Small Protuberances Research Articles

Recent patents in anti-wart treatment.

Warts, small skin protuberances caused by human papillomavirus, are not life-threatening, but can be unsightly, embarrassing, uncomfortable and potentially contagious. They may regress naturally but over a prolonged time. Hence wart-afflicted people seek prescribed or over-the-counter therapies. Out of the innumerable marketable anti-wart medications, only a few are effective. Besides, frequent applications over months and certain undesirable side effects limit their success rates. Recurrences are also known. Hence the search for an effective, safe, cheap and quick medicine that is easy to apply continues. A number of patents for anti-wart therapies have been filed in the last few years. In this article, we enlist the recent anti-wart patents and find out those holding promise in the future.

Overview of primary biological aerosol particles from a Chinese boreal forest: Insight into morphology, size, and mixing state at microscopic scale

Biological aerosols play an important role in atmospheric chemistry, clouds, climate, and public health. Here, we studied the morphology and composition of primary biological aerosol particles (PBAPs) collected in the Lesser Khingan Mountain boreal forest of China in summertime using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). C, N, O, P, K, and Si were detected in most of the PBAPs, and P represented a major marker to discriminate the PBAPs. Of all detected particles >100 nm in diameter, 13% by number were identified as PBAPs. We found that one type of PBAPs mostly appeared as similar rod-like shapes with an aspect ratio > 1.5. Size distribution of the rod-like PBAPs displays two typical peaks at 1.4 μm and 3.5 μm, which likely are bacteria and fungal particles. The second most PBAPs were identified as fungal spores with ovoid, sub-globular or elongated shapes with a smooth surface and small protuberances with their dominant size range of 2–5 μm. Moreover, we found some large brochosomal clusters containing hundreds of brochosomes with a size range of 200–700 nm and a shape like a truncated icosahedron. We estimated that mass concentration of PBAPs approximately 1.9 μg m−3 and contributed 47% of the in situ PM2.5–10 mass. The detection frequency and concentration of PBAPs were higher at night than in the daytime, suggesting that the relative humidity dramatically enhanced the PBAPs emissions in the boreal forest. Our study also showed that the fresh PBAPs displayed weak hygroscopicity with a growth factor of ~1.09 at RH = 94%. TEM analysis revealed that about 20% of the rod-like PBAPs were internally mixed with metal, mineral dust, and inorganic salts in the boreal forest air. This work for the first time provides the overview of individual PBAPs from nanoscale to microscale in Chinese boreal forest air.

Influence of different cytokinins on micropropagation of an important medicinal plant, Solanum erianthum D. Don, and assessment of the genetic fidelity of the regenerants

The present study describes the first successful report on an efficient in vitro protocol for direct and indirect organogenesis of an important medicinal and anticancerous plant, Solanum erianthum D. Don. An optimal response using leaf explants was achieved in half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS)-medium supplemented with 5 mg L−1 naphthalene acetic acid for friable callus formation and 2 mg L−1 naphthaleneacetic acid and 0.5 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine amino purine for induction of compact callus. The maximum number of shoot buds (20.33 ± 11.55) was obtained from compact callus using indirect shoot organogenesis in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L−1 thidiazuron among the four cytokinins tested, which included 6-benzyl amino purine, kinetin, 6-γ,γ-dimethylallylamino purine, and thidiazuron. Supplements of 3 mg L−1 6-benzyl amino purine played a crucial role in direct shoot bud formation from a leaf. The buds appeared as small protuberances, and finally developed into leafy shoots as the culture period progressed. Regenerated shoot buds were transferred to MS media that contained four cytokinins for shoot tip culture, in which 8 mg L−1 6-γ,γ-dimethylallylamino purine exhibited the best response (15 ± 2.52). Although efficient plant regeneration was achieved in the presence of all four tested cytokinins in the three organogenetic pathways, distinct differences exist in terms of shoot regeneration potential. Half-strength MS basal medium is recommended for root induction. An approximate 70% survival rate of regenerated plantlets was recorded following sequential transfer from culture conditions to the field. The genetic fidelity of the regenerated plants was evaluated using random amplified polymorphic DNA molecular markers, which showed a high number of uniform monomorphic bands.

Two New Species of Free-Living Marine Nematodes of the Desmodoridae from Mangrove Wetlands of Xiamen Bay, China

Mangroves are unique in their biodiversity, but studies on their meiobenthic biodiversity in China are scarce. Despite the importance of mangroves, little work has been done on the classification of nematodes in mangrove wetlands. Fujian Province is the most northern point of China’s natural mangrove distribution, and it is also one of the provinces with the earliest constructed mangrove forest. In this paper, two new free-living marine nematode species of Desmodoridae from the Xiamen mangrove wetlands in China are described. Metachromadora xiamenensis sp. nov. is characterized by a cylindrical body, and smooth head capsule set off from the rest of the body. The cuticle is finely annulated and thickened at the midbody. Lateral ridges run from the posterior end of the pharynx to the middle of the tail. The amphid foveae is loop shaped and opens at the top with a double contour amphidial, pharynx with bipartite cuticularized internal cavity. There are 18 tubular precloacal supplements and tail with three small protuberances. Molgolaimus euryformis sp. nov. is characterized by a relatively short and plump body with finely annulated cuticle, which is particularly obvious in the tail. The head is small and wide with intensive striates. The inner and outer labial sensilla are indistinct with short spicules and ventral apophysis, a gubernaculum with a block-shaped hook, a swollen conical-cylindrical tail and an absence of precloacal supplements.

Lithobius (Ezembius) hualongensis sp. nov. and Lithobius (Ezembius) sui sp. nov. (Lithobiomorpha, Lithobiidae), two new species of centipede from northwest China

Lithobius (Ezembius) hualongensissp. nov. and Lithobius (Ezembius) suisp. nov. (Lithobiomorpha, Lithobiidae) recently discovered from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China are described. Morphologically, the two new species are very similar but can be distinguished by the number of coxosternal teeth: L. (E.) hualongensissp. nov. has 2 + 2 while L. (E.) suisp. nov. has 3 + 3. The two new species resemble L. (E.) multispinipesPei et al., 2016, from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, but can be readily distinguished by having the Tömösváry’s organ slightly larger than the adjoining ocelli rather than smaller, 3 + 3 spurs on female gonopods versus 2 + 2, and the simple terminal claw of female gonopods with a small triangular protuberance on the basal ventral side versus simple, without a small triangular protuberance on the basal ventral side. We also compare the main morphological characters of the two new species with the other Lithobius (Ezembius) species known in Qinghai Province. A key to the Chinese species of Ezembius is presented.

The multistep morphing of beetle horns.

Genes that specify insect wings initiate horn development in dung beetles

Ultrastructure of Lamproglena pulchella (Copepoda: Lernaeidae), a gill parasite on the freshwater fish, Leuciscus vorax, from Tigris River, Iraq

A new record of Lamproglenine copepods, Lamproglena pulchella were collected from the gills of cyprinid freshwater fish Leuciscus vorax from the Tigris River, Iraq in order to investigate the morphological and functional characteristics of their appendages using scanning electron microscope. A maxilliped appears robust, and bears at its apex two subequal curving, claw-like spines. First legs were with a small protuberance on medial margin of the sympod near the base; endopod apparently unsegmented, exopod indistinctly two-segmented, with several setae on lateral margin and single stout seta on apex. Second legs have two segmented rami; endopod unarmed and exopod with single seta on lateral margin of basal segment and three setae at apex. Third and fourth pairs of appendages were similar, with alike rami and with only two setae at the apex of exopod. These appendages are thought to serve as a holdfast for attachment on the gill filament of the tigris fish. Cuticular differentiations found on the body surface of L. pulchella play a secondary role in the attachment of the copepod on its host. Current study microscopy shows that the maxillae of L. pulchella are characteristically prehensile and thus provides an efficient tool for the attachment to the host tissue.

Metal Decoration and Magnetic Field Effect on the Electrical Breakdown Voltage for ZnO Nanorods Gas Ionization Sensor

ZnO nanorod arrays with sharp tips were synthesized via chemical vapor deposition and utilized as the anode for gas ionization sensor. The effects of metal (Mn, Ni81Fe19 and Au) decoration and magnetic field on the electrical breakdown voltage were studied. Compared with the bare ZnO nanorod, metal decorated ZnO nanorod arrays in the magnetic field can effectively reduce the breakdown voltage for the air to 20 V. The possible mechanism is that metal decoration produces small size protuberance on the surface of ZnO nanorods and then enhances the electrical field near the tips. The magnetic field exerts action on the motion of the electron and therefore increases electron impact ionization efficiency and second electron emission efficiency.

Changes of microstructure in cartilage and subchondral bone of patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objective To investigate microstructure changes of cartilage and subchondral bone in the nonsclerotic and sclerotic zones of the tibial plateau in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and explore the pathological features of different parts and stages of knee OA. Methods Tibial plateau tissues abandoned after total knee arthroplasty were collected in OA patients. After gross observation, the cartilage and subchondral bone were divided into nonsclerotic and sclerotic zones. The pathologic changes of tissue and cell microstructure characteristics were observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, and the microstructure of subchondral bone was evaluated by Micro-CT scanning system. Results As compared with the nonscleroic zone, scanning electron microscopy showed that the cartilage morphology of the scleroic zone was chaotic and thinner, and surface collagen fibers were disarranged. The cracks to the subchondral bone were observed. The subchondral bone plate and trabecular bone were thickened, and gap narrowed. The transmission electron microscopy showed that the nucleus of the chondrocytes in the scleroic zone was irregular, and the rough endoplasmic reticulum was dilated, the Golgi apparatus was underdeveloped, and mitochondria displayed edema. Bone matrix collagen arranged sparsely. Secondary lysosomes increased and bright microfilament reduced in osteoclasts. The osteoblast envelope was wrinkled with no small protuberances on the surface. The microvascular formation was seen in the scleroic zones. The micro-computed tomography showed bone mineral density (BMD, 98.040±20.600), BV/TV (40.060±7.110), Tb.N (1.540±0.181) and Tb.Th (0.250±0.039) were increased, and Tb.Sp (0.43±0.047) and SMI (0.83±0.124) decreased in the scleroic zone as compared with the non-sclerotic zone (t=7.931, 11.959, 6.212, 8.070, 8.566, 10.803, P<0.05). Conclusion The microstructure of cartilage and subchondral bone in OA sclerotic area is different from that in nonsclerotic area. The microstructure of cartilage and subchondral bone in the sclerotic area should be further studied. Key words: Osteoarthritis; Cartilage; Subchondral bone; Microstructure

Dandelion diaspore dispersal: frictional anisotropy of cypselae of Taraxacum officinale enhances their interlocking with the soil

We analysed the surface anisotropy of Taraxacum officinale cypselae, without their pappus, microscopically and biomechanically. A scanning electron microscope was used for visual analyses. We then measured the angle, at which cypselae start to slide from tilted substrates of different roughness and compared cypselae sliding along their structure with those sliding against their structure. Finally, forces during pushing cypselae into the soil and pulling them out were measured with a force transducer moved by a micromanipulator. The cypselae had a ribbed surface pattern with apically pointing spines, plenty of scale-like structures and small protuberances. In general, the angle at which cypselae started to slide-off from an inclined surface increased with increasing roughness of the inclined surface, but this did not hold for cypselae sliding along their structure and for the glass surface. The angles at which the cypselae started to slide were on all but the glass surface significantly higher for cypselae sliding against the structure compared to cypselae sliding along the structure. Pull-out forces were higher when pulling cypselae out of the soil against their structure compared to pulling along their structure. Anisotropic structures hinder cypselae from being drawn from soil by wind.

Taxonomy and evolutionary history of the neotropical fern genus Salpichlaena (Blechnaceae)

Salpichlaena is a distinctive fern genus characterised by 2-pinnate climbing fronds with indeterminate growth. The number of species in the genus has been a matter of debate. Taxonomic studies are made difficult by within-frond variability in pinna morphology and size, and by herbarium material being incomplete. We systematically documented 62 morphological traits in 283 herbarium specimens and sequenced 52 Salpichlaena and 11 outgroup specimens. DNA sequences included plastid genes (rbcL, rpoC1 and rps4), intergenic spacers (rps4-trnS, trnHpsbA and trnG-trnR) and a nuclear gene (pgiC). Phylogenetic analyses based on the plastid markers divided the samples into six major clades. We recognise the three deepest clades as distinct species (S. hookeriana, S. papyrus sp. nov. and S. volubilis), and each of the four shallower clades as a subspecies of S. volubilis. Furthermore, we suggest that a group of specimens, placed into different clades in the plastid and nuclear trees and showing mixed morphological characters, represent a fourth species of hybrid origin (S. hybrida sp. nov.). The most important diagnostic characters are: degree of lamina reduction in fertile pinnules; pinna/pinnule apex incisions, pinna/pinnule margin thickness and lamina texture in sterile pinna/pinnules; presence or absence of foliar buds; shape of scales; and the appearance of the abaxial surface of the lamina (uniform or with stomata on small white protuberances). Each of the four species can be identified by several diagnostic characters, and their geographical ranges are broad and partly overlapping. In contrast, the subspecies are mostly allopatric and their morphological limits are diffuse.

Embryonic morphology observation and HOXC8 gene expression in crest cushions of Chinese Crested duck

The Chinese Crested duck (Fengtou duck) reappeared in China recently. Along with white feathers and a black bill and feet, the Fengtou duck has a high feather crest. This breed can be used for ornamental purposes or as a model organism; however, little is known about the genetic basis and development of its distinct morphological features. In this study, we observed the skull and feather crest of Fengtou duck in the embryonic stages. As a result, the protuberances of the head integument could be clearly observed at embryonic stage E9, and small perforations in the skull were first visible at E13 and were clearer at E15. Besides, intracranial fat in a small number of individuals was found starting at E15, and a small number of osteophytes was found at E18. In addition, hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and Oil Red-O staining of the crest cushion and intracranial tissue revealed fat tissue accumulation. Previous studies demonstrated that homeobox c8 (HOXC8) played a critical role in chicken crest formation. Here, we cloned the HOXC8 from Fengtou duck and determined that its transcript was highly expressed in the crest cushion; moreover, HOXC8 was detected in this tissue with a molecular weight of 38 kDa in the Fengtou duck. In conclusion, embryos of Fengtou duck have different small protuberances and perforations in the skull, including accumulation of intracranial tissue and osteophytes in some cases. Furthermore, HOXC8 may regulate the formation of the crest. These findings provide novel insight into the ontogenesis of the crest cushion in crested ducks and a basis for future studies on their evolutionary origins.

Ontogenesis and secretion mechanism of Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae) colleters

Colleters are secretory structures present in more than 60 families of angiosperms, whose function is protecting the leaf primordium and meristem against biotic and abiotic damage. The colleters are developed from protoderm and ground meristem and the secretory process begins during cell differentiation. The secretion is a complex phenomenon of synthesis, separation and isolation of substances, as well as release or extracellular elimination. This research describes the ontogenesis of Morinda citrifolia L. colleters and the mechanism of exsudate externalization. For this purpose, various microscopy techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy (including histochemical tests) and confocal scanning laser microscopy were used. Standard type colleters are attached on the stipule adaxial surface. During development, the colleters pass through four developmental stages defined by structural and anatomical changes: undifferentiated, pre-secretory, secretory and senescent. In the undifferentiated stage, the secretory structures are characterized by small protuberances. In the pre-secretory stage, the secretory epithelium begins its differentiation. In the following stages, the colleters present a parenchymatic central axis covered by palisade epidermal cells. Secretion occurs by the rupture of the cuticle. At the end of the secretory process, the colleters begin the senescent stage, characterized by deformation, color change and cuticle wrinkling. This work evidences the section passage mechanism by cuticle rupture, accumulating knowledge in the still poorly understood process of molecules passages by the external periclinal wall in Rubiaceae colleters.

The Study on Physicochemical Characteristics of Wood Treated by Ultrasound-assisted Extraction

To evaluate the influence of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on the physicochemical characteristics of wood, UAE and Soxhlet extraction (SE) were used to treat Eucalyptus. In UAE, ultrasound with a frequency of 40 kHz and an intensity of 360 W was performed at 60 °C for 30 min. Comparison of UAE samples with Soxhlet-extracted and untreated samples indicated that both the extraction and cavitation effects of ultrasound played a significant role in the efficient alteration of wood characteristics. Identification of extractives by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) suggested the presence of more low- and high-volatility components in UAE, whereas SE mainly consisted of moderate-volatility components. In thermogravimetry (TG) analysis, UAE samples obtained the highest maximum mass-loss rate (-52.1%/min) at the lowest temperature (378.4 °C). Volatile profiles obtained by thermogravimetry-infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) indicated that CO and CH4 increased, whereas CO2 and formic acid decreased during pyrolysis after UAE. The release of CO and methanol components was mainly influenced by extraction; however, the emission of CO2, CH4, and formic acid responded more strongly to the effects of ultrasound. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the fracture of pit membranes and small protuberances on the surface of the residues reflected the effects of ultrasound.

A new record of Candacia varicans Giesbrecht, 1892 (male) (Crustacea: Copepoda: Candaciidae) from the South China Sea

The male of Candacia varicans Giesbrecht, 1892 from the South China Sea was recorded and described. In general, the male of C. varicans is morphologically similar to those of C. armata and C. curta. However, it is distinguished with them by below several morphological characters: (1) posterolateral corners of the fifth thoracic segment prominently sharp and symmetrical; (2) right side of posterior edge of genital segment with a small backward protuberance; and (3) the dorsal surface of the third segment of the fifth pereiopod with a squamashaped protuberance.

Experimental investigation of the shock-induced flow over a wall-mounted cylinder

The unsteady aerodynamic and aerothermal phenomena resulting from the interaction between a shock-induced supersonic boundary-layer flow and a wall-mounted cylinder are investigated. Experiments were conducted in a shock tube at three different post-shock unit Reynolds numbers and a single Mach number to investigate the effects of differing ratios of inviscid and viscous temporal scales on the flow development. Two cylinder heights were studied: ‘large’ and ‘small’ protuberances based on calculated boundary-layer thicknesses. Heat-flux measurements on the shock-tube wall were performed using an ultra-fast-response temperature sensitive paint and verified by independent thermocouple measurements. High-speed schlieren provided visualizations of the inviscid flow phenomena. The unsteady shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction ahead of the cylinder resulted in high transient heat loading on the wall and caused transition to turbulence of the incoming laminar boundary layer. Once this incoming boundary layer had naturally transitioned, the region of enhanced heat flux collapsed back towards the cylinder; during this process, heat transfer in the immediate wake increased significantly. The overall heat flux upstream of the cylinder was higher for the large protuberance, whereas the downstream heat flux was generally higher for the small protuberance. In the case of the large protuberance, the viscous scaling appeared to best collapse the upstream heat-flux development for the three different unit Reynolds numbers, though the agreement downstream was less satisfactory. Neither the viscous nor the inviscid scaling appeared to adequately collapse the development for the small protuberance.

High‐Definition X‐Ray Imaging of Small Gecko Skin Surface Protuberances for Digitization and 3D Printing

AbstractA detailed analysis of zoological and botanical engineering structures reveals remarkable ideas for developing new healthcare technologies. One eclectic example is the surface microprotrusions of Gecko lizard skins, featuring nanoscale tips that engage in bacterial repulsion and killing. However, building biomimetic synthetic nanostructures in long range for technological use is hampered by the lack of concentrated digital information for 3D nano‐fabrication. For instance, standard micro‐computed tomography (µCT), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging failed to replicate gecko spinules at the nanoscale. The authors now show that the latest generation of high‐power X‐ray microscopy (Zeiss X‐Radia 810) builds high contrast images of the gecko skin surface, and following 3D digital conversion the individual spinules, in the large array, are perfectly delineated at 150 nm and clearly featured the 50 nm nanotips crucial for bacterial cell rupturing. Consequently, the authors generate stenographic (STL.) digital file formats loaded with the instructions for 3D printing and the design blueprints for soft lithography replication. A further reconstruction of the digital data is undertaken into a 3D solid object using MeshLabs, yielding biologically realistic, virtual‐world spinule arrays. In this form, the authors are able to edit the spinules for optimal killing performance against bacterial cells.

The Effect of 60Co γ-Irradiation on the Structure and Thermostability of Alkaline Lignin and Its Irradiation Derived Degradation Products

To elucidate the degradation mechanism of lignin treated by irradiation, alkaline lignin was used as the material treating with different dosage (0, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 kGy). The morphology, molecular weight, structure, thermostability and degradation products of alkaline lignin irradiated by gamma ray were investigated by a set of experiments. The results observed in scanning electron microscopy showed that there were more cracks and small protuberances on the morphological surface of irradiated-lignin in comparison with untreated lignin. The gel permeation chromatography results showed that weight-average molecular weight and number-average molecular weight of lignin decreased from 17829 and 590 Da to 13526 and 444 Da, respectively, when irradiation dose increased from 0 to 1200 kGy. The absorption bands of hydroxyl group at 3237 cm−1 detected by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis decreased with irradiation dose increased from 0 to 1200 kGy. FT-IR and solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP/MAS NMR) confirmed that benzene ring skeleton structure of lignin disrupted when the absorbed dose was > 800 kGy. Thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry curves revealed thermostability and activated energy (Ea) of lignin were slightly decreased after irradiated. The irradiation derived degradation products of lignin were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, indicated presence of 22 aromatic compounds and 18 aliphatic acids. Moreover, the relative peak area of aromatic compounds and aliphatic acids in un-irradiated lignin (0 kGy) were 4.48 ± 0.42 and 23.81 ± 1.85%, respectively, and these two types of degradation products reached a maximum of 23.81 and 6.10% at 800 and 1200 kGy, respectively. In summary, the findings in this work provide a basic scientific support on the mechanism of irradiation and full utilization of lignin.

Morphological description of the glans penis and baculum of Coendou quichua (Rodentia: Erethizontidae)

External morphology of the glans and baculum are important characters for specific delimitation, especially for rodents (Simson et al. 1995). However, for Erethizontidae there are few descriptive works; in fact, for Neotropical porcupines of the genus Coendou there is just one brief contribution for an indeterminate species by Pocock in 1922. In this work, the morphology of the glans and baculum of Coendou quichua is described. The specimen was collected at the municipality of San Vicente de Chucuri, Santander, Colombia. The penis was dissected and fixed in formaldehyde for one day, and later preserved in ethanol. The baculum was extracted and cleared with potassium hydroxide to be visualized, photographed and measured. The glans and baculum were compared with the description of others porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum and Hystrix brachyura) available in literature, and three additional Neotropical caviomorph rodents (Cuniculus paca, Dasyprocta punctata and Cavia tschudii). The glans length is almost twice the glans head width (Table 1) and comprises the third part of the total penis length. The penis presents a tenuous dark coloration on the head and small tegumentary protuberances formed by 3-4 small spines (Figure 1A). As in other hystricomorph rodents, the glans exhibits an invagination at its tip (sacculus urethralis) which has corrugated walls and presents two conspicuous spikes at the bottom (Figure 1C). Furthermore, the baculum is as large as the C. quichua glans, dorsally concave and ventrally convex (Figure 1B). Although the glans and baculum of C. quichua and E. dorsatum are similar, the latter presents larger glans (Table 1), and the sacculus urethralis lacks of corrugated walls and spiny protuberances. When comparing C. quichua and H. brachyura, the only difference is that the bottom of the sacculus urethralis, near to the spikes is smooth, without spiny protuberances. In contrast, the glans of three other Neotropical caviomorphs are remarkable different from C. quichua, where they present more complex and densely distributed tegumentary protuberances above the glans. Overall, the baculum is the most varying structure for all species, with marked differences in length and width (Table 1) and the shape of the ends. Although the family Erethizontidae is more closed related to the Cavioidea than to Hystricidae, the glans of individuals of the family Erethizontidae are more similar to the glans of the Hystricidae. In addition, for these species, both glans and baculum present important characters that might be used for taxonomic identification. However, the differences of both structures within Coendou are unknown, therefore it is necessary the description of the genitalia of additional species.

Redescription of Tripaphylus musteli (van Beneden, 1851) (Copepoda: Sphyriidae) and the relegation of Paeon Wilson, 1919 to synonymy with Tripaphylus Richiardi in Anonymous, 1878

Tripaphylus musteli (van Beneden, 1851) (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Sphyriidae) is redescribed from an adult female collected from the branchial chamber of a starry smooth-hound, Mustelus asterias Cloquet (Carcharhiniformes, Triakidae), captured in the English Channel off Portland, UK. The new account of T. musteli is the first based on a complete adult female and highlighted the lack of a robust distinction separating Tripaphylus Richiardi, in Anonymous, 1878 and Paeon Wilson, 1919 prompting us to relegate Paeon to a junior subjective synonym of Tripaphylus. In the light of this synonymy the eight former species of Paeon are transferred to Tripaphylus as follows: T. ferox (Wilson, 1919) new combination, T. elongatus (Wilson, 1932) new combination, T. vassierei (Delamare Deboutteville & Nuñes-Ruivo, 1954) new combination, T. lobatus (Kirtisinghe, 1964) new combination, T. asymboli (Turner, Kyne & Bennett, 2003) new combination, T. versicolor (Wilson, 1919) new combination, T. australis (Kabata, 1993) new combination, and T. triakis (Castro Romero, 2001) new combination. Comparisons between terminology used in this report and that in the literature indicate that all transformed adult females of Tripaphylus probably possess a full complement of cephalic appendages and maxillipeds. All limbs, with the exception of the maxillae share a general morphological similarity to the corresponding appendages of conspecific males. The maxilla of the transformed adult female of Tripaphylus is a small digitiform protuberance associated with a swelling in some species.