Unidentified Species Research Articles

Una nueva especie de Rileya Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) de Brasil asociada con Zalepidota Rübsaamen (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

Rileya priscillae Perioto and Lara sp. nov. (Eurytomidae: Rileynae) is described and illustrated. The new species was reared from galls induced by Zalepidota sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in an unidentified species of plant collected at Estação Ecológica de Jataí, in Luiz Antônio, São Paulo, Brazil. Zalepidota Rübsaamen is newly confirmed as a host of Rileya which is also a new record to the state of São Paulo.

Xylo-oligosaccharides from sugarcane show prebiotic potential in a dynamic computer-controlled in vitro model of the adult human large intestine.

The aim of the study was to investigate the prebiotic potential of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) from sugarcane in a validated, dynamic, computer-controlled in vitro model of the colon (TIM-2) simulating human adults. In two sets of experiments, each with a different microbiota, 3 different doses of XOS were tested at 1.0 g/day, 1.5 g/day and 3.0 g/day. The in vitro model was run for 72h, and at the start and subsequently every 24h samples were taken and analysed for short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and gut microbiota composition. SCFA were analysed using ion chromatography, whereas microbiota composition was analysed using sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. XOS showed a similar SCFA production per gram of substrate as the control medium, including butyrate, which is considered to be important for gut health. In both sets of experiments XOS showed a consistent dose-dependent increase in abundance over time of the genus Bifidobacterium, and within that of the species B. adolescentis and an unidentified species (labelled 'sp.1'). The results show the potential prebiotic effect of XOS from sugarcane, by its capacity to generate butyrate and increase the health-beneficial bifidobacteria.

Eight Colletotrichum Species, Including a Novel Species, Are Associated With Areca Palm Anthracnose in Hainan, China.

Genus Colletotrichum is one of the most important genera of plant-pathogenic fungi affecting numerous species, particularly tropical and subtropical crops and fruit trees. In this study, 43 Colletotrichum strains were isolated from areca palm leaves with anthracnose symptoms in 11 areca palm plantations in eight counties of Hainan, China. Based on the morphology, phylogenetic analysis of six loci (internal transcribed spacer, actin, chitin synthase 1, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, β-tubulin, and mating type locus MAT1-2), and pathogenicity tests, eight Colletotrichum species were distinguished, comprising five previously known species (C. cordylinicola, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, C. siamense, and C. tropicale), one unidentified Colletotrichum species, a new species (C. arecicola) in the gloeosporioides species complex, and C. karstii in the boninense species complex. C. siamense was the most common species found in areca palm in Hainan, followed by C. arecicola. Pathogenicity tests showed that all eight species could cause anthracnose symptoms on areca palm leaves using a wound inoculation method and that the isolates from the gloeosporioides species complex caused larger lesions than the isolates from the boninense species complex. Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology of these pathogenic species on areca palm in order to develop management strategies.

Ravenelia species (Pucciniales) newly found in Thailand with their additional host and life cycle stage

Three poorly known species of Ravenelia with limited geographic distribution and one widespread species parasitizing leguminous trees (Fabaceae) were newly found in Thailand. Ravenelia odoratissimae occurred on Albizia odoratissima ; R. ornata on Abrus pulchellus, Ab. precatorius , and Abrus sp.; R. parasnathii on Acacia comosa and an unidentified Acacia species; and R. tandonii on Acacia catechu . Acacia comosa is a new host for R. parasnathii . Detailed morphological study revealed that R. odoratissimae produces a uredinial stage in addition to a telial stage in its life cycle. • Four Ravenelia species were newly found in Thailand. • Acacia comosa is a new host plant of Ravenelia parasnathii. • Uredinial stage was newly found in the life cycle of Ravenelia odoratissimae.

Biodiversity of the aculeate wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) of the Arabian Peninsula: Chrysidoidea, Chrysididae.

An updated checklist of the Arabian species of Chrysididae is provided here. Three new synonymies (valid name first) are proposed: Chrysis mirifica Balthasar, 1953 = Chrysis dawahi Strumia, 2012 syn. nov.; Chrysis viridissima Klug, 1845 = Chrysis decolorata Strumia Dawah, 2019 syn. nov.; Trichrysis longispina (Mocsáry, 1912) = Trichrysis flavicornis Strumia Dawah, 2019 syn. nov.. Consequently, the list includes 124 identified species in 22 genera and three tribes, all in the subfamily Chrysidinae: Elampini (11 genera, 48 species), Chrysidini (9 genera, 73 species), and Parnopini (2 genera, 3 species). In addition, there is a single record of an unidentified species of the subfamily Cleptinae. Distributions, both on the Peninsula and extra-limital, are provided for each species and subspecies; 41 species (33%) are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, as are five subspecies.

Intestinal Parasitism in Free-Ranging Black-Headed Night Monkeys, Aotus nigriceps, of Southeastern Peru

The study of intestinal parasite communities is an important aspect of conservation biology, disease ecology, and wildlife health. Researchers can use the presence of select micro- and macroparasites as an indicator of host health. Only two studies have sampled intestinal parasites in free-ranging Aotus monkeys despite their wide geographic distribution in Central and South America. We therefore conducted a survey of gastrointestinal parasites using 50 fecal samples from seven free-ranging black-headed night monkey (Aotus nigriceps) groups at three field sites in the Peruvian Amazon. We calculated an index of habitat quality using Gentry transects and compared this with parasite communities. We recovered seven intestinal parasite taxa: Strongyloides sp.; Balantioides sp.; Trypanoxyuris sp.; Entamoeba sp.; and unidentified species of ascarid, strongylid, and trematode. Two of these taxa have previously been described in captive Aotus nigriceps (Balantioides sp. and Strongyloides sp.). Parasite richness ranged from zero to five taxa with a mean of 0.8 parasite taxa (±1.0 SD) per fecal sample. Fifty-six percent of samples had at least one intestinal parasite taxon. We found all seven parasite taxa in the wet season but only Strongyloides sp. and Trypanoxyuris sp. in the dry season. Balantioides sp. was positively associated with both Entamoeba sp. and an unidentified trematode, while Entamoeba sp. was positively associated with the unidentified ascarid (P < 0.05). Extrapolations support the likelihood of recovering additional intestinal parasite taxa with increased sampling effort. Neither group size nor basal area was significantly associated with parasite richness. These results highlight the need for continued surveillance of Aotus parasites both temporally and across heterogeneous landscapes because several of the parasite taxa we found are pathogenic in nonhuman primates and people.

Co-Existence of Pests and the Associated Predators Inhabiting Cucumber, Cucumus sativus L. (Fam. Cucurbitacae) at Assiut Governorate

The present study is carried out at the experimental farm of Assiut University, during the period started from 2014 to 2016 growing seasons of cucumber. The faunistic composition of pests and their associated predators inhabiting cucumber plants, Cucumus sativus Lrevealed the presence of 39 species of arthropods belonged to 13 orders and 28 families as well as some species of true spiders. From the species collected, 4 species are considered as abundant pests, 2 species as less abundant pests, 11species slightly abundant, 18 beneficial arthropods and some unidentified true spider and 4 species are considered as pollinators and visitors. The collected species can be classified as piercing-sucking pests, leaf feeders, and leaf miners. In general member of 7 insect orders (Orthoptera, Thysanoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera and Acari) and 13 families (Acridiidae, Gryllotalpidae, Gryllidae, Thripidae, Pentatomidae, Aleyrodidae, Aphidadae, Cicadellidae, Noctuidae, Agromyzidae) beside four families of order Acari (Iolinidae, Tarsonemidae, Tetranychidae and Tydidae) were recorded inhabiting cucumber plants during spring and summer plantations of cucumber at Assiut governorate in session (2014-2016). The green lacwing, Chrysoperla carnea Steph, the hover fly, Eupeodes corollae (F.) (= Syrphus corolla F.) and the lady beetles, Coccinella undecimpunctata L., were the most abundant predator species. Species such as Lapidura riparia Pall, Orius sp., P. alferii Koch.and some unidentified species of true spiders were collected occasionally and in scarce numbers.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions to fungi associated with the invasive weed Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed)

This article provides morphological descriptions and illustrations of microfungi associated with the invasive weed, Chromolaena odorata, which were mainly collected in northern Thailand. Seventy-seven taxa distributed in ten orders, 23 families (of which Neomassarinaceae is new), 12 new genera (Chromolaenicola, Chromolaenomyces, Longiappendispora, Pseudocapulatispora, Murichromolaenicola, Neoophiobolus, Paraleptospora, Pseudoroussoella, Pseudostaurosphaeria, Pseudothyridariella, Setoarthopyrenia, Xenoroussoella), 47 new species (Aplosporella chromolaenae, Arthrinium chromolaenae, Chromolaenicola chiangraiensis, C. lampangensis, C. nanensis, C. thailandensis, Chromolaenomyces appendiculatus, Diaporthe chromolaenae, Didymella chromolaenae, Dyfrolomyces chromolaenae, Leptospora chromolaenae, L. phraeana, Longiappendispora chromolaenae, Memnoniella chromolaenae, Montagnula chiangraiensis, M. chromolaenae, M. chromolaenicola, M. thailandica, Murichromolaenicola chiangraiensis, M. chromolaenae, Muyocopron chromolaenae, M. chromolaenicola, Neomassarina chromolaenae, Neoophiobolus chromolaenae, Neopyrenochaeta chiangraiensis, N. chromolaenae, N. thailandica, N. triseptatispora, Nigrograna chromolaenae, Nothophoma chromolaenae, Paraleptospora chromolaenae, P. chromolaenicola, Patellaria chromolaenae, Pseudocapulatispora longiappendiculata, Pseudoroussoella chromolaenae, Pseudostaurosphaeria chromolaenae, P. chromolaenicola, Pseudothyridariella chromolaenae, Pyrenochaetopsis chromolaenae, Rhytidhysteron chromolaenae, Setoarthopyrenia chromolaenae, Sphaeropsis chromolaenicola, Tremateia chiangraiensis, T. chromolaenae, T. thailandensis, Xenoroussoella triseptata, Yunnanensis chromolaenae), 12 new host records, three new taxonomic combinations (Chromolaenicola siamensis, Pseudoroussoella elaeicola, Pseudothyridariella mahakashae), and two reference specimens (Torula chromolaenae, T. fici) are described and illustrated. Unlike some other hosts, e.g. bamboo (Poaceae) and Pandanaceae, the dominant group of fungi on Siam weed were Dothideomycetes. Only 15 species previously recorded from northern Thailand were found in this study. Most of the taxa are likely to have jumped hosts from surrounding plants and are unlikely to be a specialist to Siam weed. Most fungal families found on Siam weed had divergence estimates with stem ages in the Cretaceous, which coincided with the expected origin of the host family (Asteraceae). This further indicates that the species have jumped hosts, as it is unlikely that the taxa on the alien Siam weed came from the Americas with its host. They may, however, have jumped from other Asteraceae hosts. In a preliminary screening 40 (65%) of the 62 species tested showed antimicrobial activity and thus, the fungi associated with C. odorata may be promising sources of novel bioactive compound discovery. We provide a checklist of fungi associated with C. odorata based on the USDA Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory (SMML) database, relevant literature and our study. In total, 130 taxa (116 identified and 14 unidentified species) are distributed in 20 orders, 48 families, and 85 genera. Pseudocercospora is the most commonly encountered genus on Siam weed.

Molecular characterization of Raillietina isolates from the gastrointestinal tract of free range chickens (Gallus Gallus domesticus) from the southern region of Zimbabwe using the 18S rDNA gene.

Parasitic diseases are among the major constraints of poultry production. The common internal parasitic infections occurring in poultry include cestodes and other gastrointestinal helminths. The aim of this study was to characterize Raillietina spp. from the gastrointestinal tract of free-range chickens using 18S rDNA genes. This was achieved through the DNA extraction from tapeworms isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of routine slaughtered free-range chickens using 18S and amplifying the partial 18S rDNA genes using PCR. A total of 34 intestine samples were collected from 9 different areas in Matabeleland region and tapeworms were isolated for microscopic examination and morphological characterization. All 34 chickens examined had tapeworms and morphological characterization confirmed those used in the study as belonging to the Raillietina group. DNA extraction was then successfully carried out for 9 cestode isolates followed by the PCR amplification of the 18S genes. The products were sequenced and 4 of the 9 isolates were positively identified using BLAST as Raillietina tunetensis and the other 5 were only identified as Raillietina spp. These sequences were then aligned with other known sequences of Raillietina isolates from GenBank and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining method and distance computed using the maximum composite method. The phylogenetic tree showed that three of the unidentified Raillietina species are in the neighboring position with Raillietina sonini whilst the other two are in the neighboring position with Raillietina tetragona. This is the first record of R. tunetensis in Gallus Gallus domesticus from Zimbabwe. This clustering on the phylogenetic tree however, did not differentiate samples according to geographical location showing that this tool can be used to infer phylogenetic data for speciation.

Co-occurrence of beaked whale strandings and naval sonar in the Mariana Islands, Western Pacific.

Mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), used for antisubmarine warfare (ASW), has been associated with multiple beaked whale (BW) mass stranding events. Multinational naval ASW exercises have used MFAS offshore of the Mariana Archipelago semi-annually since 2006. We report BW and MFAS acoustic activity near the islands of Saipan and Tinian from March 2010 to November 2014. Signals from Cuvier's (Ziphius cavirostris) and Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris), and a third unidentified BW species, were detected throughout the recording period. Both recorders documented MFAS on 21 August 2011 before two Cuvier's beaked whales stranded on 22–23 August 2011. We compared the history of known naval operations and BW strandings from the Mariana Archipelago to consider potential threats to BW populations. Eight BW stranding events between June 2006 and January 2019 each included one to three animals. Half of these strandings occurred during or within 6 days after naval activities, and this co-occurrence is highly significant. We highlight strandings of individual BWs can be associated with ASW, and emphasize the value of ongoing passive acoustic monitoring, especially for beaked whales that are difficult to visually detect at sea. We strongly recommend more visual monitoring efforts, at sea and along coastlines, for stranded cetaceans before, during and after naval exercises.

Discovery of false coconut scale (Aspidiotus rigidus) and three of its primary parasitoids in Việt Nam, and likely species origins

Abstract The false coconut scale, Aspidiotus rigidus Reyne (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is a serious pest of coconut in the Indonesian and Philippine archipelagos. Field surveys in Viet Nam in 2015–2018 discovered A. rigidus (a new country record). Also found were three of its primary hymenopteran parasitoids: an unidentified ectoparasitic Aphytis species (Aphelinidae) and two endoparasitoids, Comperiella calauanica (Encyrtidae) and Pteroptrix parvipennis (Aphelinidae). Aphytis sp. was the commonest parasitoid; the average level of parasitism of A. rigidus found in six surveys was 46%, in immatures of both sexes and adult females. Comperiella calauanica was recorded in three surveys, with an average parasitism level of 54% in adult female A. rigidus. It was also found attacking Aspidiotus destructor Signoret. Pteroptrix parvipennis was recorded in 47% of second instar A. rigidus in one survey. In molecular phylogenies based on 28S and COI genes, Pteroptrix parvipennis grouped with species of Encarsia. Although A. rigidus occurs in the largest coconut-growing areas in Việt Nam, incidence of the scale is low, and no outbreaks have been recorded. Its parasitoids therefore have potential for use as biological control agents in areas where the scale is problematic. The low incidence of A. rigidus in Việt Nam and the presence of the three parasitoid species there suggests that the scale and these parasitoids originated in Indochina.

A new giant velvet worm from Costa Rica suggests absence of the genus Peripatus (Onychophora: Peripatidae) in Central America

Introduction: Neotropical onychophoran taxonomy and diversity has been poorly investigated. Recent studies have discovered problems in species classification: they have questioned the accepted genera and the actual number of species. This is true in Costa Rica, where several unidentified species have been reported. Objective: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the occurrence of the accepted genera in this country, and to describe a new genus and species from Central America. Methods: In 2017, we collected one onychophoran in the Keköldi Indigenous Reserve in Talamanca, Limón, Costa Rica. The specimen gave birth to several offspring. Therefore, seven organisms were analyzed. Light microscopy was used to observe the gross morphology in all samples. The detailed morphology was studied in the biggest specimen with scanning electron microscopy; after that, we performed a phylogenetic analysis with the corresponding sequence of COI. Results: According to our results, a new genus and species of giant onychophoran was found. The genus was identified by its giant size, apical piece of seven scale ranks, large conical primary papillae, dorso-median furrow flanked by two-three accessory papillae, the absence of hyaline organs and a marked sexual dimorphism with respect to the number of legs. The new species presents a particular head pattern, as well as novel structures like cephalic papillae, accessory papillae with rudimentary apical pieces, and a lack of antennal chemoreceptors. Phylogenetic analysis rendered our genus as monophyletic and includes Peripatus solorzanoi, which is grouped within the Central American clade. As our species is clustered inside the Costa Rica-Panamanian group, it is not related to the Caribbean Island nor Guyanan Shield samples, home of Epiperipatus and Peripatus respectively. Therefore, we suggest that those genera do not occur in Central America, and a new genus exists: Mongeperipatus, gen. nov. Conclusion: We concluded that Costa Rica is home to a diversity of undescribed onychophorans that requires specific studies to help clarify the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of the group to justify their protection.

Molecular identification of microsporidian species in patients with epithelial keratitis.

Introduction. Ocular microsporidiosis is a significant emerging infectious disease reported in immunocompromised patients and immunocompetent persons throughout the world.Aim. To identify the pathogens responsible for human keratitis, via corneal scrapings.Methodology. Thirty-three hospitalized patients with epithelial keratitis were examined using staining and DNA sequencing. DNA was extracted from corneal samples and the small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced.Results. Twenty-one samples were positive by staining while PCR generated amplicons in 18 cases. Of the 18 sequences, 16 were identical with, or very similar to, those of Vittaforma corneae (99-100 % similarity) and the remaining two sequences were similar to that of unidentified Microsporidium species deposited in the GenBank.Conclusion. This study has reconfirmed that V. corneae causes epithelial keratitis in humans and that a newly detected Microsporidium species is also involved in microsporidial keratitis as one of the emerging pathogens in Thailand. Ophthalomologists should be aware of microsporidial keratitis in people from Thailand and those from neighbouring countries.

Phylogenetic Affinity of Genolopa (Digenea: Monorchiidae) with Descriptions of Two New Species

The validity of Genolopa Linton, 1910 has been controversial because the observation of presently recognized critical diagnostic morphological features (spines in the genital atrium and a bipartite, anteriorly spined terminal organ) were omitted from the original diagnosis, and these features were not universally appreciated as important diagnostic features until 2008. Modern taxonomists have been further challenged by inappropriate fixation techniques that have resulted in various interpretations of morphological features. Consequently, named species in the genus have fluctuated among other monorchiid genera depending on various interpretations by taxonomists, and a modern consensus on classifying these species is lacking. This study combines a molecular approach with modern conventional morphological techniques to investigate the validity of Genolopa as a lineage within the Monorchiidae. New morphology and molecular sequence data from the type-species of Genolopa were studied, and two new species in the genus were described, Genolopa vesca n. sp. and Genolopa minuscula n. sp. Interrelationships among the Monorchiidae were explored using Bayesian inference analysis of the partial 28S rDNA fragment, incorporating three species of Genolopa for the first time. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genus represents a natural lineage, supporting the presence of spines in the genital atrium in conjunction with a bipartite and anteriorly spined terminal organ as key features of the generic diagnosis. This study also provides for the first time partial 28S rDNA data for Postmonorchis orthopristis, Lasiotocus trachinoti, Lasiotocus glebulentus, and an unidentified species of Lasiotocus.

Ecofriendly Degradation of Polyethylene Plastics Using Oil Degrading Microbes

Background &amp; Objective: Plastics are strong, light weight and durable due to which it has wide applications. Degradation of plastics is difficult due to their xenobiotic origin and recalcitrant nature. Hence, accumulation of plastics in the environment is posing an increasing ecological threat. Methods: Various methods are preferred for the reduction of plastics in the environment, of which degradation by chemical and biological means are considered to be more effective. In the biodegradation of plastics, micro organisms play a pivotal role. In the present work, microbial species are isolated from different sources such as cooking oil, grease and petroleum products. Two bacterial species such as Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and three fungal species such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and one unidentified fungal species were isolated from the sources were used for the degradation of polyethylene plastic samples (black and white). Results: Sphingomonas indicated 56% (black) and 31% (white) degradation of polyethylene plastic. Unidentified fungal species also indicated 64% (black) and 45% (white) degradation of polyethylene plastic. During the degradation, pH altered from 7 to 8. SEM analysis indicated the presence of appreciable surface erosions, fading, cracks and extensive roughening of the surface with pit formation. Conclusion: Sequence analysis of Sphinogomonas species was done in comparison with the similar known bacterial species and the phylogenetic tree was generated based on the sequence analysis.

Oropharyngeal microbiome of a college population following a meningococcal disease outbreak

Asymptomatic oropharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis peaks in adolescence and young adulthood. Following a meningococcal disease outbreak at a U.S. college, we profiled the oropharyngeal microbiomes of 158 students to identify associations between bacterial community composition and meningococcal carriage or risk factors for carriage, including male gender, smoking, and frequent social mixing. Metagenomic shotgun sequencing identified 268 bacterial taxa at the genus or species level, with Streptococcus, Veillonella, and Rothia species being most abundant. Microbiome composition showed weak associations with meningococcal carriage and risk factors for carriage. N. meningitidis abundance was positively correlated with that of Fusobacterium nucleatum, consistent with hypothesized propionic acid cross-feeding. Additional species had positive abundance correlations with N. meningitidis, including Aggregatibacter aphrophilus, Campylobacter rectus, Catonella morbi, Haemophilus haemolyticus, and Parvimonas micra. N. meningitidis abundance was negatively correlated with unidentified Veillonella species. Several of these species are commonly found in dental plaque, while N. meningitidis is primarily found in the pharynx, suggesting that ecological interactions extend throughout the oral cavity. Although risk factors for meningococcal carriage do not strongly impact most bacterial species in the oropharynx, variation in the upper respiratory tract microbiome may create conditions that are more or less favorable for N. meningitidis carriage.

Assessment of the microbiological quality and safety of marinated chicken products from Greek retail outlets

The prevalence of three pathogens in marinated chicken products and the evaluation of their quality by microbiological and sensory analysis were assessed. Eighty (80) samples obtained from several meat retail markets in Greece were analyzed for the presence of Campylobacter spp., Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Concerning Campylobacter, rep-PCR and species specific PCR were applied for the differentiation and identification of isolates, respectively. The samples were subsequently stored aerobically at 4 °C for 5 days. Microbiological analysis, sensory assessment and HPLC analysis were carried out for the evaluation of spoilage microorganisms, sensory quality and the presence of preservatives (potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate). Τhe prevalence of Campylobacter spp., Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes was 50%, 11% and 44%, respectively. In the case of Campylobacter, from a total of 40 isolates, 27 were identified as Campylobacter coli, 4 as Campylobacter jejuni, whereas the remaining 9 belonged to unidentified Campylobacter species. Pseudomonas spp. was the dominant spoilage microbial genus in 43% of the samples, while in 31% of them a co-dominance of Pseudomonas spp. and Brochothrix thermosphacta was observed. Total aerobic counts increased to 7.0 log CFU/g at the 1st, 2nd or 3rd day of storage in 71% of the samples, while sensory analysis showed that 80% of the samples were characterized as spoiled after 3, 4 or 5 days. The presence of preservatives was confirmed in 31% of the samples and slightly affected the microbiological profile. In conclusion, the obtained data demonstrated the occurrence of foodborne pathogens and allowed the acquisition of an overall view about the microbiological quality of marinated chicken products.

PARASITES OF THE BLUE IGUANA (CYCLURA LEWISI) FROM GRAND CAYMAN ISLAND.

Feces (n = 226; 2004-2015) from healthy captive and wild blue iguanas (Cyclura lewisi) from Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, were examined for endoparasites. Parasites identified included Nyctotherus sp. and Entamoeba sp. cysts and trophozoites, trichomonad trophozoites, and oxyurid and trichostrongylid eggs. Endoparasites from postmortem examinations (n = 13) included adult and larval nematodes: Ozolaimus megatyphlon, Ozolaimus monhystera, Alaeuris travassosi, Atractis mega, and an unidentified species of Oswaldocruzia. Entamoeba spp. were more likely in captive juveniles of both sexes than captive or wild adults of either sex; Entamoeba spp. were more likely in captive adult females than captive adult males; trichomonad trophozoites were more likely in adult captive and wild iguanas of both sexes than in captive juveniles of either sex; and Nyctotherus spp. were more likely in juvenile captive males than captive adult males or females and more likely in adult wild males than captive juvenile males. Trichostrongylid eggs were more likely in adult wild females than adult captive females and more likely in captive and wild adults of both sexes than in captive juveniles of both sexes. Oxyurid eggs were more likely in adult captive and wild iguanas of both sexes than captive juveniles of either sex. Blue iguanas have a variety of endoparasites regardless of age, sex, or captive vs wild status, with no type found exclusively in either captive or wild populations. Ectoparasites from wild adults included adult ticks (Amblyomma torrei) and a single adult mite (Hirstiella trombidiformis). All are new host records for this species and Grand Cayman. Knowledge of parasite status of captive and wild populations is important to evaluate the relative risk of introduction of captive animals into wild populations.

The differential proliferation of AOB and NOB during natural nitrifier cultivation and acclimation with raw sewage as seed sludge.

Nitrifier immigration from sewers to wastewater treatment systems is attracting increasing attention for understanding nitrifier community assembly mechanisms, and improving process modeling and operation. In this study, nitrifiers in raw sewage were cultivated and acclimated in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for 90 days to investigate the characteristics of the influent nitrifiers after immigration. During the experiment, specific nitrite utilization rate (SNUR) exceeded specific ammonia utilization rate (SAUR) when floc size reached 224 ± 46 μm, and nitrogen loss occurred at the same time. The ratio of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) to ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) increased from 0.84 to 2.14 after cultivation. The Illumina MiSeq sequencing showed that the dominant AOB was Nitrosomonas sp. Nm84 and unidentified species, and the three most abundant Nitrospira were Nitrospira defluvii, Nitrospira calida, and unidentified Nitrospira spp. in both raw sewage and cultivated activated sludge. The shared reads of raw sewage and activated sludge were 48.76% for AOB and 89.35% for Nitrospira. These indicated that nitrifiers, especially NOB, immigrated from influent can survive and propagate in wastewater systems, which may be a significant hinder to suppress NOB in the application of advanced nitrogen remove process based on partial nitrification in the mainstream.

New records of anisakid nematodes from marine fishes off New Caledonia, with descriptions of five new species of Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) (Nematoda, Anisakidae).

Recent examinations of anisakid nematodes (Anisakidae) from marine fishes off New Caledonia, collected in the years 2003–2008, revealed the presence of the following five new species of Raphidascaris Railliet et Henry, 1915, all belonging to the subgenus Ichthyascaris Wu, 1949: Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) spinicauda n. sp. from the redbelly yellowtail fusilier Caesio cuning (Caesionidae, Perciformes); Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) fasciati n. sp. from the blacktip grouper Epinephelus fasciatus (Serranidae, Perciformes); Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) nudicauda n. sp. from the brushtooth lizardfish Saurida undosquamis (Synodontidae, Aulopiformes); Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) euani n. sp. from the Japanese large-eye bream Gymnocranius euanus (Lethrinidae, Perciformes); and Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) elopsis n. sp. from the Hawaiian ladyfish Elops hawaiensis (Elopidae, Elopiformes). An additional two congeneric species, R. (I.) etelidis Moravec et Justine, 2012 and R. (I.) sillagoides (Bruce, 1990) were found in the deep-water red snapper Etelis carbunculus (new host record) and the deepwater longtail red snapper Etelis coruscans (both Lutjanidae, Perciformes), and the silver sillago Sillago sihama (Sillaginidae, Perciformes) (new host and geographical records), respectively. Two unidentified congeneric species, Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) sp. 1 from the trumpet emperor Lethrinus miniatus (Lethrinidae, Perciformes) and Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) sp. 2 from the white-spotted puffer Arothron hispidus (Tetraodontidae, Tetraodontiformes) were recorded. Moreover, two species of Hysterothylacium Ward et Magath, 1917, H. alatum Moravec et Justine, 2015 and H. epinepheli (Yamaguti, 1941), were found in the leopard coralgrouper Plectropomus leopardus (type host) and the highfin grouper Epinephelus maculatus (new host) (both Serranidae, Perciformes), respectively. This is the second finding of H. epinepheli since its original description in Japan 79 years ago. Most species are described based on light and electron microscopical studies.