Ultrastructure of the tegumental microvilli (microtriches) of Hymenolepis diminuta

Summary The ultrastructure of microtriches of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, was examined with a number of electron-microscopic techniques. Fixatives containing different buffers, non-ionic detergents, chelators, tannic acid and various concentrations of aldehydes were tested for ability to stabilize cytoskeletal components while extracting background material. These methods revealed features unique to these specialized microvilli, and permitted construction of a detailed model of microthrix architecture. The microtriches of H. diminuta are comprised of a microfilament-containing base, a dense cap and a complex junctional region between the base and cap. The microfilaments of the base are contiguous distally with a tubular structure (the junctional tubule) within the junctional region; proximally, the microfilaments end abruptly: a terminal web appears to be absent. A beveled bilayered cylinder of dense material (the core tunic) encircles the microfilamentous core. The core tunics and junctional tubules of the microtriches are specifically and uniformly aligned along the strobila. Microtriches therefore can be distinguished from other microvilli (e.g., those of enterocyte brush borders) by their complex ultrastructure and precise orientation upon the cytoplasmic surface.     

Comparative anatomy of the cheek muscles of Korean cobitid fishes (Ostariophysi: Cypriniformes), with the comments on their phylogenetic relationships

Cheek muscles of 16 species of all Korean cobitid species belong to six genera were examined and described in detail, with comments on their phylogenetic relationships made on the basis of characteristics of cheek muscles. Korean cobitids were divided into two groups, the Cobitis and Misgurnus groups, by five characters related to three cheek muscles (adductor mandibulae, preorbitalis, and retractor arcus palatine). The former group, comprising Cobitis, Iksookimia, Kichulchoia, Koreocobitis, and Niwaella, is defined by four apomorphies, and the latter, including Misgurnus, by a single apomorphy.     

Chaetotaxy of members of the Gyrodactylidae (Monogenea), with comments upon their systematic relationships with the Monopisthocotylea and Polyopisthocotylea

This study investigates intra- and inter-generic variation in the chaetotaxy pattern of members of the Gyrodactylidae and compares these data with those from other monogenean groups elucidated by other workers. The staining of surface sensillary structures has revealed areas of homology between the two genera Gyrodactylus and Ooegyrodactylus, which have markedly contrasting modes of reproduction. Although species specific maps have been elucidated for members of the genus Gyrodactylus, no evolutionary trends in their sensillary patterns could be determined. Members of the family Gyrodactylidae are shown to possess a cluster of 3 × 2 sensilla, similar in their size and arrangement to the post-ocular (spo) cluster of sensilla in polyopisthocotyleans, although on the opposite surface. A comparable cluster of sensilla is lacking in monopisthocotyleans. This information gathered from chaetotaxy supports the proposal that the order Gyrodactylidea is close to the polyopisthocotylean line of monogenean evolution.     

The evolution of the Proteocephalidea (Platyhelminthes,Eucestoda) based on an enlarged molecular phylogeny,with comments on their uterine development

We present a molecular phylogeny of the Proteocephalidea based on 28S rDNA sequence data that is a follow-up to the paper by Zehnder & Mariaux (1999). Twenty-three new sequences, including three outgroups are added in our new data-set. The Gangesiinae Mola, 1929 and the Acanthotaeniinae Freze, 1963 appear to be the most primitive clades. They are followed by a robust clade comprising the Palaearctic Proteocephalinae Mola, 1929 from freshwater fishes. The structure of the more derived clades, comprising most Neotropical and Nearctic species, is less resolved. At the nomenclatural level, we erect a new genus, Glanitaenia n. g. for G. osculata (Goeze, 1782) n. comb., previously Proteocephalus osculatus, and define an aggregate for the Palaearctic Proteocephalus Weinland, 1858. After a re-examination of all of the studied taxa, we identify two types of uterine development and show the importance of this character for the systematics of the order. Our phylogeny does not support the classical view of a Neotropical origin for the Proteocephalidea but rather favours an Old World origin of the group either in saurians or Palaearctic Siluriformes.     

Comparative anatomy of the superfamily Myliobatoidea (Chondrichthyes) with some comments on phylogeny

The anatomy of species belonging to the superfamily Myliobatoidea was examined with the aim of better determining their phylogenetic relationships. A wide variation among genera was observed in skeletal anatomy, despite the fact that they all share a common morphological pattern. However, variation among species of the same genus was low, excepting Mobula. Dorsal musculature showed a substantial consistency, except for the epiaxialis muscle, which was larger in rhinopterids and mobulids. Variation in the ventral muscles was low among species of the same genus, but considerable among different genera. Mobulids have a reduction in ventral muscles, while rhinopterids and myliobatoids show an increase in muscular mass. A consensus tree shows a basal split into two groups. The first includes the family Gymnuridae with the genera Gymnura and Aetoplatea; this group is supported by seven synapomorphies, including: 27(1) ceratobranchialis fused proximally, 36(1) anterior lateral processes present in the synarcual, 52(0) quadratomandibularis internal muscle present. The second group is composed of the family Myliobatidae (Myliobatis, Aetomylaeus, Aetobatus, Rhinoptera, Mobula, and Manta), this group is supported by 11 synapomorphies, including: 5(1) first postorbital process fused with the second, 21(1) fused mandibular symphysis, 24(1) first hypobranchial cartilage absent, 48(2) epiaxialis muscle inserted in the cranial orbital region, 73(1) pectoral fins joined behind the orbital region. This study concluded that myliobatoids (Myliobatis, Aetomylaeus, and Aetobatus) integrate a monophyletic group which, unlike other phylogenies previously obtained, is the sister group of rhinopterids (Rhinoptera). Mobulids (Mobula and Manta) are the sister group of myliobatoids-rhinopterids.     

Molecular systematic analysis of the order Proteocephalidea (Eucestoda) based on mitochondrial and nuclear rDNA sequences

Two ribosomal DNA sequences were used to infer phylogenetic relationships among the Eucestoda order Proteocephalidea. A 437 bp portion of the 16S mitochondrial and a 1149 bp 5' portion of the nuclear large sub-unit rRNA molecule were sequenced for 53 proteocephalidean cestodes (representing nine subfamilies and 22 genera) and for one outgroup species. Parsimony and distance-based analyses of the two databases, alone and combined, failed to support the monophyly of the two traditionally accepted families, of numerous subfamilies (with the exception of the Rudolphielliinae and Othinoscolescinae which were validated in our analysis) and of various genera, including the genus Nomimoscolex (Woodland), Ophiotaenia (La Rue) as well as the type genus Proteocephalus (Weinland). Palaearctic Proteocephalus species nevertheless constituted a well-defined clade. The two genes globally yielded compatible results; however, the nuclear ribosomal gene provided a better resolution of relations among Proteocephalidea.     

The Interatheriinae from the Late Oligocene of Mendoza (Argentina), with comments on some Deseadan Interatheriidae

This contribution discusses the interatheriids from Quebrada Fiera, a Late Oligocene locality in the south of Mendoza Province. In addition, the taxonomic status of the Deseadan interatheres Plagiarthrus clivus, Argyrohyrax proavus, Argyrohyrax proavunculus, ?Argyrohyrax acuticostatus, Progaleopithecus fissurelatus, Progaleopithecus tournoueri, and Notohyrax conicus is discussed. We recognise in Quebrada Fiera A. proavus and Progaleopithecus sp. A possible third taxon is represented by one specimen that shows a combination of features that do not permit accurate assignment. These new remains, in combination with a systematic study of Deseadan interatheres, allow for a better definition of each recognised taxon, extended diagnoses, and clarification of some long-standing taxonomic misconceptions. Indeed, the priority of A. proavus over P. clivus is established, and the latter is proposed as a nomen dubium. Associated deciduous and permanent dentition and some limb bones provide new data on the ontogenetic variation and postcranial morphology of Argyrohyrax. Phylogenetic analysis supports the taxonomic determinations and places A. proavus in a basal position with respect to Archaeophylus or Progaleopithecus. Documented fossil records of Argyrohyrax and Progaleopithecus in Mendoza extend the known range to middle latitudes in central west Argentina; these taxa expand the list of mammals from Quebrada Fiera with Patagonian affinities.     

Observations on the microtriches and stages in their development and emergence in Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Caryophyllidea: Cestoda)

Richards K.S. and Arme C. 1981. Observations on the microtriches and stages in their development and emergence in Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Caryophyllidea: Cestoda). International Journal for Parasitology11: 369–375. Fully developed microtriches of the posterior two-thirds of the body consist of three regions. The long, proximal shaft is ovoid in transverse section and has a peripheral electron-dense support and a central lucent core. The tapering, recurved, electron-dense spine lacks substructure and is ovoid at its base. The membrane-bound distal extension is in continuity with the proximal regions and its cytoplasm is coarsely granular. It is frequently observed in a reflexed position lying parallel to the shaft.In developing microtriches the ovoid spine lies parallel to the worm surface whereas the shaft support and core are perpendicular to the syncytial surface; the distal extension is not present. During microthrix emergence the spine comes to lie in an erect position above the apical membrane, then the shaft support and core begin to emerge and the distal extension develops.     

A preparative study of some coronands and their complexation of silver(I), zinc(II), cadmium(II) and lead(II)

A study of the complexation of heavy metal ions by the coronands 3,12,20,29-tetraoxa-35,36-diazapentacyclo[29.3.1.1.^14,18.0^5,10.0^22,27]-hexatriaconta-1(35),5(10),6,8,14,16,18(36),22(27),23,25,31,33-dodecaene (1); 2,3,11,12-bis (4^′-methylbenzo)-1,4,10,13-tetrathia-7,16-dioxacyclo-octadeca-2,11-diene (2); 7,16-diaza-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-2,3,11,12-dibenzocyclooctadeca-2,11-diene (3); 2-[19-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-7,8,9,10, 18,19,20,21-octahydro-6H,17H-dibenzo[b,k][1,4,10,13,7,16]tetraoxadiazacyclooctadecin-8-yl]-1-phenyl-1-ethanol (4); 1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclo-octadecane (5); and 2-[16-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclo-octadecanyl]-1-phenyl-1-ethanol (6) is described. Coronands 1 and 3 were prepared by literature methods, improved methods were used to prepare 2, and 4 and 6 were prepared from 3 and 5 (obtained commercially), respectively. Potentiometric studies in N,N-dimethylformamide yielded (logK/dm³ mol⁻¹)=5.50, 6.49, 9.42 and 7.52 for [Ag · 1]⁺, [Ag · 2]⁺, [Ag · 5]⁺ and [Ag · 6]⁺, respectively; <2, <2, 4.30 and <2 for [Zn · 1]²⁺, [Zn · 2]²⁺, [Zn · 5]²⁺ and [Zn · 6]²⁺, respectively, <2, <2, 5.92 and >7.52 for [Cd · 1]²⁺, [Cd · 2]²⁺, [Cd · 5]²⁺, and [Cd · 6]²⁺, respectively, and 2.62, 2.38, 6.71 and >7.52 for [Pb · 1]²⁺, [Pb · 2]²⁺, [Pb · 5]²⁺, and [Pb · 6]²⁺, respectively. ESI-MS studies of the interactions of 1-6 with Ag⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ are also reported.     

Helminth parasites of Madeiran rockpool fishes,with a redescription of Schikhobalotrema longivesiculatum Orecchia & Paggi, 1975 (Digenea: Haplosplanchnidae), and some comments on their zoogeographical relationships

Seven species of Madeiran rockpool fishes were examined for their helminth parasites. Only two of these harboured helminth parasites. The most frequently encountered parasite was the digenean Schikhobalotrema longivesiculatum Orecchia & Paggi, 1975 from Parablennius parvicornis; this species is redescribed and discussed. The paucity of the parasite fauna of Madeiran rockpool fishes and the zoogeographical relationships of the digenean fauna of Madeiran marine fishes are commented upon.     

Nomimoscolex semenasae n sp (proteocephalidea: Monticelliidae), a cestode parasite of Diplomystes viedmensis (Pisces: Siluriformes) from the Patagonian region of Argentina

Nomimoscolex semenasae n. sp. is described from the primitive fish Diplomystes viedmensis (Siluriformes) from the Patagonian region of Argentina. The new species is placed in Nomimoscolex because of the cortical position of the vitelline follicles, medullary position of the testes, ovary and uterus, and having a scolex with four uniloculate suckers. N. semenasae differs from all other species in the genus by the following combination of characters: (1) apical organ absent; (2) strobila acraspedote; (3) vagina anterior or posterior to cirrus-sac and lacking a sphincter; (4) testes in one irregular layer and in two fields connected anteriorly; (5) uterine stem cortical in immature proglottides, growing from cortical stem into medullary region in mature proglottides; (6) long uteroduct; and (7) presence of spiniform microtriches on all regions of the scolex, proliferation zone and immature proglottis. This is the first record of a proteocephalidean tapeworm in D. viedmensis and in the family Diplomystidae.