Tail Tip Research Articles

Characterization and pathogenicity of Pratylenchus vandenbergae stat. nov. (Tylenchina: Pratylenchidae), a highly pathogenic root‐lesion nematode parasitizing crops in Kenya and South Africa

AbstractA highly fecund root‐lesion nematode parasitizing a variety of crops was discovered and found to be widespread in Kenya and South Africa. These populations were molecularly identical to Pratylenchus teres teres and P. teres vandenbergae based on D2‐D3 of 28S rDNA and Hsp90 sequences. However, based on morphological differences with the original description of P. teres and its different geographical distribution, Pratylenchus vandenbergae stat. nov., previously known as subspecies P. teres vandenbergae, is recognized as a separate species. This species is characterized by a slightly offset labial region with three annuli, en face morphology belonging to Group II, lateral field with four incisures with two outer bands areolated as observed under a light microscope and the inner band also partially areolated at the vulva region as observed in scanning electron microscopy view, a robust stylet (14–17 μm) with rounded knobs and subcylindrical tail with annulated tail tip. This important and common species remained largely under the radar, probably due to identifications based only on sequence similarity, including mislabelled Pratylenchus bolivianus sequences in GenBank. Pathogenicity of P. vandenbergae stat. nov. in finger millet roots was confirmed through acid fuchsin staining, and reproduction and pathogenicity tests in maize, soybean, sunflower and tomato plants demonstrated its capacity to affect crop growth. Life cycle comparison with P. penetrans in vitro showed a similar life cycle length but significantly higher fecundity. Finally, significant differences in pathogenicity and reproduction of P. vandenbergae stat. nov. were found both at genotype level (finger millet genotypes OKHALE‐1 & KNE1034) and crop level (maize, soybean, sunflower and tomato plants).

FRI279 Submaximal Loss Of KNDy Neurons Accelerates And Amplifies Pulsatile LH Secretion In Female Rats

Abstract Disclosure: A.C. Campideli-Santana: None. K.S. da Costa Silva: None. R. Araújo-Lopes: None. L.M. Antunes: None. R.E. Szawka: None. Kisspeptin is a powerful stimulator neuropeptide in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and is essential for fertility. Neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus that coexpress kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin (KNDy) play a crucial role in the control of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, but the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in this regulation are not fully understood. Our previous study demonstrated that the moderate loss of KNDy neurons amplifies the LH surge induced by estradiol in ovariectomized rats (1). The current study aimed to perform a longitudinal evaluation of female rats in which KNDy neurons were ablated to determine the integrated role of this neuronal population in the control of pulsatile LH secretion. Adult female rats underwent a neurochemical ablation of KNDy neurons via intra-ARC stereotaxic injections of neurokinin-3 receptor agonist conjugated with saporin (NK3-SAP), while control animals received blank-saporin (Control). Estrous cyclicity was monitored over 21 days before and after the stereotaxic surgery. Three weeks after surgery, blood samples (10 µL) were withdrawn from the tail tip at 6-minute intervals for 180 minutes on the day of diestrus. Rats were then ovariectomized and the ovaries were processed for histological analysis. Whole blood LH levels were measured by ELISA and brains were immunohistochemically labeled for neurokinin B in the ARC. NK3-SAP rats bearing a submaximal loss of KNDy neurons (between 55-95%; n = 8) displayed irregular estrous cycles. The ovarian weight and the number of corpora lutea and atretic follicles were unaltered, whereas the number of healthy early antral follicles decreased in NK3-SAP rats. The frequency of LH pulses was increased and both pulse amplitude and mean LH levels were higher in NK3-SAP compared with Control rats. Thus, the submaximal loss of KNDy neurons affects the regularity of estrous cyclicity but does not preclude ovulation, while seems to stimulate the maturation of early antral follicles. Notably, KNDy neuron loss accelerates and amplifies LH pulsatile secretion during the rat estrous cycle. These results suggest a new role for KNDy neurons in restraining the frequency and amplitude of LH pulses in ovary-intact animals, with possible implications in the rate of recruitment of early antral follicles. Reference: Campideli-Santana et al., J Neuroendocrinol. 2022 Nov;34(11):e13204. Support: FAPEMIG, CNPq, CAPES, and Pro-reitoria de Pesquisa-UFMG. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Argania spinosa Leaves and Branches: Antiaggregant, Anticoagulant, Antioxidant Activities and Bioactive Compounds Quantification

Thrombocytes, also known as platelets, are crucial in maintaining the balance between blood clotting. Platelet hyperactivity and oxidative stress are the primary factors contributing to cardiovascular complications. Antithrombotic therapy remains one of the most effective treatments, but various potential side effects hinder its effectiveness, including the risk of haemorrhage. Intense research has been conducted on medicinal plants to discover the natural antithrombotic compounds. Argania spinosa, commonly known as the argan tree or argan oil tree, is a native species of southwestern Morocco. This study evaluated the primary and secondary hemostasis and antioxidant activity of leaf and branch aqueous extracts of A. spinosa and also assessed the phytochemical composition of these extracts. Platelet aggregation assay was performed using washed platelets stimulated with thrombin. For plasmatic coagulation, activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time were measured using the poor plasma method. Bleeding time was evaluated by inducing bleeding at the tip of a mouse tail. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined through the DPPH, β-carotene, and FRAP methods. The presence or absence of the secondary metabolites was carried out with the help of specific reagents, and the quantitative analysis was carried out using spectrophotometric and colorimetric methods. The study results revealed the presence of phenols, total flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, and coumarins type of secondary metabolites in both types of aqueous extracts and a higher concentration of these was recorded in the leaves extracts. Both aqueous extracts significantly reduced in vitro thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, extended tail bleeding time, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin and prothrombin time and exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity. The leaf extract of A. spinosa exerts significant effects against thrombotic manifestations and could be a promising source of new antithrombotic compounds.

Comparative proteomic analysis of tail regeneration in the green anole lizard, Anolis carolinensis.

As amniote vertebrates, lizards are the most closely related organisms to humans capable of appendage regeneration. Lizards can autotomize, or release their tails as a means of predator evasion, and subsequently regenerate a functional replacement. Green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) can regenerate their tails through a process that involves differential expression of hundreds of genes, which has previously been analyzed by transcriptomic and microRNA analysis. To investigate protein expression in regenerating tissue, we performed whole proteomic analysis of regenerating tail tip and base. This is the first proteomic data set available for any anole lizard. We identified a total of 2,646 proteins - 976 proteins only in the regenerating tail base, 796 only in the tail tip, and 874 in both tip and base. For over 90% of these proteins in these tissues, we were able to assign a clear orthology to gene models in either the Ensembl or NCBI databases. For 13 proteins in the tail base, 9 proteins in the tail tip, and 10 proteins in both regions, the gene model in Ensembl and NCBI matched an uncharacterized protein, confirming that these predictions are present in the proteome. Ontology and pathways analysis of proteins expressed in the regenerating tail base identified categories including actin filament-based process, ncRNA metabolism, regulation of phosphatase activity, small GTPase mediated signal transduction, and cellular component organization or biogenesis. Analysis of proteins expressed in the tail tip identified categories including regulation of organelle organization, regulation of protein localization, ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolism, small GTPase mediated signal transduction, morphogenesis of epithelium, and regulation of biological quality. These proteomic findings confirm pathways and gene families activated in tail regeneration in the green anole as well as identify uncharacterized proteins whose role in regrowth remains to be revealed. This study demonstrates the insights that are possible from the integration of proteomic and transcriptomic data in tail regrowth in the green anole, with potentially broader application to studies in other regenerative models.

Description of Devibursaphelencus lordeganensis sp. n. (Ektaphelenchinae) from Iran

Summary A population of the genus Devibursaphelenchus was collected from the inner part of the decaying Persian oak tree (Quercus brantii) from Lordegan city of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province, Iran. The morphological and molecular characters confirmed the new species, namely D. lordeganensis sp. n. The new species is characterised by female body length (768-1026 μm), lip region separated from the rest of the body by a slight constriction, obscure lines on lateral fields, stylet length long, slender, wide-lumened, tripartite, composed of a conus with an aperture about half its length, a conophore about equal with the conus, and a shaft, taller than (conus + conophore) length, lacking basal knobs or swelling, excretory pore ca three metacorpal lengths posterior to the base of the metacorpus, post-uterine sac (PUS) (36-67 μm long; 1.3-3.7 times longer than vulval body diam.), absence or vestigial of rectum and anus, posterior end of the body conical with a rounded tip (in some specimens with a spherical protruded projection at tail tip), males 668 to 815 μm long, presence of two pairs of caudal papillae (P2 and P3), spicule length (15-17 μm) with long and wide bladed condylus, triangular rostrum with a blunt tip and small bursa flap ending at the tail tip. The molecular phylogeny based on 28S rDNA revealed that the new species stands close to D. alienae (LC629160) and D. lini (FJ768944, AM396570). The measurements, line illustrations, light microscopy photographs and phylogenetic analysis are given for the new species. In addition, a key to the species of Devibursaphelenchus is given.

Widespread distribution of rodenticide resistance-conferring mutations in the Vkorc1 gene among house mouse populations in Portuguese Macaronesian islands and Iberian Atlantic areas

Growing evidence of widespread resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in house mice pose significant challenges to pest control efforts. First-generation ARs were introduced in the early 1950s but resistance to these emerged later that decade. Second-generation rodenticides were then developed, with resistance being reported in the late 1970s. Research has linked resistance to ARs with mutations in the Vkorc1 gene, leading to the use of more toxic and environmentally harmful compounds. In this study, 243 tail tips of house mice from mainland Portugal and Southern Spain, the Azores and Madeira archipelagos were analysed for all 3 exons of the Vkorc1 gene. Mutations L128S, Y139C, along with the so-called spretus genotype Vkorc1spr are considered responsible for reduced susceptibility of house mice to ARs. All these sequence variants were broadly detected throughout the sampling regions. Vkorc1spr was the most often recorded among mainland populations, whereas Y139C was nearly ubiquitous among the insular populations. In contrast, L128S was only detected in mainland Portugal and four islands of the Azores archipelago. All first generation ARs such as warfarin and coumatetralyl are deemed ineffective against all Vkorc1 variants identified in this study. Second-generation bromadiolone and difenacoum should also be discarded to control populations carrying Vkorc1spr, Y139C or L128S mutations. Inadequate use of ARs in regions where resistant animals have been found in large proportions will result in the spreading of rodenticide resistance among rodent populations through the positive selection of non-susceptible individuals. Consequently, ineffectiveness of rodent control will increase and potentiate environmental contamination, hazarding non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning. We highlight the need for Vkorc1 screening as a crucial tool in rodent management, aiding in the selection of the most appropriate control/eradication method in order to prevent misuse of these toxic biocides and the spread of rodenticide resistance among house mouse populations.

Phylogeography of the Cow Knob Salamander (Plethodon punctatus Highton): populations on isolated Appalachian mountaintops are disjunct but not divergent

Although many studies have examined how taxa responded to Pleistocene climate fluctuations in the Appalachian Mountains, impacts on high-elevation endemics of Central Appalachia are not yet understood. We use mitochondrial (ND4 & Cytb) and nuclear (GAPD) DNA sequences to investigate the phylogeography of the Cow Knob Salamander (Plethodon punctatus), a woodland species from Central Appalachian highlands thought to have origins in the Pleistocene. Data from 72 tail tips representing 25 sites revealed that the species comprises two geographically cohesive mitochondrial clades with a narrow, putative contact zone on Shenandoah Mountain. Molecular clock estimates indicate the clades diverged in the Middle Pleistocene. The population size of the Southern clade appears to have remained stable for at least 50,000 years. Despite spanning several isolated mountain systems, the Northern clade has exceptionally low genetic diversity, probably due to recent demographic expansion. Palaeodemographic hypothesis testing supported a scenario in which a founder effect characterized the Northern clade as it diverged from the Southern clade. Species distribution models predicted no suitable habitat for the species during the Last Glacial Maximum. Ultimately, Pleistocene glacial climates may have driven the species from the northern half of its current range, with recolonization events by members of the Northern clade as climates warmed. Density dependent processes may now maintain a narrow contact zone between the two clades.

Ficophagus pisocarpae n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), an associate of Ficus pisocarpa in China

Summary A new species of the genus Ficophagus was recovered from the syconia of Ficus pisocarpa from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, China. It is described herein as Ficophagus pisocarpae n. sp. and is characterised by possessing the combined characters of a short PUS (6.4-9.3 μm or 0.3-0.4 VBD long), an excretory pore near the head, presence of crustaformeria, amoeboid sperm, three pairs of subventral papillae on the male tail (one pair just adcloacal (P2), one pair halfway between cloacal aperture and tail terminus (P3a), and one pair near tail tip (P4)), rounded male tail tip without mucron, absence of gubernaculum and rose-thorn-shaped spicule with conical rostrum. Ficophagus pisocarpae n. sp. was differentiated from other sequenced species by the partial small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis with the LSU D2-D3 expansion segment sequence suggested that F. pisocarpae n. sp. is clustered in the same highly supported monophyletic clade with F. annulatae, F. benjamina, F. curtipes and F. microcarpus. It differs morphologically from these species in lateral incisure number, EP position, spicule and uterus morphology and some morphometric characters.

Two new species of Dichelyne Jägerskiöld, 1902 (Nematoda: Cucullanidae) parasitising marine fishes in Iraq.

Recent examinations of some marine fishes from off the southern coast of Iraq revealed the presence of two new species of Dichelyne (Dichelyne) Jägerskiöld, 1902 (Nematoda: Cucullanidae), both intestinal parasites, namely: D. (D.) lethrini n. sp. from the smalltooth emperor Lethrinus microdon Valenciennes (Lethrinidae, Acanthuriformes) and D. (D.) iraqiensis n. sp. from the humphead snapper Lutjanus sanguineus (Cuvier) (Lutjanidae, Acanthuriformes). Specimens are described and illustrated based on light and scanning electron microscopical examinations. Dichelyne (D.) lethrini n. sp. is mainly characterised by the length of spicules (522 µm), presence of a dorsal caecum, location of deirids at the level of the posterior end of oesophagus and the post-oesophageal position of the excretory pore, number (10 pairs) and distribution of caudal papillae in the male, and the presence of two minute terminal spines on the female tail tip. Dichelyne (D.) iraqiensis n. sp. differs from the species of the subgenus Dichelyne mainly based on the absence of caudal spines, the presence of a dorsal caecum, the length of spicules (789-884 µm), the location of deirids and the excretory pore approximately at the same level, and the size of eggs (72-78 × 42-51 µm). These new species infecting marine fishes in Iraq represent new geographic records of cucullanids of the subgenus Dichelyne from fishes in marine waters off Iraq.

Bloodletting Acupuncture at Jing-Well Points on Hand Induced Autophagy to Alleviate Brain Injury in Acute Altitude Hypoxic Rats by Activating PINK1/Parkin Pathway.

To explore the protective effect of bloodletting acupuncture at twelve Jing-well points on hand (BAJP) on acute hypobaric hypoxia (AHH)-induced brain injury in rats and its possible mechanisms. Seventy-five Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups by a random number table (n=15), including control, model, BAJP, BAJP+3-methyladenine (3-MA), and bloodletting acupuncture at non-acupoint (BANA, tail tip blooding) groups. After 7-day pre-treatment, AHH models were established using hypobaric oxygen chambers. The levels of S100B, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method were used to assess hippocampal histopathology and apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy assay was used to observe mitochondrial damage and autophagosomes in hippocampal tissues. Flow cytometry was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, III and IV activities and ATPase in hippocampal tissue were evaluated, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expressions of Beclin1, autophagy protein 5 (ATG5), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3B), phosphatase and tensin homolog induced kinase 1 (PINK1), and Parkin in hippocampal tissues. The mRNA expressions of Beclin1, ATG5 and LC3-II were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. BAJP treatment reduced hippocampal tissue injury and inhibited hippocampal cell apoptosis in AHH rats. BAJP reduced oxidative stress by decreasing S100B, GFAP and MDA levels and increasing SOD level in the serum of AHH rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Then, BAJP increased MMP, the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, III and IV activities, and the mitochondrial ATPase activity in AHH rats (all P<0.01). BAJP improved mitochondrial swelling and increased the autophagosome number in hippocampal tissue of AHH rats. Moreover, BAJP treatment increased the protein and mRNA expressions of Beclin1 and ATG5 and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio in AHH rats (all P<0.01) and activated the PINK1/Parkin pathway (P<0.01). Finally, 3-MA attenuated the therapeutic effect of BAJP on AHH rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01). BAJP was an effective treatment for AHH-induced brain injury, and the mechanism might be through reducing hippocampal tissue injury via increasing the PINK1/Parkin pathway and enhancement of mitochondrial autophagy.

Molecular characterisation and redescription of Ficophagus religiosus (Bajaj &amp; Tomar, 2014) Davies &amp; Bartholomaeus, 2015 from Ficus religiosa in India

Summary A population of Ficophagus was discovered in the syconia of sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) grown in New Delhi (India). Based on morphology, morphometric characters and molecular data, we redescribed the population as Ficophagus religiosus. Here, major morphological characteristics are described in depth, with measurements of the male-female specimens’ taxonomic characters and photomicrography. Ficophagus religiosus can be easily identified by the spiral to J-spiral-shaped body, labial disc not offset, SE pore close to the base of the lip region, stylet length 17.7 (16-19) μm in males, and 19 (15-22) μm in females, a short post-uterine sac of length 8.3 μm (5-10 μm), a spicule with broad and high condylus, capitulum flat or depressed, a small bluntly rounded rostrum, the spicule tip (bluntly rounded or pointed), no cucullus, no gubernaculum, three pairs (P3, P3a, P4) of subventral caudal papillae, and broadly or bluntly rounded tail tip, without mucron. Additionally, new sequence data for the D2-D3 region of 28S rDNA (LSU) and 18S rDNA (SSU) marker genes are provided. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods were used to infer phylogenetic relationships of the Indian population of F. religiosus with other Ficophagus species. Phylogenetic analyses based on D2-D3 and SSU molecular markers resulted in a clear separation of F. religiosus from other Ficophagus species. The present study redescribes the species F. religiosus and provides molecular data to identify and establish phylogenetic relationships with other species.

Backflow structures in turbulent pipe flows at low to moderate Reynolds numbers

The statistical characteristics and the evolution of the backflow structures are investigated in wall-bounded flows at Reynolds numbers up to $Re_{\tau }=1000$ . The backflow is caused by the joining of large-scale high- and low-speed structures in the vicinity of the wall and is formed at the tail tip of the low-speed structure. The distribution density of the backflow structures and the percentage area of the backflow region on the wall both increase with the Reynolds number. The backflow structures have an average lifespan of 8 wall units which is found to be slightly longer in the pipe than the channel, and they are convected downstream at the average velocities of the buffer region of approximately 10 wall units, similar to Cardesa et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 880, 2019, R3). The backflow structures occasionally split and merge, and can form detached from the wall. Evidence shows that the split, merged and wall-detached backflow structures are caused by the near-wall structures. The split backflow structures are on average, larger and more spanwise-elongated which are split due to the spanwise shearing of the near-wall streaks. A backflow structure is formed detached from the wall when the trailing end of its carrier low-speed structure ‘sits’ on the near-wall high-speed streaks. The wall-detached backflow structures tend to become wall-attached by approaching the wall when undergoing a similar life cycle to the normal backflow of growth and decay with spanwise elongation because the backflow region at the tail of the low-speed structure is continuously pressed down to the wall by the high-speed structure driven by persistent vortical structures in the buffer region.

Chemical constituents from Callicarpa kwangtungensis and their hemostatic activities

This study aims to identify the chemical constituents from Callicarpa kwangtungensis and determine their activities. MCI, ODS, and Sephadex LH-20 chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC were employed to separate the chemical constituents. A total of 15 compounds were separated, and their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and comparison with the data in relevant literature. Specifically, the 15 compounds were 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-6-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-4-O-E-caffeoyl-D-glucopyranoside(1), 3,6-O-α-L-dirhamnopyranosyl-4-O-E-caffeoyl-D-glucopyranoside(2), β-OH-forsythoside B(3), β-OH-poliumoside(4),(+)-lyoniresinol-3α-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside(5),(+)-lyoniresinol-3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(6),(-)-lyoniresinol-3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(7), kelampayoside A(8), descaffeoylpoliumoside(9), acteoside(10), alyssonoside(11), poliumoside(12), isacteoside(13), acetyl forsythoside B(14), and forsythoside B(15). Compounds 1 and 2 were novel, and the NMR data of compounds 3 and 4 were reported here for the first time. Furthermore, the hemostatic activities of the extract and abundant ingredients(compounds 12 and 15) of C. kwangtungensis were determined with Yunnan Baiyao as the positive control and normal saline as the negative control. The extract and compounds 12 and 15 significantly shortened the tail tip bleeding time in mice.

Histological Assessment for the effect of deodorant blocker on the blood cells of albino rat

Twenty Rats were used in the present study to evaluate the effect of the deodorant blocker on the blood cells of the rat including the white blood cells and red blood cells. The animals were distributed into Group A control Five Rats and Group B Five treated animals. &#x0D; The animals were put in steel cages in the animal house of veterinary medicine college. water with food free putto animals the skin of whole animals was shaved at the dorsum and at the flank region, then deodorant blocker was applied daily by whipping those areas for 30 days continuously, otherwise the control group was applying the distill water on the shaved areas. After the end of the experiment, a drop blood from the tip of tail was obtained and spread on the slide for staining by Leishman stain. &#x0D; The results of blood examination were indicated release of the lymphocytes and monocytes percentage in comparison of control, also the certain number of RBCs indicated macrocytic, microcytic, incomplete hemoglobin ring and target cells as deformities of RBCs. In conclusions; the deodorant blocker induced imitation of immune system via increase the number of lymphocytes and monocytes which consider as main factors for immune response in cases of extrinsic insults.

Molecular Survey and Microscopic Examination of Haemoparasites Infecting Lizards from Morocco.

Understanding the factors influencing parasite diversification, their distribution and infection patterns among hosts provides valuable information on the impact of parasitism on natural populations and the dynamics and evolution of disease outbreaks. In this study, we investigated prevalence and intensity of infection by blood parasites, the diversity, distribution, host specificity and infection patterns of apicomplexan parasites in lizards of Morocco. Samples from lizard specimens were collected between 2019 and 2021 from different prospected localities in Morocco. In total, 1500 lizards were collected, and their blood and tail tips were screened for blood parasites. Using a PCR approach, we detected two distinct apicomplexan parasite groups (haemogregarines and haemococcidians) and also Stramenopiles (Proteromonas). A significant difference was identified between hosts families, with no agamids or skinks infected and with particularly high infection rates in lacertids. Twenty-four samples were sequenced and included in a phylogenetic assessment. Two samples of Atlantolacerta andreanskyi were infected with unidentified species of Proteromonas. Three samples were infected with haemococcidians, including two samples with Schellackia and another sample with Lankesterella, more closely related to others isolated from bird hosts. These are the first reports of Lankesterella and Proteromonas in these lizards from Morocco. Nineteen different isolates of the complex of Hepatozoon/Karyolysus were identical or very similar to previously sequenced parasites from North Africa and Iberian Peninsula and included new host species. Our results highlight the need for future research on the vectors involved in transmission that may influence the ecology and distribution patterns of these parasites. Given that Morocco is a hot spot of endemicity and reptile richness, our results are relevant not only in the context of their taxonomy, but can also have implications for conservation.

Numerical study of an individual bubble rise in a shear-thinning viscoelastic liquid based on a combination of the Carreau and FENE-CR models

The rise behavior of a single bubble in shear-thinning viscoelastic liquids was investigated using a volume of fluid method based on a combination of the Carreau and FENE-CR models. The effects of Weissenberg number (Wi), polymer stretching parameter (L), Eötvös number (Eo) and rheological index (n) on bubble shape and typical characteristics of flow fields were investigated in detail. The results show that bubble tail becomes pointed under the influence of elastic stress, and the bubble becomes longer along the longitudinal direction with a decrease in Wi. When the magnitude of n is relatively large, the bubble appears as an ellipsoidal shape with a cusp; however, when the magnitude of n is relatively small, bubble shape is closer to a disc, and the tip of bubble tail disappears. Wi affects the magnitude of elastic tensile stress, and affects the action rang of the large tensile stress. With an increase in Wi, the action rang of elastic tensile stress develops from both sides of the bubble towards regions below bubble tail. The appearance of negative wake is not directly related to bubble shape, but to the relaxation of elastic stres.

An incidental finding of microfilaria on a urine cytological smear study

In developing nations, lymphatic filariasis is a significant public health concern. Wuchereria bancrofti species, which are morphologically recognised as sheathed parasites with a tail tip free of nuclei, are responsible for almost 90% of the cases in India. Microfilariae have been found in a wide range of other body fluids as well as urine samples from patients with chylous and achylous hematuria. We report a case of microfilariasis in urine cytology. This study aims to raise awareness of the possibility of filariasis in bodily fluids and aspirates, particularly in areas where it is endemic. Identification results in a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment plan for the patient.

Ficophagus annulatae n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), an associate of Ficus annulata in China

Summary A new species of the genus Ficophagus was recovered from the syconia of Ficus annulata from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, China. It is described herein as Ficophagus annulatae n. sp. and is characterised by possessing the combined characters of a short PUS (9-18 μm or 0.3-0.6 VBD long), an excretory pore (EP) located at the level between stylet basal knobs and metacorpus, presence of crustaformeria, amoeboid sperm, three pairs of subventral papillae on the male tail (one pair just adcloacal (P2), one pair halfway between cloacal aperture and tail terminus (P3), and one pair near tail tip (P4)), rounded male tail tip without mucron, absence of gubernaculum and bow-shaped spicule with indistinct rostrum. Ficophagus annulatae n. sp. was differentiated from other sequenced species by the partial small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis with the LSU D2-D3 expansion segment sequence suggested that F. annulatae n. sp. is clustered in the same highly supported monophyletic clade with F. benjamina, F. curtipes and F. microcarpus. It differs morphologically from these species in EP position, spicule and uterus morphology, and some morphometric characters.

Further studies on the morphology of Baylisascaris transfuga (Rudolphi, 1819) (Nematoda: Ascaridomorpha: Ascarididae) from the polar bear Ursus maritimus Phipps (Carnivora: Ursidae).

Baylisascaris transfuga (Rudolphi, 1819) is a common parasitic nematode in the digestive tract of various species of bears worldwide, with great veterinary significance. However, our present knowledge on the morphology of B. transfuga remains insufficient. In the present study, the detailed morphology of B. transfuga was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), based on specimens collected from the polar bear Ursus maritimus Phipps (Carnivora: Ursidae) in the Shijiazhuang Zoo, China. The results revealed some morphological and morphometric variation between the present specimens and some of those from previous studies, including oesophageal length of female, number and morphology of postcloacal papillae and morphology of tail of males. Present SEM observations clearly showed the detailed morphology of lips, cervical alae, cloacal ornamentation, precloacal medioventral papilla, phasmids and tail tip. These supplementary morphological and morphometric data enable us to identify this ascaridid nematode more accurately.

Structural basis of bacteriophage T5 infection trigger and E. coli cell wall perforation

Most bacteriophages present a tail allowing host recognition, cell wall perforation, and viral DNA channeling from the capsid to the infected bacterium cytoplasm. The majority of tailed phages bear a long flexible tail (Siphoviridae) at the tip of which receptor binding proteins (RBPs) specifically interact with their host, triggering infection. In siphophage T5, the unique RBP is located at the extremity of a central fiber. We present the structures of T5 tail tip, determined by cryo-electron microscopy before and after interaction with its E. coli receptor, FhuA, reconstituted into nanodisc. These structures bring out the important conformational changes undergone by T5 tail tip upon infection, which include bending of T5 central fiber on the side of the tail tip, tail anchoring to the membrane, tail tube opening, and formation of a transmembrane channel. The data allow to detail the first steps of an otherwise undescribed infection mechanism.