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Chnoospora is one of the genera in Scytosiphonaceae with many taxonomic changes, comprising only two currently taxonomically accepted species. Chnoospora minima, its type species, has the widest distribution range and is characterized by a simple morphology with cylindrical or flattened thalli and dichotomous branching. On the Mexican coasts, its distribution is disjunct, being recorded on both the Pacific and Atlantic sides. In the present study we aim to characterize morphologically and molecularly the Mexican populations of C. minima. Our results revealed two phylogenetically independent groups, corresponding with different species with sympatric distribution in the tropical Mexican Pacific, C. minima and C. ramosissima sp. nov. Chnoospora ramosissima has the typical morphology of the genus, however, it is distinct in having relatively constant length of the branching segments, that are gradually reducing towards the apical portions, giving the thallus a profusely branched appearance; in addition, cellular measurements also differ between them. In contrast, C. minima, presented five different morphotypes on the Mexican coasts, however, all of them were different from C. ramosissima by having a central branching segment longer than the rest, subsequently reducing towards the apical portions, giving the thallus the appearance of being elongated and little branched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study revisited the taxonomy and diversity of brown macroalgae within the Scytosiphonaceae family in French Polynesia, which had previously been recognized as encompassing only six species. Using the chloroplast and mitochondrial genes rbcL, psbA, and cox3 as molecular markers in conjunction with morpho‐anatomical observations, we unveiled the presence of 11 species spanning six genera: Chnoospora minima, Colpomenia claytoniae, Co. sinuosa [groups IIIa and IIIb], Hydroclathrus rapanuii, H. tenuis, H. tilesii, Manzaea minuta, Pseudochnoospora implexa, Rosenvingea australis, and the newly described species R. polynesiensis sp. nov. and R. tahitiensis sp. nov. This encompasses the recognition of two previously unreported genera in this region: Manzaea and Pseudochnoospora. Sequences were successfully acquired for four taxa that had been documented previously, while the absence of sequences for H. clathratus and H. tumulis in French Polynesia raises queries about their presence in this region. With these additions, the total species count now stands at 13 (including H. clathratus and H. tumulis), one being an endemic species. The molecular‐assisted alpha taxonomic approach used here allowed for a critical revision of the Scytosiphonaceae species checklist for French Polynesia. The diversity revealed in this region accounts for a substantial 20% of the family's global diversity. Additionally, our study presents an updated species‐level phylogeny for the Scytosiphonaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The coccidian parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis is the causative agent for foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis disease and multiple annual fresh produce recalls. The aim of this study was to identify potential cross-reacting species for the C. cayetanensis 18S rRNA and MIT1C gene target real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. The environmental samples evaluated were irrigation pond water, produce wash water, and wastewater treatment sludge from a previous study with qPCR detections of C. cayetanensis by the 18S rRNA gene target qPCR. From these samples, longer regions of the 18S rRNA gene and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit III gene (cox3) were sequenced. Of 65 irrigation pond water samples with positive test results using the C. cayetanensis 18S rRNA gene qPCR assay, none had MIT1C qPCR assay detections or sequences that clustered with C. cayetanensis based on sequencing of the cox3 and 18S rRNA gene. Sequences from these samples clustered around coccidia sequences found in bird, fish, reptile, and amphibian hosts. Of 26 sludge samples showing detections by either qPCR assay, 14 (54%) could be confirmed as containing C. cayetanensis by sequencing of cox3 and 18S rRNA gene regions. In three of the remaining sludge samples, sequenced reads clustered with coccidia from rodents. This study demonstrated that caution should be taken when interpreting qPCR C. cayetanensis detection data in environmental samples and sequencing steps will likely be needed for confirmation.IMPORTANCEFresh produce is a leading transmission source in cyclosporiasis outbreaks. It is therefore essential to understand the role that produce-growing environments play in the spread of this disease. To accomplish this, sensitive and specific tests for environmental and irrigation waters must be developed. Potential cross-reactions of Cyclospora cayetanensis real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays have been identified, hindering the ability to accurately identify this parasite in the environment. Amplicon sequencing of the cox3 and 18S rRNA genes revealed that all irrigation pond water and two sludge samples that initially detected C. cayetanensis by qPCR were most likely cross-reactions with related coccidian organisms shed from birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and rodents. These results support that a single testing method for environmental samples is likely not adequate for sensitive and specific detection of C. cayetanensis.

A new genus, Rostrupomyces is established to accommodate Xerocomus sisongkhramensis based on multiple protein-coding genes (atp6, cox3, tef1, and rpb2) analyses of a wide taxon sampling of Boletaceae. In our phylogeny, the new genus was sister to Rubinosporus in subfamily Xerocomoideae, phylogenetically distant from Xerocomus, which was highly supported as sister to Phylloporus in the same subfamily Xerocomoideae. Rostrupomyces is different from other genera in Boletaceae by the following combination of characters: rugulose to subrugulose pileus surface, white pores when young becoming pale yellow in age, subscabrous stipe surface scattered with granulose squamules, white basal mycelium, unchanging color in any parts, yellowish brown spore print, and broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid, smooth basidiospores. In addition, Hemileccinum inferius, also from subfamily Xerocomoideae, is newly described. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the new genus and new species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemosporidian parasites that infect birds (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida) are blood parasites that require an invertebrate host (vector) and a vertebrate host for their lifecycle and cause malaria-like diseases. This group of parasites has provided valuable insights into host specificity, virulence, and parasite dispersal. Additionally, they have played a significant role in reshaping our understanding of the evolutionary history of apicomplexans. In order to accurately identify species and to address phylogenetic questions such as the timing of the haemosporidian radiation, the use of a sufficiently large genetic data set is crucial. However, acquiring this genetic data poses significant challenges. In this research, a sensitive nested PCR assay was developed. This assay allows for the easy amplification of complete mitochondrial genomes of haemosporidian parasites in birds, even during the chronic stage of infection. The effectiveness of this new nested PCR assay was evaluated using blood and tissue samples of birds with verified single parasite infections from previous studies. The approach involves amplifying four overlapping fragments of the mitochondrial genome and requires DNA extracts from single-infected samples. This method successfully amplified the complete mitochondrial genomes of 24 distinct haemosporidian parasite lineages found in various bird species. This data is invaluable for conducting phylogenetic analyses and accurately defining species. Furthermore, this study proposes the existence of at least 15 new haemosporidian parasite species based on the genetic information obtained. Data regarding pGRW04, previously categorized as Plasmodium relictum like pSGS1 and pGRW11, indicates that the pGRW04 lineage is actually a separate, hidden Plasmodium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle growth and injury-induced regeneration are controlled by skeletal muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) through myogenesis in postnatal animals. Meanwhile, myogenesis is accompanied by mitochondrial function and enzyme activity. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms involving non-coding RNAs including circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) remain largely unsolved. Here, we explored the myogenic roles of miR-145-3p and MYBL1 on muscle development and mitochondrial mass. We noticed that overexpression of miR-145-3p inhibited MuSCs proliferation and reduced the number of viable cells. Meanwhile, deficiency of miR-145-3p caused by LNAantimiR-145-3p or an inhibitor retarded the differentiation of MuSCs. miR-145-3p altered the mitochondrial mass in MuSCs. Moreover, miR-145-3p targeted and negatively regulated the expression of CDR1as and MYBL1. The knockdown of the MYBL1 using ASO-2′MOE modification simulated the inhibitory function of miR-145-3p on cell proliferation. Additionally, MYBL1 mediated the regulation of miR-145-3p on Vexin, VCPIP1, COX1, COX2, and Pax7. These imply that CDR1as/miR-145-3p/MYBL1/COX1, COX2, VCPIP1/Vexin expression at least partly results in a reduction in mitochondrial mass and MuSCs proliferation. These novel findings confirm the importance of mitochondrial mass during myogenesis and the boosting of muscle/meat development in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Colpomenia borea sp. nov. is described from Hokkaido, Japan and Magadan, Far East Russia based on morphological observations and molecular analyses using mitochondrial cox3 and chloroplast rbcL genes. This new species is distinguished from other Colpomenia by its small globular to ovoidal thallus up to 5 cm in diameter, and thin thallus membrane composed of a cortex of one to two‐cell layers and a colorless medulla of up to three layers. This species is epiphytic on the brown alga Stephanocystis in areas protected against waves. The life history in culture of C. borea was investigated and the observed life history pattern was similar to those reported in C. peregrina and C. sinuosa. Our phylogenetic analyses supported that C. borea is a distinct species, yet it is more related to C. peregrina than C. sinuosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects 47% of adult surgical critical care patients (ASCCPs). AKI is induced through a common oxidative stress pathway resulting in mitochondrial and tubular cell injury with increased urinary mitochondrial DNA (UmtDNA) excretion. UmtDNA is an emerging and readily sampled novel biomarker for varied surgical critical care cohorts. This review aimed to determine the clinical use of UmtDNA genes (ND1 and COX3) in AKI in ASCCPs. PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched. Eligibility criteria were based on the patient/problem, intervention, comparison and outcome framework. Methodological quality of studies was assessed with the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. WebPlot Digitizer version 4.4 was used to extract UmtDNA data from graphs and UmtDNA ratios were statistically analysed with PRISM version 9.1.0 (GraphPad Software). Six human studies (n = 391) with three translational murine models (n = 112) satisfied inclusion criteria. One sample t test suggested significantly high UmtDNA‐ND1 ratios in progressive/severe AKI (or delayed renal transplant graft function) to no AKI (or immediate renal transplant graft function) and increased UmtDNA‐COX3 ratios approached significance. Sensitivities and specificities for UmtDNA ranged from 68% to 85% and 52% to 83.6%, respectively, comparable with new biomarkers, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule‐1. Weak correlation was observed with serum creatinine. These findings were complemented in translational murine AKI experiments with significantly elevated ND1 and COX3. From bench to clinical practice, UmtDNA appears to be a promising novel biomarker of progressive/severe AKI (or delayed graft function). Large prospective, multi‐centre studies reporting standardised UmtDNA findings should clarify use of UmtDNA in ASCCP‐AKI management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colpomenia sinuosa is a cosmopolitan brown macroalgal species complex and hence a great candidate for evolutionary studies in the marine environment. Since 2009, three major C. sinuosa phylogenetic lineages, subdivided into eight subgroups, have been identified based on cox3 DNA sequences from worldwide collections. However, worldwide sampling remains limited and spotty. To date molecular data from Brazilian C. sinuosa populations have been limited to 10 specimens collected in a single locality. Nonetheless, C. sinuosa populations occur along the entire ~8,000 km Brazilian coast. Consequently, knowledge on population genetic diversity and spatial genetic structuring along most of the Brazilian coastline is nonexistent. To fulfill this gap in knowledge, we performed a phylogeographic analysis of C. sinuosa populations in Brazil. The highly variable cox3 marker was sequenced for 148 individuals collected in 12 localities in Brazil. Results identified two genetically distinct population groups (north vs. south) separated at 20.5° S latitude. Genetic diversity in northern populations is 14.6 and 15.5 times greater than southern populations in terms of haplotype and nucleotide diversity, respectively. Among northern populations, the Bahia state holds the largest genetic diversity. The southern populations had lower genetic diversity and no internal genetic sub‐structure suggesting past bottlenecks followed by recent colonization from northern haplotypes. Our results do not indicate recent introductions of foreign haplotypes in Brazil and reinforce the crucial importance of historical and extant allopatric, parapatric, and sympatric processes driving marine macroalgal evolution in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Lobophora tsengii is described from Bach Long Vy (Bailongwei) Island, Haiphong Province, Vietnam. The plants inhabit the subtidal zone and have predominantly erect fan-shaped thalli that attach to the substrate by a basal holdfast. The thallus is commonly composed of a single layer of large medullary cells with four layers of cortical cells on either side of the medulla. The newly collected specimens from the island are morphologically similar to those from Hainan Island, China, but differ from the New Caledonian ones in having thicker thallus. In molecular phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated rbcL and cox3 sequences, the specimens from the island were 100% identical to those from Hainan Island, China, and they formed a clade separating from other Lobophora species. Additionally, based on analyses of numerous cox3 sequences, our specimens were also distinguished from the closely related taxa occurring in New Caledonia, Kenya, and West Australia. Combining the morphological and molecular analyses, we conclude that our specimens represent a new species of Lobophora, which is apparently endemic to the Beibu Gulf (Gulf of Tonkin) and adjacent waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown macroalgal genus Lobophora plays important ecological roles in many marine ecosystems. This group has received much attention over the past decade, and a considerable number of new species have been identified globally. However, our knowledge of the genus diversity and ecology along south-east Asian coasts are still limited. Given the growing body of research that uses a combination of molecular and morphological data to identify cryptic species, this study investigates the diversity of Lobophora in the western Gulf of Thailand using morphological and molecular data, as well as their interactions with scleractinian corals. A total of 36 Lobophora specimens were collected from 15 sites in the western Gulf of Thailand and used for molecular and morphological analyses. One mitochondrial (cox3) and two chloroplast (psbA and rbcL) genes were amplified and sequenced for molecular phylogenetic analyses. Based primarily on phylogenetic evidence, two new species were formally described, L. chumphonensis sp. nov. and L. thailandensis sp. nov. Additionally, L. lamourouxii was newly recorded from Thailand. Two new lineages of Lobophora obscura were identified, L. obscura12 and L. obscura13. Among the Lobophora species identified, three were found in interaction with corals, the most notable of which was the massive coral Porites. Lobophora chumphonensis sp. nov. only interacted with Porites by growing on bare coral skeleton between Porites colonies. Furthermore, L. obscura13 was observed under the branching coral Pocillopora. Our findings revealed that Lobophora presented both effects and absence of effects on coral. A thorough understanding of Lobophora diversity and ecology is essential for ongoing and future research on coral–macroalgal ecological relationships.

The taxonomic status and species diversity of the brown algal genus Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) was assessed based on DNA sequences and the morpho‐anatomy of specimens collected worldwide, especially from tropical and subtropical western Pacific regions. Phylogenetic analyses using chloroplast rbcL and mitochondrial cox3 gene sequences demonstrated four distinct clades for newly collected samples with high bootstrap support. Each species clade possesses a suite of morphological features that are not shared by any known species of Padina. These are P. imbricata sp. nov., Padina lutea sp. nov., P. moffittianoides sp. nov., and P. nitida sp. nov. The occurrence of these and other species of Padina clearly points to an elevated diversity of the genus in tropical/subtropical waters of the western Pacific. Phylogenetic analyses provided new insights into biogeographic characteristics of the genus, with many species in the Pacific Ocean showing shared/overlapping distributions, whereas species from the Mediterranean/Atlantic and/or the Indian Ocean tend to be confined to particular regions. Consideration has also been given to the evolutionary time frame of the genus Padina based on molecular time trees: a time tree of the concatenated data set (rbcL + cox3) revealed the estimated divergence time in the mid‐Cretaceous, whereas those of cox3 and rbcL showed older estimates pointing to the periods of mid‐Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a 2007 expedition dedicated to study kelp diversity within the Magellanic region, specimens of Lessonia Bory with corrugate, yellowish blades were found along the Beagle Channel. This type of corrugated Lessonia is uncommon, with exception of two species from New Zealand. Three possible hypotheses for its origin were explored in this study: an introduction of L. adamsiae Hay or L. corrugata Lucas from New Zealand by trans-oceanic dispersal; a hybridization between Chilean Lessonia species and Macrocystis pyrifera C.Agardh, particularly abundant in the region; or the existence of a new, undescribed species. Except for their corrugate blades, the individuals displayed short cylindrical stipes, digitate holdfasts, abundant mucilage cavities in the cortex, and reproductive sori on the proximal part of the blades, all traits typical of the genus Lessonia. Molecular phylogenies based on mitochondrial (atp8-trnS spacer, cox1, cox3) and nuclear (ITS1) markers revealed that this corrugate form of Lessonia is neither the result of hybridization with Macrocystis C.Agardh nor an introduction of Australasian corrugate species, L. corrugata or L. adamsiae, but has a close affinity with L. flavicans Bory. Field prospection in five sites along the Beagle Channel indicated that the species occurs in shallow depth (4-6 m), as dense populations of 100% of corrugated individuals, never intermixed with populations of L. flavicans. The possibility of an incipient speciation process in the region is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed in tropical and warm‐temperate waters worldwide, Lobophora species are found across the Greater Caribbean (i.e., Caribbean sensu stricto, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda). We presently discuss the diversity, ecology, biogeography, and evolution of the Greater Caribbean Lobophora species based on previous studies and an extensive number of samples collected across the eastern, southern, and to a lesser extent western Caribbean. A total of 18 Lobophora species are now documented from the Greater Caribbean, of which five are newly described (L. agardhii sp. nov., L. dickiei sp. nov., L. lamourouxii sp. nov., L. richardii sp. nov., and L. setchellii sp. nov.). Within the Greater Caribbean, the eastern Caribbean and the Central Province are the most diverse ecoregion and province (16 spp.), respectively. Observed distribution patterns indicate that Lobophora species from the Greater Caribbean have climate affinities (i.e., warm‐temperate vs. tropical affinities). In total, 11 Lobophora species exclusively occur in the Greater Caribbean; six are present in the western Atlantic; two in the Indo‐Pacific; and one in the eastern Pacific. Biogeographic analyses support that no speciation occurred across the Isthmus of Panama, and that the Greater Caribbean acted as a recipient region for species from the Indo‐Pacific and as a region of diversification as well as a donor region to the North‐eastern Atlantic. The Greater Caribbean is not an evolutionary dead end for Lobophora, but instead generates and exports diversity. Present results illustrate how sampling based on DNA identification is reshaping biogeographic patterns, as we know them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed in tropical and warm‐temperate waters worldwide, Lobophora species are found across the Greater Caribbean (i.e., Caribbean sensu stricto, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda). We presently discuss the diversity, ecology, biogeography, and evolution of the Greater Caribbean Lobophora species based on previous studies and an extensive number of samples collected across the eastern, southern, and to a lesser extent western Caribbean. A total of 18 Lobophora species are now documented from the Greater Caribbean, of which five are newly described (L. agardhii sp. nov., L. dickiei sp. nov., L. lamourouxii sp. nov., L. richardii sp. nov., and L. setchellii sp. nov.). Within the Greater Caribbean, the eastern Caribbean and the Central Province are the most diverse ecoregion and province (16 spp.), respectively. Observed distribution patterns indicate that Lobophora species from the Greater Caribbean have climate affinities (i.e., warm‐temperate vs. tropical affinities). In total, 11 Lobophora species exclusively occur in the Greater Caribbean; six are present in the western Atlantic; two in the Indo‐Pacific; and one in the eastern Pacific. Biogeographic analyses support that no speciation occurred across the Isthmus of Panama, and that the Greater Caribbean acted as a recipient region for species from the Indo‐Pacific and as a region of diversification as well as a donor region to the North‐eastern Atlantic. The Greater Caribbean is not an evolutionary dead end for Lobophora, but instead generates and exports diversity. Present results illustrate how sampling based on DNA identification is reshaping biogeographic patterns, as we know them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown alga Lobophora (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) is an important macroalga in the North‐eastern Atlantic archipelagos (i.e., Macaronesia). Notably in the Canaries it can dominate benthic assemblages. While the genus has been the subject of several ecological studies in the Canaries, no study has yet been conducted to assess species‐level diversity of Lobophora in Macaronesia. We reassessed the diversity of Lobophora in Macaronesia, reporting the presence of seven species (L. caboverdeana sp. nov., L. canariensis, L. dagamae sp. nov., L. delicata, L. dispersa, L. littlerorum, and L. schneideri). Lobophora spp. from Macaronesia are morphologically and ecologically distinguishable. In the Canaries, L. schneideri dominates the photophilic assemblages from the intertidal to 20‐30 m depth. Lobophora dagamae sp. nov. grows in less illuminated shallow habitats, and replaces L. schneideri from 30 to ~80 m. Lobophora canariensis also has a wide vertical distribution, from the intertidal to deep waters, while L. delicata, L. dispersa and L. littlerorum grow in shallow waters. The dominance of species with an upright habit versus prostrate or crustose species may be mediated by the pressure of herbivores. Four species have an amphi‐Atlantic distribution: L. littlerorum, L. canariensis, L. delicata, and L. schneideri. Lobophora schneideri and L. delicata are furthermore distributed in the Mediterranean Sea. By sampling a pivotal region in the Atlantic, this study significantly improves our knowledge of Lobophora biogeography in the Atlantic Ocean. Macaronesia constitutes a species–poor region for Lobophora where no diversification events occurred, and a region of overlap between the Greater Caribbean and the Indo‐Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown alga Lobophora (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) is an important macroalga in the North‐eastern Atlantic archipelagos (i.e., Macaronesia). Notably in the Canaries it can dominate benthic assemblages. While the genus has been the subject of several ecological studies in the Canaries, no study has yet been conducted to assess species‐level diversity of Lobophora in Macaronesia. We reassessed the diversity of Lobophora in Macaronesia, reporting the presence of seven species (L. caboverdeana sp. nov., L. canariensis, L. dagamae sp. nov., L. delicata, L. dispersa, L. littlerorum, and L. schneideri). Lobophora spp. from Macaronesia are morphologically and ecologically distinguishable. In the Canaries, L. schneideri dominates the photophilic assemblages from the intertidal to 20‐30 m depth. Lobophora dagamae sp. nov. grows in less illuminated shallow habitats, and replaces L. schneideri from 30 to ~80 m. Lobophora canariensis also has a wide vertical distribution, from the intertidal to deep waters, while L. delicata, L. dispersa and L. littlerorum grow in shallow waters. The dominance of species with an upright habit versus prostrate or crustose species may be mediated by the pressure of herbivores. Four species have an amphi‐Atlantic distribution: L. littlerorum, L. canariensis, L. delicata, and L. schneideri. Lobophora schneideri and L. delicata are furthermore distributed in the Mediterranean Sea. By sampling a pivotal region in the Atlantic, this study significantly improves our knowledge of Lobophora biogeography in the Atlantic Ocean. Macaronesia constitutes a species–poor region for Lobophora where no diversification events occurred, and a region of overlap between the Greater Caribbean and the Indo‐Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three species of the genus Ishige (Phaeophyceae, Ishigeaceae) are known from Korea, Japan and Mexico; they include Ishige foliacea Okamura, I. okamurae Yendo and I. sinicola (Setchell and N.L. Gardner) Chihara. Two species, I. foliacea and I. okamurae, are present in the algal flora of Korea and Japan. The original description of I. okamurae defined two forms of branches, filiform and foliose, but later the foliose branch was recognized as a new species I. foliacea, which is epiphytic on I. okamurae but can also be free-living. The currently proposed lectotype for I. foliacea is based on a free-living form and does not reflect the intent of the original description of the species. In this study, we conducted the DNA barcoding for herbarium specimens to identify Ishige species. Additionally, the variation in cox3 sequences obtained from I. okamurae specimens with two morphological forms collected from waters around the Korean Peninsula was sufficient to separate two species, I. okamurae and its epiphyte I. foliacea. The epiphytic I. foliacea on the lectotype specimen of I. okamurae is designated as lectotype I. foliacea.

We report the occurrence of the brown seaweed Sargassum filicinum Harvey in southern California. Sargassum filicinum is native to Japan and Korea. It is monoecious, a trait that increases its chance of establishment. In October 2003, Sargassum filicinum was collected in Long Beach Harbor. In April 2006, we discovered three populations of this species on the leeward west end of Santa Catalina Island. Many of the individuals were large, reproductive and senescent; a few were small, young but precociously reproductive. We compared the sequences of the mitochondrial cox3 gene for 6 individuals from the 3 sites at Catalina with 3 samples from 3 sites in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan region. The 9 sequences (469 bp in length) were identical. Sargassum filicinum may have been introduced through shipping to Long Beach; it may have spread to Catalina via pleasure boats from the mainland.

SUMMARY: Sampling in the framework of the research program called 'La Planète Revisitée' in Kavieng and Madang (Papua New Guinea) brought thus far unknown diversity of the brown algal genus Lobophora to the surface. DNA‐assisted alpha taxonomy allowed identifying the presence of 16 species Lobophora from these two localities, which only share four species in common. Ten species are newly described, including four, which are only known to the Bismarck Sea. A more exhaustive sampling across the Bismarck Sea, and more largely across the Coral Triangle, will very likely unveil an even greater diversity. The present study underscores the fragmentary nature of our knowledge of macroalgal diversity in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythrophylloporus is a lamellate genus in the family Boletaceae that has been recently described from China based on E. cinnabarinus, the only known species. Typical characters of Erythrophylloporus are reddish-orange to yellowish-red basidiomata, including lamellae, bright yellow basal mycelium and smooth, broadly ellipsoid, ellipsoid to nearly ovoid basidiospores. During our survey on diversity of Boletaceae in Thailand, several yellowish-orange to reddish- or brownish-orange lamellate boletes were collected. Based on both morphological evidence and molecular analyses of a four-gene dataset (atp6, tef1, rpb2 and cox3), they were recognised as belonging in Erythrophylloporus and different from the already known species. Two new species, E. paucicarpus and E. suthepensis are therefore introduced from Thailand with detailed descriptions and illustrations. Moreover, two previously described Phylloporus species, P. aurantiacus and P. fagicola, were also revised and recombined in Erythrophylloporus. A key to all known Erythrophylloporus species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a new genus, Cacaoporus, characterised by chocolate brown to dark brown basidiomata and hymenophore, tubes not separable from the pileus context, white to off-white basal mycelium, reddening when bruised, amygdaliform to ovoid spores and dark brown spore deposit. Phylogenetic analyses of a four-gene dataset (atp6, tef1, rpb2 and cox3) with a wide selection of Boletaceae showed that the new genus is monophyletic and sister to the genera Cupreoboletus and Cyanoboletus in the Pulveroboletus group. Two new species in the genus, C. pallidicarneus and C. tenebrosus are described from northern Thailand. Full descriptions and illustrations of the new genus and species are presented. The phylogeny also confirmed the reciprocal monophyly of Neoboletus and Sutorius, which further support the separation of these two genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lobophora is a common tropical to temperate genus of brown algae found in a plethora of habitats including shallow and deep-water coral reefs, rocky shores, mangroves, seagrass beds, and rhodoliths beds. Recent molecular studies have revealed that Lobophora species diversity has been severely underestimated. Current estimates of the species numbers range from100 to 140 species with a suggested center of diversity in the Central Indo-Pacific. This study used three molecular markers (cox3, rbcL, psbA), different single-marker species delimitation methods (GMYC, ABGD, PTP), and morphological evidence to evaluate Lobophora species diversity in theWestern Atlantic and the Eastern Pacific oceans. Cox3 provided the greatest number of primary species hypotheses(PSH), followed by rbcL and then psbA. GMYC species delimitation analysis was the most conservative across all three markers, followed by PTP, and then ABGD. The most informative diagnostic morphological characters were thallus thickness and number of cell layers in both the medulla and the dorsal/ventral cortices. Following a consensus approach, 14 distinct Lobophora species were identified in the Western Atlantic and five in the Eastern Pacific. Eight new species from these two oceans were herein described: L. adpressa sp. nov., L. cocoensis sp. nov., L. colombiana sp. nov., L. crispata sp. nov., L. delicata sp. nov., L. dispersa sp. nov., L. panamensis sp. nov., and L. tortugensis sp. nov. This study showed that the best approach to confidently identify Lobophora species is to analyze DNA sequences (preferably cox3 and rbcL) followed by comparative morphological and geographical assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every introduction of a non-indigenous species (NIS) in coastal environments poses a threat to the native species and communities, as its effects in the ecosystem are not readily predictable. Introduction rates have kept increasing in the last decades, and our finding of the brown alga Mutimo cylindricus in the Canary Islands is another example of this general trend. This work represents the first record of the species outside its native range (Japan, Korea and the Philippines) in half a century, since its report in 1973 in Baja California, and marks the first report of M. cylindricus in the Atlantic Ocean. We analyzed the morphology of a male gametophyte observed in the Canary Islands and its phylogenetic relationship with other known populations using rbc L and cox 3 genes. The morphology of M. cylindricus in the Canary Islands is consistent with previous descriptions and the phylogenetic analyses revealed the close relationship with native populations from Japan. The finding of a male gametophyte is noteworthy, as introduced and some native populations of this species are composed exclusively by female gametophytes and thought to be parthenogenic, whereas androgenesis is considered rare in the field. Maritime traffic appears as the most apparent introduction vector of the species and it seems plausible that microscopic crustose sporophytes were present near the collecting site, highlighting the need of further monitoring of the invasive potential of this species in the Atlantic Ocean. • Mutimo cylindricus is reported for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean. • First range expansion for the species in 50 years. • Phylogenetic analyses using cox 3 and rbc L genes pointed to a Japanese origin. • Rare observation of a male gametophyte in the field. • Maritime traffic appears as the most apparent introduction vector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

نژادهای بومی ایران بخشی از سرمایه ملی تلقی، بنابراین حفظ آن ها اهمیت ویژه ای دارد. توجه بیشتر به این نژادها از دیدگاه ژنتیک حفاظتی با توجه به کاهش شدید جمعیت آن ها در برخی مناطق، از اهمیت زیادی برخوردار است. هدف از انجام این مطالعه، بررسی بیوانفورماتیکی و فیلوژنتیکی توالی نوکلئوتیدی زیرواحد 3 کمپلکس سیتوکروم اکسیداز (COX3) میتوکندری در شترهای تک کوهانه و دوکوهانه ایرانی بود. برای این منظور 10 نمونه خون از هر یک از این دو گونه جمع آوری شد (20 نمونه). پس از استخراج DNA، قطعه 979 جفت بازی از ژنوم میتوکندریایی با استفاده از واکنش زنجیره‌ای پلیمراز تکثیر گردید. توالی‌یابی با روش اتوماتیک سانگر صورت گرفت و سپس توالی های بدست آمده با توالی‌های حاصل از مطالعات دیگر، مقایسه شدند. نتایج به دست آمده نشان داد که هیچ تفاوت نوکلئوتیدی بین توالی COX3 نمونه های مختلف تک کوهانه و نمونه های مختلف دوکوهانه ایرانی وجود نداشته و همچنین توالی های نوکلئوتیدی در این دو گونه به ترتیب با شتر تک کوهانه (شتر عربی) با شماره دسترسی NC_009849 و شتر دوکوهانه (شتر باختری) با شماره دسترسی NC_009628، همولوژی 100 درصد دارند. مقایسه توالی های نوکلئوتیدی و اسیدآمینه ای و همچنین ساختار سه بعدی COX3 در گونه های شتر ایرانی نشان داد که این دو گونه دارای فاصله ژنتیکی نزدیکی هستند. تجزیه و تحلیل فیلوژنتیکی مشخص کرد که این دو گونه در میان خانواده شترسانان، با Lama guanicoe کمترین قرابت را دارند.

SUMMARY: Conspecific populations with different life‐cycle seasonality, particularly of their reproductive season, have been reported for many seaweed species. However, the number of genetic analyses of such seasonal populations is limited. Herein, based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 3 gene (cox3) haplotype, we evaluated the genetic diversity of winter (January–March) and spring (April–June) fertile populations of the brown alga Sargassum horneri in Sado Island, Japan. Obviously, dominant cox3 haplotypes were different between seasons (even at a single site), and the NST values indicated the presence of a strong genetic differentiation between the two seasonal populations. AMOVA analyses confirmed that most of the genetic diversity was between seasons rather than between regions. Herein, the possibility of allochronic isolation is discussed. Considering the phylogeny of the mitochondrial cox3 DNA sequence, autumn or winter seasonal populations such as those in this investigation have evolved independently at least twice in the species. The present study shows that a shift in breeding season could be expected to conserve the genetic diversity of S. horneri in a certain region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of the brown algal genus Rosenvingea are reported from south-west (SW) Australia, including the widely distributed R. orientalis and the new species R. australis Huisman, G.H. Boo et S.M. Boo, sp. nov. Molecular phylogenies of mitochondrial cox3 and plastid psaA unequivocally align the SW Australian R. orientalis with specimens from Vietnam and the species is morphologically consistent throughout its Australian range. Australian specimens of the new species R. australis join with a specimen from New Caledonia and these resolve as a sister species to R. intricata, with levels of pairwise divergence (4.2-4.9% in cox3 and 3.9-4.0% in psaA) comparable to those between other scytosiphonacean species. The new species can be distinguished morphologically by its branch dimensions and the arrangement and size of plurangia, but further studies including molecular analyses of a full range of species and possible morphological variants are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Hainan Island, southern China, is characterized by rich diversity and endemism of marine organisms, yet the underpinning mechanisms and processes contributing to speciation and diversification are poorly understood. Here, the brown alga Sargassum polycystum is used as a model to identify putative marine glacial refugia and explore biogeographical patterns driven by climate change in the late Pleistocene ice ages. Location: South‐East Asia. Methods: Mitochondrial cox1 and cox3 and nuclear internal transcribed spacer‐2 (ITS2) were obtained from 310, 325 and 313 individuals of S. polycystum (23 localities), respectively. Phylogenetic trees (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) and haplotype/ribotype networks were constructed to elucidate phylogeographical patterns. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), neutrality tests (Tajima's D and Fu & Li's D*), current (θπ) and historical (θw) genetic diversities and extended Bayesian skyline plots (EBSP) were used to estimate historical demography. Results: The populations from the south‐west of Hainan Island harboured much higher genetic diversity and unique endemism in comparison with other populations in the distribution range. Sargassum polycystum experienced relatively long‐term stable population size followed by a continued period of demographic expansion in the late Pleistocene. Main conclusions: Our phylogeographical evidence revealed the existence of a previously unidentified marine refugium specific to S. polycystum in the south‐west of Hainan Island, China (the Central Depression of the Yinggehai Basin), along with a possible secondary refugium around the Bali Island, Indonesia. These biogeographical findings provide important insights regarding speciation, adaptation and evolution of marine organisms in South‐East Asia and the conservation of unique biodiversity under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the distinctive members of the brown algal family Scytosiphonaceae is the genus Hydroclathrus, which is primarily distinguished by its clathrate (net-like) appearance. Hydroclathrus, despite being seasonal and species poor, is a conspicuous floristic component in many tropical to warm temperate coasts. However, compared with other closely related genera, such as Colpomenia and Rosenvingea, Hydroclathrus remains poorly known; its taxonomy remains problematic, as information on the molecular phylogenetic relationships of the species is still scarce. We attempted to bridge these gaps by describing the diversity and molecular phylogeny of Hydroclathrus based on morphological and genetic (mitochondrial cox1 and cox3 and plastidial psaA and rbcL genes) data. We recognised four Hydroclathrus species: H. clathratus, H. stephanosorus, H. tenuis and H. minutus sp. nov., which is morphologically cryptic to H. tenuis. A new clathrate genus, Tronoella ryukyuana gen. & sp. nov., is also erected based on specimens from southern Japan. Tronoella is primarily distinguished from Hydroclathrus in possessing (1) highly convoluted thalli with branches that are sometimes slightly twisted and/or interadhesive; (2) siphonous protrusions that grow randomly and in various directions, later on becoming perforated branches with revolute margins; and (3) plurangia that are firmly coherent and massive. Our results highlight the need to re-evaluate the identity of the species reported as H. clathratus and H. tenuis and underscore the need to re-examine the taxonomy and systematics of the family Scytosiphonaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new bistratose species of the brown algal genus Padina, P. ogasawaraensis sp. nov. and P. reniformis, sp. nov., were discovered from Ogasawara and Okinawa Islands, and Kagoshima, Japan, respectively, and characterised based on a combination of morphological and molecular analyses. Padina ogasawaraensis is characterised by a semicircular or circular yellowish-brown thallus with light to heavy calcification except at the hairlines and presence of hairlines on both surfaces in an alternating sequence. These can be seen as a broad-depressed line with a remnant of a thin red hairline at its center on the inferior surface and as a narrow or sometimes rudimentary line on the superior surface. Indusiate reproductive sori are located distally adjacent to the hairlines on the inferior surface, partially to deeply embedded in the epidermis layer. Padina reniformis is characterised by a semicircular or kidney-shaped greenish brown thallus with light to moderate calcification on both surfaces of the thallus. Hairlines are present only on one (inferior) surface and are narrow, not depressed. Indusiate tetrasporangial sori are arranged in two to three rows between the hairlines on the inferior surface and situated on the thallus surface. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using rbcL and cox3 DNA sequences placed them in distantly related clades. Padina ogasawaraensis showed a sister relationship to P. calcarea; whereas, P. reniformis was sister to P. fasciata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the significance of genetic resources in the marine crop Undaria pinnatifida, we investigated whether morphological features of two cultivars were genetically different from each other based on combined studies of morphological and molecular analyses. The two cultivars were produced, respectively, by self-fertilization between male and female gametophytes, which were each developed from a single zoospore from two morphologically different sporophytes cultivated in the eastern Seto Inland Sea, Japan. Their sporophytes, each with the same genotype, were cultivated in an Undaria farm under the same environmental conditions and were periodically collected for morphometric comparisons. The results of this experimental cultivation demonstrate that various morphological features, such as the blade, stipe, and sporophyll shapes, and developmental processes of the divided blade and sporophyll, clearly differed between the two cultivars. Although the two cultivars showed identical haplotypes in both of the mitochondrial cox3 gene and the tatC- tLeu region, they exhibited different genotypes at the microsatellite loci. These results indicate that morphological and developmental differences were genetically controlled, in addition to phenotypic plasticity due to changes in environmental conditions. It is therefore necessary for the marine crop breeding program to collect more mature sporophytes of cultivated and wild U. pinnatifida from various regions and to establish more female and male gametophyte strains each developed from a single zoospore. The origin of U. pinnatifida cultivated in the eastern Seto Inland Sea, famous for Japanese Undaria cultivation, is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic nematodes of Oesophagostomum spp., commonly known as 'nodular worms' are one of the most widely distributed and prevalent emerging zoonotic nematodes. However, little is known about the prevalence and gene characteristics of those parasites in Tibetan pigs. Therefore, a study was carried out to investigate the prevalence, isolation and identification of Oesophagostomum spp from Tibetan pigs by genetic markers of nad1, cox3 and ITS1 for the first time. The results revealed that the infection rate of O. dentatum and O. quadrispinulatum by genetic markers of nad1 was 81.13%; 35 (66.04%); the O. dentatum and O. quadrispinulatum by genetic markers cox3 was 66.04%, and O. dentatum and O. stephanostomum by genetic markers ITS1 was found to be 77.36%. Interestingly, the O. stephanostomum specie was identified and isolated from 90.48% stomach and 69.23% colon samples by genetic markers of ITS1. The present study, for the first time has described the presence and genetic characterization of Oesophagostomun spp of O. dentatum, O. quadrispinulatum and especially O. stephanostomum in Tibetan pigs from the high and remote Tibetan plateau. A public concern should be raised in terms of economical losses and severe public health problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lobophora rosacea C.W. Vieira, Payri et De Clerck is reported from the South China Sea for the first time. Our specimens are very similar to L. rosacea recently described from New Caledonia, not only in morphology but also in rbcL and cox3 gene sequences. The fan-shaped thallus grows erectly, attaching to the substrate by a basal holdfast. The thallus is composed of a single layer of large medullary cells and three to four layers of cortical cells on both sides of the medulla. Mature sporophytes are detected, with sporangium sori scattered on both surfaces of the thallus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy has provided novel ways of exploring biodiversity, and is of great help in taxa where morphology alone is not sufficient to ensure accurate species recognition or delimit species boundaries. Here, we use this approach to assess the taxonomy of Padina Adanson (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae), a common brown algal genus in Mexican waters. Numerous individuals of Padina from Pacific and Atlantic tropical coasts were analysed using sequences of psbA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, and cox3 to determine evolutionary significant units or putative species. Then, cox3 sequences of some individuals of each group were analysed with a large number of sequences available in Genbank using the generalized mixed Yule coalescent and Poisson tree processes models for species delimitation. Each sample was identified using the original and the most common descriptions in the region. Last, the results were evaluated looking for correlations between the molecular and morphological data. We concluded that at least 12 Padina species occurred in Mexican waters, 10 from samples here revised and 2 inferred from Genbank sequences. The study not only revealed the existence of well-identified species, but also the existence of cryptic and polymorphic species, confirming the importance of reassessing type material for proper delimitation and nomenclature. Finally, the evidence supported the independent status of Padina ramonribae Avila-Ortiz, Pedroche & Díaz-Martínez, which is validated here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change is expected to alter the polar bioregions faster than any other marine environment. This study assesses the biodiversity of seaweeds and associated eukaryotic pathogens of an established study site in northern Baffin Island (72° N), providing a baseline inventory for future work assessing impacts of the currently ongoing changes in the Arctic marine environment. A total of 33 Phaeophyceae, 24 Rhodophyceae, 2 Chlorophyceae, 12 Ulvophyceae, 1 Trebouxiophyceae, and 1 Dinophyceae are reported, based on collections of an expedition to the area in 2009, complemented by unpublished records of Robert T. Wilce and the first-ever photographic documentation of the phytobenthos of the American Arctic. Molecular barcoding of isolates raised from incubated substratum samples revealed the presence of 20 species of brown seaweeds, including gametophytes of kelp and of a previously unsequenced Desmarestia closely related to D. viridis, two species of Pylaiella, the kelp endophyte Laminariocolax aecidioides and 11 previously unsequenced species of the Ectocarpales, highlighting the necessity to include molecular techniques for fully unraveling cryptic algal diversity. This study also includes the first records of Eurychasma dicksonii, a eukaryotic pathogen affecting seaweeds, from the American Arctic. Overall, this study provides both the most accurate inventory of seaweed diversity of the northern Baffin Island region to date and can be used as an important basis to understand diversity changes with climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using mitochondrial cox3 and chloroplast rbcL-rbcS DNA sequences, molecular phylogeny of Papenfussiella species that were collected from various localities in Japan revealed considerable species diversity in the genus. Although only P. kuromo has been recognized in Japan, in the molecular phylogeny Japanese Papenfussiella formed four distinct clades (clades 1, 2, 3 and 4) with high statistical supports. Specimens of clade 1 corresponded to P. kuromo because the morphology agreed well with the reported descriptions of the species, and the DNA sequences agreed with the lectotype specimen. Clade 2 comprised the syntype specimens of P. kuromo f. densa Inagaki, having distinctively narrow and wellbranched thalli. Papenfussiella kuromo f. gracilis was not distinguishable from P. kuromo f. densa in morphology, nor in the DNA sequences. Specimens of clade 3 were collected from Shikoku and were similar to P. kuromo in gross morphology but were anatomically different from P. kuromo in having a subcortical layer. Specimens comprising clade 4 were collected from Akkeshi, eastern Hokkaido, and resembled P. callitricha in gross morphology but were distinct in having longer assimilatory filaments and isodiametric medullary cells. In summary, we propose the establishment of two new species, P. shikokuensis sp. nov. for clade 3 and P. iemasae sp. nov. for clade 4, and to reappraise P. kuromo f. densa and f. gracilis as an independent species, P. densa slat. nov. In addition, preliminary genetic study of the Southern Hemisphere Papenfussiella species suggested the occurrence of several cryptic species in the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In depth genetic comparisons of populations of C utleria multifida ( Tilopteridales, Phaeophyceae) collected from Europe, the northwestern Pacific Ocean, Australia and New Zealand using the DNA sequences of four gene regions (the mitochondrial cox2 and cox3 genes, the intergeneric spacer region adjacent to cox3, and the open reading frame) suggested that the northwestern European and Japanese populations were considerably greater in terms of their genetic divergence than Mediterranean, Australian or New Zealand populations. The haplotypes of the populations in northwestern European (distribution range including the type locality, seven haplotypes) and Japanese populations (seven haplotypes) were unique except for one shared haplotype. There were weak but positive correlations between the geographical distance and the genetic divergence among northwestern European and Japanese populations. Moreover, both female and male gametophytes occurred in eight of the nine Japanese localities, suggesting Japanese populations showed normal sexual heteromorphic life history of the species. In light of these results, it appears that Japanese populations were native to the area despite earlier hypothesis. In contrast, Australian and New Zealand populations were composed of only one haplotype that is very close to those found in northwestern Europe and Japan, suggesting a recent introduction history from Europe (or from northeastern Asia via Europe) by ship transport to Australia and New Zealand. The Mediterranean populations included two haplotypes identical to those found in northwestern Europe and Japan, and it is suggestive of transoceanic introductions of some populations between Mediterranean and Japanese coasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the western Atlantic Ocean, the brown algal genusLobophorais currently represented by a single species,L. variegata, with a type locality designated by Lamouroux as ‘Antilles’. In this study, we used molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy (MAAT) to assess species diversity ofLobophorain Bermuda, the Florida Keys, St. Croix and Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles). Usingcox1 andcox3 sequences as barcode markers, five species ofLobophora, four of them novel, were delineated, all previously having been identified in the area asL. variegata. Our morphological and habitat studies, made possible by abundant sampling, have revealed unique characters for each of these western Atlantic species, including distinct cellular arrangements, as well as different depth ranges for certain species. Observations made from Lamouroux’s holotype ofDictyota variegata(=Lobophora variegata) allowed us to assess the anatomy of this species, which enabled us to easily align this early taxon to one of our genetic species from the western Atlantic. As the type was unavailable for genetic analysis, we selected a recent St. Croix (Virgin Is., Antilles) specimen as the epitype to support it with molecular sequence data. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The common brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria (Scytosiphonaceae) has generally been regarded as a species complex. In the Pacific, molecular data have shown that it includes more than one species; the diversity in other oceans, however, has not been examined. In the present study, the genetic diversity of S. lomentaria was investigated in 57 samples from the north-east Atlantic (mainly from Ireland) and twofrom the Mediterranean, which were compared with seven samples from Japan. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 3 gene (cox3) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and 2) revealed four separate monophyletic groups. Clades A1 and A2 consisted of the samples from the north-east Atlantic; the Mediterranean samples also belonged to Al. The affiliation of four samples was incongruent between cox3 and ITS trees, suggesting directional mitochondrial introgression from A2 to A l . Clades PI and P2 contained nine samples from the north-east Atlantic, i.e. three Irish, all Norwegian and Icelandic samples, as well as all Pacific samples; in these clades, the cox3 and ITS data were congruent. This is the first documented record of Pacific lineages of Scytosiphon in the north-east Atlantic. Our results indicate that at least four species are passing under the name S. lomentaria in the north-east Atlantic and the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scytosiphon lomentaria (Scytosiphonaceae, Ectocarpales) is believed to include some cryptic species, particularly in the Pacific. We attempted to delimit these species in Japan using mitochondrial cox1 and cox3 and nuclear ITS2 and the second intron of the centrin gene (cetn-int2). Fifty-three cox1+cox3 mitotypes, 26 ITS2 ribotypes and 45 cetn-int2 haplotypes were found in 107 samples collected from 33 localities in Japan. Based on phylogenetic analyses, similar sequence types were grouped into ten mitogroups, eight ribogroups and six cetn-int2 haplogroups (sequence-type groups). From the molecular trees and combinations of the mito-, ribo- and haplogroups, three cryptic species were apparent (Groups I-III). Group I, widely distributed on Pacific coasts, was highly supported by all molecular trees, whereas Groups II (North Pacific) and III (Northwestern Pacific and Australasia) were more closely related to each other. However, sequence-type-group combinations that would be characteristic of hybrids between Groups II and III were not detected, suggesting no gene flow between the two Groups. Further investigations of an additional 127 sympatrically growing plants supported the absence of gene flow between Groups II and III. Four samples did not belong to any of the Groups I-III and possibly represent additional species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of sub-microscopic parasitemia is crucial for all malaria elimination programs. PCR-based methods have proven to be sensitive, but two rounds of amplification (nested PCR) are often needed to detect the presence of Plasmodium DNA. To simplify the detection process, we designed a nested PCR method whereby only the primary PCR is required for the detection of the four major human Plasmodium species. Primers designed for the detection of the fifth species, Plasmodium knowlesi , were not included in this study due to the absence of appropriate field samples. Compared to the standard 18S rDNA PCR method, our cytochrome c oxidase III ( cox3 ) method detected 10–50% more cases while maintaining high sensitivities (1.00) for all four Plasmodium species in our samples from Vanuatu (n = 77) and Kenya (n = 76). Improvement in detection efficiency was more substantial for samples with sub-microscopic parasitemia (54%) than those with observable parasitemia (10–16%). Our method will contribute to improved malaria surveillance in low endemicity settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine macroalgae of Madagascar have been poorly studied, probably due to difficulties in accessing most of the 4,828 kms of coastline spreading across more than 14° of latitude. Recent collecting trips in the southern and northern sections of the island provided large collections to contribute towards a better knowledge of the marine macrophyte diversity of Madagascar. The present study focuses on the brown macroalgal genus Sargassum. Based on morphological and molecular analyses of the nuclear ITS2, chloroplastic partial RuBisCO operon and mitochondrial cox3 and 23S, we delineated a total of 11 taxa including seven new records (*) for Madagascar and an unidentified taxon: S. elegans*, S. ilicifolium, S. ilicifolium var. acaraeocarpum*, S. incisifolium, S. cf. latifolium, S. obovatum*, S. polycystum, S. portierianum*, S. robillardii*, S. swartzii* and S. sp In addition, nine taxa listed in the literature were not found during these recent collecting trips, implying a possible full list of 20 Sargassum species for Madagascar. More collections are required for a comprehensive revision of the Sargassum diversity of the island, particularly along its west and east coasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 27 different Sargassum epithets are listed in the literature for South Africa. The main aim of our study was to revise this species list using newly collected specimens in order to provide a reliable and illustrated tool for the identification of South African Sargassum . Based on morphological and molecular analyses of the nuclear ITS2, chloroplastic partial RuBisCO operon and mitochondrial cox3 and 23S, we identified a total of seven taxa including two new records (*) for South Africa: Sargassum elegans , Sargassum cymosum var. scabriusculum , Sargassum ilicifolium , Sargassum ilicifolium var. acaraeocarpum *, Sargassum incisifolium , Sargassum obovatum and, Sargassum polycystum *. As a result of our taxonomic revision, we conclude that a number of the species listed in the literature for South Africa were misapplied or not current and we propose five new taxonomic synonyms. We provide an exhaustive list of the Sargassum species present in South Africa, a key for identification and detailed illustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of molecular markers to evaluate species delineation in the genusSargasssumis of critical importance given the large variability of morphological traits among and within taxa. To date, most molecular studies of this group have focused on the central Indo-Pacific region, even though the genus is also well represented in the Atlantic Ocean. In the present study, we re-assessed the diversity and taxonomy ofSargassumand the monospecific genusCladophyllumfrom Caribbean Colombia (especially from the Santa Marta-Tayrona National Natural Park) and extended to the western tropical Atlantic towards a comprehensive revision of the genus in this basin based on morphological and molecular analyses (ITS-2,rbcLS,cox3 andmtsp) on new and existing collections from the region. Sequences obtained from the genusCladophyllumrevealed its nesting insideSargassumsubgenusSargassumas a close relative ofS. pteropleuron, a broadly distributed species in the Caribbean. Analysis of molecular divergence in this newly identified clade demonstrated a similar range of variation as that present in existing sections leading to the description of a new section,Sargassumsect.Cladophyllum(Bula-Meyer) Camacho, Mattio & Diaz-Pulido, sect. nov., that includes the two sister species mentioned above. Based on these results, we also mergedCladophyllumwithinSargassumand renamed its unique speciesS. schnetteri(Bula-Meyer) Camacho, Mattio & Diaz-Pulido, comb. nov. The remainingSargassumspp. included in the analyses clustered in a polytomy within the worldwide-distributedS. sectionSargassum, thus providing no support for the other eight morphological species currently recognized in the Caribbean Colombia and other western tropical Atlantic areas. Based on the morphological analysis we further described a new species,S. giganteumCamacho & Diaz-Pulido sp. nov., endemic from TNNP. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations, as well as an identification key, are provided for all studied taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In angiosperms most members of the large nuclear-encoded family of pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are predicted to play relevant roles in the maturation of organellar RNAs. Here we report the novel Mitochondrial Editing Factor 26, a DYW-PPR protein involved in RNA editing at two sites. While at one site, cox3 -311, editing is abolished in the absence of MEF26, the other site, nad4 -166, is still partially edited. These sites share similar cis -elements and application of the recently proposed amino acid code for RNA recognition by PPR proteins ranks them at first and second positions of the most probable targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic distinctiveness and distribution of the brown alga Colpomenia phaeodactyla are debatable. The type locality of this species is Puerto Penasco, Mexico, and its distribution includes northeast Asia. We analyzed two gene sequences of specimens of so-called C. phaeodactyla from Korea, Japan and Mexico, in combination with morphological observations of the specimens. Analyses of 71 coxi and 23 rbcL sequences resulted in similar trees in which specimens under the name C. phaeodactyla consisted of two distinct clades. One clade comprised samples from Korea and Japan, and the other clade, from the Gulf of California, was identical to C. durvillei. Additional observations of the morphology and anatomy of the specimens agreed with the molecular data. On the basis of these results, we describe the new species C. wynnei for plants from Korea and Japan. Colpomenia wynnei was distinguished by finger-like sacs with adventitious branchlets when mature and was much contorted, the height of ascocysts being shorter than plurilocular sporangia. Both cox3 and rbcL sequence data strongly supported the monophyly of C. wynnei, C. bullosa and C. durvillei, all being characterized by having elongate thalli. Based on both cox3 and rbcL data sets, we herein propose to synonymise C. phaeodactyla with C. durvillei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indo-Pacific Ocean is a biodiversity hotspot for marine organisms. In this area, most of the research has focused on marine animals, such as reef fish, molluscs and other associated coral fauna, but very little has been done on macroalgae. The Thai-Malay Peninsula is an important north–south barrier in this area, which faces two different oceans – the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. This study aims to investigate genetic distribution patterns ofPadina boryanaThivy around the Thai-Malay Peninsula, where it is common. Three DNA marker regions, the mitochondrion-encoded cytochromecoxidase subunit 3 gene (cox3); the plastidrbcL, and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were used to evaluate genetic diversity and the relationships within and between populations. Samples were collected from both the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand sides of the peninsula. Parsimony networks and maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses showed clearly that there are two separatedP. boryanalineages, one restricted to the Gulf of Thailand and the other to the Andaman Sea and other areas of the Indo-Pacific. The effect of different ocean currents along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand may have shaped these populations ofP. boryana.This phylogeographic separation, based on persistent currents in the area, may affect other marine organisms along the Thai peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sargassum polycystum C. Agardh is one of the most abundant marine brown algae and is distributed widely in warm and temperate waters, particularly in the Indo-west Pacific region and Australia. Although its commercial potential and ecological and evolutionary importance are recognized, many pivotal aspects of its biology remain unexplored. Current knowledge of the historical biogeographical affinities and patterns is limited, but some data are available about its genetics, the genetic variation among populations, and spatial patterns. This study aimed to analyze the genetic population structure and distribution patterns of S. polycystum populations in 13 different locations from Indonesia to Japan using the mitochondrial gene cox3. The seven haplotypes of cox3 identified in this study indicated a low level of genetic diversity. Homogeneity of this haplotype was observed particularly in the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan, whereas higher haplotype diversity was found in Phuket (Thailand), Bali (Indonesia), and Singapore. Those data suggest that S. polycystum is likely to have expanded from the south of Indonesia and the west of the Malay Peninsula towards the northeast of the region. Geological studies showed that Sundaland, now corresponding to the Gulf of Thailand, was submerged due to sea level rises after the last glacial period. Therefore, the decrease in the genetic diversity of S . polycystum populations is interpreted here as a population expansion after the rise in sea levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]