Molecular phylogeny of Pacific Archigregarines (Apicomplexa), including descriptions of Veloxidium leptosynaptae n. gen., n. sp., from the sea cucumber Leptosynapta clarki (Echinodermata), and two new species of Selenidium

Although archigregarines are poorly understood intestinal parasites of marine invertebrates, they are critical for understanding the earliest stages in the evolution of the Apicomplexa. Previous studies suggest that archigregarines are a paraphyletic stem group from which other lineages of gregarines, and possibly all other groups of apicomplexans, evolved. However, substantiating this inference is difficult because molecular phylogenetic data from archigregarines, in particular, and other gregarines, in general, are severely limited. In an attempt to help fill gaps in our knowledge of archigregarine diversity and phylogeny, we set out to discover and characterize novel lineages of archigregarines with high-resolution light and scanning electron microscopy and analyses of small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences derived from single-cell (SC) PCR techniques. Here, we describe two novel species of Selenidium, namely Selenidium idanthyrsae n. sp. and S. boccardiellae n. sp., and demonstrate the surface morphology and molecular phylogenetic position of the previously reported species S. cf. mesnili. We also describe a novel genus of archigregarine, Veloxidium leptosynaptae n. gen., n. sp., which branches with an environmental sequence and, together, forms the nearest sister lineage to a diverse clade of marine eugregarines (i.e. lecudinids and urosporids). This molecular phylogenetic result is consistent with the hypothesis that archigregarines are deeply paraphyletic within apicomplexans, and suggests that convergent evolution played an important role in shaping the diversity of eugregarine trophozoites.     

Molecular Phylogeny and Surface Morphology of Marine Archigregarines (Apicomplexa), Selenidium spp., Filipodium phascolosomae n. sp., and Platyproteum n. g. and comb. from North-Eastern Pacific Peanut Worms (Sipuncula)

ABSTRACT. The trophozoites of two novel archigregarines, Selenidium pisinnus n. sp. and Filipodium phascolosomae n. sp., were described from the sipunculid Phascolosoma agassizii . The trophozoites of S. pisinnus n. sp. were relatively small (64–100 μm long and 9–25 μm wide), had rounded ends, and had about 21 epicytic folds per side. The trophozoites of F. phascolosomae n. sp. were highly irregular in shape and possessed hair-like surface projections. The trophozoites of this species were 85–142 μm long and 40–72 μm wide and possessed a distinct longitudinal ridge that extended from the mucron to the posterior end of the cell. In addition to the small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences of these two species, we also characterized the surface morphology and SSU rDNA sequence of Selenidium orientale , isolated from the sipunculid Themiste pyroides . Molecular phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that S. pisinnus n. sp. and S. orientale formed a strongly supported clade within other Selenidium and archigregarine-like environmental sequences. Filipodium phascolosomae n. sp. formed the nearest sister lineage to the dynamic, tape-like gregarine Selenidium vivax . Overall, these data enabled us to reassess the molecular systematics of archigregarines within sipunculid hosts and make the following revisions: (1) Filipodium was transferred from the Lecudinidae (eugregarines) to the Selenidiidae (archigregarines), and (2) Platyproteum n. g. was established for Platyproteum vivax n. comb. (ex. S. vivax ) in order to account for the highly divergent morphological features and better resolved phylogenetic position of this lineage.     

Molecular phylogeny and surface morphology of marine aseptate gregarines (Apicomplexa): Selenidium spp. and Lecudina spp

Many aseptate gregarines from marine invertebrate hosts are thought to have retained several plesiomorphic characteristics and are instrumental in understanding the early evolution of intracellular parasitism in apicomplexans and the phylogenetic position of cryptosporidians. We sequenced the small-subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA genes from 2 archigregarines, Selenidium terebellae and Selenidium vivax, and 2 morphotypes of the marine eugregarine Lecudina polymorpha. We also used scanning electron microscopy to investigate the surface morphology of trophozoites from Lecudina tuzetae, Monocystis agilis, the 2 species of Selenidium, and the 2 morphotypes of L. polymorpha. The SSU ribosomal DNA sequences from S. vivax and L. polymorpha had long branch lengths characteristic of other gregarine sequences. However, the sequence from S. terebellae was not exceptionally divergent and consistently emerged as 1 of the earliest 'true' gregarines in phylogenetic analyses. Statistical support for the sister relationship between Cryptosporidium spp. and gregarines was significantly bolstered in analyses including the sequence from S. terebellae but excluding the longest branches in the alignment. Eugregarines formed a monophyletic group with the neogregarine Ophryocystis, suggesting that trophozoites with elaborate cortex folds and gliding motility evolved only once. The trophozoites from the 2 species of Selenidium shared novel transverse striations but differed from one another in overall cell morphologies and writhing behavior.     

The Fine Structure of the Gregarine Pyxinoides balani Parasitic in the Barnacle Balanus tintinnabulum*†

SYNOPSIS. The fine structure of the eugregarine Pyxinoides balani was studied and compared with that of other gregarines previously examined with the electron microscope. P. balani contains cell organelles comparable to those in the archigregarine Selenidium hollandei. These include mitochondria, Golgi complexes, granular and agranular endoplasmic reticulum, membrane-limited granules, vacuoles and myonemes. A comparison of the distribution and fine structure of these organelles with those of the above archigregarine was made. The possible function of the Golgi complex in assisting in producing the transverse septum is suggested. The surface of P. balani is composed of a surface-membrane complex different from that of S. hollandei, and similar to those of the eugregarines previously studied. The complex is composed of an outer plasmalemma, subjacent pentalaminar layer, and underlying, homogeneous, electron-dense layer. The pentalaminar layer is 140–170 Å thick and has a structure reminiscent of fused cell membranes seen in tight junctions, myelin figures and nerve myelin. The pentalaminar layer is derived from subsurface cisternae found in sporozoites. The underlying, homogeneous, electron-dense layer is 450–500 Å thick. Pores and caveolae are found as specializations of the pentalaminar and homogeneous electron-dense layers. Endoplasmic reticulum is closely associated with the caveolae. The location of the pentalaminar layer at the surface and the presence of pores and caveolae in its structure suggests some transport and/or segregation function.     

Observations Biologiques et Ultrastructurales sur les Selenidiidae et Leurs Conséquences sur la Systématique des Grégarinomorphes

SYNOPSIS. The taxonomic position of Selenidiidae Brasil in the class of gregarines is discussed in relation to the study of its life cycles, its possible schizogony and the fine structure of its trophozoites. The cycle of gregarines which belong to the genus Selenidium Giard is characterized by trophozoites with pendular or coiling movements, nuclear transformations in gamonts during syzygy just before cyst formation, anisogamy, sporocysts with 4 sporozoites. Schizogony of the Selenidiidae is not yet demonstrated. The “kystes á meérozoites” within the gut epithelium of Sabellaria alveolata, could be one of the stages of schizogony of S. hollandei. This sole example in our study and the absence of schizogony in numerous species, especially in S. pendula, the type species, shows that this criterion is uncertain, actually, in the definition of the order Archigregarinida Grassé. Ultrastructural studies of S. hollandei and S. pendula show that the cortical region in trophozoites of the genus Selenidium is different from that of Eugregarinida. In the Selenidiidae the epicyte is composed of longitudinal folds. Under the wall, consisting of 3 membranes there is a well-defined pellicular fibrillar system. In S. hollandei, the trophozoite has a fibrillar formation, corresponding to a conoid in its anterior region. The trophozoites of S. hollandei and S. pendula contain anterior dense bodies or rhoptries which are very well developed. All these characteristics conform to the ultrastructural organization of the dissemination forms (merozoites, schizozoites, sporozoites): The results allow one to give a new definition of the Order Archigregarinida: Order Archigregarinida (Grassé): Gregarines with ultrastructural organization of the trophozoites similar to that of dissemination forms. Presence of a well defined pellicular fibrillar system. Intestinal parasites of polychaete worms.     

Molecular phylogeny and ultrastructure of Selenidium serpulae (Apicomplexa, Archigregarinia) from the calcareous tubeworm Serpula vermicularis (Annelida, Polychaeta, Sabellida)

Archigregarines are dynamic single‐celled parasites that inhabit the intestinal systems of marine invertebrates, especially suspension feeding and deposit feeding polychaetes. Certain archigregarines in the genus Selenidium have retained several plesiomorphic characters, and improved knowledge of these species is expected to shed considerable light onto the earliest stages in apicomplexan evolution. Although archigregarines are related to some of the most notorious parasites known (e.g., Cryptosporidium and Plasmodium), current knowledge of the group is meagre. In an attempt to improve our understanding of archigregarine diversity and evolution, I have characterised the general ultrastructure and molecular phylogenetic position of Selenidium serpulae (Lankester) Caullery and Mesnil. The parasites were isolated from the intestines of the calcareous tubeworm Serpula vermicularis (Polychaeta) collected in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The trophozoites (extracellular feeding stages) were spindle‐shaped and capable of slow and continuous bending, and coiling, especially when dislodged from the host epithelium. The trophozoite surface was composed of 19–23 longitudinal folds, prominent transverse folds and a robust, trilayered pellicle subtended by a single row of microtubules, each surrounded by an electron transparent sheath. Putative mitochondria were observed, but they were inconspicuous and apparently highly reduced, a condition that is indicative of anaerobic metabolism. The small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequence from S. serpulae was very closely related to two (short) sequences derived from an environmental PCR survey of an oxygen‐depleted hydrothermal vent system in the Gulf of California, namely C1‐E017 (AY046619) and C2‐E016 (AY046806). This result suggested that archigregarines with a morphology and lifecycle much like that in S. serpulae are thriving in this oxygen poor ecosystem. In addition, phylogenetic analyses of a larger SSU rDNA dataset (excluding the shorter environmental sequences) indicated that the nearest sister lineage to S. serpulae was S. vivax, a bizarre tape‐like gregarine found in the intestines of sipunculids. This relationship was bolstered by comparative ultrastructural data and helped to illustrate that the diversification and biogeographical distribution of archigregarine parasites is probably more extensive than usually assumed.     

Taxonomy of the Archigregarinorida and Selenidiidae (Protozoa,Apicomplexa)*

SYNOPSIS. The gregarine order Archigregarinorida is redefined. The new family Selenidioididae is established in it, containing the genera Selenidioides n. g. with 11 species, Meroselenidium with 1 and Merogregarina with 1. The new family Exoschizonidae is also established in it, with 1 genus, Exoschizon, containing 1 species. The family Selenidiidae is transferred to the order Eugregarinorida in a new superfamily, Lecudinicae, and redefined to exclude the presence of merogony. As redefined, the family Selenidiidae contains the genera Selenidium with 33 species, Selenocystis with 1 and Ditrypanocystis with 2. The following new species are named: Selenidioides fanthami, S. hawesi, Selenidium mackinnonae, S. martinensis, S. rayi, Ditrypanocystis coxi. The following new combinations are introduced: Selenidioides axiferens, S. caulleryi, S. giganteum, S. hollandei, S. intraepitheliale, S. mesnili, S. metchnikovi, S. potamillae, S. sipunculi, Selenidium synaptae. In addition, the septate form from Cirratulus cirratus that was named Polyrhabdina cirratulus by Bogolepova (2) is renamed P. bogolepovae n. sp.     

Molecular Phylogeny of Marine Gregarine Parasites (Apicomplexa) from Tube‐forming Polychaetes (Sabellariidae,Cirratulidae, and Serpulidae), Including Descriptions of Two New Species of Selenidium

Selenidium is a genus of gregarine parasites that infect the intestines of marine invertebrates and have morphological, ecological, and motility traits inferred to reflect the early evolutionary history of apicomplexans. Because the overall diversity and phylogenetic position(s) of these species remain poorly understood, we performed a species discovery survey of Selenidium from tube‐forming polychaetes. This survey uncovered five different morphotypes of trophozoites (feeding stages) living within the intestines of three different polychaete hosts. We acquired small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences from single‐cell (trophozoite) isolates, representing all five morphotypes that were also imaged with light and scanning electron microscopy. The combination of molecular, ecological, and morphological data provided evidence for four novel species of Selenidium, two of which were established in this study: Selenidium neosabellariae n. sp. and Selenidium sensimae n. sp. The trophozoites of these species differed from one another in the overall shape of the cell, the specific shape of the posterior end, the number and form of longitudinal striations, the presence/absence of transverse striations, and the position and shape of the nucleus. A fifth morphotype of Selenidium, isolated from the tube worm Dodecaceria concharum, was inferred to have been previously described as Selenidium cf. echinatum, based on general trophozoite morphology and host association. Phylogenetic analyses of the SSU rDNA sequences resulted in a robust clade of Selenidium species collected from tube‐forming polychaetes, consisting of the two new species, the two additional morphotypes, S. cf. echinatum, and four previously described species (Selenidium serpulae, Selenidium boccardiellae, Selenidium idanthyrsae, and Selenidium cf. mesnili). Genetic distances between the SSU rDNA sequences in this clade distinguished closely related and potential cryptic species of Selenidium that were otherwise very similar in trophozoite morphology.     

中国云南吸虱昆虫物种多样性及群落结构研究(英文)

在对云南省9个县(市)抽样调查的基础上,本文对境内小型哺乳动物(小兽)体表吸虱昆虫物种多样性及群落结构进行了研究。物种多样性用物种丰富度表示,多样性指数及均匀度计算采用Shannon-Wiener方法。所捕获的2745只小兽经分类鉴定隶属啮齿目、食虫目、攀目、兔形目和食肉目5个目中的10科、25属、41种。从各种小兽宿主体表共采集到吸虱昆虫18165只,经分类鉴定隶属4科、6属、22种,其种类明显少于宿主种类。几乎每种小兽宿主体表都有固定的吸虱种类寄生,但吸虱种类数很少(1-4种)。动物分类上接近的宿主,其体表的优势吸虱种类基本相同。研究结果表明,小型哺乳动物体表吸虱昆虫的物种多样性很低,群落结构十分简单。研究同时提示,吸虱昆虫与小兽宿主之间可能存在高度一致的协同进化关系。     

SPECIES DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF SUCKING LICE IN YUNNAN, CHINA

Abstract  On the basis of investigating 9 counties (towns) in Yunnan Province of China, the species diversity and community structure of sucking lice on the body surface of small mammal hosts are studied in the paper. Species richness ( S ) is used to stand for the species diversity. The calculation of community diversity index and evenness are based on Shannon-Wiener's method. 2 745 small mammals captured from the investigated sites belong to 10 families, 25 genera and 41 species in 5 orders (Rodentia, Insectivora, Scandentia, Logomorpha and Carnivora) while 18165 individuals of sucking lice collected from the body surface of the small mammal hosts are identified into 4 families, 6 genera and 22 species. The species of sucking lice are much less than the species of their hosts. Most species of small mammals have their fixed sucking lice on their body surface. One species of small mammals usually have few species of sucking lice (1 to 4 species). The close species of the hosts in the taxonomy are found to have the same or similar dominant species of sucking lice on their body surface. The results reveal that the species diversity of sucking lice on small mammals is very low with a very simple community structure. The results also imply there may be a close co-evolution relationship between the lice and the hosts.     

Flies and concealed nectar sources: morphological innovations in the proboscis of Bombyliidae (Diptera)

Bee-flies (Bombyliidae) have morphological adaptations of the mouthparts to particular floral traits. To investigate this the short, plesiomorphic proboscis of Hemipenthes morio was compared with the long, apomorphic proboscis of Bombylius major . A novel feeding position enables B. major to use flowers that open to the side as additional nectar sources. The new horizontal feeding position is enabled by the prolonged ventral base of the proboscis. Bombylius major exploits deep corolla tubes with an elongate proboscis, and an increased efficiency in both the suction pumps and the sealing mechanisms of the proboscis. The exploitation of narrow corolla tubes is made possible by the shift from a sponging feeding mode, exhibited by H. morio , to the exclusively sucking mode in B. major . Besides quantitative changes in the proportions of the different proboscis components, labellar movements as well as the structures of saliva distribution are changed along with this shift. The labial musculature of B. major does not significantly differ from the plesiomorphic state, since both examined species do not only feed on nectar, but also on pollen.     

Tinamutrema canoae n. gen. et n. sp. (Trematoda: Digenea: Strigeiformes: Brachylaimidae) in Crypturellus cinnamomeus (Aves, Passeriformes, Tinamidae) from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica

We propose Tinamutrema as a new genus for Brachylaima centrodes (Braun, 1901) Dollfus, 1935 and for T. canoae, as a new species inhabiting tinamus in the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Specimens from Costa Rica resemble B. centrodes in having an elongate body, pretesticular genital pore and terminal genitalia, intercecal uterine loops occupying all available space between the anterior testis and the intestinal bifurcation, an oral sucker width:pharynx width ratio of approximately 1:0.55, an oral sucker:ventral sucker width ratio of approximately 1:1, and vitelline follicles extending into the forebody closer to the pharynx than to the anterior margin of the ventral sucker and by living in the cloaca. They differ from B. centrodes in having vitelline follicles that do not extend as far anteriorly as those in B. centrodes, which extend anteriorly to the level of the anteriormost extent of the cecal "shoulders," dense tegumental spination as opposed to sparse or no spination, relatively smaller cirrus with fewer spines, longer and more sinous pars prostatica, and forebody averaging 36% of total body length (TBL) as opposed to 42% TBL. Both species differ from other members of the Brachylaimidae in possessing a spinose cirrus and a cirrus sac containing both the cirrus and the pars prostatica. Preliminary phylogenetic assessment suggests that these traits are plesiomorphic, and thus the species are basal to the rest of the Brachylaimidae, whose diagnosis we emend accordingly.     

Phylogeny of the snailfishes (Teleostei: Liparidae) based on molecular and morphological data

Liparidae (snailfishes) is one of the most diverse and abundant fish families in polar and deep-sea habitats. However, the evolution of this family is poorly known because of the rarity of many species and difficulties in scoring morphological characters. We perform phylogenetic analyses of Liparidae using sequences from two mtDNA genes, 16S (585 bp) and cytochrome b (426 bp), and 84 morphological characters from 24 species of Liparidae and 4 species of Cyclopteridae (outgroup). The present study confirms earlier hypotheses that the shallow-water genera, such as Liparis and Crystallichthys, occupy basal positions and that deep-water genera, such as Careproctus, Elassodiscus, Rhinoliparis, Paraliparis, Rhodichthys and Psednos, are increasingly derived. The later two genera form a terminal clade which does not include Paraliparis. The topology shows that the family has undergone a reductive type of evolution, with a gradual loss of characters (e.g. sucking disc/pelvic fins, pseudobranchial filaments, skin spinules). Nectoliparis, which had previously been placed either as the basal most genus or among the most derived genera, are found to occupy the most basal position among the taxa analyzed. This result indicates that the sucking disc has been lost at least twice during the evolution of the Liparidae. The basal position of Nectoliparis is supported by its plesiomorphic otolith morphology, whereas an advanced overgrown otolith ostium, unique among teleosts, is found to be apomorphic for a clade containing the derived genera: Paraliparis, Psednos, Rhinoliparis and Rhodichthys. We also identify the presence of probable nuclear inserts of mitochondrial DNA (Numts) in three species of Careproctus and in Elassodiscus caudatus.     

Cellular identity of a novel small subunit rDNA sequence clade of apicomplexans: description of the marine parasite Rhytidocystis polygordiae n. sp. (host: Polygordius sp., Polychaeta)

A new species of Rhytidocystis (Apicomplexa) is characterized from North American waters of the Atlantic Ocean using electron microscopy and phylogenetic analyses of small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences. Rhytidocystis polygordiae n. sp. is a parasite of the polychaete Polygordius sp. and becomes the fourth described species within this genus. The trophozoites of R. polygordiae were relatively small oblong cells (L=35-55 microm; W=20-25 microm) and distinctive in possessing subterminal indentations at both ends of the cell. The surface of the trophozoites had six to eight longitudinal series of small transverse folds and several micropores arranged in short linear rows. The trophozoites of R. polygordiae were positioned beneath the brush border of the intestinal epithelium but appeared to reside between the epithelial cells within the extracellular matrix rather than within the cells. The trophozoites possessed a uniform distribution of paraglycogen granules, putative apicoplasts, mitochondria with tubular cristae, and a centrally positioned nucleus. The trophozoites were non-motile and lacked a mucron and an apical complex. Intracellular sporozoites of R. polygordiae had a conoid, a few rhoptries, micronemes, dense granules, and a posteriorly positioned nucleus. Phylogenies inferred from SSU rDNA sequences demonstrated a close relationship between R. polygordiae and the poorly known parasite reported from the hemolymph of the giant clam Tridacna crocea. The rhytidocystid clade diverged early in the apicomplexan radiation and showed a weak affinity to a clade consisting of cryptosporidian parasites, monocystids, and neogregarines.     

Molecular Phylogenetic Relatedness of Frenkelia spp. (Protozoa,Apicomplexa) to Sarcocystis falcatula Stiles 1893: Is the Genus Sarcocystis Paraphyletic?

ABSTRACT The coccidians Frenkelia microti and F. glareoli (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) form tissue cysts in the brain of small rodents (intermediate hosts) while oocysts are formed in the intestine of final hosts, buzzards of the genus Buteo. The inclusion of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences (SSU rRNA) of both Frenkelia species into the SSU rRNA trees of other, tissue cyst-forming coccidia strongly supports paraphyly of the genus Sarcocystis. Frenkelia spp. exhibit close relatedness to Sarcocystis falcatula Stiles 1893, a bird-opossum parasite, recognized under its junior synonym S. neurona Dubey et al. 1991, as the causative agent of equine protozoan myeloencephalitis on the American continent. As the definition of the genus Frenkelia is based on a plesiomorphic character (affinity to the neural tissue) of supposedly low phylogenetic value, the synonymization of the genus Frenkelia with Sarcocystis is proposed. This renders the genus Sarcocystis monophyletic.     

Breeding system of a plesiomorphic floral type: an investigation of small flowered Streptocarpus (Gesneriaceae) species

Six different floral morphologies can be found among the ca. 146 species of Streptocarpus occurring in Africa and Madagascar. One of these, a simple, small pouch type, was found to be plesiomorphic for the genus after mapping these floral types onto a molecular phylogeny. The breeding systems and population structure of three species possessing the plesiomorphic small floral morphology, S. micranthus, S. ibityensis and S. lanatus, have been investigated using nuclear microsatellite markers. Significant deviations from panmixia were found both at the between and within population level (S. micranthus θ = 0.708, f = 0.786; S. ibityensis, θ = 0.173, f = 0.138; S. lanatus, θ=0.539, f = 0.646). As a florally diverse genus, Streptocarpus is unusual in having a predominantly selfing, mixed mating breeding system as a plesiomorphic condition.     

Eugregarine trophozoite detachment from the host epithelium via epimerite retraction: Fiction or fact?

Eugregarines represent a diverse group of Apicomplexa parasitising numerous invertebrates. Their sporozoites generally develop into epicellular trophozoites attached to the host epithelium by a specialised attachment organelle known as an epimerite. They are considered peculiar protists due to their unique cell architecture and dimensions as well as their attachment strategy which is similar to that of cryptosporidia. Using electron and fluorescence microscopy, the fine structure of the epimerite with associated structures and the mechanism of trophozoite detachment from the host epithelium were studied in Gregarina polymorpha parasitising the intestine of Tenebrio molitor larvae. The epimerite appears to be a very dynamic structure whose shape dramatically changes depending on whether or not it is embedded into the host epithelium. The trophozoite’s most fragile zone is the area below the membrane fusion site at the epimerite base. The epimerite plasma membrane forms basal radial ribs which are involved in increasing its surface and strengthening the epimerite-host cell junction. FITC-phalloidin labelling demonstrated the presence of filamentous actin in trophozoites along with its accumulation at the epimerite base and in the apical end of the protomerite, as well as a patch accumulation of filamentous actin in the protomerite of maturing and mature trophozoites. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed the presence of myosin in the cortical zone of the epimerite and in the membrane fusion site area. The data obtained strongly suggest that these structures could facilitate the detachment of a mature trophozoite from the host epithelium. Supported by data presented herein and our previous observations, we propose a new hypothesis on the mechanism of trophozoite detachment from the host epithelium based on epimerite retraction into the protomerite. This is contrary to the commonly accepted hypothesis describing gradual epimerite constriction and subsequent separation facilitated by contractility of the membrane fusion site (osmiophilic ring).     

基部被子植物雪香兰（金粟兰科）单性花的形态发生和发育

基部被子植物金粟兰科（Chloranthaceae）的单性花或两性花结构十分简单,雪香兰（Hedyosmum orientale）花单性、雌雄异株,花的形态及结构与其它属物种具有显著的差异,对于研究被子植物花特别是花被的起源和系统进化具有重要意义。该研究采用电子显微镜和光学显微镜观察了雪香兰单性花的器官发生及发育过程。结果表明,雌、雄花均为顶生和腋生,多个小花呈聚伞圆锥状排列。雄花外侧是苞片,每朵雄花上着生150–200个雄蕊,花轴基部着生少数退化的叶原体。苞片原基及其腋生的花原基最初呈圆丘状,随后伸长。在雄花发育过程中,苞片原基比雄蕊原基生长快,雄花原基纵向伸长,叶原体原基在基部发生,雄蕊原基自下而上发生。每2朵雌花底部合生形成小聚伞花序,每朵雌花被一苞叶包裹,由单心皮和三棱型子房构成,外覆三裂叶状花被。在雌花发育过程中,雌花原基比苞片原基生长快,花被原基首先于花顶端发生,随后花顶端中心凹陷,进一步发育成具有单心皮的子房原基。雪香兰的单性花发育不经过两性同体阶段,花分生组织只起始雄蕊器官或雌蕊器官的发育。研究结果支持雪香兰单性花是原始性状的观点,雄花叶原体与雌花三裂叶状花被同源,可能是花被（萼片与花瓣）的起源。     

Rhabdospora thelohani Laguessé, 1895 (Apicomplexa): new host and geographic records with taxonomic considerations.

New fish species and geographic records for Rhabdospora thelohani Laguessé, 1895 (rodlet cells) are presented. Additionally, the ultrastructure of R. thelohani in Alburnoides bipunctatus ohridanus Karaman, Borostomias antarcticus (L?nnberg), Leuciscus cephalus albus Bonaparte and Rutilus rubilio (Bonaparte) is compared with that reported by other authors and with members of Subphylum Apicomplexa. The ultrastructure of R. thelohani was similar in all the fish species examined; however, the organism was not present in all members of any single species and had intertissue density variations. Rhabdospora thelohani is pyriform, averaging in size 7 X 12 micrometer, with a basal nucleus. The surface complex is composed of a layer (0.5 micrometer diameter) formed by microfilaments (9.3 nm) and an outer trilaminar membrane (9.3 nm). The cytoplasm contains structures identical to rhoptries, micronemes and subpellicular microtubules. Mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and rough endoplasmic reticulum were not observed, althouth free ribosomes were present and arranged in a vesicular pattern. The observations suggest that the organism moves between cell of epithelial layers and is either released into a lumen intact or passively or actively discharges its contents into a lumen. Results from this study indicate that R. thelohani should be considered a member of Apicomplexa unless definitive evidence is presented to the contrary.     

Phylogenetic position of the adeleorinid coccidia (Myzozoa, Apicomplexa, Coccidia, Eucoccidiorida, Adeleorina) inferred using 18S rDNA sequences

Investigating the evolutionary relationships of the major groups of Apicomplexa remains an important area of study. Morphological features and host-parasite relationships continue to be important in the systematics of the adeleorinid coccidia (suborder Adeleorina), but the systematics of these parasites have not been well-supported or have been constrained by data that were lacking or difficult to interpret. Previous phylogenetic studies of the Adeleorina have been based on morphological and developmental characters of several well-described species or based on nuclear 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences from taxa of limited taxonomic diversity. Twelve new 18S rDNA sequences from adeleorinid coccidia were combined with published sequences to study the molecular phylogeny of taxa within the Adeleorina and to investigate the evolutionary relationships of adeleorinid parasites within the Apicomplexa. Three phylogenetic methods supported strongly that the suborder Adeleorina formed a monophyletic clade within the Apicomplexa. Most widely recognized families within the Adeleorina were hypothesized to be monophyletic in all analyses, although the single Hemolivia species included in the analyses was the sister taxon to a Hepatozoon sp. within a larger clade that contained all other Hepatozoon spp. making the family Hepatozoidae paraphyletic. There was an apparent relationship between the various clades generated by the analyses and the definitive (invertebrate) host parasitized and, to lesser extent, the type of intermediate (vertebrate) host exploited by the adeleorinid parasites. We conclude that additional taxon sampling and use of other genetic markers apart from 18S rDNA will be required to better resolve relationships among these parasites.