Explore the vast range of titles available.

An amendment of the family Sinuolineidae (Myxosporea) is proposed in order to include a newly described genus Latyspora n. gen. The type species Latyspora scomberomori n. gen. n. sp. is a coelozoic parasite in the kidney tubules of Scomberomorus guttatus. In addition to the morphological and molecular characterization of L. scomberomori n. gen. n. sp., we also present novel SSU rDNA data on Sphaerospora testicularis, a serious parasite of Dicentrarchus labrax. Performed phylogenetic analyses revealed that both species cluster within the marine urinary clade encompassing the representatives with a shared insertion within their V4 SSU rRNA region and grouping according to the shape of their spores’ sutural line and their similar tissue tropism in the host. Sphaerospora testicularis is the closest relative to Parvicapsula minibicornis within the Parvicapsula subclade and L. scomberomori n. gen. n. sp. is the basal species of the Zschokkella subclade. The phylogenetic position of S. testicularis, outwith the basal Sphaerospora sensu stricto clade, and its morphology suggest it being a non-typical Sphaerospora. The sequence data provided on S. testicularis can help in future revisions of the strongly polyphyletic genus Sphaerospora. We recommend re-sequencing of several sphaerosporids as an essential step before such taxonomic changes are accomplished.

Here, we describe a new database, MaarjAM, that summarizes publicly available Glomeromycota DNA sequence data and associated metadata. The goal of the database is to facilitate the description of distribution and richness patterns in this group of fungi. Small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequences and available metadata were collated from all suitable taxonomic and ecological publications. These data have been made accessible in an open-access database ( http://maarjam.botany.ut.ee). Two hundred and eighty-two SSU rRNA gene virtual taxa (VT) were described based on a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of all collated Glomeromycota sequences. Two-thirds of VT showed limited distribution ranges, occurring in single current or historic continents or climatic zones. Those VT that associated with a taxonomically wide range of host plants also tended to have a wide geographical distribution, and vice versa. No relationships were detected between VT richness and latitude, elevation or vascular plant richness. The collated Glomeromycota molecular diversity data suggest limited distribution ranges in most Glomeromycota taxa and a positive relationship between the width of a taxon's geographical range and its host taxonomic range. Inconsistencies between molecular and traditional taxonomy of Glomeromycota, and shortage of data from major continents and ecosystems, are highlighted.

Parasitological examination of the commercially important pelagic fish Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847 (Clupeidae) from the Eastern coast of Algeria revealed xenomas in the peritoneal cavity, suggesting a microsporidian infection. The prevalence of the disease was approximately 30% on average, higher in smaller individuals and showing significant seasonal variation. The xenomas contained numerous ellipsoidal spores, surrounded by a dense layer of connective tissue. Spore sizes were 6.10 ± 0.38 µm length and 3.54 ± 0.43 µm width. Ultrastructural examination by transmission electron microscopy showed various development stages of the parasite, including meronts, sporonts, sporoblasts and mature spores. The internal organization of the mature spores, with a single nucleus, prominent posterior vacuole, a lamellar polaroplast and an isofilar polar tube arranged in a single row, was typical of the genus Glugea. The DNA sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene confirmed that this parasite belongs to the genus Glugea. Genetic and morphologic comparison with G. sardinellensis, a species previously described in the same host from Tunisia shows many similarities, although some molecular and morphometric inconsistencies precluded the unambiguous assignment of our samples to G. sardinellensis. At the same time, we do not find sufficient grounds to erect a new taxon for our parasite. We discuss the implications of our findings for the current state of the systematics of Glugea.Parasitological examination of the commercially important pelagic fish Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847 (Clupeidae) from the Eastern coast of Algeria revealed xenomas in the peritoneal cavity, suggesting a microsporidian infection. The prevalence of the disease was approximately 30% on average, higher in smaller individuals and showing significant seasonal variation. The xenomas contained numerous ellipsoidal spores, surrounded by a dense layer of connective tissue. Spore sizes were 6.10 ± 0.38 µm length and 3.54 ± 0.43 µm width. Ultrastructural examination by transmission electron microscopy showed various development stages of the parasite, including meronts, sporonts, sporoblasts and mature spores. The internal organization of the mature spores, with a single nucleus, prominent posterior vacuole, a lamellar polaroplast and an isofilar polar tube arranged in a single row, was typical of the genus Glugea. The DNA sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene confirmed that this parasite belongs to the genus Glugea. Genetic and morphologic comparison with G. sardinellensis, a species previously described in the same host from Tunisia shows many similarities, although some molecular and morphometric inconsistencies precluded the unambiguous assignment of our samples to G. sardinellensis. At the same time, we do not find sufficient grounds to erect a new taxon for our parasite. We discuss the implications of our findings for the current state of the systematics of Glugea.

Understanding the dynamics of rhizosphere microbial communities is essential for predicting future ecosystem function, yet most research focuses on either spatial or temporal processes, ignoring combined spatio-temporal effects. Using pyrosequencing, we examined the spatio-temporal dynamics of a functionally important community of rhizosphere microbes, the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. We sampled AM fungi from plant roots growing in a temperate grassland in a spatially explicit manner throughout a year. Ordination analysis of the AM fungal assemblages revealed significant temporal changes in composition and structure. Alpha and beta diversity tended to be negatively correlated with the climate variables temperature and sunshine hours. Higher alpha diversity during colder periods probably reflects more even competitive interactions among AM fungal species under limited carbon availability, a conclusion supported by analysis of beta diversity which highlights how resource limitation may change localized spatial dynamics. Results reveal distinct AM fungal assemblages in winter and summer at this grassland site. A seasonally changing supply of host-plant carbon, reflecting changes in temperature and sunshine hours, may be the driving force in regulating the temporal dynamics of AM fungal communities. Climate change effects on seasonal temperatures may therefore substantially alter future AM fungal community dynamics and ecosystem functioning.

Stentor , the genus of large trumpet-shaped ciliates, is well-known for its complex morphology and striking behaviors. Members of this genus are distributed throughout the world in a wide and diverse pool of freshwater ecosystems. Recently, the molecular phylogeny of Stentor has been explored through comparison of 18 S small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences, clarifying several previously mischaracterized species and species complexes. However, despite their wide distribution, to-date, only about a dozen species of Stentor have been described and verified by phylogenetic means. Here, we introduce the discovery of a new species within genus Stentor : Stentor stipatus spec. nov., so named for their distinctive cytosolic dark pigmented granules which surround the macronucleus and are also present cortically alongside cortically-distributed green microalgae. We present morphological, phylogenetic, ecological, and behavioral characterizations of these cells. Phylogenetic analysis of S. stipatus spec. nov. by comparison of SSU rDNA sequence suggests it is a distinct species from its closest relative, S. amethystinus . We demonstrate that S. stipatus spec. nov. is capable of habituation in response to repeated mechanical stimulation. Further, S. stipatus spec. nov. exhibits strongly directed positive phototaxis, like its relative S. pyriformis, but with a distinct action spectrum from both S. coeruleus and S. pyriformis. Finally, S. stipatus phototaxis response strength varies in a consistent pattern throughout the day, providing evidence of potential circadian regulation. This work expands the current understanding of the ecological distribution of and behavioral features present within genus Stentor .

Sequence-based approaches, such as analyses of ribosome DNA (rDNA) clone libraries and high-throughput amplicon sequencing, have been used extensively to infer evolutionary relationships and elucidate the biodiversity in microbial communities. However, recent studies demonstrate both rDNA copy number variation and intra-individual (intra-genomic) sequence variation in many organisms, which challenges the application of the rDNA-based surveys. In ciliates, an ecologically important clade of microbial eukaryotes, rDNA copy number and sequence variation are rarely studied. In the present study, we estimate the intraindividual small subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) copy number and sequence variation in a wide range of taxa covering nine classes and 18 orders of the phylum Ciliophora. Our studies reveal that: (i) intra-individual sequence variation of SSU rDNA is ubiquitous in all groups of ciliates detected and the polymorphic level varies among taxa; (ii) there is a most common version of SSU rDNA sequence in each cell that is highly predominant and may represent the germline micronuclear template; (iii) compared with the most common version, other variant sequences differ in only 1–3 nucleotides, likely generated during macronuclear (somatic) amplification; (iv) the intra-cell sequence variation is unlikely to impact phylogenetic analyses; (v) the rDNA copy number in ciliates is highly variable, ranging from 10 3 to 10 6 , with the highest record in Stentor roeselii . Overall, these analyses indicate the need for careful consideration of SSU rDNA variation in analyses of the role of ciliates in ecosystems.

Blastocystis sp. is an enteric protozoan that frequently colonizes humans and many animals. Despite impacting on human health, data on the prevalence and subtype (ST) distribution of Blastocystis sp. remain sparse in Africa. Accordingly, we performed the first multicenter and largest epidemiological survey ever conducted on Blastocystis sp. for this continent. A total of 731 stool samples collected from healthy school children living in 10 villages of the northwestern region of Senegal were tested for the presence of Blastocystis sp. by real-time polymerase chain reaction followed by subtyping of positive samples. Considerable variation in prevalence between villages (51.7 to 100%) was evident with the overall prevalence being 80.4%. Mixed infections were identified in 23% of positive individuals. Among 453 school children with a single infection, ST2 was predominant, followed by ST1, ST3, ST7, ST10, and ST14; this is the first report of ST10 and ST14 in humans. Genetic polymorphisms were evident at the intra-ST level with the identification of numerous ST1 to ST3 genotypes. ST1 showed the greatest intra-ST diversity followed by ST2 and ST3. The prevalence and distribution of STs and genotypes varied among target villages, pointing to several potential infection sources, including human-to-human, zoonotic, and waterborne transmission.

A new hypotrich ciliate, Anteholosticha nanjiensis sp. nov ., was isolated from a sandy beach in Wenzhou, China. Its morphology was investigated using detailed live observation and protargol staining, and its phylogenetic position was assessed through small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequence analyses. The new species is characterized as follows: size in vivo 90–115 × 40–50 µm; body shape elliptical and dorsoventrally flattened; 2–4 globular macronuclear nodules; 8–14 midventral cirral pairs; colourless cortical granules (about 0.5 µm in diameter) arranged in short longitudinal rows. Phylogenetic analyses robustly placed A. nanjiensis sp. nov . within a clade containing A. pseudomonilata Li et al., 2011a and A. marimonilata Xu et al., 2011. However, it differs from these congeners by having 13 and 14 nucleotides in its SSU rDNA sequence, respectively, supporting its status as a distinct species. Morphologically, A. nanjiensis sp. nov . can be distinguished from related species by its body size, number of macronuclear nodules, transverse cirri count, and cortical granulation distribution. This study provides comprehensive morphological and molecular data establishing foundational references for resolving the apparent polyphyly of Anteholosticha . While full resolution may require integration of additional evidence (e.g. morphogenetic data or TEM ultrastructure), our dataset delivers essential comparative frameworks for future taxonomic revisions.

Knowledge of the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in natural ecosystems is a major bottleneck in mycorrhizal ecology. Here, we aimed to apply 454 sequencing - providing a new level of descriptive power - to assess the AMF diversity in a boreonemoral forest. 454 sequencing reads of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Glomeromycota were assigned to sequence groups by blast searches against a custom-made annotated sequence database. We detected 47 AMF taxa in the roots of 10 plant species in a 10 x 10 m plot, which is almost the same as the number of plant species in the whole studied forest. There was a significant difference between AMF communities in the roots of forest specialist plant species and in the roots of habitat generalist plant species. Forest plant species hosted 22 specialist AMF taxa, and the generalist plants shared all but one AMF taxon with forest plants, including globally distributed generalist fungi. These AMF taxa that have been globally recorded only in forest ecosystems were significantly over-represented in the roots of forest plant species. Our findings suggest that partner specificity in AM symbiosis may occur at the level of ecological groups, rather than at the species level, of both plant and fungal partners.