Morphological, histopathological, ultrastructural and phylogenetic analysis of Henneguya archosargus n. sp. (Cnidaria, Myxosporea) infecting the sparid fish Archosargus probatocephalus in Brazilian waters.

The introduction of new fish species to the aquaculture industry is essential to halt the progressive decline of natural fish stocks. The sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus is a commercially valuable sparid fish with potential for breeding in captivity, but with limited information regarding parasitic infections that could pose a significant threat for its sustainable production. Thus, the present study aimed to study the myxozoan diversity infecting A. probatocephalus. A novel Henneguya sp. was detected forming plasmodia in the gill lamellae of specimens inhabiting the Brazilian coast, and is characterized based on morphological, histopathological, ultrastructural, molecular, and phylogenetic data. Myxospore total length was 21.3 ± 0.8 µm, with myxospore body 10.0 ± 0.5 µm long, 6.2 ± 0.3 µm wide, and 4.8 ± 0.5 µm thick. Caudal appendages were 10.3 ± 0.5 µm long and did not present any type of coating. Two pyriform polar capsules, 3.4 ± 0.3 µm long and 1.5 ± 0.2 µm wide, each containing an isofilar polar tubule with 4-5 coils. Histopathological analyses showed large intralamellar polysporic plasmodia associated with vascular congestion of the gill filament and gill lamellae, as well as epithelial hyperplasia causing partial or total fusion of gill lamellae. Maximum likelihood and Baysesian inference SSU rDNA-based phylogenetic analyses showed the novel sequence grouped within the marine clade of Henneguya spp. that mostly parasitize fishes belonging to Eupercaria incertae sedis.

All that glitters is not gold: a stereological study of human donor oocytes.

Here we report a quantitative analysis of human metaphase II (MII) oocytes from a 22-year-old oocyte donor, retrieved after ovarian-controlled hyperstimulation. Five surplus donor oocytes were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a stereological analysis was used to quantify the distribution of organelles, using the point-counting technique with an adequate stereological grid. Comparisons between means of the relative volumes (Vv) occupied by organelles in the three oocyte regions, cortex (C), subcortex (SC) and inner cytoplasm (IC), followed the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction. Life cell imaging and TEM analysis confirmed donor oocyte nuclear maturity. Results showed that the most abundant organelles were smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) elements (26.8%) and mitochondria (5.49%). Significant differences between oocyte regions were found for lysosomes (P = 0.003), cortical vesicles (P = 0.002) and large SER vesicles (P = 0.009). These results were quantitatively compared with previous results using prophase I (GV) and metaphase I (MI) immature oocytes. In donor MII oocytes there was a normal presence of cortical vesicles, SER tubules, SER small, medium and large vesicles, lysosomes and mitochondria. However, donor MII oocytes displayed signs of cytoplasmic immaturity, namely the presence of dictyosomes, present in GV oocytes and rare in MI oocytes, of SER very large vesicles, characteristic of GV oocytes, and the rarity of SER tubular aggregates. Results therefore indicate that the criterion of nuclear maturity used for donor oocyte selection does not always correspond to cytoplasmic maturity, which can partially explain implantation failures with the use of donor oocytes.

Stereological study of organelle distribution in human oocytes at metaphase I.

We have previously presented a stereological analysis of organelle distribution in human prophase I oocytes. In the present study, using a similar stereological approach, we quantified the distribution of organelles in human metaphase I (MI) oocytes also retrieved after ovarian stimulation. Five MI oocytes were processed for transmission electron microscopy and a classical manual stereological technique based on point-counting with an adequate stereological grid was used. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests with Bonferroni correction were used to compare the means of relative volumes (Vv) occupied by organelles. In all oocyte regions, the most abundant organelles were mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) elements. No significant differences were observed in Vv of mitochondria, dictyosomes, lysosomes, or SER small and medium vesicles, tubular aggregates and tubules. Significant differences were observed in other organelle distributions: cortical vesicles presented a higher Vv (P = 0.004) in the cortex than in the subcortex (0.96% vs 0.1%) or inner cytoplasm (0.96% vs 0.1%), vesicles with dense granular contents had a higher Vv (P = 0.005) in the cortex than in the subcortex (0.1% vs 0%), and SER large vesicles exhibited a higher Vv (P = 0.011) in the inner cytoplasm than in the subcortex (0.2% vs 0%). Future stereological analysis of metaphase II oocytes and a combined quantitative data of mature and immature oocytes, will enable a better understanding of oocyte organelle distribution during in vivo maturation. Combined with molecular approaches, this may help improve stimulation protocols and in vitro maturation methods.

Description of a new myxozoan Kudoa eugerres n. sp. and reclassification of two Sphaerospora sensu lato species.

Ultrastructural and phylogenetic description of a fish-infecting myxosporean found infecting the gallbladder wall of the teleostean Eugerres brasilianus Cuvier, 1830, collected from the Atlantic coast near the city of Maceió (Alagoas State), Brazil. Groups of mature pseudo-conical myxospores, agglutinated forming pseudocyst structures, occurring in the mucosa of gallbladder were 5.2 ± 0.8 µm (4.5-6.0) (n = 30) long, 4.3 ± 0.6 µm (3.8-4.7) (n = 25) thick, and 2.9 ± 0.2 µm (2.7-3.2) (n = 25) wide. The two ellipsoidal polar capsules, 1.8 ± 0.4 × 1.2 ± 0.4 µm (n = 25), opened close to the sutural line, each containing an isofilar polar tubule. The latter consisted of a single coil with five to six turns, arranged obliquely to the axis of the polar capsule. This myxosporean parasite, while being morphologically similar to Sphaerospora spp., displays tissue tropism and phylogenetic relationships distinct from the latter. Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses showed the parasite and two other related species clustering within the marine clade, more specifically within a subclade of the larger Kudoa (Multivalvulida) clade. Consequently, this atypical new myxozoan species was classified as Kudoa eugerres n. sp. and two other histozoic Sphaerospora spp. sensu lato were transferred to the genus Kudoa.

Simultaneous occurrence of two new myxosporean species infecting the central nervous system of Hypopygus lepturus from Brazil.

This paper describes 2 new myxosporean species, Henneguya lepturus sp. nov. and Thelohanellus lepturus sp. nov., simultaneously infecting the brain and spinal cord of Hypopygus lepturus Hoedeman, 1962 (Teleostei, Hypopomidae) from the Brazilian Amazon (Roraima State). Several spherical cysts of varying dimensions (up to 135 µm) were microscopically observed. The myxospores of H. lepturus sp. nov. measured 25.8 µm in total length, having an ellipsoidal body (12.4 × 6.4 × 2.2 µm) and 2 equal tapering tails (13.4 µm in length). Each of the 2 pyriform polar capsules measured 4.4 × 1.6 µm and possessed a polar filament coiled in 8-9 turns. The myxospores of T. lepturus sp. nov. were pyriform, formed by 2 equal valves (17.7 × 9.1 × 4.3 µm) surrounding a single polar capsule (10.9 × 3.5 µm) that had a coiled polar filament with 13-16 turns and a binucleated sporoplasm that contained several circular sporoplasmosomes. Molecular analysis of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequences of these 2 species were in agreement with the taxonomic classification derived from the ultrastructure of the myxospores. Histopathology of the host tissue showed degradation of the myelinated axons surrounding the cysts of both species, with the hosts displaying behavioural changes and erratic movements when observed in an aquarium.

Ultrastructural morphology and phylogeny of Henneguya gilbert n. sp. (Myxozoa) infecting the teleostean Cyphocharax gilbert (Characiformes: Curimatidae) from Brazil.

This paper describes light and ultrastructural observations and molecular analysis of a fish-infecting myxosporean, Henneguya gilbert n. sp., which was found infecting the gill epithelium of the commercially important freshwater teleost fish Cyphocharax gilbert (Curimatidae) collected in the estuarine region of Guandu River, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The parasite occurs in the gills, forming whitish spherical to ellipsoidal polysporic cysts measuring up to ~ 750 µm, and displaying asynchronous development. Mature myxospores are ellipsoidal with a bifurcated caudal process. The length, width and thickness of the body of the myxospore are 12.0 × 5.3 × 3.6 µm, respectively; two equal caudal processes are 16.8 µm long, and the total length of the myxospore is 27.2 µm. There are two unequal polar capsules: the larger measures 5.5 µm length × 1.3 µm width and has a polar filament with 9-10 coils; the smaller is 4.0 µm long × 1.3 µm wide and has a polar filament with 7-8 coils. The sporoplasm is binucleated and presents a spherical vacuole surrounded by numerous globular sporoplasmosomes. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the small subunit rRNA sequencing, using maximum likelihood method reveals the parasite clustering together with other myxobolids that are histozoic and parasitize freshwater fish of the order Characiformes, thereby strengthening the contention that the host phylogenetic relationships and aquatic environment are the strongest evolutionary signals for myxosporeans of the family Myxobolidae.

Ultrastructural and Phylogenetic Description of Kudoa orbicularis n. sp. (Myxosporea: Multivalvulida): A Parasite Infecting the Muscle of the Fish Chaetobranchopsis orbicularis (Teleostei: Cichlidae) in the Amazon Region.

A new myxosporean species is described from the muscle of the Amazonian freshwater fish Chaetobranchopsis orbicularis (Teleostei, Cichlidae), with basis on morphometric, ultrastructural and molecular data. Numerous myxospores were observed within pseudocysts located on the hosts' dorsal and ventral muscles, near the neural spines and neural canal (spinal cord). Mature myxospores quadrangular with rounded ends in apical view, measuring 4.3 (3.6-5.0) µm in length and 5.1 (4.2-5.8) µm in width. The myxospores wall is formed by four symmetric valves. Within, four pyriform polar capsules, 2.1 (1.7-2.6) µm long and 1.3 (0.9-1.7) µm wide, located two by two in opposite sides of the myxospores longitudinal axis, each containing a polar filament forming 2-3 coils. Molecular analysis of the SSU rRNA gene by maximum likelihood, neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony confirms the parasite as a new member of the genus Kudoa, herein named Kudoa orbicularis n. sp., the second species of its genus reported from the South American freshwater fauna, and the fourth species worldwide known to occur in the freshwater environment. Furthermore, its sequence of the SSU rRNA gene constitutes the first entry of a freshwater Kudoa species in GenBank.

A glycolytic phenotype is associated with prostate cancer progression and aggressiveness: a role for monocarboxylate transporters as metabolic targets for therapy.

Metabolic adaptation is considered an emerging hallmark of cancer, whereby cancer cells exhibit high rates of glucose consumption with consequent lactate production. To ensure rapid efflux of lactate, most cancer cells express high levels of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), which therefore may constitute suitable therapeutic targets. The impact of MCT inhibition, along with the clinical impact of altered cellular metabolism during prostate cancer (PCa) initiation and progression, has not been described. Using a large cohort of human prostate tissues of different grades, in silico data, in vitro and ex vivo studies, we demonstrate the metabolic heterogeneity of PCa and its clinical relevance. We show an increased glycolytic phenotype in advanced stages of PCa and its correlation with poor prognosis. Finally, we present evidence supporting MCTs as suitable targets in PCa, affecting not only cancer cell proliferation and survival but also the expression of a number of hypoxia-inducible factor target genes associated with poor prognosis. Herein, we suggest that patients with highly glycolytic tumours have poorer outcome, supporting the notion of targeting glycolytic tumour cells in prostate cancer through the use of MCT inhibitors.

A stereological study on organelle distribution in human oocytes at prophase I.

The ultrastructural analysis of human oocytes at different maturation stages has only been descriptive. The aim of this study was to use a stereological approach to quantify the distribution of organelles in oocytes at prophase I (GV). Seven immature GV oocytes were processed for transmission electron microscopy and a classical manual stereological technique based on point-counting with an adequate stereological grid was used. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction were used to compare the means of the relative volumes occupied by organelles in oocyte regions: cortex (C), subcortex (SC) and inner cytoplasm (IC). Here we first describe in GV oocytes very large vesicles of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), vesicles containing zona pellucida-like materials and coated vesicles. The most abundant organelles were the very large vesicles of the SER (6.9%), mitochondria (6.3%) and other SER vesicles (6.1%). Significant differences in organelle distribution were observed between ooplasm regions: cortical vesicles (C: 1.3% versus SC: 0.1%, IC: 0.1%, P = 0.001) and medium-sized vesicles containing zona pellucida-like materials (C: 0.2% versus SC: 0.02%, IC: 0%, P = 0.004) were mostly observed at the oocyte cortex, whereas mitochondria (C: 3.6% versus SC: 6.0%, IC: 7.2%, P = 0.005) were preferentially located in the subcortex and inner cytoplasm, and SER very large vesicles (IC: 10.1% versus C: 0.9%, SC: 1.67%, P = 0.001) in the oocyte inner cytoplasm. Further quantitative studies are needed in immature metaphase-I and mature metaphase-II oocytes, as well as analysis of correlations between ultrastructural and molecular data, to better understand human oocyte in vitro maturation.

Ultrastructural and cytogenetic analyses of mature human oocyte dysmorphisms with respect to clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to describe the ultrastructure of two human mature oocyte intracytoplasmic dysmorphisms, the bull-eye inclusion and the granular vacuole, with evaluation of clinical outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 4099 consecutive ICSI cycles during the period 2003-2013. Three groups were compared: controls, those with a bulls-eye inclusion, and those with granular vacuoles. Oocyte dysmorphisms were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy and in situ fluorescence hybridization (FISH). Detailed data on demographic and stimulation characteristics, as well as on embryological, clinical, and newborn outcomes, are fully presented. RESULTS: The bull-eye inclusion is a prominent smooth round structure containing trapped vesicles, being surrounded by lipid droplets. The presence of this dysmorphism in the oocyte cohort had no clinical impact except when transferred embryos were exclusively derived from dysmorphism oocytes. The granular vacuole is delimited by a discontinuous double membrane and contains lipid droplets and vesicles. As FISH analysis revealed the presence of chromosomes, they probably represent pyknotic nuclei. The presence of this dysmorphism in the oocyte cohort had no clinical impact except when at least one transferred embryo was derived from dimorphic oocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Poor clinical outcomes were observed with transfer of embryos derived from dysmorphism oocytes, although without causing gestation or newborn problems. The bull-eye inclusion and granular vacuoles may thus be new prognostic factors for clinical outcomes.

Ultrastructural analysis of five patients with total sperm immotility.

Asthenozoospermia has been related to structural defects of the sperm flagellum. However, few reports have studied in detail the ultrastructure of sperm with total immotility. We present an ultrastructural study of sperm from five patients with total sperm immotility, four due to dysplasia of the fibrous sheath (DFS) and one with situs-inversus. Of the four patients with DFS, three cases presented a hypertrophic and hyperplastic fibrous sheath that invaded the midpiece space, absence of the annulus, and a short midpiece containing a few disorganized and pale mitochondria. Of these cases, two presented absence of the central complex and radial spokes; another additionally presented absence of dynein arms and nexin bridges; and the other patient presented an intact annulus with a dysplastic fibrous sheath restricted to the principal piece with disorganized microtubule doublets. The patient with situs-inversus presented severe respiratory symptoms, with absence of dynein arms and nexin bridges. In conclusion, we present three cases with DFS associated with total sperm immotility, abnormal mitochondria, and absence of the annulus, central pair complex and radial spokes, of which one had in addition absence of dynein arms and nexin bridges. We also describe a patient, with total sperm immotility and a different presentation of DFS, as the annulus was present and the dysplastic fibrous sheath was restricted to the principal piece. These findings thus confirm the heterogeneity of the DFS condition. The changes observed in the patient with situs-inversus also further support previous observations.

New species of Myxobolus in potamodromous catfish from the eastern Amazon, Brazil.

The mapará (Hypophthalmus marginatus) is a commercially important fish in the Brazilian Amazon and has been described as a host for numerous myxosporid species. The integrated taxonomy of a new species, Myxobolus mickeyii n. sp., discovered in the urinary bladder of H. marginatus, is undertaken in this study. In 105 specimens of H. marginatus, plasmodia and myxospores were observed in the urinary bladder fluid, the myxospores measuring 20.5 (19.6-21.3) µm in length and 14.0 (13.2-14.9) µm in width. The posterior valves of the spore body were thick, with valvulogenic nuclei, endoplasmic reticulum, and the presence of secretory vesicles. Two elliptical, rounded appendages attached to the valve, containing tubular filaments. The two polar capsules, symmetry, measuring 6.1 (5.9-6.3) µm in length and 4.4 (3.6-6.2) µm in width, with polar tubules of 3 to 5 turns. Phylogenetic analyses of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) sequencing revealed that M. mickeyii n. sp. is part of a Myxobolidae family clade with freshwater fish of the Siluriformes order, with a genetic distance of 19% to the nearest species. This work contributes to the wide diversity of myxozoans in this host, as other taxa have previously been reported infecting different tissues.

Stereological study of organelle distribution in human mature oocytes.

The ultrastructure of human oocytes has been described only qualitatively. To offer a precise organelle spatial distribution and organelle volume during the main maturation stages, we previously conducted stereological studies on prophase-I (GV) and metaphase-I (MI) oocytes, and here we present results on metaphase-II (MII) oocytes. Five donor oocytes from different donors were processed for transmission electron microscopy, and quantification of organelle distribution was performed using point-counting stereology. Statistical tests compared the means of the relative volumes occupied by organelles among oocyte regions. The most abundant organelles were elements of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), such as SER small vesicles, SER medium vesicles, SER large vesicles and SER isolated tubules, along with mitochondria, followed by SER tubular aggregates, cortical vesicles and lysosomes. Significant differences between oocyte regions were found for lysosomes, cortical vesicles and SER large vesicles. Comparisons of MII oocytes to previous findings in GV and MI oocytes evidenced specific patterns of organelle distribution and relative volumes. This final evaluation thus enables to track organelle spatial reorganization across oocyte stages, which, in addition to gathered knowledge, may be useful to assist in improvements of stimulation protocols, in-vitro maturation media and cryopreservation techniques.

Fine structure of the Plasmodia and Myxospore of Ellipsomyxa gobioides n. sp. (Myxozoa) found in the gallbladder of Gobioides broussonnetii (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the lower Amazon river.

A fish infecting myxosporean Ellipsomyxa gobioides n. sp. is described in the gallbladder of the Amazonian dragon fish Gobioides broussonnetii. Irregular disporous plasmodia (up to ~30 µm in diameter) with long branched and anastomosed pseudopodia were found attached to the gallbladder wall. Mature ellipsoid myxospores occurring floating in the bile measured 6.8 (6.5-7.0) µm (n = 30) long, 7.2 (6.9-7.5) µm (n = 15) wide, and 13.1 (12.8-13.5) (n = 25) thick. They had smooth thin valves elongated in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the straight central transverse sutural line. The two ellipsoidal polar capsules (PC) opened some distance from the sutural line on opposite sides, each measuring 4.6 (4.3-4.8) µm (n = 15) long and 2.5 (2.1-2.7) µm (n = 20) wide. Distance between PC 3.5 (3.1-3.8) µm (n = 15) in apical view. The polar filament was isofilar and consisted of a single coil with five or six turns. The objective of this study was to characterize this new species based on its morphological differences from the three previously described species. This is the first reported species of genus Ellipsomyxa from among the South American fauna.

[Central venous line placement is not compromised by the choice between different insertion sites. Study performed in cardiovascular surgery patients]. / O local da punção não interfere no sucesso da caterização venosa central. Estudo baseado em doentes sujeitos a cirurgia cardíaca.

INTRODUCTION: Peripherally inserted central catheters, or PICC lines, are frequently used for central venous access because they reduce complications associated with large vein cannulation (CVC). Adequate position of the tip of the catheter is important to central venous pressure (CVP) measurement and drug administration. Inadequate positioning and procedural complications mandate radiologic confirmation. Divergent results have been published comparing techniques. METHODOLOGY: The authors analyzed the placement of 117 central venous lines and compared the position of the tip of the catheter by chest x-ray using SPSS_20.0(®). RESULTS: Fifty-eight (49,6%) PICC inserted via right arm veins, 29(24.8%) PICC via left arm veins and 30(25.6%) internal jugular CVC were recorded. The tip was misplaced in 33(28.2%). Choice between PICC or CVC did not affect the position (p=0.22). Neither the vein [basilic, cephalic, median cubital or jugular] (p>0.4) nor the side [right or left arm] chosen compromised adequate positioning, although distal vein catheters are less likely be easily advanced. CVP measurements were accurate in >80% of the catheters and were no different in CVC or PICC (p>0.5). The catheter patency was a good indicator for adequate positioning. CONCLUSION: CVC or PICC are equally effective for central venous access and CVP measurements. No difference was found between left or right arm PICC. One third of the catheters had the tip misplaced, which reinforces the need for radiologic confirmation.

The Overuse of the Emergency Department at a Multidisciplinary Pain Clinic by Patients with Chronic Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Pain represents up to 78% of emergency department (ED) appointments, and an average of 16% of patients that consume ED resources have chronic pain. ED overuse could be an indicator of poor pain management. We are not aware of any study that has ever been carried out to understand the incidence of patients followed up at a multidisciplinary pain clinic (MPC) who overuse the ED. We aim to characterize patients in our MPC who overuse the emergency department, comprehend our percentages, and develop effective methods to reduce these numbers in the near future. Materials and methods We reviewed the medical records of patients observed in our MPC in 2019, selected patients with more than six ED visits from 2019 to 2021, and registered their ED visit diagnosis and evolution. We followed up on these patients and characterized them according to demographic aspects, chronic pain diagnostics, comorbidities, chronic medication, number of chronic pain department appointments, and patients that underwent invasive pain treatment. Results In 2019, 1892 patients were evaluated at our MPC, and only 1% were classified as overusers of the ED. The average number of episodes per patient was 10 in 2019, seven in 2020, and four in 2021. 70% of episodes were due to pain, and 94% were discharged immediately. The majority were women, and 69% were under the age of 69. Seventy-three percent had psychiatric disorders, and 95% and 89% were medicated with opioid and antidepressant medication, respectively, prior to the ED evaluation. Chronic primary pain was the most common diagnosis (47%), followed by chronic secondary musculoskeletal pain (21%). In 2019, most of these patients had only one appointment at our MPC, and in 2021, 79% had no appointments at all. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the particularities of patients with chronic pain who are followed in an MPC and misuse the ED. We observe the predominance of middle-aged people, which raises concerns about the impact of chronic pain in the active population. Issues like the predominance of patients with a diagnosis of primary chronic pain, psychiatric disorders, and being polymedicated with antidepressants and opioids are also a concern. We also realized that a high percentage of patients who overuse EDs lost follow-up at MPC over the past three years, which may reinforce the idea that they were misguided in the treatment of their chronic pain. We recognized the need to improve teamwork with primary care in the follow-up of these patients as well as sensitize emergency service professionals to refer this patient rather than medicate acutely so that follow-up could be carried out in the appropriate places to reduce the percentage of ED overuse.

Stellate Ganglion Block for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: A Case Report.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a poorly understood neuropathic pain syndrome that may have different etiologies. Reports of this syndrome after vaccination are rare. We report a female patient with a medical history of acute stroke of the right carotid artery in the previous four months who developed hyperalgesia, allodynia, edema, and color changes in the upper left member compatible with CRPS one day after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. A multimodal therapeutic approach was adopted, including a stellate ganglion block, with favorable results, including pain score reduction and increased mobility of the affected member.

Ultrastructural characteristics of Nematopsis sp. oocysts (Apicomplexa: Porosporidae), a parasite of the clam Meretrix meretrix (Veneridae) from the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia.

This paper describes the fine structure of oocysts of Nematopsis sp. (Apicomplexa, Porosporidae) found in the abductor muscles of seawater clams, Meretrix meretrix (Linnaeus, 1758) (Veneridae), collected near the city of Dammam (6 degrees 17'0"N, 50 degrees 12'0"E) in the Arabian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Oocysts of an ellipsoidal shape were found among myofibrils of the abductor muscles of infected clams. Each oocyst is composed of an oocyst wall surrounding a single uninucleate vermiform sporozoite located in the lumen of the oocyst wall. The thin oocyst wall (0.70-0.85 microm thick) is composed of homogenous electron-lucent material formed by three layers of equal-thickness. The oocyst wall contains a plano-convex opercular-like structure about 2.5 microm in diameter and 0.75-0.90 microm thick, composed of a homogenous material with moderate electron density. The oocyst is of an ellipsoidal shape and is 15.6 +/- 0.6 microm long and 11.1 +/- 0.7 microm wide. Externally, the oocyst wall is surrounded by a complex dense network of numerous anastomosed microfibrils, which are attached to the oocyst wall, forming 2-3 layers and extending towards the periphery, at some points penetrating amongst the host cells. The myofibrils in some cases show evident aspects of lysis as a consequence of the appearance of lysosome-like vesicles. Lacking knowledge of a complete life cycle and/or molecular data precluded the conclusive identification of this species.

(Re)imagining research, activism, and rights at the intersections of sexuality, health, and social justice.

The Covid-19 pandemic inaugurated a new global order of public life and health marked by death, despair and alienation. As a crisis of a global scale, it made the task of (re)imagination simultaneously necessary and extremely difficult. It is this double bind of the difficulty and imminence of imagination that motivates the curation of this special issue. In this introduction, we map the connections between the theme of this volume and the key ideas that constitute its varied contributions, which we organised under three broad mobilising ideas: Rights and Resilience; Sexuality, Health and Justice; and Politics of Knowledge Production and Collaborations. Contributions cover myriad issues, engage in methodological innovations and play with diverse genres. Alongside more traditional academic writings, there are community-based research papers, activist conversations, visual essays, reflective pieces and interviews. The geographical span of the contributions brings insights from around the world and the number of topics covered in this issue are equally vast including, among others, mental health, disability, environment, sex work, violence, queerness, LGBTQ+ experiences, love and anger. The aim of this special issue, then, is to challenge the Manichean distinctions that are often drawn between research and activism, and by extension, between theory and practice.