A new species of Chaetaglaea (Lepidoptera,Noctuidae, Noctuinae,Xylenini), from eastern North America

Chaetaglaea tremula (Harvey) occurs through the Gulf States, from southern Florida, west to eastern Texas. Coastal populations, previously referred to Chaetaglaea tremula occurring from the Carolinas, at least as far north as Massachusetts and shoreline dunes in southwestern Ontario are recognized as distinct and described here as Chaetaglaea rhonda. Adults and genitalia are illustrated for Chaetaglaea rhonda and Chaetaglaea tremula.     

Genetic studies to re-affiliate Edwardsiella tarda fish isolates to Edwardsiella piscicida and Edwardsiella anguillarum species

Until 2012, the genus Edwardsiella was composed by three species Edwardsiella tarda, Edwardsiella hoshinae and Edwardsiella ictaluri. In 2013, Edwardsiella piscicida, compiling fish pathogenic strains previously identified as E. tarda was described, and more recently a new species isolated from diseased eel was reported, namely Edwardsiella anguillarum.The incorporation of these species into the genus makes necessary a revision of the taxonomic position of the isolates previously identified as E. tarda. Using AFLP technique, MLSA studies and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization, 46 of 49 E. tarda isolates were re-assigned as E. piscicida and 2 as E. anguillarum, whereas it was confirmed previous classification of the Edwardsiella types and reference strains used. The study of the taxonomic resolution of the genes 16S rRNA, adk, atpD, dnaJ, glnA, hsp60, tuf as well as the possible combinations among housekeeping genes, showed that the gene dnaJ was the more resolutive. In conclusion, the use of molecular techniques is necessary to accurately identify Edwardsiella isolates, especially when differentiating new species from E. tarda.     

Identification and absolute configuration of dihydroxy-arachidonic acids formed by oxygenation of 5S-HETE by native and aspirin-acetylated COX-2

Biosynthesis of the prostaglandin endoperoxide by the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes is accompanied by formation of a small amount of 11R-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 15R-HETE, and 15S-HETE as by-products. Acetylation of COX-2 by aspirin abrogates prostaglandin synthesis and triggers formation of 15R-HETE as the sole product of oxygenation of arachidonic acid. Here, we investigated the formation of by-products of the transformation of 5S-HETE by native COX-2 and by aspirin-acetylated COX-2 using HPLC-ultraviolet, GC-MS, and LC-MS analysis. 5S,15S- dihydroxy (di)HETE, 5S,15R-diHETE, and 5S,11R-diHETE were identified as by-products of native COX-2, in addition to the previously described di-endoperoxide (5S,15S-dihydroxy-9S,11R,8S,12S-diperoxy-6E,13E-eicosadienoic acid) as the major oxygenation product. 5S,15R-diHETE was the only product formed by aspirin-acetylated COX-2. Both 5,15-diHETE and 5,11-diHETE were detected in CT26 mouse colon carcinoma cells as well as in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 cells incubated with 5S-HETE, and their formation was attenuated in the presence of the COX-2 specific inhibitor, NS-398. Aspirin-treated CT26 cells gave 5,15-diHETE as the most prominent product formed from 5S-HETE. 5S,15S-diHETE has been described as a product of the cross-over of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and 15-LOX activities in elicited rat mononuclear cells and human leukocytes, and our studies implicate cross-over of the 5-LOX and COX-2 pathways as an additional biosynthetic route.     

Isolation and identification of entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria from Hérault and Gard (Southern France)

Isolation and identification of native nematode-bacterial associations in the field are necessary for successful control of endemic pests in a particular location. No study has yet been undertaken to recover and identify EPN in metropolitan France. In the present paper, we provide results of a survey of EPN and their symbiotic bacteria conducted in Hérault and Gard regions in Southern France. Molecular characterization of isolated nematodes depicted three different Steinernema species and one Heterorhabditis species, H. bacteriophora. Steinernema species recovered were identified as: S. feltiae and S. affine and an undescribed species. Xenorhabdus symbionts were identified as X. bovienii for both S. feltiae and S. affine. Phylogenetic analysis placed the new undescribed Steinernema sp. as closely related to S. arenarium but divergent enough to postulate that it belongs to a new species within the “glaseri-group”. The Xenorhabdus symbiont from this Steinernema sp. was identified as X. kozodoii. All Heterorhabditis isolates recovered were diagnosed as H. bacteriophora and their bacterial symbionts were identified as Photorhabdus luminescens. Molecular characterization of these nematodes enabled the distinction of two different H. bacteriophora strains. Bacterial symbiontic strains of these two H. bacteriophora strains were identified as P. luminescens ssp. kayaii and P. luminescens ssp. laumondii.     

Characterization of the dominant microflora in naturally fermented camel milk shubat

This study aimed to characterize the dominant microflora in shubat, a special fermented product prepared from unheated two-humped camel milk. In the seven investigated samples of shubat, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts were the dominant microorganisms with the number ranging from log 6.8 to 7.6 cfu/ml and from log 4.3 to 4.7 cfu/ml, respectively. Using phenotypic and molecular methods, a total of 48 LAB isolates were identified as Lactobacillus sakei, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus helveticus, Leuconstoc lactis, Enterococcus feacalis, Lactobacillus brevis and Weissella hellenica, whereas 15 yeast isolates were identified as Kluyveromyces marxianus, Kazahstan uiosporus, and Candida ethanolica. Results showed also that Lactobacillus and Enterococcus as well as Kluyveromyces were the predominant genera, with the most frequently isolated species being Lactobacillus sakei and Enterococcus faecium as well as Kluyveromyces maxius, respectively. This is the first report on the characterization of dominant microflora of shubat in China.     

Secondary metabolites from Eurotium species, Aspergillus calidoustus and A. insuetus common in Canadian homes with a review of their chemistry and biological activities

As part of studies of metabolites from fungi common in the built environment in Canadian homes, we investigated metabolites from strains of three Eurotium species, namely E. herbariorum, E. amstelodami, and E. rubrum as well as a number of isolates provisionally identified as Aspergillus ustus. The latter have been recently assigned as the new species A. insuetus and A. calidoustus. E. amstelodami produced neoechinulin A and neoechinulin B, epiheveadride, flavoglaucin, auroglaucin, and isotetrahydroauroglaucin as major metabolites. Minor metabolites included echinulin, preechinulin and neoechinulin E. E. rubrum produced all of these metabolites, but epiheveadride was detected as a minor metabolite. E. herbariorum produced cladosporin as a major metabolite, in addition to those found in E. amstelodami. This species also produced questin and neoechinulin E as minor metabolites. This is the first report of epiheveadride occurring as a natural product, and the first nonadride isolated from Eurotium species. Unlike strains from mainly infection-related samples, largely from Europe, neither ophiobolins G and H nor austins were detected in the Canadian strains of A. insuetus and A. calidoustus tested, all of which had been reported from the latter species. TMC-120 A, B, C and a sesquiterpene drimane are reported with certainty for the first time from indoor isolates, as well as two novel related methyl isoquinoline alkaloids.     

Effects of Plasmodium gallinaceum on hemolymph physiology of Aedes aegypti during parasite development

Insect disease vectors show diminished fecundity when infected with Plasmodium. This phenomenon has already been demonstrated in laboratory models such as Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi. This study demonstrates several changes in physiological processes of A. aegypti occurring upon infection with Plasmodium gallinaceum, such as reduced ecdysteroid levels in hemolymph as well as altered expression patterns for genes involved in vitellogenesis, lipid transport and immune response. Furthermore, we could show that P. gallinaceum infected A. aegypti presented a reduction in reproductive fitness, accompanied by an activated innate immune response and increase in lipophorin expression, with the latter possibly representing a nutritional resource for Plasmodium sporozoites.     

Identification of a Bifunctional Maize C- and O-Glucosyltransferase

Flavonoids accumulate in plant vacuoles usually as O-glycosylated derivatives, but several species can also synthesize flavonoid C-glycosides. Recently, we demonstrated that a flavanone 2-hydroxylase (ZmF2H1, CYP93G5) converts flavanones to the corresponding 2-hydroxy derivatives, which are expected to serve as substrates for C-glycosylation. Here, we isolated a cDNA encoding a UDP-dependent glycosyltransferase (UGT708A6), and its activity was characterized by in vitro and in vivo bioconversion assays. In vitro assays using 2-hydroxyflavanones as substrates and in vivo activity assays in yeast co-expressing ZmF2H1 and UGT708A6 show the formation of the flavones C-glycosides. UGT708A6 can also O-glycosylate flavanones in bioconversion assays in Escherichia coli as well as by in vitro assays with the purified recombinant protein. Thus, UGT708A6 is a bifunctional glycosyltransferase that can produce both C- and O-glycosidated flavonoids, a property not previously described for any other glycosyltransferase.     

The response of phytoplankton community to anthropogenic pressure gradient in the coastal waters of the eastern Adriatic Sea

In order to test the response of phytoplankton to anthropogenic pressure, data of chlorophyll a concentration, phytoplankton abundance, and composition are analyzed in relation to anthropogenic pressure gradient and environmental variables such as temperature, salinity and nutrients. Investigated sites encompassed wide tropic range according to a preliminary determination of anthropogenic pressure, quantified through the LUSI index. Statistical analyses indicated nitrates and silicates as proxies of freshwater influence, and phytoplankton single metrics such as concentrations of chlorophyll a and abundances as indicators of anthropogenic pressure. Boundary values for different water quality classes for coastal waters under indirect freshwater influence (Type II) are obtained according to gradient between concentration of chlorophyll a and pressure index (LUSI), which empirically fit to exponential equation. The response of phytoplankton diversity was not linear, as the highest diversity was observed in the area with intermediate disturbance level. CCA analysis identified Skeletonema marinoii, Scrippsiella trochoidea, Guinardia flaccida, Leptocylindrus spp., Prorocentrum spp., Proboscia alata, Eutreptiella spp., and Pseudonitzschia spp. as local eutrophication indicators, whose abundances increased with nutrients loads.     

Three new species of woodlizards (Hoplocercinae,Enyalioides) from northwestern South America

The discovery of three new species of Enyalioides from the tropical Andes in Ecuador and northern Peru is reported. Enyalioides altotambo sp. n. occurs in northwestern Ecuador and differs from other species of Enyalioides in having dorsal scales that are both smooth and homogeneous in size, a brown iris, and in lacking enlarged, circular and keeled scales on the flanks. Enyalioides anisolepis sp. n. occurs on the Amazonian slopes of the Andes in southern Ecuador and northern Peru and can be distinguished from other species of Enyalioides by its scattered, projecting large scales on the dorsum, flanks, and hind limbs, as well as a well-developed vertebral crest, with the vertebrals on the neck at least three times higher than those between the hind limbs. Enyalioides sophiarothschildae sp. n. is from the Amazonian slopes of the Cordillera Central in northeastern Peru; it differs from other species of Enyalioides in having caudal scales that are relatively homogeneous in size on each caudal segment, a white gular region with a black medial patch and several turquoise scales in males, as well as immaculate white labials and chin. A molecular phylogenetic tree of 18 species of hoplocercines is presented, including the three species described in this paper and Enyalioides cofanorum, as well as an updated identification key for species of Hoplocercinae.     

Revision of the green lacewing subgenus Ankylopteryx (Sencera) (Neuroptera,Chrysopidae)

The Australasian and Oriental green lacewing subgenus Ankylopteryx (Sencera) Navás (Chrysopinae: Ankylopterygini) is examined and its diversity and placement among other members of the tribe Ankylopterygini is discussed. After study of specimens spanning the full distribution and anatomical range of variation for the subgenus, all prior putative species, resulting in the sole valid species are newly synonymized, Ankylopteryx (Sencera) anomala (Brauer). Accordingly, the following new synonymies are established: Sencera scioneura Navás, syn. n., Sencera feae Navás, syn. n., and Sencera exquisita Nakahara, syn. n. [all under the name Ankylopteryx (Sencera) anomala]. A lectotype is newly designated for Ankylopteryx (Sencera) anomala so as to stabilize the application of the name. To support our hypotheses, the wing and general body coloration as well as the male genitalia are reviewed. We elaborate on the possibility of Ankylopteryx (Sencera) anomala being nothing more than an autapomorphic species of Ankylopteryx Brauer, as it was originally described. The species is not sufficiently distinct to warrant recognition as a separate subgenus within the group, and most certainly not as its own genus as has been advocated by past authors. Nonetheless, we do not for now go so far as to synonymize the subgenus until a more extensive phylogenetic analysis is undertaken with multiple representative species from across Ankylopteryx and other ankylopterygine genera. Lastly, we comment on the biology of Ankylopteryx (Sencera) anomala in terms of the attraction of males to methyl eugenol and on the widespread practice of splitting within Chrysopidae.     

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Members of the Genus Streptobacillus

The genus Streptobacillus (S.) remained monotypic for almost 90 years until two new species were recently described. The type species, S. moniliformis, is one of the two etiological agents of rat bite fever, an under-diagnosed, worldwide occurring zoonosis. In a polyphasic approach field isolates and reference strains of S. moniliformis, S. hongkongensis, S. felis as well as divergent isolates were characterized by comparison of molecular data (n = 29) and from the majority also by their physiological as well as proteomic properties (n = 22). Based on growth-independent physiological profiling using VITEK2-compact, API ZYM and the Micronaut system fastidious growth-related difficulties could be overcome and streptobacilli could definitively be typed despite generally few differences. While differing in their isolation sites and dates, S. moniliformis isolates were found to possess almost identical spectra in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization—time of flight mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Spectroscopic methods facilitated differentiation of S. moniliformis, S. hongkongensis and S. felis as well as one divergent isolate. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene as well as functional genes groEL, recA and gyrB revealed only little intraspecific variability, but generally proved suitable for interspecies discrimination between all three taxa and two groups of divergent isolates.     

Mondia whitei (Apocynaceae): A review of its biological activities, conservation strategies and economic potential

Globally, the commercialisation of plants as observed in their uses by many industries such as the cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ones is gaining more interest and popularity. Mondia whitei is a popular medicinal plant which is endemic to Africa. Since antiquity, M. whitei has been used by African people to treat various ailments. The roots were used for the treatment of anorexia, stress, bilharzia and sexual dysfunction as well as for general aches and pains. Researchers have evaluated the efficacy of most of these claims by screening the M. whitei for biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic as well as aphrodisiac efficacy. Furthermore, M. whitei has horticultural, nutritional and other socio-cultural values as reported in countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi. As a result of its numerous uses across the African continent, we attempt to explore and assess the economic potential of M. whitei with emphasis on medicinal values. The root of M. whitei is the most popular organ used in traditional medicine; consequently, this has resulted in the species becoming rare or threatened with extinction in the wild. Several authors have suggested solutions such as plant or plant part substitution to overcome the over-harvesting problem. The application of biotechnology techniques such as micropropagation and hairy roots also remain viable options which are presently being utilised to a lesser extent. Nevertheless, the sustainable harvesting and feasible conservation strategy for the species remains a major challenge. It is strongly recommended that in as much as the economic potential of M. whitei should be exploited, more detailed attention and studies should be geared towards its conservation. In order to ensure sustainable use and to derive maximum economic benefits, it is necessary to have empirical information detailing its ethno-botanical values, conservation status and commercial potential.     

A re-evaluation ofBlayacina Cobbold 1932 andThoralaspis Hupe 1953 (Trilobita: Redlichiida)

The monotypic trilobite generaBlayacina andThoralaspis from the late Early Cambrian of the Montagne Noire, Southern France, are revised. Restudy of the type specimens and of new material from the type locality and stratum as well as morphometric measurements strongly support the assumption that both taxa are identical and that morphologic as well as taxonomic differences resulted from tectonic distortion. Thus,Thoralaspis thorali has to be regarded as a subjective junior synonym ofBlayacina miqueli andThoralaspis as a junior synonym ofBlayacina. Its systematic position as a morphologic group aroundLusatiops within the Ellipsocephalidae-Protoleninae is confirmed.     

Sympatric Distribution of Three Human Taenia Tapeworms Collected between 1935 and 2005 in Korea

Taeniasis has been known as one of the prevalent parasitic infections in Korea. Until recently, Taenia saginata had long been considered a dominant, and widely distributed species but epidemiological profiles of human Taenia species in Korea still remain unclear. In order to better understand distribution patterns of human Taenia tapeworms in Korea, partial nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cox1 and ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer 2) were determined, along with morphological examinations, on 68 Taenia specimens obtained from university museum collections deposited since 1935. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-preserved specimens. Phylogenetic relationships among the genotypes (cox1 haplotype) detected in this study were inferred using the neighbor-joining method as a tree building method. Morphological and genetic analyses identified 3 specimens as T. solium, 51 specimens as T. asiatica, and 14 specimens as T. saginata. Our results indicate that all 3 Taenia tapeworms are sympatrically distributed in Korea with T. asiatica dominating over T. saginata and T. solium.     

Molecular data place Trypetheliaceae in Dothideomycetes

The phylogenetic position of Trypetheliaceae was studied using partial sequences of the mtSSU and nuLSU rDNA of 100 and 110 ascomycetes, respectively, including 48 newly obtained sequences. Our analysis confirms Trypetheliaceae as monophyletic and places the family in Dothideomycetes. Pyrenulaceae, which were previously classified with Trypetheliaceae in Pyrenulales or Melanommatales, are supported as belonging to Chaetothyriomycetes. Monophyly of Pyrenulales, including Trypetheliaceae is rejected using three independent test methods. Monophyly of Arthopyreniaceae plus Trypetheliaceae, the two families including lichen-forming fungi in Dothideomycetes, is also rejected, as well as a placement of Trypetheliaceae in Pleosporales (incl. Melanommatales).