Terminal Segment Research Articles

Redescription of Taeniacanthus aulacocephali (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Taeniacanthidae) parasitic on Uranoscopus japonicus Houttuyn (Uranoscopidae) from Pacific coast, Japan, with adaptation of the non-destructive DNA technique.

Taeniacanthus aulacocephali Izawa, 2021 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Taeniacanthidae) was redescribed from the branchial cavity and gill filaments of Uranoscopus japonicus Houttuyn (Perciformes: Uranoscopidae) collected from the Pacific coast of the Kochi and Wakayama prefectures, Japan. This is the second record of the copepod, and the finding from U. japonicus represents the new host record. The species is characterized by several distinguishing features: 1) a decrease in the width of the habitus between the second and fourth pedigerous segments; 2) the ratio of prosome/body length; 3) the presence of eight setae on the exopodal terminal segment of leg 2; 4) an un-bifurcated maxilliped claw surrounded by 14-28 transverse ridges; and 5) the presence of an inner coxal seta on legs 2 and 3. The newly collected specimens were subjected to a modified non-destructive DNA extraction method and morphological description based on the same copepod individual, while preserving a morphologically describable specimen. Sequences of 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene (cox1) were obtained.

Taxonomic notes on three species of Tiwaripotamon Bott, 1970 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Potamidae) from Vietnam and China, one of which is new to science

A new species of semiterrestrial freshwater crab, Tiwaripotamon nganima n. sp. is described from northern Vietnam. The gonopods of the new species most closely resemble T. annamense (Balss, 1914) originally collected from Phuc-Son in Annam, central Vietnam, but can easily be distinguished as it has the median lobe on the posterior margin of the epistome being more projecting, the male pleon is proportionately more quadrate and less wide, the basal part of the male first gonopod has the median part of the subterminal segment more strongly curved, and the outer surface of the basal part of the terminal segment of the male first gonopod is prominently swollen. The taxonomy of two species described from southern China, T. pingguoense Dai & Naiyanetr, 1994, and T. xiurenense Dai & Naiyanetr, 1994, is also clarified after re-examination of type specimens and photographs of the original material; both species are redescribed and refigured.

Insights into microstructure and expression of markers of proliferation, apoptosis and T cells in the spleen of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)

AbstractThe spleen is the largest secondary lymphoid organ with significant roles in pathogen clearance. It is involved in several avian diseases. The cattle egret is a wild insectivorous bird of agricultural and socioeconomic importance. Data related to microstructural features of cattle egret spleen are lacking. The present study investigated the gross anatomical, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the cattle egret spleen. Proliferation (PCNA and PHH3), apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3, C.CASP3) and T‐cell (CD3 and CD8) markers were assessed. Grossly, the spleen appeared brownish red, oval‐shaped and located at the oesophago‐proventricular junction. Histologically, the spleen was surrounded by a thin capsule sending a number of trabeculae which contained branches of the splenic vessels. The white pulp consisted of the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath and periellipsoidal lymphatic sheath (PELS). The red pulp was formed of sinusoids and cords. The penicillar capillaries, which represent the terminal segments of the splenic arterial tree were highly branched, wrapped by prominent ellipsoids and directly connected to the splenic sinusoids, suggesting a closed type of circulation. Immunohistochemically, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐expressing cells were distributed with high counts throughout the splenic parenchyma, being highest within the splenic cords and PELS. Both PHH3‐ and C.CASP3‐expressing cells revealed a similar pattern to that of PCNA, although with fewer counts. Large numbers of T cells were observed throughout the splenic parenchyma, mainly within the cords, as revealed by CD3 and CD8 immunoreaction. The present study provides a clear insight into the precise structure of the spleen in cattle egrets and thus improves our understanding about birds' immunity.

Flexural rigidity of hawkmoth antennae depends on the bending direction

To probe its environment, the flying insect controllably flexes, twists, and maneuvers its antennae by coupling mechanical deformations with the sensory output. We question how the materials properties of insect antennae could influence their performance. A comparative study was conducted on four hawkmoth species: Manduca sexta, Ceratomia catalpae, Manduca quinquemaculata, and Xylophanes tersa. The morphology of the antennae of three hawkmoths that hover while feeding and one putatively non-nectar-feeding hawkmoth (Ceratomia catalpa) do not fundamentally differ, and all the antennae are comb-like (i.e., pectinate), markedly in males but weakly in females. Applying different weights to the free end of extracted cantilevered antennae, we discovered anisotropy in flexural rigidity when the antenna is forced to bend dorsally versus ventrally. The flexural rigidity of male antennae was less than that of females. Compared with the hawkmoths that hover while feeding, Ceratomia catalpae has almost two orders of magnitude lower flexural rigidity. Tensile tests showed that the stiffness of male and female antennae is almost the same. Therefore, the differences in flexural rigidity are explained by the distinct shapes of the antennal pectination. Like bristles in a comb, the pectinations provide extra rigidity to the antenna. We discuss the biological implications of these discoveries in relation to the flight habits of hawkmoths. Flexural anisotropy of antennae is expected in other groups of insects, but the targeted outcome may differ. Our work offers promising new applications of shaped fibers as mechanical sensors. Statement of significanceInsect antennae are blood-filled, segmented fibers with muscles in the two basal segments. The long terminal segment is muscle-free but can be flexed. Our comparative analysis of mechanical properties of hawkmoth antennae revealed a new feature: antenna resistance to bending depends on the bending direction. Our discovery replaces the conventional textbook scenario considering hawkmoth antennae as rigid rods. We showed that the pectinate antennae of hawkmoths behave as a comb in which the bristles resist bending when they come together. This anisotropy of flexural resistance offers a new mode of environmental sensing that has never been explored. The principles we found apply to other insects with non-axisymmetric antennae. Our work offers new applications for shaped fibers that could be designed to sense the flows.

Introgression of an adult-plant powdery mildew resistance gene Pm4VL from Dasypyrum villosum chromosome 4V into bread wheat.

Powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) seriously threatens wheat production worldwide. It is imperative to identify novel resistance genes from wheat and its wild relatives to control this disease by host resistance. Dasypyrum villosum (2n = 2x = 14, VV) is a relative of wheat and harbors novel genes for resistance against multi-fungal diseases. In the present study, we developed a complete set of new wheat-D. villosum disomic introgression lines through genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and molecular markers analysis, including four disomic substitution lines (2n=42) containing respectively chromosomes 1V#6, 2V#6, 3V#6, and 6V#6, and four disomic addition lines (2n=44) containing respectively chromosomes 4V#6, 5V#6, 6V#6 and 7V#6. These lines were subsequently evaluated for their responses to a mixture Bgt isolates at both seedling and adult-plant stages. Results showed that introgression lines containing chromosomes 3V#6, 5V#6, and 6V#6 exhibited resistance at both seedling and adult-plant stages, whereas the chromosome 4V#6 disomic addition line NAU4V#6-1 exhibited a high level of adult plant resistance to powdery mildew. Moreover, two translocation lines were further developed from the progenies of NAU4V#6-1 and the Ph1b mutation line NAU0686-ph1b. They were T4DL·4V#6S whole-arm translocation line NAU4V#6-2 and T7DL·7DS-4V#6L small-fragment translocation line NAU4V#6-3. Powdery mildew tests of the two lines confirmed the presence of an adult-plant powdery mildew resistance gene, Pm4VL, located on the terminal segment of chromosome arm 4V#6L (FL 0.6-1.00). In comparison with the recurrent parent NAU0686 plants, the T7DL·7DS-4V#6L translocation line NAU4V#6-3 showed no obvious negative effect on yield-related traits, providing a new germplasm in breeding for resistance.

The tail segments are required by the performance but not the accomplishment of various modes of Drosophila larval locomotion

The tail plays important roles in locomotion control in many animals. But in animals with multiple body segments, the roles of the hind body segments and corresponding innervating neurons in locomotion control are not clear. Here, using the Drosophila larva as the model animal, we investigated the roles of the posterior terminal segments in various modes of locomotion and found that they participate in all of them. In forward crawling, paralysis of the larval tail by blocking the Abdb-Gal4 labeled neurons in the posterior segments of VNC led to a slower locomotion speed but did not prevent the initiation of forward peristalsis. In backward crawling, larvae with the Abdb-Gal4 neurons inhibited were unable to generate effective displacement although waves of backward peristalsis could be initiated and persist. In head swing where the movement of the tail is not obvious, disabling the larval tail by blocking Abdb-Gal4 neurons led to increased bending amplitude upon touching the head. In the case of larval lateral rolling, larval tail paralysis by inhibition of Abdb-Gal4 neurons did not prevent the accomplishment of rolling, but resulted in slower rolling speed. Our work reveals that the contribution of Drosophila larval posterior VNC segments and corresponding body segments in the tail to locomotion is comprehensive but could be compensated at least partially by other body segments. We suggest that the decentralization in locomotion control with respect to animal body parts helps to maintain the robustness of locomotion in multi-segment animals.

Taxonomic notes on the genus Baetiella Uéno, 1931 (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae), with description of three new species from Thailand.

Based on material recently collected in northern Thailand, the present study provides an updated of the genus Baetiella, including Gratia. It comprises six species in Thailand, three of them being new species: Baetiella (Gratia) narumonae, Baetiella (Gratia) sororculaenadinae, Baetiella (Baetiella) bispinosa, Baetiella (Baetiella) baeisp. nov., Baetiella (Baetiella) lannaensissp. nov. and Baetiella (Baetiella) bibranchiasp. nov.Baetiella (Baetiella) baeisp. nov. can be distinguished from other species by the reduction of the posteromedian protuberances on abdominal tergites I-III, the asymmetrical coniform terminal segment of labial palp, the distal margin of abdominal sternites VII-X each with a row of long, spatulate setae, the dorsal margin of femur with two long, robust setae distally. Baetiella (Baetiella) lannaensissp. nov. is diagnosed by the posteromedian protuberances present on tergites I-VIII, dorsal margin of femur with a regular row of long, rounded, ciliated setae and body surface covered with numerous, dense, rounded scale-like setae. Baetiella (Baetiella) bibranchiasp. nov. can be separated from other species by coxal gills present at the base of forelegs and midlegs. The molecular study based on the mitochondrial gene COI and a larval key to species of Thai Baetiella are also provided.

Redescription of Hatschekia exigua Pearse, 1951 (Copepoda: Hatschekiidae), parasitic on the Squirrelfish Holocentrus adscensionis (Osbeck, 1765) (Actinopterygii: Holocentridae) off Ceará, Northeastern Brazil, with first description of the male.

The original description of Hatschekia exigua Pearse, 1951 neglected innumerous features of taxonomic value as well as morphometric data and illustrations. Posteriorly, other author tried to access the type material, but their poor state of preservation compromised a detailed redescription. Since then, this species is in need for new morphological data, mainly from fresh material. In the present work, three specimens of Holocentrus adscensionis from Mucuripe Bay, Fortaleza, State of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil, were parasitized by copepods on their gills. Parasites were fixed and preserved in 80% ethanol and cleared in 85% lactic acid for morphological observations using light microscopy. The females were identified as Hatschekia exigua by the cephalothorax representing about one-fourth of total body length, with lateral margins expanded into lateral lobes, first exopod with basal segment armed with one outer setae and terminal segment with three setae, first endopod with basal segment unarmed and terminal segment with five setae, leg 3 reduced to two setae and leg 4 reduced to single seta. Comparison with the type series revealed morphological differences in trunk and small appendages, which may be related to alterations in the specimens, caused by the mounting methodology and poor preservation. A detailed morphological analysis of the male revealedfor the first time that they differ from their closest congeners by having five setae on the last endopodal segment of leg 1, by smooth intercoxal sclerites on legs 1 and 2and by a proximolateral process on the third segment of antenna. Moreover, this work represents the first report of H. exigua in Brazil and the first hatschekiid copepod found off the coast of Ceará, highlighting that the diversity of Hatschekiidae in this oceanographic region still needs further investigation.

Exploring genital and pregenital musculature in Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera: Muscidae: Reinwardtiinae): Insights into evolutionary relationships with subfamily Azeliinae

AbstractThe male genital, pregenital skeleton, musculature of male terminalia, and the ovipositor were studied in Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp). A comparison was conducted between the terminal segments and muscles of S. nudiseta and previously studied species of the subfamily Azeliinae. Notable differences were found between previously studied species of the subfamily Azeliinae and Synthesiomyia + Muscina. These differences correspond to apomorphic character states in Synthesiomyia + Muscina, including the large size of the ejaculatory apodeme and the powerful constrictors of the ejaculatory apodeme M 23; the completely membranous sternite VI; the membrane connection of the muscle ISM 5 (lower); the small size of pregonites and postgonites; and the joints of the phallapodeme muscles М 21 at the base of the hypandrial arms. Based on these differences, Synthesiomyia + Muscina can be assigned to the subfamily Reinwardtiinae, as has been confirmed by recent molecular studies. However, similarities in the set of pregenital muscles and the set of phallapodeme muscles between Synthesiomyia + Muscina and the Azeliinae were also noted. These similarities may be considered as plesiomorphic character states, indicating their phylogenetic relationship. It can be argued that Reinwardtiinae + Azeliinae constitute sister groups and occupy the basal position within the family Muscidae.

Unraveling UVB effects: Catalase activity and molecular alterations in the stratum corneum

AimUltraviolet B (UVB) radiation can compromise the functionality of the skin barrier through various mechanisms. We hypothesize that UVB induce photochemical alterations in the components of the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum (SC), and modulate its antioxidative defense mechanisms. Catalase is a well-known antioxidative enzyme found in the SC where it acts to scavenge reactive oxygen species. However, a detailed characterization of acute UVB exposure on the activity of native catalase in the SC is lacking. Moreover, the effects of UVB irradiation on the molecular dynamics and organization of the SC keratin and lipid components remain unclear. Thus, the aim of this work is to characterize consequences of UVB exposure on the structural and antioxidative properties of catalase, as well as on the molecular and global properties of the SC matrix surrounding the enzyme. ExperimentsThe effect of UVB irradiation on the catalase function is investigated by chronoamperometry with a skin covered oxygen electrode, which probes the activity of native catalase in the SC matrix. Circular dichroism is used to explore changes of the catalase secondary structure, and gel electrophoresis is used to detect fragmentation of the enzyme following the UVB exposure. UVB induced alterations of the SC molecular dynamics and structural features of the SC barrier, as well as its water sorption behavior, are investigated by a complementary set of techniques, including natural abundance 13C polarization transfer solid-state NMR, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and dynamic vapor sorption microbalance. FindingsThe findings show that UVB exposure impairs the antioxidative function of catalase by deactivating both native catalase in the SC matrix and lyophilized catalase. However, UVB radiation does not alter the secondary structure of the catalase nor induce any observable enzyme fragmentation, which otherwise could explain deactivation of its function. NMR measurements on SC samples show a subtle increase in the molecular mobility of the terminal segments of the SC lipids, accompanied by a decrease in the mobility of lipid chain trans-gauche conformers after high doses of UVB exposure. At the same time, the NMR data suggest increased rigidity of the polypeptide backbone of the keratin filaments, while the molecular mobility of amino acid residues in random coil domains of keratin remain unaffected by UVB irradiation. The FTIR data show a consistent decrease in absorbance associated with lipid bond vibrations, relative to the main protein bands. Collectively, the NMR and FTIR data suggest a small modification in the composition of fluid and solid phases of the SC lipid and protein components after UVB exposure, unrelated to the hydration capacity of the SC tissue. To conclude, UVB deactivation of catalase is anticipated to elevate oxidative stress of the SC, which, when coupled with subtle changes in the molecular characteristics of the SC, may compromise the overall skin health and elevate the likelihood of developing skin disorders.

Investigation of the population diversity of intermediate host snails and crabs of Paragonimus along Jiulong River, Zhangjiang River and Dongxi River basins in southern Fujian Province

To investigate the population distribution of intermediate host snails and crabs of Paragonimus along the Jiulongjiang River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Bopingling Mountain, southern Fujian Province, so as to provide baseline data for researches on parasitic disease prevention and control and enlargement of samples in the parasitic resource bank. A total of 23 villages in 8 counties (districts) along the Jiulong River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province were selected as survey sites during the period from November 2020 through March 2023, and snail and freshwater crabs were sampled from 1 to 3 streams and ditches neighboring residential areas in each village. Morphological identification of snails was performed according to the external morphological characteristics of collected snail shells, and the unidentified snail species sampled from the natural foci of paragonimiasis in Yunxiao County were subjected to se-quence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene. The crab species was identified by observing the morphological characteristics of the terminal segment of the first pleopod of male crabs, and Paragonimus cercariae and metacercariae were detected in collected snails. The shells of the unidentified snails sampled from the natural foci of paragonimiasis in Yunxiao County were approximately 50 mm in height and 18 mm in width, thick and solid, long tower cone-shaped, and had 8 to 10 whorls. CO1 gene sequence analysis identified the snail species as Sulcospira hainanensis. A total of 6 freshwater snail species belonging to 5 genera within 3 families, identified 23 survey sites, including Semisulcospira libertina, Paludomus zhangchouensis and S. hainanensis that belonged to the Family Pleurceridae, Tricula fujianensis and T. huaanensis that belonged to the subfamily Triculinae, Family Pomatiopsidae, and Melanoides tuberculata (Family Thiaridae), and 11 species of freshwater crabs belonging to 5 genera within 2 families were identified, including Sinopotamon genus of S. jianglense, S. pinheense, and S. zhangzhouense, Huananpotamon genus of H. planopodum and H. zhangzhouense, Nanhaipotamon genus of N. huaanense and N. longhaiense, and Minpotamon genus of M. nasicum and M. auritum that belonged to the Family Potamidae, and Somanniathelphusa genus of S. huaanensis and S. zhangpuensis (Family Parathelphusidae). In addition, the prevalence of P. westermani cercariae infections was 0.08% (2/2 317) in P. zhangchouensis from Danyan Village in Changtai District and 0.09% (1/1 039) in S. hainanensis from Jinkeng Village in Yunxiao County, and the prevalence of P. westermani metacercariae infections was 25.81% (8/31) in S. jianglense from Danyan Village in Changtai District, and 26.31% (5/19) in S. zhangzhouense from Jinkeng Village in Yunxiao County, respectively. There is a population diversity in the intermediate host snails and crabs along the Jiulongjiang River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Bopingling Mountain, southern Fujian Province, and P. zhangzhouensis and S. hainanensis are, for the first time, confirmed as the first intermediate hosts of P. westermani.

First record of the genus Chinapotamon Dai & Naiyanetr, 1994 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from northern Vietnam with description of one new species

Our recent surveys in North Vietnam found three species of the potamid genus Chinapotamon Dai & Naiyanetr, 1994. Two species may be identified as species described from Southern China, C. depressum (Dai, Song, Li & Liang, 1980) and C. pusillum (Song, 1984), and one species is new to science. The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by its smaller carapace size, more subquadrate carapace, strongly convex and rugose carapace dorsal, low epigastric and postorbital cristae, high epibranchial tooth, deep notch between epibranchial tooth and anterolateral margin, deep concavity between frontal margin lobes, stout last ambulatory merus, narrow telson, slender gonopod 1 terminal segment bent at about 10° inwards and a relatively short gonopod 2. It is the first record of this genus in Vietnam. The present study raises the total number of freshwater crab species belonging to Potamidae in Vietnam to 60.

Morphological and molecular analyses reveal two new species of Grifola (Polyporales) from Yunnan, China.

Species of Grifola are famous edible mushrooms and are deeply loved by consumers around the world. Most species of this genus have been described and recorded in Oceania, Europe and South America, with only Grifolafrondosa being recorded in Asia. In this study, two novel species of Grifola from southwestern China (Asia) are introduced. Macro and micromorphological characters are described. Grifolaedulissp. nov. present medium-size basidiomata with gray to gray-brown lobes upper surface, mostly tibiiform or narrowly clavate, rarely narrowly lageniform or ellipsoid chlamydospores, cuticle hyphae terminal segments slightly enlarged. Grifolasinensissp. nov. has white to grayish white lobes upper surface, mostly ellipsoid, rarely narrowly utriform chlamydospores, and broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid basidiospores (4.6-7.9 × 3.0-5.9 μm). The two new species are supported by phylogenetic analyses of combined nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA (ITS) and β-tubulin (TUBB). Moreover, the genetic distance between TUBB sequences of those specimen from GenBank was 1.76-1.9%. Thus, the conspecificity relationship of our specimens remains uncertain, and further specimens are required to conclusively confirm its identity.

Design, Synthesis, and Anticancer Activity of N‐1 Terminal Segment of α‐(2, 5,7‐Tri‐tert‐butylindol‐3‐yl)alanine‐Incorporated Short Peptides

AbstractUsing a minimallised approach,we designed and synthesized N‐terminal modified peptides W‐KRGNKWLA‐CONH2 (P1) and W‐ARGDGGNGRGA‐CONH2 (P2) using Fmoc‐Chemistry solid phase peptide synthesis protocol. High‐performance liquid chromatograms and mass spectrometry (LCMS and analytical HPLC) were employed to determine the purity and molecular weight of the peptide. Surface tension measurements are used to evaluate peptide surface activity. The primary structure of the peptideis anlaysed by NMR spectroscopy. Circular dichroism studies demonstrate that the secondary structure of the peptide changes minimally when it attached to anionic lipid bilayers (POPC : POPG). According to a steady‐state fluorescence experiment, peptides P1 and P2 preferentially interact with anionic (POPC : POPG) lipid bilayers rather than zwitterionic (POPC) lipid bilayers. The peptide P2 interacts preferentially with anionic lipid membranes and has an anticancer effect due to RGD and NGR binding motifs. The cytotoxicity of the MTT experiment demonstrated that both normal and cancerous cells could lower peptide concentrations below their IC50 levels. Molecular docking also supports in‐vitro anticancer research. Both peptides P1 and P2 were non‐toxic to vero cells and appeared to be more promising as it demonstrated wide spectrum anticancer activity.

Stem chewing lice on Cretaceous feathers preserved in amber

Phthirapteran lice (true lice or parasitic lice) are a major group of ectoparasitic insects living on their bird or mammal hosts during their entire life cycle.1 Due to their highly specialized lifestyles, they are extremely poorly represented in fossil records.2 Molecular clock estimations have speculated extensively about the origin time of parasitic lice,3,4 yet none have been confirmed unequivocally. Herein, we report a new family of stem chewing lice, based on two adult insects associated with several semiplume feathers preserved within a piece of Kachin amber from the mid-Cretaceous. They display some defining characteristics of the Amblycera, an early-diverging lineage of the crown lice group. These features include a wingless body, chewing mouthparts, narrow and small thorax, and short tarsus with elongated euplantulae. Our phylogenetic analysis places the new taxa in the Amblycera, and the discovery thus pushes back the lice fossil records by at least 55 million years. Furthermore, the new specimens show primitive characters such as compressed and club-shaped terminal segments of antennae, maxillary and labial palps, and unmodified femora of hind legs, providing key information for the evolutionary relationship between free-living booklice and parasitic lice. This suggests that some ectoparasitic characters defining the crown lice group might have evolved among amblyceran and non-amblyceran lice in parallel. These newly described fossil specimens imply at least a Cretaceous age of Phthiraptera.

Intercalated cell function, kidney innate immunity, and urinary tract infections.

Intercalated cells (ICs) in the kidney collecting duct have a versatile role in acid-base and electrolyte regulation along with the host immune defense. Located in the terminal kidney tubule segment, ICs are among the first kidney cells to encounter bacteria when bacteria ascend from the bladder into the kidney. ICs have developed several mechanisms to combat bacterial infections of the kidneys. For example, ICs produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which have direct bactericidal activity, and in many cases are upregulated in response to infections. Some AMP genes with IC-specific kidney expression are multiallelic, and having more copies of the gene confers increased resistance to bacterial infections of the kidney and urinary tract. Similarly, studies in human children demonstrate that those with history of UTIs are more likely to have single-nucleotide polymorphisms in IC-expressed AMP genes that impair the AMP's bactericidal activity. In murine models, depleted or impaired ICs result in decreased clearance of bacterial load following transurethral challenge with uropathogenic E. coli. A 2021 study demonstrated that ICs even act as phagocytes and acidify bacteria within phagolysosomes. Several immune signaling pathways have been identified in ICs which may represent future therapeutic targets in managing kidney infections or inflammation. This review's objective is to highlight IC structure and function with an emphasis on current knowledge of IC's diverse innate immune capabilities.

The effect of water on gold supported chiral graphene nanoribbons: rupture of conjugation by an alternating hydrogenation pattern.

In the last few years we have observed a breakpoint in the development of graphene-derived technologies, such as liquid phase filtering and their application to electronics. In most of these cases, they imply exposure of the material to solvents and ambient moisture, either in the fabrication of the material or the final device. The present study demonstrates the sensitivity of graphene nanoribbon (GNR) zigzag edges to water, even in extremely low concentrations. We have addressed the unique reactivity of (3,1)-chiral GNR with moisture on Au(111). Water shows a reductive behaviour, hydrogenating the central carbon of the zigzag segments. By combining scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) with simulations, we demonstrate how their reactivity reaches a thermodynamic limit when half of the unit cells are reduced, resulting in an alternating pattern of hydrogenated and pristine unit cells starting from the terminal segments. Once a quasi-perfect alternation is reached, the reaction stops regardless of the water concentration. The hydrogenated segments limit the electronic conjugation of the GNR, but the reduction can be reversed both by tip manipulation and annealing. Selective tip-induced dehydrogenation allowed the stabilization of radical states at the edges of the ribbons, while the annealing of the sample completely recovered the original, pristine GNR.

Registration of WGC002 spring wheat containing wild grass‐derived Fusarium head blight resistance gene Fhb7The2

AbstractThe USDA‐ARS and North Dakota State University Agricultural Experiment Station jointly released the Fusarium head blight (FHB)‐resistant spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm WGC002 (Reg. no. GP‐1089, PI 702949) in May 2023. WGC002 is a wheat‐Thinopyrum elongatum 7B‐7E translocation line, designated 7BS·7BL‐7EL, with the wheat chromosome 7BL terminal region replaced by the homoeologous counterpart of the Th. elongatum chromosome 7EL that contains the novel FHB resistance gene Fhb7The2. WGC002 was developed from the Chinese Spring (CS) wheat‐Th. elongatum disomic substitution line DS 7E(7B) using our genomics‐enabled chromosome engineering pipeline. The pedigree of WGC002 is DS 7E(7B)/2*CS ph1b mutant//DS 7E(7B). WGC002 has consistently exhibited resistance to FHB in inoculations of greenhouse grown plants. WGC002 does not contain the yellow flour pigment gene in the Fhb7The2 haplotype present on the terminal 7EL segment of the 7BS·7BL‐7EL translocation and has not exhibited any obvious linkage drag on the 7EL segment. Therefore, WGC002 is ready for immediate use in wheat breeding. One sequence‐tagged site (STS) and two polymerase chain reaction allelic competitive extension markers were developed specifically for Fhb7The2 and validated in different wheat genotypes. They are highly diagnostic for Fhb7The2 and extremely useful in marker‐assisted introgression of Fhb7The2 in wheat breeding. In summary, WGC002 is a new wild grass‐derived FHB‐resistant spring wheat germplasm with diagnostic DNA markers available to conduct marker‐assisted selection of Fhb7The2, that will enhance and diversify FHB resistance of wheat.

Troglophonte Huys & Lee, 2000 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae) Cinsinin Değiştirilmiş Diyagnozu ve Yeni Bir Türünün Deskripsiyonu

A new species of the monotypic genus Troglophonte Huys & Lee, 2000 (Harpacticoida, Laophontidae) was discovered among the interstitial samples collected from the Kumada Coast in the Sea of Marmara. The new species can be distinguished from the type species T. spelaea (Chappuis, 1938) by the following characters: (i) female 6-segmented antennule, (ii) P3 exp terminal segment with 7 setae, (iii) female P5 exopodal lobe with 5 setae, (iv) female P5 baseoendopod with 3 setae on endopodal lobe, (v) surface ornamentation of swimming legs, (vi) male P5 baseoendopod distal seta ornamentation, and (vii) male P5 exopod setal ornamentation. The type material of T. spelaea does no longer exist and its diagnosis is concise. Therefore, the generic diagnosis has been updated to include the characters displayed by the new species. Additionally, a phylogenetic analysis including other genera related to the Troglophonte was conducted using parsimony. The results obtained from the phylogenetic analysis were generally consistent with the previous studies.

Bony Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: A Novel Phenotype of Aplasia of Lacrimal and Major Salivary Glands

PurposeAplasia of lacrimal and salivary gland (ALSG) is a syndromic disorder characterized by aplasia of lacrimal and salivary systems. Reported ophthalmic manifestations of ALSG include aplasia of lacrimal glands, punctal agenesis, lacrimal sac mucocele and membranous congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). Bony CNLDO, a rare cause of congenital epiphora, has not been associated with any syndromic disorder. This study investigated the relationship between genetic mutations and bony CNLDO in three Chinese families with ALSG. DesignSingle-center observational case study. ParticipantsThree Chinese families with bony CNLDO including 7 affected and 9 healthy family members. MethodsSlit-lamp ophthalmic examination, comprehensive physical examination, orbital Computed Tomography (CT), cervicofacial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), audiometry and whole exome sequencing on periphery blood were performed. Variants were cross-referenced with 1000 control genomes and various population databases. Pathologic variants were identified using bioinformatic tools. Main Outcome MeasuresClinical examination, diagnostic imaging, whole exome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis findings. ResultsAffected patients had decreased tear production on Schimer I Test and reduced tear break-up time. Bony CNLDO was observed on computed tomography, showing unilateral or bilateral bony termination at the middle or terminal segment of the nasolacrimal canal. Cervicofacial MRI showed aplasia or absence of lacrimal, parotid and submandibular glands. Physical examination revealed normal ears, digits and facial morphology. Audiometry and dental assessment were conducted on the pediatric patients and yielded normal results. The clinical characteristic of patients aligned with diagnosis of ALSG. Genomic analysis revealed three novel heterozygous missense mutations of Fgf10 gene: c.316T>C, c.327C>G, c.332T>G. The inheritance pattern was autosomal dominant with variable penetrance. These variants were not observed in 1000 control chromosomes and population databases. These variant positions were also shown to be highly conversed across various animal species. Mutated genes and proteins were predicted as “deleterious” with most computational models with a few suggesting they may be “benign”. ConclusionsBony CNLDO was identified as a novel phenotype of ALSG implicated by missense mutations of highly conserved residues in the Fgf10 gene. These cases broadened our knowledge of Fgf10-related phenotypes and prompt clinicians to consider syndromic associations in patients with bony CNLDO.