark genera known to host this genus. Most tapeworm species exhibited a remarkably low prevalence and intensity of infection suggesting that our failure to detect infection in the four genera of sharks represented by small sample sizes may not be indicative of their unsuitability as hosts. Our results suggest that the earlier prediction that 70 species of Yamaguticestus remain to be discovered in catsharks across the planet may actually be an underestimate. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:63F48CF6-ED06-44FC-839D-

Time Course and Clinical Relevance of Neurological Deterioration After Endovascular Recanalization Therapy for Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke.

Neurological deterioration (ND) is a devastating complication for patients with ischemic stroke after endovascular recanalization therapy (EVT). We aimed to investigate the time course and clinical relevance of ND after EVT. Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent EVT for large arterial occlusions of the anterior cerebral circulation were enrolled. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were assessed before EVT, at the end of EVT, at 24 h (d1), on day 3 (d3), on day 15 (d15), at discharge and anytime when ND was indicated. ND was defined as an increase of ≥ 4 points in the NIHSS score and was divided into acute ND (AD, within 24 h), subacute ND (SD, d1–d3), and delayed ND (DD, d3–d15 or discharge). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we explored predictors and outcomes of ND at different time periods. As a result, of 343 patients, 129 (37.6%) experienced ND, including 90 (26.2%) with AD, 27 (7.9%) with SD and 12 (3.5%) with DD. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that history of hypertension, cardioembolic stroke, lower Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS), and poor collaterals were significantly associated with an increased risk of AD; history of hypertension, lower ASPECTS, poor collaterals, and unsuccessful recanalization, with SD; and high admission NIHSS score, with DD. In addition, patients who experienced AD (OR = 10.22, P < 0.001), SD (OR = 15.89, P = 0.004), or DD (OR = 8.31, P = 0.015) were more likely to have poor outcomes. ND was a strong predictor of poor stroke outcomes. Management of related risk factors at different ND time periods might improve the prognosis of EVT.

Diversity and distribution of harmful microalgae in the Gulf of Thailand assessed by DNA metabarcoding

Information on the diversity and distribution of harmful microalgae in the Gulf of Thailand is very limited and mainly based on microscopic observations. Here, we collected 44 water samples from the Gulf of Thailand and its adjacent water (Perhentian Island, Malaysia) for comparison in 2018. DNA metabarcoding was performed targeting the partial large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU rDNA D1–D3) and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2). A total of 50 dinoflagellate genera (made up of 72 species) were identified based on the LSU rDNA dataset, while the results of ITS1 and ITS2 datasets revealed 33 and 32 dinoflagellate genera comprising 69 and 64 species, respectively. Five potentially toxic Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) species were detected, with four as newly recorded species in the water (Pseudo-nitzschia americana/brasilliana, Pseudo-nitzschia simulans/delicatissima, P. galaxiae and P. multistriata). The highest relative abundances of P. galaxiae and P. multistriata were found in Trat Bay and Chumphon (accounting for 0.20% and 0.06% of total ASVs abundance, respectively). Three paralytic shellfish toxin producing dinoflagellate species were detected: Alexandrium tamiyavanichii, Alexandrium fragae, and Gymnodinium catenatum. The highest abundance of A. tamiyavanichii was found in the surface sample of Chumphon (CHO7 station), accounting for 1.95% of total ASVs abundance. Two azaspiracid producing dinoflagellate species, Azadinium poporum ribotype B, Azadinium spinosum ribotype A, and a pinnatoxin producing dinoflagellate species Vulcanodinium rugosum, with two ribotypes B and C, were revealed from the datasets although with very low abundances. Six fish killing dinoflagellate species, including Margalefidinium polykrikoides group IV, Margalefidinium fulvescens, Karenia mikimotoi, Karenia selliformis ribotype B, Karlodinium australe, and Karlodinium digitatum were detected and all representing new records in this area. The findings of numerous harmful microalgal species in the Gulf of Thailand highlight the potential risk of human intoxication and fish killing events.

Molecular evolutionary relationships of Vietnamese and global pulmonary Paragonimus species in the family Paragonimidae and suborder Xiphidiata (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda)

Paragonimiasis, caused by Paragonimus species belonging to the family Paragonimidae of the suborder Xiphidiata (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda), often occurs in poor, upland, ethnic minorities, in Vietnam and the world. Asian Paragonimus species are distributed from Japan, South Korea, along with North and Southeast China, North-West and Central Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. There are various genetic variants, strains, and genotypes forming different complexes and evolutionary lineages. The 18S, 28S rDNA sequences and the intergenic transcribed spacer regions (ITS-1, ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal transcription units are commonly used as molecular markers in genetic studies and phylogenetic analyses. We obtained a portion of 28S rDNA (domains D1–D3) of Paragonimus spp. including P. heterotremus (from Vietnam), P. ohirai (Japan), P. iloktsuenensis (Japan), and P. westermani (India and Vietnam) and conducted phylogenetic analysis for molecular evolutionary studies. The results showed that the family Paragonimidae formed the biggest cluster in a phylogenetic tree, which comprises of 46 sequences of 11 species belonging to 11 subgroups, among which the P. westermani complex of strains originating from China, Korea, Japan, India, Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam is present. P. westermani complex is arranged in a position of "sister" (sister group) with the subgroup P. siamensis. The P. heterotremus and P. ohirai complexes, and the P. miyazakii, P. harinasutai, P. mexicanus, P. kellicotti, and P. macrorchis complexes are clustered in a common population. P. westermani of Vietnam is in close proximity to the East Asian strains, as of which has been previously reported. P. ohirai and P. iloktsuenensis are considered “sibling” species, sharing the same clade. Phylogenetic analysis using the 28S rDNA sequences directly presented species position and their molecular evolutionary relationships in the families Paragonimidae, Troglotrematidae, Nanophyetidae, and Collyriclidae. Evolutionary analysis has also clarified a number of complex delineation problems and made a clear nomenclature for Paragonimus sp. of Vietnam, in particular, which has scientific grounds merited to recognize as that it is really the P. westermani species.