Comparative osteology of lotaks, Cyprinion kais and C. macrostomum (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), from Godarkhosh River, western Iran

Osteology of two cyprinid fishes, Cyprinion kais and C. macrostomum, from the Tigris-Euphrates basin was described and compared. Eight specimens of C. kais and ten specimens of C. macrostomum from Godarkhosh River (western Iran) were studied. The skeletal elements were prepared using clearing and softening methods and photographed. The differences between the two taxa include a deeper posterior position of the lower jaw with a much narrower labial surface, a longer last dorsal unbranched ray with weaker posterior serration, and a more embowed dentary, maxillary and premaxillary in C. kais. Based on these differences, the examined specimens of these two taxa could be easily distinguished.     

Distribution of mucous cells on the body surface of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

The distribution of mucous cells was examined in the skin on the ocular and blind sides of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Observations were performed on both body sides at the following regions: cheek, lower jaw (blind side), gill cover (ocular side), dorsal side, lateral line, belly and caudal peduncle. The mucous cells observed were elliptic and positively stained for periodic acid Schiff reaction and Mayer's mucicarmine and showed a higher density and larger size on the ocular side compared to the blind side. Low densities of mucous cells were observed on the lower jaw compared with other regions of the body. The depth of the crack located between scales was deeper on the ocular side than the blind side, which might reflect total epidermis area and total number of mucous cells. Bacterial infection elucidated some information on the effect on the density and size of mucous cells, where the density and size decreased slightly after infection. Only the lower jaw, however, showed an increased number of mucous cells. The results show that the potential of skin to secrete mucus is higher on the ocular than on the blind side and bacterial infection decreases mucous secretion.     

Static intraspecific maxillofacial allometry in the chacma baboon

Adult static intraspecific allometry of jaw size and tooth area was evaluated in a sample of 104 Papio ursinus crania (52 male, 52 female). Tooth areas were calculated from mesiodistal and buccolingual measurements of all the teeth in both arcades and were scaled to four viscerocranial measurements: bimaxillary width, maxillo-alveolar length, mandibular length and bigonial width. Craniodental allometric analyses indicate that larger animals will tend to have proportionately shorter and narrower lower jaws. From the log-transformed interspecific analyses between P. ursinus and C. aethiops we conclude that males and females within each species share a common exponential value for jaw length. Hence increased sexual dimorphism for muzzle length in P. ursinus is attributable to increased divergence between the male and female slopes. Post-canine area was found to be significantly correlated to maxillary length and to canine size only in females, with exponential values similar to those reported for the same bivariate regressions in C. aethiops. A hypothesis of nutritional equivalence is advanced to account for these observations. Canine base area and the area of P3 were the only tooth areas that scaled in a positively allometric fashion to jaw size--but only in males. Hence the existence of a canine complex is confirmed in the male Chacma baboon, the size of which is related to jaw length.     

Canine cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by neotropical Leishmania infantum despite of systemic disease: A case report

Visceral leishmaniasis is an anthropozoonosis caused by a protozoan Leishmania infantum (syn. Leishmania chagasi). Here, we report a typical case of canine cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. infantum infection without any other systemic symptom in one dog in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A mongrel female dog was admitted in a veterinary clinic with reports of chronic wounds in the body. Physical examination revealed erosive lesions in the limbs, nasal ulcers, presence of ectoparasites and seborrheic dermatitis. Blood samples and fragments of healthy and injured skin were collected. The complete hemogram revealed aregenerative normocytic normochromic anemia and erythrocyte rouleaux, and biochemical analysis revealed normal renal and hepatic functions. Cytology of the muzzle and skin lesions suggested pyogranulomatous inflammatory process. The histopathology of a skin fragment was performed and revealed suspicion of protozoa accompanied by necrotizing dermatitis. The diagnosis of leishmaniasis was accomplished by positive serology, isolation of Leishmania from the skin lesion, and also by molecular test (PCR targeting the conserved region of Leishmania kDNA). Culture was positive for damaged skin samples. PCR targeting a fragment of Leishmania hsp70 gene was performed employing DNA extracted from damaged skin. RFLP of the amplified hsp70 fragment identified the parasite as L. infantum, instead of Leishmania braziliensis, the main agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Rio de Janeiro. Characterization of isolated promastigotes by five different enzymatic systems confirmed the species identification of the etiological agent. Serology was positive by ELISA and rapid test. This case warns to the suspicion of viscerotropic Leishmania in cases of chronic skin lesions and brings the discussion of the mechanisms involved in the parasite tissue tropism.     

A new cave-dwelling loach, Triplophysa macrocephala (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Balitoridae), from Guangxi, China

A new cave-dwelling species, Triplophysa macrocephala sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected from a karst cave in Renguang village, Lihu Town, Nandan County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by possessing the following combination of characters: pectoral fin not reaching beyond pelvic-fin origin; caudal fin forked; body smooth or scaleless; dorsal-fin origin anterior to pelvic-fin origin, edge of dorsal fin truncate; dorsal fin with eight branched rays; anal fin with five branched rays; eye small and vestigial; lower jaw arched with a median notch; air-bladder wrapped in bony capsule, lateral enlarged, posterior chamber of air-bladder degenerated.     

Pathogenesis of experimentally induced bacterial cold water disease in ayu Plecoglossus altivelis

Ayu Plecoglossus altivelis were experimentally infected with Flavobacterium psychrophilum, which is the causative agent of bacterial cold water disease (CWD). The fish infected by immersion usually died within an hour after they became moribund. The blood volume and haematocrit values of moribund fish were low, while those values of many infected fish that were not moribund were in the range of controls. Most of the affected fish in the immersion-infected groups had ulcerative lesions on their lower jaw. No histological evidence of haemolysis was observed. These results suggest that rapid bleeding occurred through ulcerative lesions, probably causing hypoxia which killed the fish. Ulcerative lesions developed on the dorsal skin when this area had been slightly abraded artificially prior to immersion challenge. Histologically, F. psychrophilum was initially found on the skin that had microscopic injuries, but not on normal skin. The bacterium then entered the dermis and migrated through connective tissues. The lesions subsequently expanded into the underlying musculature through the myosepta, developed necrotic myositis and formed externally open ulcers. Only in later stages of infection did mild lesions develop in the internal organs and the gill, probably caused by the bacterium migrating through blood vessels. This suggests that infection with CWD through the gill or digestive tract is unlikely. Virtually no open lesions were found in ayu challenged by intramuscular injections except at the injection sites. The results suggest that skin injuries are major portals of entry for F. psychrophilum in ayu, and the bacterium has affinity for collagenous connective tissues.     

Ventral root afferent and dorsal root efferent fibres in dog and human lower sacral nerve roots.

Two pairs of wire electrodes were used to record single afferent action potentials from ventral roots and single efferent action potentials from dorsal roots of dogs and humans. A human lower sacral ventral root contained about 20 to 30% afferents among fibres with a diameter larger than 5 microns; a comparable ventral root of a dog contained about 1% afferents. Human S3, S4 and S5 dorsal roots contained 3, 18, and 20 to 30% efferent fibres respectively; a comparable dorsal root of the dog contained less than 1% efferent fibres. Primary and secondary muscle spindle afferents, Golgi tendon organ afferents, and afferents from the mechanoreceptors of the urinary bladder and anal canal mucosa were activated in a dog ventral root by pulling bladder and anal catheters. Their peak group conduction velocities were 82, 57, 71 and 18 m/s at 34 degrees C respectively. The dog afferents conducted more than 30% faster than did comparable human nerve fibres. By strongly pulling the bladder catheter, the static human dorsal root gamma 21-motoneurons increased their activity for about 7 s which in turn strongly increased the dorsal root spindle afferent activity for more than 10 min; the human static intrafusal gamma-motoneurons seemed to show cumulative properties.     

Generalized Subcutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Phialophora verrucosa: Report of a Case and Review of Literature

We report a case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Phialophora verrucosa in a 64-year-old Chinese farmer suffering from CD4+ lymphopenia. He presented with diffuse and infiltrated plaques involving the entire face including the eyes, neck, occiput, and extending to the dorsal regions of his torso. The patient is notable for the discrete multifocal nature of the illness in the absence of disseminated infection and rarity of P. verrucosa as a cause of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis.     

Larviposition by nasopharyngeal bot fly parasites of Columbian black-tailed deer: a correction

Previous reports of Cephenemyia jellisoni Townsend (Diptera: Oestridae) larvipositing onto the lips/lower muzzle of deer, with larvae invading via the mouth, are shown to be erroneous. Additional studies with deer models baited with CO2, 1-octen-3-ol and Deer Trail Scent, and muzzle and nostrils treated with insect adhesive, revealed that only C. apicata Bennett & Sabrosky larviposited onto the lips/lower muzzle; C. jellisoni, by contrast, larviposited into the nostrils. Larval depositions were associated with females of both species observed attacking models. Females of both species also were found stuck on adhesive-treated, baited models not attended by observers. During several seasons of exposure, such models received 89 C. jellisoni larvipositions into the nostrils and 87 C. apicata larvipositions onto the lips/lower muzzle. In laboratory experiments nearly all larvae of both species remained stuck in adhesive within 1 mm or less of where they were deposited.     

Diversity and convergences in the evolution of feeding adaptations in ankylosaurs (Dinosauria: Ornithischia)*

Ankylosaurian dinosaurs were low-browsing quadrupeds that were traditionally thought of as simple orthal pulpers exhibiting minimal tooth occlusion during feeding, as in many extant lizards. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that effective chewing with tooth occlusion and palinal jaw movement was present in some members of this group. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of feeding characters (i.e. craniodental features, tooth wear patterns, origin and insertion of jaw adductors) reveal at least three different jaw mechanisms during the evolution of Ankylosauria. Whereas, in basal members, food processing was restricted to simple orthal pulping, in late Early and Late Cretaceous North American and European forms a precise tooth occlusion evolved convergently in many lineages (including nodosaurids and ankylosaurids) complemented by palinal power stroke. In contrast, Asian forms retained the primitive mode of feeding without any biphasal chewing, a phenomenon that might relate to the different types of vegetation consumed by these low-level feeders in different habitats on different landmasses. Further, a progressive widening of the muzzle is demonstrated both in Late Cretaceous North American and Asian ankylosaurs, and the width and general shape of the muzzle probably correlates with foraging time and food type, as in herbivorous mammals.     

Rapid methods for jugular bleeding of dogs requiring one technician

Two methods were used to collect blood from the jugular vein of dogs. In both techniques, only one technician was required. A rope with a slip knot was placed around the base of the neck to assist in restraint and act as a tourniquet for the vein. The technician used one hand to restrain the dog by the muzzle and position the head. The other hand was used for collecting the sample. One of the methods could be accomplished with the dog in its cage. The bleeding techniques were rapid, requiring approximately 1 minute per dog.     

广西云南鳅属鱼类一新种记述

2003年5月,在广西壮族自治区都安县高岭乡红水河水系采集到一批条鳅标本。经鉴定,为云南鳅属(Yunnanilius)一未经发表的新种。新种长须云南鳅(Yunnanilus longibarbatus sp.nov.)属于黑斑云南鳅种组(Yunnanilus nigromaculatusgroup),并与黑斑云南鳅[Y.nigromaculatus(Regan)]、钝吻云南鳅(Y.obtusirostris Yang)、长背云南鳅(Y.longidorsalisLi,Tao et Lu)和巴江云南鳅(Y.bajingensisLi)等4种最为相似。长背云南鳅背鳍分枝鳍条11根,颌须短,仅达眼中部,背鳍起点距吻端较距尾鳍基为近,可与包括本种在内的其余4种相区别(背鳍分枝鳍条8-9根,颌须达到或超过眼后缘,背鳍起点距吻端较距尾鳍基为远)。本种和钝吻云南鳅上颌中央无齿状突、下颌中央无缺刻,可与黑斑云南鳅和巴江云南鳅相区别。本种在鳍条数、上下颌、背鳍起点的位置、尾鳍形状、鳞片、头部侧线管孔、体侧纵纹等方面与钝吻云南鳅最为相似,但本种可藉多个特征与后者相区别:颌须伸过眼后缘至鳃盖后缘的中点至鳃盖后缘,是已知云南鳅中须最长的;背鳍不分枝鳍条下1/3处具一不显著黑色斑点(vs.无斑);体侧纵纹,其宽窄于眼径,较大个体背鳍之前的纵纹被虫状纹取代(vs.体侧纵纹始终存在,其宽约等于眼径);头背具斑点(vs.无斑);尾柄较细长,体长/尾柄长=5.3-6.1(vs.7.4-9.0,尾柄长/尾柄高=1.3-1.8vs.0.8-1.1)。     

A functional interpretation of the varanid dentition (Reptilia, Lacertilia, Varanidae)

A cinéradiographic analysis of the feeding movements in Varanus bengalensis produced the following results. The mouth is opened by raising the head (upper jaw) rather than by lowering the lower jaw. Starting from the resting position, the muzzle unit is elevated around 9 degrees relative to the rest of the skull during jaw opening; the quadrate swings anteriorly around 21 degrees. During jaw closure, the snout is depressed around 15 degrees relative to the rest of the skull, hence 6 degrees beyond the resting position. The quadrate swings backwards around 27 degrees. Amphikinesis is interpreted as allowing a stronger posterior recurvature of the maxillary teeth in Varanus. This increases the holding effect of the teeth without increasing their length, an adaptation of Varanus to capture relatively large prey. The formation of plicidentine (dentine infolding) in the teeth of Varanus increases the surface of attachment of the teeth on the supporting bone. Moreover, the dentine lamellae take up tensile and compressive stresses along their long axes upon axial or vertical loading of the teeth. The slope of pleurodonty is modelled so as to minimalize shear stress on the surface of ankylosis upon axial or vertical loading of the teeth.     

Redescription of Chlorophthalmus corniger,a senior synonym of Chlorophthalmus bicornis (Family: Chlorophthalmidae)

Chlorophthalmus corniger is redescribed on the basis of recently collected specimens. The species is redefined as a species of Chlorophthalmus with the lower jaw terminating in a distinctly projecting horizontal plate with strong, spine‐like processes directed forward from the plate's corners; body silvery grey, with numerous minute black spots and traces of broad darker crossbars; base of anterior dorsal fin spines and distal parts of dorsal fins black; adipose fin tiny with numerous black spots; caudal fin black; 3·5 scales above lateral line; three rows of cheek scales; head very large, 34·3–40·1% standard length (L_S); eye large, 29·8–40·8% head length (L_H); pectoral fin long, extending to beyond dorsal fin base, 21·7–26·2% L_S. Chlorophthalmus bicornis is a junior synonym of C. corniger based on the examination of the type series of both species. It is confined to the northern half of the Indian Ocean, reliably recorded from Somalia and the Gulf of Aden to southern Java, Indonesia, at depths between 200 and 500 m. A lectotype and three paralectotypes were designated for C. corniger. DNA barcodes for Indian species of Chlorophthalmus were generated.     

A new species of anchovy,Encrasicholina auster (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) from Fiji,southwestern Pacific Ocean

ABSTRACT

Encrasicholina auster sp. nov. (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) is described on the basis of six specimens collected from Fiji, southwestern Pacific Ocean. The new species is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: long upper jaw (posterior tip extending beyond posterior margin of preopercle) 20.8%–22.5% standard length (SL); long lower jaw 19.0%–20.7% SL; long head 29.1%–29.2% SL; three unbranched rays in the dorsal and anal fins; transverse scales 11; branched pectoral-fin rays 12–13; pseudobranchial filaments 19–21; gill rakers 45–49, 40–43, 26–31 and 22–25 on the first, second, third and fourth gill arches, respectively.     

Juveniles of Kyphosus vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard 1825) with reference to a senior synonym of Cantharus lineolatus Valenciennes 1830

The juveniles of Kyphosus vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard 1825), collected from the Indian Ocean and Japanese waters, are described with some ontogenetic morphological changes based on six specimens having 14 dorsal and 13 anal fin soft rays, 56–62 scales in a longitudinal row along the midbody, and 30–32 gill-rakers on the first gill-arch. The juveniles of K. vaigiensis smaller than ca. 42 mm in standard length (SL) have the proximal parts of the dorsal and anal fin soft-rayed portions covered with small scales, and the single outer row of the upper jaw teeth consisting of incisor-like and conically pointed teeth, the former with polycuspid tips differing from the specimens greater than ca. 68 mm SL. The holotype of Cantharus lineolatus Valenciennes 1830, 41.5 mm SL, was included here in the juveniles as K. vaigiensis. Therefore, K. vaigiensis is recognized as a senior synonym of C. lineolatus.     

A case of granulomatous skin lesions caused by Mycobacterium marinum in the Campania region

The diagnosis of cutaneous Mycobacterium marinum infection is frequently presumptive, as detection by conventional methods is difficult. We describe a patient with granulomatous skin lesions on the right dorsal hand and forearm. Histological examinations were presumptive for mycobacterium lesions. We identified Mycobacterium marinum directly in the patient's lesional skin biopsy combining polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using Mycobacterium genus-specific primers, and subsequent restriction enzyme analysis enabling identification to the species level. The symptoms were no longer present after specific therapy, thereby confirming the initial diagnosis.     

Redescription of Synagrops spinosus (percichthyidae) with its first record from the West Pacific

The percichthyid fishSynagrops spinosus Shultz is recorded for the first time from the West Pacific and is redescribed. Differences between the Pacific and Atlantic specimens are not significant, and they should be classified as the same species. This species is easily distinguished from the congeners by the combination of the following characters: second spine of first dorsal fin, second spine of anal fin and spine of pelvic fin with serration on their anterior margins; spine of second dorsal fin smooth; anal fin II, 7 (rarely II, 8); dorsal fin IX-I, 9; lateral line scales 29–31; lower jaw with two rows of teeth on its middle part, inner row consists of 4–7 large canine-like teeth, and outer row consists of very small teeth; vertebrae 10+15. This is a demersal fish mainly living on the outer parts of the continental shelves and the upper parts of their slopes at depths of 87–544 meters. The distribution in the two separate and greatly distant areas is discussed in relation to the continental drift and climatic changes since the late Cretaceous.