Redescription and molecular analysis of Pallisentis (Pallisentis) nandai Sarkar, 1953 (Acanthocephala: Quadrigyridae) in India.

Pallisentis (Pallisentis) nandai Sarkar, 1953 is a freshwater fish parasite restricted to the Indian subcontinent in the Ganga River and its tributaries. It was described from the leaffish, Nandus nandus (Hamilton) from the Ganga River delta at Calcutta. We recovered variant specimens from the same host species from the Ganga near its headwaters at Bijnor about 1500 km away. Our specimens were clearly identifiable as P. nandai but varied considerably from those in the original description, especially in the size of proboscis hooks, receptacle and lemnisci. The original description was incomplete (missing line drawings of female trunk and reproductive system, male trunk, complete proboscis, hooks and hook roots) and inaccurate (proboscis, hooks, receptacle wall), and some measurements were lumped together for both sexes. We provide a complete description and include new morphological information including the first description of para-receptacle structure in the genus Pallisentis Van Cleave, 1928, scanning electron microscopy and microscope images, molecular analysis, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) of hooks and spines of our specimens for the first time. Additional details of proboscis hook roots, trunk spines, micropores and micropore distribution are described. The unique metal composition of hooks (EDXA) demonstrated a considerably high but variable level of sulphur and negligible level of calcium in collar and trunk spines and hook tips, but a higher level of sulphur and calcium at the hook basal arch than at the hook tip and edge. A comparison with the EDXA pattern of another species of Pallisentis, P. Indica Mital & Lal, 1976, were considerably different. The phylogenetic position of P. nandai within Eoacanthocephala was generated to assess the molecular characterization based on 18S and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA sequences. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses placed P. nandai in a clade with other Pallisentis species under the family Quadrigyridae. This is the first report based on molecular evidence for P. nandai.

New perspectives on Aspersentis Megarhynchus (Acanthocephala: Heteracanthocephalidae) from Notothenia Coriiceps Richardson (Nototheniidae) in the West Antarctic, with emended generic diagnosis.

A number of variable descriptive accounts of Aspersentis megarhynchus (von Linstow, 1892) Golvan, 1960 have been reported from specimens collected from many species of fish in various locations off Antarctic islands. We have described a new population from Notothenia coriiceps Richardson (Nototheniidae) off Galindez Island, West Antarctica, and features not previously reported, resolved the taxonomic controversies and nomenclature, and emended and updated the generic diagnosis taking into account the newly observed structures. These are depicted in microscopic images and include the outer spiral wall of the proboscis receptacle, the thicker dorsal wall of the receptacle compared to the ventral wall, parts of the female reproductive system, the separate cement gland ducts, the dorsal position of the male gonopore and more detail of proboscis hooks and trunk spines. It is surprising that the newly observed features were missed from the many descriptions of A. megarhynchus created since the original description. The variability in A. megarhynchus is noted with a comparison of the morphometrics of our specimens vs. those in six other descriptions. We also analysed the metal composition of hooks and spines using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and concluded a molecular characterization of the species based on 18S DNA gene, with related phylogenetic analyses.

Description and molecular analysis of an Italian population of Centrorhynchus globo caudatus (Zeder, 1800) Lühe, 1911 (Acanthocephala: Centrorhynchidae) from Falco tinnunculus (Falconidae) and Buteo buteo (Accipitridae).

Centrorhynchus globocaudatus (Zeder, 1800) Lühe, 1911 (Centrorhynchidae) was reported in birds of prey. Our population from Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus (Falconidae) and Buteo buteo Linnaeus (Accipitridae) in northern Italy was morphologically distinct from others described elsewhere. The worms are elongate and cylindrical. Proboscis long, apically truncated and bare, with wider base and variably faint constriction at point of attachment of receptacle. Large anterior hooks well rooted; posterior spiniform hooks with reduced roots; transitional hooks with scutiform roots in-between. Four tubular cement glands extend into prominent ducts overlapping a large Saefftigen's pouch. Bursa large, with sensory plates. Vagina with laterally slit orifice in sub-ventral pit of globular terminal extension. Thick-shelled eggs ovoid without polar prolongation of fertilization membrane. In our specimens, proboscis hooks, receptacle, male reproductive system, and lemnisci especially in males varied in size from those from Ukraine, India, Egypt, Kyrgystan, Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Asian Soviet Republics. Our description of the Italian specimens includes new morphological information supported by scanning electron microscopy and microscope images, molecular analysis and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) of hooks. Additional new details of proboscis hook roots, micropores and micropore distribution are described. Metal composition of hooks (EDXA) demonstrated high levels of calcium and phosphorous, and high levels of sulphur in core and cortical layers of eggs. The molecular profile based on sequences of 18S and cytochrome c oxidase 1 genes is also provided, as well as phylogenetic reconstructions including all available sequences of the family Centrorhynchidae, although further sequences are needed in order to clarify their phylogenetic relationships.

New perspectives on Nephridiacanthus major (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae) collected from hedgehogs in Iran.

We describe morphological features not previously reported for this old acanthocephalan Nephridiacanthus major (Bremser, 1811 in Westrumb, 1821) Golvan, 1962 first described over 200 years ago. Our specimens were collected from long-eared hedgehog Hemiechinus auritus (Gmelin, 1770) (Erinaceidae) in Iran. We compare the morphometrics of our material with others previously reported from the same host in Iran, Russia, central Asia and Europe. Our specimens had markedly smaller proboscides, proboscis hooks and lemnisci than those reported from Russia and central Asia, but comparable measurements of other structures with specimens previously described from other collections. We document our new observations with scanning electron microscopy features not previously demonstrable by other observers and provide a chemical analysis of proboscis hooks using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis for the first time. The molecular profile of this acanthocephalan, based on 18S rDNA and cox1 genes, was generated for the first time. The phylogenetic analysis showed that N. major is placed in a clade of the family Oligacanthorhynchidae, well separated from the families Moniliformidae and Gigantorhynchidae.

The Molecular Profile of Paratrajectura Longcementglandatus Amin, Heckmann Et Ali, 2018 (Acanthocephala: Transvenidae) from Percid Fishes in the Marine Waters of Iran and Iraq.

Paratrajectura longcementglandatus Amin, Heckmann et Ali, 2018 (Transvenidae) was recently described from two species of percid fishes collected from the marine territorial waters of Iraq and Iran in the Persian Gulf. The genus Paratrajectura Amin, Heckmann et Ali, 2018 is a close relative to transvenid genera Trajectura Pichelin et Crib, 2001 and Transvena Pichelin et Crib, 2001. Morphologically, Paratrajectura is characterised by having apical proboscis cone, long, tubular cement glands, short lemnisci, prominent roots on all proboscis hooks, subterminal female gonopore, and males with long pre-equatorial testes. Molecular studies of P. longcementglandatus using 18S rDNA and cox1 genes compared with available data of members of other families of Echinorhynchida showed that P. longcementglandatus is grouped with species of the genus Transvena forming a clade within the family Transvenidae.

Structure and Morphometrics of Ancyrocephalus Paradoxus (Monogenea: Ancyrocephalidae) from Sander Lucioperca (Percidae) in Czechia.

New morphometric data, including details of the copulatory system and attachment structures, as well as inner organs are provided for Ancyrocephalus paradoxus Creplin, 1839. Scanning electron microscopy reveals new information of the body shape, position of the cephalic organs' openings, and structure of anchors, as well as differences in the in anchors' structure in adults and sub-adults of A. paradoxus. Energy dispersive analysis for X-ray was conducted for the first time for anchors in Monogenea and revealed structural differences between different parts of the anchors in two age groups.

Expanded description of Neoechinorhynchus (Hebesoma) manubrianus (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) from marine fish in Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Neoechinorhynchus manubrianus Amin, Ha & Ha, 2011 (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) (formerly Neoechinorhynchus manubriensis Amin, Ha & Ha, 2011), was recently described based on optical microscopy of four males and two females (none was gravid) from caroun croaker, Johnius carouna (Cuvier), flower croaker, Nibea albiflora (Richardson), and silver croaker, Pennabia argentata (Houttuyen) (Sciaenidae) in Halong Bay, Vietnam. Subsequently, many more specimens became available from N. albiflora that were studied using SEM. SEM studies showed many additional features that were not possible to discern with optical microscopy. These included the prominent angulation of the anterior trunk, the presence of (1) anterio-dorsal and (2) undulating mid-lateral fin-like protrusions of the body wall, uniquely shaped eggs as well as details of trunk micropores, proboscis, bursa, and female gonopore. Microscopical examination of eggs from the new collection demonstrated the presence of polar prolongation of fertilization membrane which places N. manubriensis in the subgenus Hebesoma. The features of trunk angulation, trunk fins, and egg morphology further distinguish N. manubriensis from all other species of Neoechinorhynchus Stiles and Hassall, 1905 from Vietnam or from any where else in the world.

The molecular profile of Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis) kashmirensis from the Indian subcontinent.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to provide molecular support for the validity of the morphological description of Acanthosentis kashmirensis Amin, Heckmann, Zargar, 2017 which was originally poorly described as Neoechinorhynchus kashmirensis Fotedar and Dar, 1977 from the Indian subcontinent, and to characterise its molecular identity and phylogenetic relationships. METHODS: Total DNA was extracted, and the partial region of the small subunit (SSU) 18S rDNA and ITS-rDNA genes were amplified and sequenced. Genetic diversity was calculated and phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence data was performed. RESULTS: In this study, the molecular profile of this acanthocephalan was generated for the first time. Based on the partial 18S rDNA, interspecific variation between A. kashmirensis with different species of Acanthosentis and were 3.6-10.3% and 22.4-38.2% based on 18S rDNA and ITS-rDNA genes, respectively. We described the phylogenetic relationships of A. kashmirensis compared with other species of the genus and also with members of the family Quadrigyridae. CONCLUSIONS: The ITS-rDNA sequences of members of the family Quadrigyridae are more variable than 18S rDNA that can be useful for achieving a proper assessment of biodiversity. Sequence data generation from additional species of Acanthosentis will be needed to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of this group of acanthocephalans.

Significance of shape and size of the stimulating coil in magnetic stimulation of the human motor cortex.

Three different stimulating coil designs were evaluated for magnetic motor cortex stimulation by comparing threshold stimulus intensities at different sites over the scalp for exciting upper and lower limb muscles. Little difference was found between stimulation characteristics of two circular coils of different size, the smaller coil delivering slightly more focal stimuli. A twin coil composed of two single circular coils in series arranged side-by-side, produced significantly more powerful and more focal stimuli. It proved to be superior for exciting the leg muscles, in that less output energy was needed. For all coils, the orientation of the inducing current over the presumed motor area was the most critical stimulation parameter, and a sagittal current in anterior direction or coronal towards the stimulated hemisphere was optimal for the upper limb or lower limb muscles, respectively.

Religion and psychological distress in a community sample.

This paper examines the effect of religious attendance and affiliation on psychological distress in a longitudinal community study of 720 adults. Religious affiliation is unrelated to mental health status. In contrast, although religious attendance does not directly reduce psychological distress, it buffers the deleterious effects of stress on mental health. That is, in the face of stressful events and physical health problems, religious attendance reduces the adverse consequences of these stressors on psychological well-being.

A comparative evaluation of aflatoxin B1 genotoxicity in fish models using the Comet assay.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is classified as a Group I hepatocarcinogen in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The alkaline Comet assay is a simple and rapid method by which DNA damage can be demonstrated as a function of tail moment. The present work is the first to evaluate the genotoxicity of AFB1 in fish using the Comet assay. Two different species of fish were selected as models due to previously established sensitivity to AFB1: rainbow trout (sensitive) and channel catfish (resistant). Fish were i.p. injected with 0.5 mg AFB1/1 ml DMSO/1 kg body weight. The Comet assay was performed after 4 and 24 h on whole blood, liver, and kidney cells of both species. Trout blood and kidney tissue tested displayed significant (p < 0.05) and extensive DNA damage (shown by increased tail moment) after 4 h which then decreased by 24 h. In liver cells, damage progressively increased over time. Conversely, similarly treated catfish showed no elevation in DNA damage over controls at the same doses. These results suggest that the Comet assay is a useful tool for monitoring the genotoxicity of mycotoxins such as AFB1 and for evaluating organ specific effects of these agents in different species.

Topically applied dimethyl sulfoxide. Its effects on inflammation and healing of a contusion.

This study investigated the effects of topically applied dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to traumatized muscle of adult male rats. Eighty rats were randomly assigned to one of two groups and subsequently traumatized, treated, and sacrificed. One group was used to examine inflammation; the other, healing. Each group was further divided into an experimental group (70% DMSO and 30% distilled water) and a control group (100% distilled water); each group had five sacrifice times. Each treatment consisted of painting 1 ml of either the treatment or control solution on the contused tissue. The inflammation group received 15 additional treatments, 3 per day for the next 5 days. A three-phased, single blind, histologic examination was performed. The principle findings were: significantly fewer healing cells were present in the experimental group than in the control group during the period inflammation was examined, and no significant difference existed between the experimental and control groups during the period healing was examined.

Influence of local steroid injections on traumatized tendon properties. A biomechanical and histological study.

We investigated the effects of peritendon injections of hydrocortisone acetate on the separation force required to completely avulse a posttraumatized Achilles tendon of the adult male rat. One hundred thirty-five rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups and subsequently traumatized, treated, and sacrificed. One group was used to examine the effect of trauma; the second to examine effects of trauma and injections of hydrocortisone acetate on the tension to failure strength of tendons; the third group was the control group. Injected animals received one, three, or five injections of 0.10 cc (125 mg/ml) hydrocortisone acetate and were sacrificed 3, 6, or 9 weeks following initial injection. Experimental animals (anesthetized) were traumatized by dropping a weight onto the Achilles tendon. The tendon was tested in tension to failure employing a soft tissue linear disseminator. Histologic analysis using light microscopy was performed. We concluded that hydrocortisone acetate has no deleterious effect on the rat Achilles tendon as measured biomechanically or histologically.

Host records and tissue locations for Diplostomum mordax (metacercariae) inhabiting the cranial cavity of fishes from Lake Titicaca, Peru.

Metacercariae of Diplostomum mordax were found in the cranial cavity of Orestias agasii, Orestias olivaceous, Orestias luteus, and Basilichthys bonariensis, fishes from Lake Titicaca, Peru. Metacercariae were not found in Oncorhynchus mykiss introduced into the lake during 1939 and 1940. Compression of neural tissue within and on the surface of the brain was observed in all infected fishes. Metacercariae migrating into the cerebrum and cerebellum of the piscine host caused hemorrhaging, cell necrosis, inflammation, fiber formation, and nerve fiber disruption. The presence of D. mordax in B. bonariensis and the 3 species of Orestias constitute new host records. Infections in the cerebrum and cerebellum add new information on specific parasite location.

Description and host relationships of Polymorphus spindlatus n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) from the heron Nycticorax nycticorax in Peru.

Polymorphus spindlatus n. sp. is described from the black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax, in Lake Titicaca, Peru. It is distinguished from all 27 known species of the subgenus Polymorphus by its spindle-shaped proboscis and its trunk shape, the anterior 2/3 of which is ovoid, tapering into a tubular posterior end. It resembles Polymorphus brevis (=Arhythmorhynchus brevis), which is, however, longer and considerably more slender, and has smaller and more numerous proboscis hooks per row and smaller eggs. It is separated also from Polymorphus swartzi, Polymorphus striatus, Polymorphus contortus, and Polymorphus cincli by its proboscis armature (usually 18 longitudinal rows of 11-13 hooks each), among other characters. Histopathological sections of host tissue show well defined localized damage including hemorrhaging with subsequent phagocyte cell migration (granular tissue). The lumen of the host intestine is obstructed and villi show compression. The proboscis of P. spindlatus extends through the intestinal mucosa and submucosa, displacing the smooth muscle layers of the muscularis externa. Fibrosis also was observed.

Anantrum histocephalum sp. n. (cestoda: bothriocephalidae) from Synodus lucioceps (synodontidae) of Southern California.

Anantrum histocephalum sp. n. is described from Synodus lucioceps, California lizardfish. The larger worm size, mushroom-shaped scolex, vitelline follicle distribution, and larger eggs distinguish this species from A. tortum. The tapeworm was observed in 8.5% of 164 lizardfish from the coastal waters of Los Angeles County.

Description and pathology of Neoechinorhynchus idahoensis n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) in Catostomus columbianus from Idaho.

Neoechinorhynchus idahoensis is described from Catostomus columbianus caught in the Salmon River, Stanley Basin, Idaho. The new species is closest to Neoechinorhynchus venustus Lynch, 1936, but is distinguished from it by its smaller and variably structured eggs, anterio-dorsal trunk hump, bent and posteriorly notched proboscis receptacle, and larger proboscis, proboscis receptacle, and hooks. It is distinguished also from 2 other species of Neoechinorhynchus with proboscis hooks in middle and anterior circles about equally large and from 7 other species having lemnisci greatly unequal in length. Histopathology of host tissue showed limited host response exemplified by epithelial damage and hemorrhaging at point of proboscis attachment with subsequent macrophage and other phagocytic cell migration. The proboscis extended through the host epithelium into the submucosa with limited hemorrhaging at the point of attachment. Unorganized collagenous fibers were present. The lumen of the host intestine was obstructed, and compressed villi were present. The trunk of the worm damaged intestinal epithelium near the crypts, causing localized inflammation. The caryophyllaeid cestode Isoglaridacris calentinei Mackiewicz, 1974, was present in concurrent infections of C. columbianus.

Eimeria duszynskii sp. n. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae), a parasite of the mottled sculpin, Cottus bairdi Girard.

Eimeria duszynskii sp. n. is described from 21 of 35 (60%) mottled sculpin, Cottus bairdi Girard, from the Provo River, Provo, Utah. Sporulated oocysts of E. duszynskii were spherical with a thin transparent oocyst wall and an average diameter of 12.2 (range, 11.6--12.9) micron. Micropyle, polar granules, and oocyst residuum were absent. Sporocysts were ovoid with one slightly flattened side and 6.0 (range, 5.2--6.3) X 9.1 (range, 8.4--10.0) micron in size. Sporocyst residuum was coarsely granular and compact. Stieda and substieda body were absent. Sporozoites had transverse banding on one end.

Life history and habitat analysis of the eye fluke Diplostomum spathaceum (trematoda: diplostomatidae) in Utah.

Diplostomum spathaceum which is widespread throughout Utah in desert, mountain valley, and high alpine lakes, causes a disease known as diplostomatosis or eye fluke disease. Snails (756) were examined and two species, Lymnaea stagnalis and L. palustris were positive for D. spathaceum. Examination of 838 fish, which included 19 species, revealed 10 species (Salmo trutta, Catostomus discobulus, Salmo clarki, Micropterus salmoides, Catostomus platyrhynchus, Salmo gairdneri, Gila atraria, Catostomus ardens, Salvelinus fontinalis, and Richardsonius balteatus) positive for metacercariae of D. spathaceum. The only avian hosts positive for adult Diplostomum were Larvus californicus and L. delawarensis.

Observations on the neuromuscular blocking action of alcuronium in the dog and its reversal by neostigmine.

The action of alcuronium chloride on neuromuscular transmission in the dogs was investigated by electrical and mechanical methods. The mean duration of action was 70 min. Reversal of its action was produced with atropine and neostigmine.