Validation and redescription of Acanthamoeba terricola Pussard, 1964 (Amoebozoa: Acanthamoebidae).

Acanthamoeba castellanii (Douglas, 1930) Page, 1967 is the type species of a widespread genus of free-living amoebae, potentially pathogenic for humans and animals. The Neff strain is one of the most widely used in biological research, serving as a model for both A. castellanii and the whole genus in general. The Neff strain, isolated in California, closely resembles another strain found in France and originally described as a separate species, Acanthamoeba terricola Pussard, 1964, but both were successively synonymized with A. castellanii. Molecular sequence analysis has largely replaced morphological diagnosis for species identification in Acanthamoeba, and rDNA phylogenies show that the Neff strain forms a distinct lineage from that of the type strain of A. castellanii. In this study, we compared the type strain of A. terricola with the Neff strain and A. castellanii, and analysed the available molecular data including new sequences obtained from A. terricola. Here we provide molecular evidence to validate the species A. terricola. The Neff strain is therefore transferred to A. terricola and should no longer be considered as belonging to A. castellanii.

Adlercreutzia faecimuris sp. nov., producing propionate and acetate isolated from mouse feces.

A novel strictly anaerobic bacterium, strain JBNU-10 T, was isolated from BALB/c mouse feces. Cells of the strain JBNU-10 T were Gram-stain positive, non-motile and rod-shaped. Optimum growth occurred at 37℃, with 1% (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain JBNU-10 T belonged to the genus Adlercreutzia and were closely related to Adlercreutzia muris WCA-131-CoC-2 T (95.90%). The genome sequencing of strain JBNU-10 T revealed a genome size of 2,790,983 bp, a DNA G + C content of 69.4 mol%. It contains a total of 2,266 CDSs, 5 rRNA genes and 49 tRNA genes. According to the data obtained strain JBNU-10 T shared ANI value below 77.6- 67.7%, dDDH value below 23.8% with the closely type species. Strain JBNU-10 T possessed iso-C16:0 DMA, C18:1 CIS 9 FAME, and C18:0 DMA as the major fatty acids and had DMMK-6. The major end products of fermentation is propionate and acetate. Based on phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain JBNU-10 T represent a novel species of the genus Adlercreutzia. The type strain is JBNU-10 T (= KCTC 25028 T = CCUG 75610 T).

Cocconeiscrisscrossis sp. nov., a new monoraphid diatom (Bacillariophyta) from southern China.

A novel monoraphid diatom species, Cocconeiscrisscrossis You, Yu, Kociolek & Wang, sp. nov. is examined and described from the Qingyi River and Maolan Nature Reserve of southern China. The morphological description is based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations and the new species is compared with similar taxa in this genus. The characteristics unique to Cocconeiscrisscrossissp. nov. include its central area extending irregularly to both sides, it having closed valvocopulae with heavily silicified fimbriate margins and poles of the valvocopulae have 'sword-shaped' siliceous extensions. These features differentiate this new species from others in the genus. This new species was found in alkaline waterbodies, including streams, waterfall and ponds. It was usually found as an epiphyte on the stones; however, it was present on other substrates such as mosses.

Impatiensbeipanjiangensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China.

Impatiensbeipanjiangensis Jian Xu & H. F. Hu (Balsaminaceae), a new species of Impatienssubg.Clavicarpa discovered in Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated in this study along with its molecular phylogenetic analysis. I.beipanjiangensis is similar to I.liboensis, I.chishuiensis and I.clavigera in morphology, but I.tubulosa has the closest relationship to it. However, there are various ways in which the new species can be easily distinguished from these four species: Inferior nodes swollen rhizoid, pale green and with hooked outer sepals, longer lateral united petals, subovate auricle, deeper lower sepal and shorter spur that is reflexed towards the lower sepal. Furthermore, I.beipanjiangensis is distinguished from other Impatiens species, based on morphological, micromorphological and palynological evidence and molecular data (PP 0.967).

Aspleniumguodanum (Aspleniaceae), a distinct new fern species from northern Guangdong, China, based on morphological data and molecular phylogeny.

A new spleenwort species, Aspleniumguodanum, was found and described from Danxia landform region in Guangdong, China. The new species has close resemblance to A.subcrenatum Ching ex S.H.Wu in morphology, but can be distinguished by having plants small, stipes and rachises not covered with fibrous scales, relatively fewer pairs of pinnae, pinnae short, pinna margin weakly biserrate, pinna apex acute and lower pinnae obviously reduced. Phylogenetic analyses, based on six plastid markers (atpB, rbcL, rps4 & rps4-trnS and trnL & trnL-F) of the new species and its relatives, support a close relationship between A.guodanum and A.subcrenatum. Only one population with no more than 50 individuals were found and, therefore, it is recommended to be classified as Critically Endangered (CR) following IUCN Red List Criteria.

Angiopterisnodosipetiolata (Marattiaceae), a new fern species from Yunnan, China.

Angiopterisnodosipetiolata Ting Wang tris, H.F.Chen & Y.H.Yan, a new fern of Marattiaceae, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, A.nodosipetiolata is similar to A.chingii with more than one naked pulvinus on the stipe and numerous jointed hairs on the undersides of the mature pinnae. However, the pinnae of A.nodosipetiolata are lanceolate and can reach up to 4-6 pairs, whereas they are elliptic and occur in 2-3 pairs in A.chingii. Phylogenetic and genetic distance analysis, based on the plastid genomes, also indicates that A.nodosipetiolata is not closely related to A.chingii. Currently, there are ca. 500 mature individuals in Gulinqing Nature Reserve and we suggest A.nodosipetiolata should be categorised as an Endangered (EN) species according to the criteria of IUCN.

Scale morphology variability in cyprinid fishes and its significance in taxonomy using light and scanning electron microscopy: A case study of the genus Garra Hamilton, 1822 (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).

To evaluate scale morphological variability (shape, size, topological macro- and microstructures, ornamentation patterns) of cyprinid fishes, nine species of the genus Garra were selected and their scales from five different body regions were studied by using light and scanning electron microscopy. The scales of the examined species were thin with a central or antero-centrally positioned focus, with no cteni in the posterior part. In addition to these typical characteristics, some morphological variation was observed in the overall shape (irregular round, true oval, round-triangular, irregular pentagonal, hexagonal, irregular hexagonal, pentagonal, ovoid), and the focus shape. These variations were mainly dependent on the fish lengths and the flank region. Morphological analysis clustered the examined species into two distinct groups. Group I consisted of G. amirhosseini and G. gymnothorax, while Group II has three subgroups, which include G. persica and G. mondica (subgroup I), G. meymehensis, G. rossica, G. nudiventris, G. hormuzensis (subgroup II), and G. rufa (subgroup III). The grouping of the studied Garra species based on the current scale morphological characters and the molecular data was only consistent for G. rossica and G. nudiventris. In addition, in the phylogenetic tree, G. persica, G. mondica, G. amirhosseini, and G. hormuzensis formed a distinct clade. However, these species did not represent close relationships in the dendrogram obtained from the scale morphology. A possible explanation why the grouping of the studied Garra species based on their scale morphological characters does not match their phylogenetic relationships is that most of the scale morphological traits vary depending on the fish size and the location of the scales on the flank. Therefore, except for some traits, that is, central or antero-centrally positioned focus, having no cteni, a specific sectioned form so called "tetra-sectioned" type, the other examined variables are not useful enough to be used in the taxonomic study of the examined cyprinid fishes. Therefore, scale morphological characters should be used carefully for taxonomic purposes. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Shape, size, topological macro- and microstructures, and ornamentation patterns of nine species of the genus Garra were studied by using light and scanning electron microscopy. The scales were thin with a central or antero-centrally positioned focus, with no cteni in the posterior part. Morphological variation was observed in the overall shape (irregular round, true oval, round-triangular, irregular pentagonal, hexagonal, irregular hexagonal, pentagonal, and ovoid), and the focus shape. The grouping of Garra species based on the current scale morphological characters and the molecular data was only consistent for G. rossica and G. nudiventris.

Two new species of the genus Cheiracanthium C. L. Koch, 1839 (Araneae, Cheiracanthiidae) from China.

Two species of the long-legged sac spider genus Cheiracanthium C. L. Koch, 1839 collected from China are diagnosed and described as new to science: Cheiracanthiumbannaensissp. nov. (♂♀) from Yunnan Province and C.bifurcatumsp. nov. (♂♀) from Xinjiang Uyger Autonomous Region. Photos of the habitus and copulatory organs are given. In addition, DNA barcode information of the two new species is provided.

A retrospective study of pet owners' complaints against veterinary practices in Türkiye (2012-2021).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine in detail the complaints against veterinarians submitted by pet owners and evaluated by the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association in Türkiye, with the aim to create awareness among Turkish veterinarians about the nature of the complaints and how they might reduce the risk of making medical errors. SAMPLE: 127 files of complaints. METHODS: A total of 127 written complaints from pet owners filed between January 2012 and December 2021 were analyzed. The pet owners' complaints were subjected to a conventional content analysis to identify the primary, secondary, and tertiary themes. Each case was evaluated by a 3-level complaint-coding taxonomy. The first level included 3 domains (themes), namely clinical, management, and relationship, while the second level was ordered in a total of 7 subcategories of complaint types. Thereafter, the third-level minor themes were grouped into related subcategories. RESULTS: From 127 file complaints, 296 specific issues were identified. Of these, 62% were in the clinical domain, 24% in the management domain, and 14% about poor behavior of the attending veterinarians. The most common (43%) complaint was medical errors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An increased awareness of common medical errors should be promoted among Turkish veterinarians in order to reduce the risk of negligence and malpractice.

Azotosporobacter soli gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel nitrogen-fixing bacterium isolated from paddy soil.

A nitrogen-fixing strain designated SG130T was isolated from paddy soil in Fujian Province, China. Strain SG130T was Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, and strictly anaerobic. Strain SG130T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the type strains Dendrosporobacter quercicolus DSM 1736T (91.7%), Anaeroarcus burkinensis DSM 6283T (91.0%) and Anaerospora hongkongensis HKU 15T (90.9%). Furthermore, the phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis also suggested strain SG130T clustered with members of the family Sporomusaceae and was distinguished from other genera within this family. Growth of strain SG130T was observed at 25-45 °C (optimum 30 °C), pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum 7.0) and 0-1% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0.1%). The quinones were Q-8 and Q-9. The polar lipids were phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), glycolipid (GL), phospholipid (PL) and an unidentified lipid (UL). The major fatty acids (> 10%) were iso-C13:0 3OH (26.6%), iso-C17:1 (15.6%) and iso-C15:1 F (11.4%). The genomic DNA G + C content was 50.7%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain SG130T and the most closely related type strain D. quercicolus DSM 1736T (ANI 68.0% and dDDH 20.3%) were both below the cut-off level for species delineation. The average amino acid identity (AAI) between strain SG130T and the most closely related type strain D. quercicolus DSM 1736T was 63.2%, which was below the cut-off value for bacterial genus delineation (65%). Strain SG130T possessed core genes (nifHDK) involved in nitrogen fixation, and nitrogenase activity (106.38 µmol C2H4 g-1 protein h-1) was examined using the acetylene reduction assay. Based on the above results, strain SG130T is confirmed to represent a novel genus of the family Sporomusaceae, for which the name Azotosporobacter soli gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG130T (= GDMCC 1.3312T = JCM 35641T).

Comparative Cranial Geometric Morphometrics among Wistar Albino, Sprague Dawley, and WAG/Rij Rat Strains.

This research utilizes geometric morphometrics to investigate shape variation in the skull, mandible, and teeth among three rat strains: Wistar Albino (WA), Sprague Dawley (SD), and WAG/Rij (WR). Through the analysis of 48 rats using 2D geometric morphometric techniques, significant differences in their skull morphology were identified. This study indicates a shift from a rectangular to an oval cranial shape across strains, with notable size and morphological variances. Particularly, the WR strain's skull shape significantly differs from the SD and WA strains, suggesting distinct ecological or genetic pathways. Compared to the skull, mandible shape differences are less pronounced, but still significant. The WR strain exhibits a distinct mandible shape, potentially reflecting ecological adaptations like dietary habits. The teeth shape of WR rats is the most distinct. SD rats consistently exhibited larger sizes in both skull and mandible measurements, while WR rats were notably smaller. Interestingly, sexual dimorphism was not statistically significant in skull and teeth sizes, aligning with findings from previous studies. However, the mandible showed clear size differences between sexes, underscoring its potential for adaptive or behavioral studies. In summary, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of morphological variations in rat strains, highlighting the intricate interplay of size, shape, and ecological factors. These findings lay a foundation for deeper explorations into the adaptive, ecological, or genetic narratives influencing rat morphology.

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Ulva spp. (Ulvophyceae; Chlorophyta) from Algarrobo Bay, Chile: Understanding the Composition of Green Tides.

Green algae blooms of the genus Ulva are occurring globally and are primarily attributed to anthropogenic factors. At Los Tubos beach in Algarrobo Bay along the central Chilean coast, there have been blooms of these algae that persist almost year-round over the past 20 years, leading to environmental, economic, and social issues that affect the local government and communities. The objective of this study was to characterize the species that form these green tides based on a combination of ecological, morpho-anatomical, and molecular information. For this purpose, seasonal surveys of beached algal fronds were conducted between 2021 and 2022. Subsequently, the sampled algae were analyzed morphologically and phylogenetically using the molecular markers ITS1 and tufA, allowing for the identification of at least five taxa. Of these five taxa, three (U. stenophylloides, U. uncialis, U. australis) have laminar, foliose, and distromatic morphology, while the other two (U. compressa, U. aragoensis) have tubular, filamentous, and monostromatic fronds. Intertidal surveys showed that U. stenophylloides showed the highest relative coverage throughout the seasons and all intertidal levels, followed by U. uncialis. Therefore, we can establish that the green tides on the coast of Algarrobo in Chile are multispecific, with differences in relative abundance during different seasons and across the intertidal zone, opening opportunities for diverse future studies, ranging from ecology to algal biotechnology.

Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of large language models in answering neurophysiology questions.

Large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, Google's Bard, and Anthropic's Claude, showcase remarkable natural language processing capabilities. Evaluating their proficiency in specialized domains such as neurophysiology is crucial in understanding their utility in research, education, and clinical applications. This study aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of Large Language Models (LLMs) in answering neurophysiology questions in both English and Persian (Farsi) covering a range of topics and cognitive levels. Twenty questions covering four topics (general, sensory system, motor system, and integrative) and two cognitive levels (lower-order and higher-order) were posed to the LLMs. Physiologists scored the essay-style answers on a scale of 0-5 points. Statistical analysis compared the scores across different levels such as model, language, topic, and cognitive levels. Performing qualitative analysis identified reasoning gaps. In general, the models demonstrated good performance (mean score = 3.87/5), with no significant difference between language or cognitive levels. The performance was the strongest in the motor system (mean = 4.41) while the weakest was observed in integrative topics (mean = 3.35). Detailed qualitative analysis uncovered deficiencies in reasoning, discerning priorities, and knowledge integrating. This study offers valuable insights into LLMs' capabilities and limitations in the field of neurophysiology. The models demonstrate proficiency in general questions but face challenges in advanced reasoning and knowledge integration. Targeted training could address gaps in knowledge and causal reasoning. As LLMs evolve, rigorous domain-specific assessments will be crucial for evaluating advancements in their performance.

New species and records of Hybos Meigen (Diptera, Empidoidea) from Huaping National Nature Reserve, China.

In this study, 21 species of Hybos Meigen, 1803 are reviewed in Huaping National Nature Reserve, China. Among these, three species, i.e., Hybosdenticulatussp. nov., Hybosforcipatasp. nov. and H.paraterminalissp. nov., are described as new to science. In addition, nine known species of this genus are reported for the first time in Guangxi. All the known species were enumerated, and an identification key to the species of Hybos from Huaping National Nature Reserve based on morphological characteristics is provided.

Carexduanensis (Carexsect.Rhomboidales), a new species of Cyperaceae from limestone areas of Guangxi, China.

Carexduanensis Z.C.Lu, Y.F.Lu & X.F.Jin, a new species in limestone areas of Guangxi, China, was discovered and described. The morphology showed that C.duanensis is similar to C.calcicola, but differs in having culms central, leaf blades 3-5.5 mm wide, bracts longer than spikes, utricles 4-5 mm long, shorter, and nutlets abruptly contracted into an erect beak at apex. SEM microphotographs of utricles and nutlets are provided for the new and related species, C.calcicola.

A new species of Otacilia Thorell, 1897 (Araneae, Phrurolithidae) from Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve, Chongqing, China.

Background: Phrurolithidae is a family of spiders with 395 species belonging to 26 genera distributed worldwide, of which 205 species belong to 17 genera was recorded in China. New information: A new species of the genus Otacilia Thorell, 1897 is described from Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve, Chongqing, China. Diagnosis, morphological description, photos of the habitus and genitalia of the new species are provided.

Insights into the molecular phylogeny and morphology of three novel Dothiora species, along with a worldwide checklist of Dothiora.

Most species of Dothiora are known from the dead parts of various host plants as saprobic fungi in terrestrial habitats occurring in tropical and temperate regions. In the present study, samples of Dothiora were collected from dead twigs and branches of Capparis spinosa, Rhaponticum repens, and an unknown angiosperm plant from the Tashkent and Jizzakh regions of Uzbekistan. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on a combined ITS, LSU, SSU, TEF1, and TUB2 sequence data revealed their taxonomic positions within the Dothideaceae. Three new species of Dothiora, namely, Dothiora capparis, Dothiora rhapontici, and Dothiora uzbekistanica were proposed by molecular and morphological data. Likewise, the phylogenetic relationship and morphology of Dothiora are discussed. In addition, we provide a list of accepted Dothiora species, including host information, distribution, morphology descriptions, and availability of sequence data, to enhance the current knowledge of the diversity within Dothiora.

Two new species of Perenniporia sensu lato (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from China and two new combinations in Crassisporus.

Phylogenetic and morphological analyses on Perenniporia s.l. were carried out. Phylogenies on Perenniporia s.l. are reconstructed with two loci DNA sequences including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the large subunit (nLSU). Two new species from Yunnan Province, southwest China, Perenniporiaprunicola and P.rosicola in Perenniporia s.l., are illustrated and described. Perenniporiaprunicola is characterised by the perennial and resupinate basidiomata with a clay pink pore surface when fresh, a trimitic hyphal system, the presence of clavate to fusiform hymenial cystidia, ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 4.8-6.2 × 3.6-4.5 µm. Perenniporiarosicola is characterised by annual and resupinate basidiomata with a white pore surface when fresh, a dimitic hyphal system, the presence of dendrohyphidia, broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores measuring 5-5.8 × 4-5.2 µm. In addition, Crassisporus is a genus in Perenniporia s.l., in which two new combinations Crassisporusminutus and C.mollissimus are proposed. Main morphological characteristics of species related to new taxa are also provided.

Three new species of free-living marine nematodes of the Microlaimus genus (Nematoda: Microlaimidae) from the continental shelf off northeastern Brazil (Atlantic Ocean).

Three new species of the Microlaimus genus (Nematoda: Microlaimidae) are described from sample sediments collected in the South Atlantic, along the Continental Shelf break of Northeastern Brazil. Microlaimus paraundulatus sp. n. possesses four setiform cephalic sensillae, a buccal cavity with three small teeth, arched and slender spicules and a wave-shaped gubernaculum. Microlaimus modestus sp. n. is characterized by four small cephalic sensillae, a buccal cavity with three teeth (one large dorsal tooth), cephalated spicules and a strongly arched gubernaculum in the distal region. Microlaimus nordestinus sp. n. is characterized by the following set of features: relatively long body, eight rows of hypodermal glands that extend longitudinally along the body and a funnel-shaped gubernaculum surrounding the spicules at the distal end. An amendment of the diagnosis is proposed for the genus.

A new troglomorphic species of Larca (Pseudoscorpiones, Larcidae) from Colorado.

A new species of Larca is described from dry habitats in a cave in central Colorado. Like other cave-dwelling species of Larca, the new species Larcabouldericasp. nov., shows relatively modest morphological adaptations, such as pale colouration and slightly elongated appendages, compared with their epigean counterparts. This species is the sixth cave-dwelling species of Larca described from North America and, like other cave-dwelling Larca in North America and Europe, tends to be distributed in more southerly regions.