MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:35:11 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5674644&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2012.00611.x AbstractChromera velia is a recently discovered, photosynthetic, marine alveolate closely related to apicomplexan parasites, and more distantly to perkinsids and dinoflagellates. To date, there are no published studies on the sterols of C. velia. Because apicomplexans and perkinsids are not known to synthesize sterols de novo, but rather obtain them from their host organisms, our objective was to examine the composition of the sterols of C. velia to assess whether or not there is any commonality with dinoflagellates as the closest taxonomic group capable of synthesizing sterols de novo. Furthermore, knowledge of the sterols of C. velia may provide insight into the sterol biosynthetic capabilities of apicomplexans prior to loss of sterol biosynthesis. We have found that C. velia possesses t... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5674644 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5674644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5657226&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00606.x This study demonstrates that IP‐1 and VK‐1:NS trophozoites aggregate only with alike members and discriminate members of different strains based on behavioral and chemical signals. Combined morphological, behavioral/chemical, and ecological studies could improve Archamoebae phylogenies and define cryptic varieties. Evolutionary processes in which selection acted continuously and cumulatively on ancestors of Entamoeba populations gave rise to chemical and behavioral signals that allowed individuals to discriminate nonpopulation members and, gradually, to the emergence of new lineages; alternative views that claim a “Designer” or “Creator” as responsible for protistan diversity are unfounded. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5657226 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5657226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5594019&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00601.x AbstractWithin plastid‐bearing species, the relative rates of evolution between mitochondrial and plastid genomes are poorly studied, but for the few lineages in which they have been explored, including land plants and green algae, the mitochondrial DNA mutation rate is nearly always estimated to be lower than or equal to that of the plastid DNA. Here, we show that in protists from three distinct lineages with secondary, red algal‐derived plastids, the opposite is true: their mitochondrial genomes are evolving 5–30 times faster than their plastid genomes, even when the plastid is nonphotosynthetic. These findings have implications for understanding the origins and evolution of organelle genome architecture and the genes they encode. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5594019 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5594019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5594018&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00602.x AbstractThe hyper‐variable V4 and V9 regions of the small subunit (SSU) rDNA have been targeted for assessing environmental diversity of microbial eukaryotes using next generation sequencing technologies. Here, we explore how the genetic distances among these short fragments compare with the distances obtained from near full‐length SSU‐rDNA sequences by comparing all pairwise estimates, as well as within and among species of ciliates. Results show that pairwise distances from V4 more closely match the near full‐length SSU‐rDNA and are more comparable with previous studies based on much longer SSU‐rDNA fragments, then pairwise distances from V9. Thus, studies that use the V4 will estimate similar values of phylotype richness and community structure as would have been estimated u... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5594018 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5594018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5674643&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00607.x AbstractInvestigating the evolutionary relationships of the major groups of Apicomplexa remains an important area of study. Morphological features and host‐parasite relationships continue to be important in the systematics of the adeleorinid coccidia (suborder Adeleorina), but the systematics of these parasites have not been well‐supported or have been constrained by data that were lacking or difficult to interpret. Previous phylogenetic studies of the Adeleorina have been based on morphological and developmental characters of several well‐described species or based on nuclear 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences from taxa of limited taxonomic diversity. Twelve new 18S rDNA sequences from adeleorinid coccidia were combined with published sequences to study the molecular phylogeny of ta... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5674643 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5674643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5657225&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00608.x AbstractThe soil is probably the most diverse habitat there is, with organisms ranging in sizes from less than 1 μm to several metres in length. However, it is increasingly evident that we know little about the interactions occurring between these organisms, the functions that they perform as individual species, or together within their different feeding guilds. These interactions between groups of organisms and physical and chemical processes shape the soil as a habitat and influence the nature of the soil food web with consequences for the above‐ground vegetation and food web. Protists are known as one of the most abundant groups of bacterivores within the soil; however, they are also consumers of a number of other food sources. Even though they are responsible for a large proportion... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5657225 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5657225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5644290&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00605.x AbstractMitochondria have been put forward as the saviours of anaerobes when their environment became oxygenated. However, despite oxygenic photosynthesis evolving around 2.7 billion years ago (Ga), followed by the “Great Oxidation” of the atmosphere ~ 2.4 Ga, the deep oceans remained largely anoxic and either iron‐enriched or sulphidic until 580 million years ago, when the eukaryotic radiation was well underway. Atmospheric oxygen probably remained at an intermediate concentration (1–10% of the present level) from ~ 2.4 until ~ 0.8 Ga when a “lesser oxidation” began. This drastically changes the textbook view of the ecological conditions under which the mitochondrial endosymbiont established itself. It could explain the widespread distribution of anaerobic biochemistry in... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5644290 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5644290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5625232&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00604.x ABSTRACTThe controversy evolution vs. creationism is inherent to the incompatibility between scientific rationalism/empiricism and the belief in supernatural causation. To test this hypothesis, we conceptualized a Cartesian landscape where the dependent variable acceptance of evolution was plotted as function of three factors, each represented by an index (value range 0 to 3): Religiosity Index (RI), Science Index (SI), and Evolution Index (EI). The indexes summarized an individual's personal religious convictions, familiarity with the processes and forces of change in organisms (= concept of evolution), and understanding the essence of science (= method to explore reality). We compared and contrasted acceptance of evolution among four populations of variable educational attainment: 244 pr... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5625232 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5625232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5594017&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00603.x ABSTRACTWe used inter‐simple sequence repeat fingerprinting to analyze the genetic structure of 16 populations of Stentor coeruleus from three lakes and three ponds in China. Using 14 polymorphic primers, a total of 99 discernible DNA fragments were detected, among which 76 (76.77%) were polymorphic, indicating median genetic diversity in these populations. Further, both Nei's gene diversity (h) and Shannon's information index (I) between the different populations revealed a median genetic diversity. At the same time, gene flow was interpreted to be low. The main factors responsible for the median level of diversity and low gene flow within populations are probably due to a low frequency of sexual recombinations. Analysis of molecular variance showed that there was high genetic different... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5594017 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5594017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5569691&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00593.x AbstractWe provide here the description of a new marine species that harbors green or red chloroplasts. In contrast to certain other species of the genus, Mesodinium chamaeleon n. sp. can be maintained in culture for short periods only. It captures and ingests flagellates including cryptomonads. The prey is ingested very rapidly into a food vacuole without the cryptomonad flagella being shed and the trichocysts being discharged. The individual food vacuoles subsequently serve as photosynthetic units, each containing the cryptomonad chloroplast, a nucleus, and some mitochondria. The ingested cells are eventually digested. This type of symbiosis differs from other plastid‐bearing Mesodinium spp. in retaining ingested cryptomonad cells almost intact. The food strategy of the new species app... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5569691 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5569691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5569690&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00588.x AbstractRecent recognition that tintinnids are infected by dinophycean as well as syndinean parasites prompts taxonomic revision of dinoflagellate species that parasitize these ciliates. Long overlooked features of the type species Duboscquella tintinnicola are used to emend the genus and family Duboscquellidae, resulting in both taxa being moved from the Syndinea to the Dinophyceae. Syndinean species previously classified as Duboscquella are relocated to Euduboscquella n. gen., with Euduboscquella crenulata n. sp. as the type. As an endoparasitic species, E. crenulata shares with its congeners processes associated with intracellular development and sporogenesis, but differs from closely related species in nuclear and cortical morphology of the trophont, including a distinctively grooved s... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5569690 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5569690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5493022&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00596.x We examined the genetic variability of parasites infecting the definitive host T. tubifex in the Madison River, MT, and also from other parts of North America and Europe. We cloned and sequenced 18S ribosomal DNA and the internal transcribed spacer‐1 (ITS‐1) gene. Five oligochaetes were examined for 18S and five for ITS‐1, only one individual was examined for both genes. We found two different 18S rRNA haplotypes of M. cerebralis from five worms and both intra‐ and interworm genetic variation for ITS‐1, which showed 16 different haplotypes from among 20 clones. Comparison of our sequences with those from other studies revealed M. cerebralis from MT was similar to the parasite collected from Alaska, Oregon, California, and Virginia in the USA and from Munich, Germany, based on 18S... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5493022 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5493022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5483921&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00598.x ABSTRACTDinophysoid dinoflagellates are usually considered a large monophyletic group. Large subunit and small subunit (SSU) rDNA phylogenies suggest a basal position for Amphisoleniaceae (Amphisolenia,Triposolenia) with respect to two sister groups, one containing most Phalacroma species plus Oxyphysis and the other Dinophysis,Ornithocercus, Dinophysoid dinoflagellates are usually considered a large monophyletic group. Large subunit and small subunit (SSU) rDNA phylogenies suggest a basal position for Amphisoleniaceae (Amphisolenia,Triposolenia) with respect to two sister groups, one containing most Phalacroma species plus Oxyphysis and the other Dinophysis,Ornithocercus, Histioneis,Citharistes and some Phalacroma species. We provide here new SSU rDNA sequences of Pseudophalacroma (pelagi... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5483921 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5483921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5397506&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00592.x AbstractHematodinium perezi Chatton and Poisson (Dinophyceae: Syndiniales) is reported from one of its type hosts, Liocarcinus depurator, from Rye Bay in the English Channel, a site in a similar geographical location to that of the type description. The histology and ultrastructure of vegetative trophont stages, and rDNA sequences of the parasite infecting this host are reported for the first time. Ultrastructurally, H. perezi was confirmed by the presence of condensed chromatin profiles, trichocysts, an alveolar membrane, and micropores. The pathology of H. perezi was similar to other Hematodinium descriptions with large numbers of parasites present within the haemolymph and host tissues. No host responses against the parasite were observed. Molecular analysis of the ITS rRNA regions from... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5397506 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5397506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5397505&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00586.x AbstractTrophozoites of Troglocorys cava were detected in all but one of the wild chimpanzee populations from Rubondo Island (Tanzania), with a prevalence ranging between 20% and 78%. However, the ciliate was absent in all captive groups. Prevalence appeared to increase with the number of sequential samples taken from a particular individual and reached 95.5% in wild individuals sampled at least 4 times. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5397505 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5397505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534243&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00600.x This report of the genus Azadinium is the first outside of northern Europe and furthermore from the Pacific Ocean. The diagnostic morphological features of the isolate very closely resemble the recently described species Azadinium poporum isolated from the North Sea. However, the shape of the 3′ apical plate and the occasional morphological variations unreported from A. poporum bring minor distinctions between strains from different locations. The DNA sequences of small subunit, ITS, and large subunit (LSU) rDNA differed by 0.2%, 2.6%, and 3.6%, respectively, from those of A. poporum, whereas the COI gene was identical to those found in all strains of Azadinium. Phylogenetic analyses of the ribosomal DNA regions generally positioned the Korean strain as a sister taxon of A. poporum. Howe... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534243 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5534243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5501729&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00599.x ABSTRACTTrypanosoma (Megatrypanum) melophagium is a parasite of sheep transmitted by sheep keds, the sheep‐restricted ectoparasite Melophagus ovinus (Diptera: Hippoboscidae). Sheep keds were 100% prevalent in sheep from five organic farms in Croatia, Southeastern Europe, whereas trypanosomes morphologically compatible with T. melophagium were 86% prevalent in the guts of the sheep keds. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses using sequences of small subunit rRNA, glycosomal glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, spliced leader, and internal transcribed spacer 1 of the rDNA distinguished T. melophagium from all allied trypanosomes from other ruminant species and placed the trypanosome in the subgenus Megatrypanum. Trypanosomes from sheep keds from Croatia and Scotland, the only available... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5501729 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5501729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5493021&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00595.x ABSTRACTSpathidiopsis and Placus are the only two genera within the family Placidae. The family has been placed in the class Prostomatea and order Prorodontida because its members have somatic monokinetids with a radial transverse ribbon, a straight non‐overlapping postciliary ribbon, and anteriorly directed non‐overlapping kinetodesmal fibril, an apical cytostome lacking specialized oral cilia, a brosse, and toxicysts. To confirm the stability of this placement, ultrastructural morphology and small subunit rRNA gene sequences of Spathidiopsis socialis, Spathidiopsis buddenbrocki, and Placus striatus were determined. These data were combined with information from other ciliates, and phylogenetic trees were generated using maximum‐likelihood and maximum‐parsimony methods. The analys... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5493021 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5493021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5483920&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00590.x ABSTRACTWe provide molecular systematics of a microporidian species, Nosema fumiferanae, one of the most common natural enemies of spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. The uncharacterized flanking region upstream of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA and the complete rRNA cistron of N. fumiferanae was 4,769 bp long. The organization of the rRNA gene was 5′‐LSU rRNA‐ITS‐SSU rRNA‐IGS‐5S‐3′ and corresponded primarily to most insect (i.e. lepidopteran) Nosema species identified and classified to date. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete rRNA cistron indicated that N. fumiferanae is closely related to Nosema plutellae and is correctly assigned to the “true” Nosema group. Suggestions were provided on a criterion to delineate the “true” Nosema from other microspori... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5483920 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5483920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418526&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00597.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418526 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5418526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418524&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00594.x AbstractThe phosphoarginine shuttle system effectively regenerates ATP in the cilia of Paramecium caudatum. To estimate the effective concentration of ATP‐regenerating enzymes, we attempted to reconstitute certain ATP‐regenerating systems within the cilia of intact cortical sheets using exogenous enzymes and high‐energy substances. The addition of phosphoenolpyruvate, which is one of the substrates in glycolysis, did not increase the ciliary beat frequency, whereas phosphocreatine together with exogenous creatine kinase, effectively increased the ciliary beat frequency. In the presence of 0.6 mg/ml creatine kinase and 0.4 mM phosphocreatine, the ciliary beat frequency was comparable to that produced by the addition of phosphoarginine. This result indicates that the reconstituted ph... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418524 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5418524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5204841&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00573.x ABSTRACT. The dinoflagellate genus Pyrocystis includes a small number of marine species, which spend the majority of their life cycles as nonmotile cells within a carbohydrate sheath, and which are found ubiquitously throughout the world's oceans. The biochemistry of this model dinoflagellate genus has been widely studied due to its ability to bioluminesce. However, Pyrocystis has been comparatively understudied with respect to its lipid biochemistry, in particular that of sterols. To date, examination of the sterols of Pyrocystis has focused primarily upon Pyrocystis lunula, which produces cholesterol and 4,24‐dimethyl‐5α‐cholestan‐3β‐ol as its predominant sterols, while it lacks the common dinoflagellate sterol, dinosterol. We have examined the sterol composition of the two o... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5204841 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5204841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5204840&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00575.x ABSTRACT. Pseudotrichonympha is a large hypermastigote parabasalian found in the hindgut of several species of rhinotermitid termites. The genus was discovered more than 100 years ago, and although over a dozen species have since been described, this represents only a small fraction of its likely diversity: the termite genera from which Pseudotrichonympha is known are all species rich, and in most cases their hindgut symbionts have not been examined. Even formally described species are mostly lacking in detailed microscopic data and/or sequence data. Using small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences and light and scanning electron microscopy we describe here the morphology and molecular phylogenetic position of two Pseudotrichonympha species: the type species for the genus, Pseudotrichonymp... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5204840 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5204840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5204839&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00578.x ABSTRACT. During faunistic study on psammophilic ciliates along the coast of Qingdao, China, a population of Trachelocerca arenicola Kahl, 1933 was found and then investigated using silver staining and gene sequencing methods. The results indicated that it represented a new genus Apotrachelocerca characterized by uninterrupted circumoral kineties composed of two rows of dikinetids and no brosse or ciliary tuft in the oral cavity. This new genus should be assigned to the family Prototrachelocercidae Foissner, 1996. Based on the small subunit rRNA gene sequence, phylogenetic trees revealed that Apotrachelocerca arenicola occupied a basal position to other trachelocercids. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5204839 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5204839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5191672&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00572.x We present here a 29 taxon, multigene phylogeny that robustly places the root of the choanoflagellates. One of the original nonloricate families, Codonosigidae is shown to be a polyphyletic assemblage nested within the Salpingoecidae. We elaborate on a revised taxonomy that divides Choanoflagellatea into two orders: Craspedida and Acanthoecida. Craspedida is composed of species that possess an organic cell coating and contains the single family Salpingoecidae. Members of the predominantly marine Acanthoecida produce a siliceous lorica in addition to an organic coat and are contained in two families—the Acanthoecidae and Stephanoecidae fam. n. Previous studies of choanoflagellates have been hindered by cases of taxon misidentification as well as the limited resolution of 18S small subunit... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5191672 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5191672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5191671&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00574.x ABSTRACT. Cysts of Naegleria fowleri present an external single‐layered cyst wall. To date, little information exists on the biochemical components of this cyst wall. Knowledge of the cyst wall composition is important to understand its resistance capacity under adverse environmental conditions. We have used of a monoclonal antibody (B4F2 mAb) that specifically recognizes enolase in the cyst wall of Entamoeba invadens. By Western blot assays this antibody recognized in soluble extracts of N. fowleri cysts a 48‐kDa protein with similar molecular weight to the enolase reported in E. invadens cysts. Immunofluorescence with the B4F2 mAb revealed positive cytoplasmic vesicles in encysting amebas, as well as a positive reaction at the cell wall of mature cysts. Immunoelectron microscopy usin... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5191671 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5191671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5191670&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00580.x ABSTRACT. We explored the feeding ecology of the newly described, nematocyst‐bearing heterotrophic dinoflagellate Gyrodiniellum shiwhaense (GenBank accession number=FR720082). Using several different types of microscopes and high‐resolution video‐microscopy, we investigated feeding behavior and types of prey species that G. shiwhaense feeds upon. Additionally, we measured its growth and ingestion rates on its optimal algal prey, the cryptophyte Teleaulax sp. and the dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae, as a function of prey concentration. These rates were measured for other edible prey at single prey concentrations at which the growth and ingestion rates of G. shiwhaense were saturated. After anchoring the prey with a tow filament, G. shiwhaense fed using a peduncle, ingesting small ... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5191670 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5191670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5191669&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00582.x ABSTRACT. As it is extremely difficult to make DNA transformation for the obligate fungus, Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), we developed a heterologous expression system for characterization of a Bgt gene, CYP51, which encodes 14α‐demethylase. The CYP51 gene from Bgt was transformed into the necrotrophic fungus, Botrytis cinerea. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that the Bgt CYP51 was transcribed in B. cinerea. Green fluorescence was observed in the transformants of B. cinerea carrying the Bgt CYP51‐GFP fusion cassette, suggesting that its translation was successful. Fungicide sensitivity tests revealed that B. cinerea transformed with Bgt CYP51 showed reduced sensitivity to a sterol demethylation inhibitor triadimefon, but not to a benzimidazole fungicide... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5191669 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5191669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5404952&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00591.x AbstractThe microsporidium Pseudoloma neurophilia was initially reported to infect the central nervous system of zebrafish causing lordosis and eventually death. Subsequently, muscle tissue infections were also identified. To understand the infection process, development, and ultrastructural pathology of this microsporidium, larval and adult zebrafish were fed P. neurophilia spores. Spores were detected in the larval fish digestive tract 3‐h postexposure (PE). By 4.5‐d PE, developing parasite stages were identified in muscle tissue. Wet preparations of larvae collected at 8‐d PE showed aggregates of spores in the spinal cord adjacent to the notochord. All parasite stages, including spores, were present in the musculature of larval fish 8‐d PE. Adult zebrafish sacrificed 45‐d PE h... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5404952 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5404952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5397504&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00589.x AbstractWe measured ingestion and digestion rates of the pathogenic bacterium Campylobacter jejuni by a freshwater ciliate Colpoda sp. to determine whether Campylobacter is able to resist protist digestion. Campylobacter and the nonpathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas putida LH1 were labeled with a 5‐chloromethylfluorescein diacetate, which fluoresces in intact and active cells but fades when exposed to low pH environments, such as protistan food vacuoles. Ingestion and digestion rates were measured via flow cytometry as the change in ciliate fluorescence over time, which corresponded to the quantity of intracellular bacteria. The rate of Campylobacter ingestion exceeded the digestion rate. Ciliates retained labeled Campylobacter 5 h after ingestion was stopped. In contrast, ciliates grazin... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5397504 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5397504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5331364&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00585.x AbstractDNA barcoding is a tool that uses a short, standard segment of DNA to identify organisms. In diatoms, a consensus on an appropriate DNA barcode has not been reached, but several markers show promise. These include the 5.8S gene plus a fragment of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS‐2) of nuclear‐encoded ribosomal RNA, a 420‐bp segment of the 18S rRNA gene, and a 748‐bp fragment at the 3′‐end of the ribulose bisophosphate carboxylase large subunit (rbcL) gene. Here, we tested a 540‐bp fragment 417‐bp downstream of the start codon of the rbcL gene for its efficacy in distinguishing diatom species in a wide range of taxa. Overall, 381 sequences representing 66 genera and 245 species from the classes Mediophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were examined. Intra/interspecif... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5331364 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5331364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5311518&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00584.x The objective of this work was to investigate the presence of this genus of FLA in the air‐conditioning equipment at the Institute of Public Health of Chile in Santiago, Chile. Water and air samples were collected from air‐conditioning systems and were checked for the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. Positive samples were further classified at the genotype level after sequencing the highly variable diagnostic fragment 3 (DF3) region of the 18S rRNA gene. This is the first report of the T3, T4, and T11 genotypes of Acanthamoeba in air‐conditioning units from Chile. Overall, the widespread distribution of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains in the studied source demands more awareness within the public and health professionals in Chile as this pathogen is emerging as a risk for hu... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5311518 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5311518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5257703&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00581.x ABSTRACT. The morphology, infraciliature and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene‐based phylogeny of an urostylid ciliate, Monocoronella carnea n. g., n. sp., found in coastal areas off Daya Bay, Southern China, were investigated. The new genus Monocoronella n. g. is recognized by the following features: having conspicuous frontal cirri forming a long and single corona; buccal and frontoterminal cirri present; single marginal row on each side; adoral zone, midventral complex and transverse cirri in Pseudokeronopsis mode. The type species M. carnea n. sp. is diagnosed by the combination of marine habitat and brown‐reddish color of the cortical granules. Phylogenetic analyses for the new taxon indicate that Monocoronella n. g. is most closely related to Bergeriella, and is located within the... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5257703 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5257703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169185&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00576.x ABSTRACT. Knowledge of the fine structural organization, molecular composition and permeability properties of the cell surface of intestinal protozoan cysts is important to understand the biologic basis of their resistance. Recent studies on the biology of the cyst walls of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba invadens have considerably advanced knowledge on the cellular processes involved in the transport and surface deposition of the main cyst wall components. Using transmission electron microscopy, cytochemistry, scanning electron microscopy and freeze‐fracture techniques, we have obtained new information. In mature cysts the permeability of Entamoeba cysts is limited to small molecules not by the cyst wall, but by the plasma membrane, as demonstrated with the use of ruthenium red as a... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169185 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5169185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156592&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00570.x ABSTRACT. Crustaceans worldwide are infected with alveolate parasites of the genus Hematodinium, causing substantial losses to langoustine and crab fisheries. The distinct seasonality in Hematodinium occurrence in their decapod hosts, as well as unsuccessful attempts at transmission, suggest the existence of life stages outside their benthic crustacean hosts. We used a nested polymerase chain reaction method to detect Hematodinium rDNA in the environment and in potential alternative hosts. Environmental samples from the Clyde Sea, Scotland, were screened during the April release of dinospores and during June and August, when infection prevalence is rare in benthic crustaceans. Hematodinium rDNA was amplified in 15% (14/94) of isolated langoustine larvae, and in 12% (13/111) of crab larvae.... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156592 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5048829&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00566.x ABSTRACT. Using nine new taxa and statistical inferences based on morphological and molecular data, we analyze the evolution within the class Colpodea. The molecular and cladistic analyses show four well‐supported clades: platyophryids, bursariomorphids, cyrtolophosidids, and colpodids. There is a widespread occurrence of homoplasies, affecting even conspicuous morphological characteristics, e.g. the inclusion of the micronucleus in the perinuclear space of the macronucleus. The most distinct changes in the morphological classification are the lack of a basal divergence into two subclasses and the split of the cyrtolophosidids into two main clades, differing mainly by the presence vs. absence of an oral cavity. The most complex clade is that of the colpodids. We partially reconcile the m... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5048829 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5048829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5048828&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00567.x ABSTRACT. The morphology, infraciliature, and molecular phylogeny of Pseudodiophrys nigricans n. g., n. sp., and Paradiophrys zhangi n. sp., isolated from a sandy beach near Qingdao, China, were investigated. Pseudodiophrys is characterized by the Diophrys‐like ciliature pattern, but having only a single, reduced undulating membrane. Pseudodiophrys nigricans, the type species by monotypy, is described from live and silver‐impregnated specimens. Paradiophrys zhangi is similar to the type species Paradiophrys irmgard but can be recognized by its border body and the number (7 vs. 8–10) and arrangement (in rows vs. sparsely distributed) of the frontoventral cirri. Small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequence data support the validity of both species. Phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU rRNA... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5048828 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5048828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5204838&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00579.x ABSTRACT. By sequencing the entire ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene region of Nosema heliothidis isolated from cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), we showed that its gene organization is similar to the type species, Nosema bombycis: the 5′‐large subunit rRNA (2,490 bp)‐internal transcribed spacer (192 bp)‐small subunit rRNA (1,232 bp)‐intergenic spacer (274 bp)‐5S rRNA (115 bp)‐3′. We constructed two phylogenetic trees, analyzed phylogenetic relationships, examined rRNA organization of microsporidia, and compared the secondary structure of small subunit rRNA with closely related microsporidia. The latter two features may provide important information for the classification and phylogenetic analysis of microsporidia. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5204838 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5204838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5191668&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00583.x ABSTRACT. Meglitschia mylei n. sp. found in the gall bladder of the teleostean fish Myleus rubripinnis (Serrasalmidae) from the middle Amazonian region of Brazil is described using light and transmission electron microscopy. The spores observed in the bile averaged 24.6±0.8 μm long, 8.7±0.4 μm wide and 5.1±0.3 μm thick and were strongly furcate and arcuate ∩‐shaped composed of two symmetric equal‐sized valves, up to ∼70 nm thick. Each valve possessed one opposed tapering appendage, 20.1±0.7 μm long, oriented parallel towards the basal tip of the appendages and joined along a right suture line forming a thick strand. The strand goes around the central part of the spore, which in turn surrounds two equal and symmetric spherical polar capsules (PC), 2.1±0.3 μm in... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5191668 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5191668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169184&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00577.x ABSTRACT. The opportunistic protists encompass a wide diversity of organisms including Pneumocystis, Toxoplasma, cryptosporidia, microsporidia, and related genera. Recent advances in the molecular biology and cellular biochemistry of these organisms have led to the identification of an ever growing numbers of key genes and their cognate proteins. Until now, these molecules have not been designated using any consistent nomenclature system, leading to considerable confusion. The participants of the 11th International Workshop on Opportunistic Protists met on August 3, 2010 to reach consensus of a nomenclature system for genes, gene products, and mutants in the opportunistic protists. The following summary reports the consensus agreement to move toward a unified nomenclature system for these ... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169184 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5169184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5156591&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00571.x ABSTRACT. Sorosphaerula nom. n. is introduced to replace the phytomyxean generic name Sorosphaera J. Schröter, which is preoccupied by the foraminiferan genus Sorosphaera Brady. As it is agreed now that both the Foraminifera and the Phytomyxea belong to the Rhizaria, this homonomy within the same supergroup of eukaryotes needs to be revised. To avoid future homonomy, we recommend that the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature be applied for future taxonomic work on Phytomyxea. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5156591 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5156591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5048827&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00569.x ABSTRACT. Silent‐site nucleotide diversity data (πsilent) can provide insights into the forces driving genome evolution. Here we present πsilent statistics for the mitochondrial and nuclear DNAs of Polytomella parva, a nonphotosynthetic green alga with a highly reduced, linear fragmented mitochondrial genome. We show that this species harbors very little genetic diversity, with the exception of the mitochondrial telomeres, which have an excess of polymorphic sites. These data are compared with previously published πsilent values from the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes of the model species Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Volvox carteri, which are close relatives of P. parva, and are used to understand the modes and tempos of genome evolution within green algae. (Source: The Journal of... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5048827 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5048827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4967918&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00557.x ABSTRACT. Even though the advent of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has improved the detection of pathogen microorganisms in most of areas of microbiology, a serious limitation of this method may arise from the inability to discriminate between viable and nonviable pathogens. To overcome it, the use of real‐time PCR and selective nucleic acid intercalating dyes like propidium monoazide (PMA) have been effectively evaluated for different microorganisms. To assess whether PMA pretreatment can inhibit PCR amplification of nonviable amoeba DNA, Acanthamoeba castellani survival was measured using cell culture and real‐time PCR with and without PMA pretreatment. Autoclave and contact lens disinfecting solutions were used to inactivate amoebae. After these inactivation treatments... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4967918 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4967918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4967917&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00562.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4967917 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4967917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4967916&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00563.x ABSTRACT. Polymyxa betae is a soil‐borne protist and an obligate parasite of sugar beet that transmits the beet necrotic yellow vein virus. Sugar beet hairy roots, transformed by Agrobacterium rhizogenes, were inoculated with surface‐sterilized root fragments infected by P. betae. After 10 wk in a liquid medium, typical structures of P. betae were observed in this in vitro system. This first in vitro culture of P. betae in liquid medium will contribute to a better understanding of this protist's biology through providing a way to conserve and produce purified isolates of the protist. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4967916 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4967916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4967915&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00564.x ABSTRACT. Anaerobic cellulolytic flagellate protists of the hindguts of lower termites and the wood‐feeding cockroach Cryptocercus are essential to their host's ability to digest lignocellulose. Many have bacteria associated with their surfaces and within cytoplasmic vesicles—likely important symbioses as suggested by molecular and other data. Some of the most striking examples of these symbioses are in the parabasalid family Hoplonymphidae, but little or no data exist on the structural aspects of their symbioses, their relationships with bacteria through different life‐cycle stages, or their diversity and phylogenetic relationships in Cryptocercus. We investigated these areas in the hoplonymphid genera Barbulanympha and Urinympha from Cryptocercus punctulatus using light and electro... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4967915 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4967915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820007&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00549.x ABSTRACT. A proteome analysis of the promastigote stage of the trypanosomatid parasite Leishmania infantum (MON‐1 zymodeme) is described here for the first time. Total protein extracts were prepared at early logarithmic and stationary phases of replicate axenic cultures and processed by 2D electrophoresis (pH 3–10). A total of 28 differentially regulated proteins were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐tandem time of flight mass spectrometry. This approach has revealed that the electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) and the eukaryotic elongation factor 1α (eEF1α) subunit have the same differential expression pattern at the protein and mRNA levels, up‐regulation in the stationary phase. A low‐molecular‐weight isoform and an alternatively processed form o... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820007 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4820007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820006&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00552.x We report the ultrastructure and phylogenetic position of a free‐living heterotrophic flagellate, Tsukubamonas globosa n. gen., n. sp. This flagellate was isolated from a pond in the University of Tsukuba, Japan. Under light microscopy, the spherical vegetative cells were naked and highly vacuolated, and always swam with rotating motion. Electron microscopic observations revealed that T. globosa possessed a ventral feeding groove, which is one of the hallmark characteristics of the supergroup Excavata. The position of T. globosa was unresolved in the small subunit ribosomal RNA phylogeny. On the other hand, a multigene phylogeny using α‐tubulin, β‐tubulin, actin, heat shock protein 90, and translation elongation factor 2 robustly united T. globosa with members of the “Discoba” ... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820006 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4820006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820005&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00553.x ABSTRACT. Trophozoites of gregarine apicomplexans are large feeding cells with diverse morphologies that have played a prominent role in gregarine systematics. The range of variability in trophozoite shapes and sizes can be very high even within a single species depending on developmental stages and host environmental conditions; this makes the delimitation of different species of gregarines based on morphological criteria alone very difficult. Accordingly, comparisons of morphological variability and molecular variability in gregarines are necessary to provide a pragmatic framework for establishing species boundaries within this diverse and poorly understood group of parasites. We investigated the morphological and molecular variability present in the gregarine Lecudina cf. tuzetae from t... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820005 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4820005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820004&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00554.x ABSTRACT. We isolated a new ciliate, Bistichella variabilis n. sp., from slightly saline soil of the Yellow River Delta in China and studied it using live observation, protargol staining, and small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequencing. Bistichella variabilis is elongated ellipsoidal and about 220 × 70 μm in vivo, with a variable number and arrangement of cirri— ventral row VI mostly very short, but a long row observed also in one specimen, and an extra row occasionally exists besides the left or the right marginal row. Bistichella variabilis differs from all congeners except Bistichella buitkampi (Foissner, 1982) in the macronuclear pattern (four vs. two or many nodules); and from B. buitkampi by the usual oblique arrangement of transverse cirri (vs. perpendicular); and the ventral row... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820004 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4820004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820003&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00556.x ABSTRACT. Pneumocystis carinii is an unusual fungus that can cause pneumonitis in immunosuppressed laboratory rats. Reactions in sterol biosynthesis are attractive targets for development of antimycotic drugs. A key enzyme in sterol biosynthesis is sterol 14α‐demethylase (14DM), which is coded by the erg11 gene. Here we describe detailed sterol analysis of wild‐type Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in an erg11 knockout mutant expressing either P. carinii or S. cerevisiae 14DM from a plasmid‐borne cDNA. Sterols of the three strains were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using thin‐layer chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and gas‐liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Biochemical evidence for functional... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820003 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4820003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820002&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00558.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820002 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4820002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820001&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00559.x This study offers circumstantial evidence for the interdependency between the three taxa in nature. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820001 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4820001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4967914&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00565.x ABSTRACT. The structural organization of parasites has been the subject of investigation by many groups and has lead to the identification of structures and metabolic pathways that may represent targets for anti‐parasitic drugs. A specific group of organelles named acidocalcisomes has been identified in a number of organisms, including the apicomplexan parasites such as Toxoplasma and Plasmodium, where they have been shown to be involved in cation homeostasis, polyphosphate metabolism, and osmoregulation. Their structural counterparts in the apicomplexan parasite Eimeria have not been fully characterized. In this work, the ultrastructural and chemical properties of acidocalcisomes in Eimeria were characterized. Electron microscopy analysis of Eimeria parasites showed the dense organelles... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4967914 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4967914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4951714&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00568.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4951714 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4951714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753219&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00551.x ABSTRACT. Plasmodiophora brassicae is an obligate, biotrophic pathogen causing the club‐root disease of crucifers. Despite its importance as a plant pathogen, little is known about P. brassicae at the molecular level as most of its life cycle takes place inside the plant host, and axenic culturing is impossible. Discovery of genes expressed during infection and gene organization are the first steps toward a better understanding of the pathogen–host interaction. Here, suppression subtractive hybridization was used to search for the P. brassicae genes expressed during plant infection. One‐hundred and forty ESTs were found of which 49% proved to be P. brassicae genes. Ten novel P. brassicae genes were identified, and the genomic sequences surrounding four of the ESTs were acquired using... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753219 Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4753219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742081&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00545.x ABSTRACT. Many ciliates acquire the capacity for photosynthesis through stealing plastids or harboring intact endosymbiotic algae. Both phenomena are a form of mixotrophy and are widespread among ciliates. Mixotrophic ciliates may be abundant in freshwater and marine ecosystems, sometimes making substantial contributions toward community primary productivity. While mixotrophic ciliates utilize phagotrophy to capture algal cells, their endomembrane system has evolved to partially bypass typical heterotrophic digestion pathways, enabling metabolic interaction with foreign cells or organelles. Unique adaptations may also be found in certain algal endosymbionts, facilitating establishment of symbiosis and nutritional interactions, while reducing their fitness for survival as free‐living cell... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742081 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4742081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742080&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00546.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742080 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4742080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742079&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00547.x We present new freshwater phylotypes belonging to the classes Prymnesiophyceae and Pavlovophyceae, as well as a distinct group here named HAP‐1. This is the first molecular evidence of a freshwater species belonging to the class Pavlovophyceae. The HAP‐1 and another recently detected marine group (i.e. HAP‐2) are separated from both Pavlovophyceae and Prymnesiophyceae and may constitute new higher order taxonomic lineages. As all obtained freshwater sequences of haptophytes are distantly related to the freshwater species C. parva, the phylogeny demonstrates that haptophytes colonized freshwater on multiple independent occasions. One of these colonizations, which gave rise to HAP‐1, took place very early in the history of haptophytes, before the radiation of the Prymnesiophyceae. (S... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742079 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4742079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742078&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00548.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742078 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4742078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631104&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00537.x ABSTRACT. Mixotrophy (i.e. combined use of photosynthesis and food uptake for growth) is widespread among marine dinoflagellates. Species with permanent chloroplasts generally display a growth response towards irradiance like an ordinary autotrophic alga. However, some species cannot grow in the light on a standard inorganic nutrient medium, because they require the ingestion of prey for sustained growth. This includes species with various types of chloroplast origin. Only a few species have been shown to be able to grow in the dark if supplied prey. About half of the studied species were primarily phototrophic species, and food uptake marginally increased their growth rates at low irradiances. In the remaining species, food uptake increases to a large degree their growth rate when light i... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631104 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631103&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00538.x ABSTRACT. Spliced leader (SL) variants are present in a number of mRNAs from Perkinsus marinus. Three different SLs of 22 nucleotides (nt) in length were previously reported, with a consensus sequence of (DCCGUAGCCAUYUUGGCUCAAG). A truncated 21 nt SL, with an (A) at nt‐1 and a (U) deletion at nt‐13, has also been reported. Here, we report an additional 21 nt SL variant with (G) at nt‐1. Using cDNA analysis, a full‐length SL RNA transcript was identified for both 21 nt SLs (SL2[A] and SL2[G]). This transcript is 81 nt in length and contains a conserved transcription termination sequence present in closely related dinoflagellates. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631103 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631102&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00541.x ABSTRACT. A DNA extraction and nested PCR method for detecting the pathogenic amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris from the environment was developed. Sixteen of 17 Californian soil samples were positive compared with 0/44 from the United Kingdom. This approach will enable a greater understanding of B. mandrillaris ecology, geographic distribution, and public health risk. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631102 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605461&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00535.x ABSTRACT. Ciliates comprise species synthesizing water‐diffusible mating type factors or pheromones and species synthesizing insoluble, cell membrane‐bound pheromones. Euplotes crassus has traditionally been placed in the latter group. In contrast with this notion, we found that E. crassus is a constitutive pheromone‐secreting ciliate, like other Euplotes species. From cell‐free filtrate preparations of the E. crassus strain L‐2D, we isolated two distinct pheromones, designated as Ec‐α and Ec‐1, and determined their complete amino acid sequences by combined chemical and genetic approaches. The Ec‐α pheromone sequence extends for 56 amino acid residues with six cysteines and shows a molecular mass of 6,183 Da, while the Ec‐1 pheromone sequence extends for 45 amino acid... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605461 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4605461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4910777&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00561.x ABSTRACT. The morphology and the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequence of the hypotrich Neobakuella flava n. g., n. sp. from the estuary of the Taehwagang River (Ulsan, South Korea) were investigated. The three frontal cirri, the composition of the midventral complex of cirral pairs and rows, and the simple dorsal kinety pattern of three bipolar kineties assign it to the urostyloid taxon Bakuellidae. The increased number of buccal and parabuccal cirri, the presence of transverse cirri, and more than one left marginal row, as well as the lack of caudal cirri separate Neobakuella n. g. from the other bakuellids. Neobakuella flava n. sp. has many 0.3 μm sized green and/or yellow usually dark‐green cortical granules and some sparsely distributed, 2 × 1 μm sized grass green with yello... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4910777 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4910777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820000&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00560.x This study identifies a suite of conserved S‐phase genes in K. brevis—proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), ribonucleotide reductase 2, replication factor C, and replication protein A—and characterizes their expression at the mRNA and protein level over the cell cycle. In higher eukaryotes, the expression of these genes is controlled by transcription, activated at S‐phase entry by the E2F transcription factor, which ensures their timely availability for DNA synthesis. In the dinoflagellate, these transcripts possess a 5′‐transspliced leader sequence, which suggests they may be under post‐transcriptional control as demonstrated in trypanosomes. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we confirmed that their transcript levels are unchanged over the cell cycle.... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820000 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4820000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4767621&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00544.x ABSTRACT. The heterotrophic dinoflagellate Gyrodiniellum shiwhaense n. gen., n. sp. is described from live cells and from cells prepared for light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. Also, sequences of the small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) of rDNA have been analyzed. The episome is conical, while the hyposome is ellipsoid. Cells are covered with polygonal amphiesmal vesicles arranged in 16 horizontal rows. Unlike other Gyrodinium‐like dinoflagellates, the apical end of the cell shows a loop‐shaped row of five elongate amphiesmal vesicles. The cingulum is displaced by 0.3–0.5 × cell length. Cells that were feeding on the dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae Hulburt were 9.1–21.6 μm long and 6.6–15.7 μm wide. Cells of G. shiwhaense contain nema... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4767621 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4767621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753218&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00555.x ABSTRACT. Dinoflagellates and apicomplexans are a strongly supported monophyletic group in rDNA phylogenies, although this phylogeny is not without controversy, particularly between the two groups. Here we use concatenated protein‐coding genes from expressed sequence tags or genomic data to construct phylogenies including “typical” dinophycean dinoflagellates, a parasitic syndinian dinoflagellate, Amoebophrya sp., and two related species, Oxyrrhis marina, and Perkinsus marinus. Seventeen genes encoding proteins associated with the ribosome were selected for phylogenetic analysis. The dataset was limited for the most part by data availability from the dinoflagellates. Forty‐five taxa from four major lineages were used: the heterokont outgroup, ciliates, dinoflagellates, and apicompl... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753218 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4753218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742077&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00550.x ABSTRACT. Marine raphidophytes are common red tide organisms that are distributed worldwide. They are known to be harmful to other plankton and fish and have often caused large‐scale fish mortality in many countries. Thus, the population dynamics of raphidophytes is a critical concern for scientists, the aquaculture industry, and government officers from many countries. Raphidophyte growth and mortality should be investigated to understand bloom dynamics. Raphidophytes were thought to be exclusively autotrophic organisms. However, several recent studies have revealed that raphidophytes are able to feed on heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria, i.e. raphidophytes are mixotrophic algae. Further, high‐resolution video microscopy has revealed the mechanism by which raphidophytes feed on b... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742077 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4742077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4692803&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00543.x ABSTRACT. The alternative nutritional strategies in protists that were addressed during the symposium by that name at the 2010 annual meeting of the International Society of Protistologists and here in contributed papers, include a range of mechanisms that combine photosynthesis with heterotrophy in a single organism. Often called mixotrophy, these multiple trophic level combinations occur across a broad range of organisms and environments. Consequently, there is great variability in the physiological abilities and relative importance of phototrophy vs. phagotrophy and/or osmotrophy in mixotrophic protists. Recently, research papers addressing ecological questions about mixotrophy in marine systems have been more numerous than those that deal with freshwater systems, a trend that is probab... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4692803 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4692803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658058&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00536.x ABSTRACT. The morphology, morphogenesis, and phylogeny of Diophrys parappendiculata n. sp., a large marine ciliate isolated from the coastal waters of Daya Bay, southern China, were investigated. This new species is characterized by a combination of its large size, appendiculata‐pattern of ciliature, and bipartite adoral zone of membranelles. The main stages of morphogenesis during binary fission were also recorded and described. Comparisons of morphological characteristics with similar congeners support the validity of the new species. The small subunit rRNA gene sequence of D. parappendiculata is 96.3–99.94% similar to those of four other congeners; it differs in four nucleotides from that of Diophrys appendiculata (i.e. structural similarity was 99.94%). Phylogenetic analysis indica... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658058 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4658058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631101&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00542.x ABSTRACT. A new urostylid ciliate, Anteholosticha petzi n. sp., isolated from the northern China seas, was studied using live observation and protargol impregnation. It differs from all the congeners mainly in the highly flexible and variable body shape, its red‐brown to brick‐red colour, and the possession of three types of cortical granules. Analysis of morphometric and molecular data confirm the validity of A. petzi as a distinct species. Anteholosticha petzi n. sp. is characterized as follows: by having 3 frontal, 1 buccal, 2 frontoterminal, 2 pretransverse, and 8–11 transverse cirri; a midventral row that comprises 10–16 cirral pairs and extends ca. 60% of cell length; and 3 bipolar dorsal kineties. Ontogenesis is similar to that in Anteholosticha warreni except for the format... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631101 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605460&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00540.x ABSTRACT. We tested whether mixotrophic ciliates are more resistant to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) than heterotrophic ones because symbiotic algae can provide self‐shading by cell matter absorption and eventually by direct UV screening from mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs). Sensitivity of a natural assemblage to solar radiation was tested in experiments in the original lake and in a more UV transparent alpine lake after transplantation of the ciliates. In both lakes, the assemblage was exposed either to full sunlight, to photosynthetically active radiation only, or kept in the dark. In each lake, exposure was for 5 h at the surface and at the depth corresponding to the 10% attenuation depth at 320 nm. Overall, when the assemblage was exposed to surface UVR, only one out of... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605460 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4605460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4494601&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00528.x ABSTRACT. An oligohalobic peritrichous ciliate, Epistylis chlorelligerum Shen, 1980, was collected from a ditch in Hangzhou, China. The morphology, oral infraciliature, and morphogenesis of the species were studied using living and protargol‐impregnated specimens. Zooids of E. chlorelligerum are 160–230 × 50–60 μm in vivo, and characterized by green‐colored endoplasm containing symbiotic algae. The oral infraciliature presents a well‐developed filamentous reticulum linked to the circular fiber of the cytostome; the outer two rows of P3 extend adstomally over P1 and usually enfold it. During binary fission, one daughter cell inherits most part of the old buccal apparatus and the reorganized haplokinety and germinal kinety (Hk′ and G′), and new buccal apparatus of the other... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4494601 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4494601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4494600&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00529.x ABSTRACT. Expressed rhodopsins were detected by proteomic analysis in an investigation of potential signal receptors in the cell membrane of the marine heterotrophic dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina (CCMP604). We inferred these to be sensory rhodopsins, a type of G‐protein‐coupled receptor trans‐membrane signaling molecule. Because phototactic behavior based on sensory rhodopsins has been reported in other protists, we investigated the photosensory response of O. marina. This dinoflagellate exhibited strongest positive phototaxis at low levels (2–3 μE/m2/s) of white light when the cells were previously light adapted and well fed. Positive phototaxis was also found for blue (450 nm), green (525 nm), and red (680 nm) wavelengths. In a further test, O. marina showed significant... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4494600 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4494600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4494599&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00531.x ABSTRACT. Woloszynskia species are dinoflagellates in the order Suessiales inhabiting marine or freshwater environments; their ecophysiology has not been well investigated, in particular, their trophic modes have yet to be elucidated. Previous studies have reported that all Woloszynskia species are photosynthetic, although their mixotrophic abilities have not been explored. We isolated a dinoflagellate from coastal waters in western Korea and established clonal cultures of this dinoflagellate. On the basis of morphology and analyses of the small/large subunit rRNA gene (GenBank accession number=FR690459), we identified this dinoflagellate as Woloszynskia cincta. We further established that this dinoflagellate is a mixotrophic species. We found that W. cincta fed on algal prey using a pedun... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4494599 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4494599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309189&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00524.x ABSTRACT. A new cercozoan flagellate Mataza hastifera n. g., n. sp. is described from a surface seawater sample collected in Tokyo Bay. Cells are 3–5 μm in diameter and have two flagella. The cells alternate between swimming and stationary states in culture. Swimming cells have a nodding motion. Phylogenetic analyses using small subunit rDNA sequences demonstrate that M. hastifera belongs to the clade comprised of only environmental sequences closely related to thecofilosean cercozoans. Ultrastructural observations reveal that M. hastifera is quite similar to members of Cryomonadida, an order in Thecofilosea, and especially to Cryothecomonas spp. The cell of M. hastifera is covered with a thin double‐layered theca and possesses a cylinder‐shaped extrusome, as reported from cryomon... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309189 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4309189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590954&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00539.x This report examines the replication/segregation pattern and morphology of the kinetoplast in L. donovani with the aim of determining if these traits can be used to assign cell cycle stage to individual cells. By labeling replicating cells with bromodeoxyuridine after synchronization with hydroxyurea, we find that although both nuclear and kDNA initiate replication in early S phase, nuclear division precedes kinetoplast segregation in 80% of the cells. The kinetoplast is roundish/short rod‐like in G1 and in early to mid‐S phase, but prominently elongated/bilobed in late S phase and early G2/M. These morphological traits and segregation pattern of the kinetoplast can be used as a marker for cell cycle stage in a population of asynchronously growing L. donovani promastigotes, in place of... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590954 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4559666&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00530.x ABSTRACT: The microsporidian Nosema antheraeae is a pathogen of the Chinese oak silkmoth Antheraea pernyi, the molecular karyotype of which is still poorly understood. Here the diplokaryon of N. antheraeae strain NP‐YY has been visualized both by fluorescence and electron microscopy. In addition, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) showed that the haploid genome of N. antheraeae is approximately 9.3–9.5 million base pairs organized into 15 chromosomal bands. The mean fluorescence intensity of N. antheraeae and Nosema bombycis DNA measured by flow cytometry confirmed that the genome size of these two species was congruent with measurements obtained by PFGE. These initial results on the chromosome organization of N. antheraeae provide a foundation for the comparative genomics of N.... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4559666 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4559666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4535708&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00532.x ABSTRACT. Using morphological, morphometrical, and molecular methods, we describe Leptopharynx bromelicola n. sp. from tank bromeliads of Jamaica. We add significant data to Leptopharynx costatus and briefly characterize and review the genus LeptopharynxMermod, 1914, including four new combinations. Nine species can be distinguished when applying the following main features and assuming that most or all have the ability to produce macrostomes (MAs): distinct ridges along the right side ciliary rows; special features like spines or wings on the body and of the oral basket; dikinetids present vs. absent from somatic kinety 3; number of kinetids in kinety 6 as two for the costatus pattern and ≥ five for the bromelicola pattern; beginning and structure of kinety 9 as either underneath or far... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4535708 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4535708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4501220&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00533.x ABSTRACT. Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic to North, Central and South American countries. Current therapy against this disease is only partially effective and produces adverse side effects. Studies on the metabolic pathways of T. cruzi, in particular those with no equivalent in mammalian cells, might identify targets for the development of new drugs. Ceramide is metabolized to inositolphosphoceramide (IPC) in T. cruzi and other kinetoplastid protists whereas in mammals it is mainly incorporated into sphingomyelin. In T. cruzi, in contrast to Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania spp., IPC functions as lipid anchor constituent of glycoproteins and free glycosylinositolphospholipids (GIPLs). Inhibition of IPC and GIPLs biosynthesis impairs differentiation of trypomas... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4501220 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4501220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4494598&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2011.00534.x ABSTRACT. The glyoxylate cycle is a modified form of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which enables organisms to synthesize carbohydrates from C2 compounds. In the protozoan Euglena gracilis, the key enzyme activities of the glyoxylate cycle, isocitrate lyase (ICL) and malate synthase (MS), are conferred by a single bifunctional protein named glyoxylate cycle enzyme (Euglena gracilis glyoxylate cycle enzyme [EgGCE]). We analyzed the enzymatic properties of recombinant EgGCE to determine the functions of its different domains. The 62‐kDa N‐terminal domain of EgGCE was sufficient to provide the MS activity as expected from an analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence. In contrast, expression of the 67‐kDa C‐terminal domain of EgGCE failed to yield ICL activity even though this domain ... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4494598 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4494598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464195&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00525.x ABSTRACT. Light and electron microscopy studies of a myxosporean, parasitizing the gill filaments of the freshwater fish Brycon hilarii (Valenciennes, 1850) (Characidae) collected in the Paraguay River (18°49′S, 57°39′W) (Pantanal), Brazil, is described. This parasite produces spherical to ellipsoidal polysporic histozoic plasmodia (Pmd) (up to ∼180 μm in diameter) delimited by a double membrane and with several pinocytic channels. The plasmodial cyst contained the youngest developmental stages at the cortical periphery and immature and mature spores more internally. The Pmd developed near the cartilaginous structure of the gill filament, forming a prominent deformation where the gill lamellae disappear. Pyriform spores measured 6.9±0.6 (range 6.5–7.2) μm long, 4.2±0.5 (r... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464195 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4464195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337424&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00527.x ABSTRACT. Microdiaphanosoma arcuatum Wenzel, 1953 is a world‐wide distributed ciliate, recorded mainly in soil samples, which we have also identified in ground water samples from South Africa. This ciliate has been frequently overlooked or not determined due to its small size,∼12 μm. The genus Microdiaphanosoma is nowadays included in the class Colpodea, order Bryometopida, family Kreyellidae. The first complete small subunit (SSU) rDNA gene sequence of this ciliate was obtained from a South African isolate. Phylogenetic analysis including available SSU rDNA sequences from another Colpodea species in the GenBank strongly supported the position of M. arcuatum within the order Cyrtolophosidida instead of the order Bryometopida. The analysis also suggested a sister relationship between... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337424 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4337424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309188&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00526.x We describe the ciliate associated with this disease on Guam, based on: general morphology, division stages, and ciliature observed on live and protargol‐stained specimens; modification of the oral structures between divisional stages, observed on protargol‐stained specimens; and some aspects of behavior in field and laboratory studies. Porpostoma guamensis n. sp. is elongate and has ciliature typical for the genus; live cells are 70–500 × 20–75 μm; the macronucleus is sausage‐like, elongate but often bent, positioned centrally along the main cell axis; the oral ciliature follows a basic pattern, being composed of three adoral polykinetidal regions, as described for other species in the genus, although there is variability in the organization, especially in large cells where ... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309188 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4309188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4284875&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00523.x ABSTRACT. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, a eukaryotic intracellular parasite belonging to the group Microsporidia, has a highly reduced and compacted genome. Its mRNA transcripts have been found to differ between the two life stages, the spore and meront, of the parasite. Spore transcripts generally have more transcription start sites, longer 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs), and overlap more frequently with upstream genes than those of meronts. A previous analysis of 31 meront gene transcripts showed that most have short 5′UTRs, and intron‐containing genes, mostly ribosomal protein genes, exclusively have very short 5′UTRs. Here we analyzed a larger set of transcripts from meronts, and we find a pattern of 5′UTR length distribution similar to other reduced genomes. There is an abundanc... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4284875 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 02:15:50 +0100 4284875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4284874&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00520.x ABSTRACT. During the course of research on the bacterial feeding behavior and resistance of amoebae to virulent pathogens, we isolated a new strain of amoeba from organic rich soil at the margin of freshwater swamp in the northeastern United States. Light microscopic morphology is characteristically heterolobosean, resembling vahlkampfiids, including a broadened, limax shape, and eruptive locomotion, but occasionally becoming more contracted and less elongated with lateral or anterior bulges and somewhat branching sparse, uroidal filaments. Electron microscopic evidence, including mitochondria with flattened cristae surrounded by rough endoplasmic reticulum, further indicates a heterolobosean affinity. The solitary nucleus contains a centrally located nucleolus. Cysts are rounded with occa... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4284874 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 02:15:49 +0100 4284874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4284873&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00521.x ABSTRACT. Infection with Chloromyxum careni Mutschmann, 1999 was found in the Asian horned frog Megophrys nasuta from Malaysia and Indonesia. Kidney was the only organ infected. Coelozoic plasmodia up to 300 μm were localized in Bowman's space, embracing the glomerulus from all sides, or rarely in lumina of renal tubules. Plasmodia are polysporic, containing disporic pansporoblasts. Myxospores observed by light microscopy are colorless, variable in shape and size, measuring 6.0–8.5 × 5.0–6.5 μm, composed of two symmetrical valves joined by a meridian suture, containing four pyriform polar capsules 3.0–4.0 × 2.5–3.0 μm and a single sporoplasm. Each valve possesses 14–24 (median 21) fine longitudinal ridges clearly visible only in scanning electron microscopy. Rarely, at... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4284873 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 02:15:49 +0100 4284873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4284872&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00522.x ABSTRACT. We studied the morphology, morphometry, resting, and reproductive cysts, as well as the molecular phylogeny of Bryophrya gemmea n. sp., a colpodid ciliate that was discovered in ephemeral puddles in Idaho, northwest United States. This new species is distinguished from congeners by the irregularly pentagonal adoral organelles, four to five vestibular kineties, the single micronucleus, and one to three rows of brightly refractive protuberant interkinetal cortical granules to the right of the preoral suture. Resting cysts have two distinct membranes and an outer mucous coat. As typical for most colpodids, reproduction occurs in division cysts but details of ontogenesis are unknown. The 18S rRNA gene sequence shows only weak support for the phylogenetic relationship between Bryophry... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4284872 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 02:15:47 +0100 4284872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4224648&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00515.x ABSTRACT. The 11th in the series of International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists (IWOP‐11) was held in August 2010 on the Big Island of Hawaii. These meetings are devoted to agents of infections that cause serious problems in AIDS patients and other individuals with defective immune systems. International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists serves as a forum for exchange of current research information on Pneumocystis, Cryptosporidium and the Microsporidia, Toxoplasma, free‐living amoebae, kinetoplastid flagellates and other pathogens that are particularly pathogenic in immunodeficient hosts. Studies on interactions between host and pathogen, especially host responses, were highlighted in this year's symposium. The lack of in vitro cultivation methods for luxuriant growth of Pneum... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4224648 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4224648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4224647&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00516.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4224647 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4224647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4224646&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00514.x ABSTRACT. The protozoan parasite Crithidia bombi and its host, the bumblebee Bombus terrestris, are used as a model system for the study of the evolutionary ecology of host–parasite interactions. In order to study these interactions we established a method for in vitro cultivation of single parasite strains. Additionally, a high‐throughput method is developed for the determination of cell numbers in cultures by means of optical density (OD) measurements. The protocol for in vitro cultivation allowed for growing different strains on agar plates as well as in culture medium. A calibration curve for the relationship between cell number and OD has been developed. Subsequently, growth rates for different genotypes of C. bombi have been recorded. Significant differences in the growth rates a... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4224646 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4224646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4224645&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00517.x ABSTRACT. We developed a method for cloning cells of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila in chemically defined medium (CDM) using a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter (FACS). Although T. thermophila is a model unicellular eukaryote, two major technical difficulties remain in its cloning. First, T. thermophila fails to proliferate from low density in CDM, particularly if the inoculum contains single cells. Second, general cloning methods are time consuming and have low throughput. Here, we modified the CDM by addition of bovine serum albumin that helped growth from an inoculum with a density of 10 cell/ml (1 cell/100 μl). In addition, we applied a FACS for isolation of single cells. We showed that it is possible to separate cell populations based on the presence or absence of phago... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4224645 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4224645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4224644&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00518.x ABSTRACT. The urostylid genus Metaurostylopsis Song et al., 2001 was considered to be a well‐outlined taxon. Nevertheless, recent evidence, including morphological, ontogenetic, and molecular information, have consistently revealed conflicts among congeners, regarding their systematic relationships, ciliature patterns, and origins of ciliary organelles. In the present work, the morphogenetic and morphogenetic features were re‐checked and compared, and the phylogeny of nominal species was analysed based on information inferred from the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SS rRNA) gene sequence. In addition, the binary divisional process in a new isolate of Metaurostylopsis struederkypkeae Shao et al., 2008 is described. All results obtained reveal that the genus is a polyphyletic assemblage wh... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4224644 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4224644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4224643&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00519.x ABSTRACT. The morphology, morphogenesis, and phylogeny of an undescribed oligotrich sensu lato (s. lat.) ciliate, Lynnella semiglobulosa n. g., n. sp., found in Daya Bay, southern China, were investigated. This species shares some features with both oligotrichs sensu stricto and choreotrichs, but most morphological and morphogenetic characters as well as the phylogenetic analysis suggest that it should be assigned into subclass Choreotrichia temporarily. Lynnella semiglobulosa is distinguished from members of all known genera and families of the subclass Choreotrichia by a unique combination of characteristics of the buccal and somatic ciliatures. Thus, a new family Lynnellidae n. fam. and a new genus Lynnella n. g. are proposed for it. The new family is distinguished by an open adoral zon... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4224643 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4224643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4081591&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00510.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4081591 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4081591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060001&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00511.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060001 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4060001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060000&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00512.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060000 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4060000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4059999&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00513.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4059999 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4059999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040091&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00508.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040091 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4040091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012098&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00506.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012098 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012097&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00509.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012097 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012096&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00504.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012096 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012095&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00505.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012095 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012094&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00507.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012094 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3972566&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00500.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3972566 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3972566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3902626&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00502.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3902626 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:40:56 +0100 3902626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3902625&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00503.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3902625 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:40:51 +0100 3902625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3822559&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00497.x ABSTRACT. We have generated 18S rRNA sequences for peritrichs collected in Brazil, including four Opercularia species, two different populations of Epistylis plicatilis (one epibiont and another free-living), and one additional Epistylis species. Our Opercularia species clustered with the previously available Opercularia microdiscum, corroborating the monophyly of this genus. The Epistylis sampled here clustered with previously sequenced species of this genus. The two populations of E. plicatilis collected in Brazil clustered closely together despite their different ecological contexts, whereas both were very divergent from the sample assigned to the same species previously sampled in China. If affirmed by additional morphological corroboration of species assignment, this observation would... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3822559 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3822559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907142&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00501.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907142 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3907142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3898973&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00492.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3898973 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3898973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3880477&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00497.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3880477 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3880477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876280&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00499.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876280 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3876280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3861607&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00496.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3861607 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3861607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3861606&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00498.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3861606 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3861606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3771794&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00495.x ABSTRACT. Chromera velia (Chromerida: Alveolata) is a photosynthetic, unicellular organism closely related to parasitic apicomplexa. Diurnal rhythmicity of an immotile[ndash]motile transformation has been observed but its role in the life cycle remains largely unknown. Using a multiwell system, we show that salinity and f-medium concentration significantly affect the percentage of motile C. velia cells. An inverse relationship between salinity and motility in C. velia occurred, and flagellation was also suppressed at high nutrient levels. These results suggest a low salinity environment with relatively low nutrient levels enables flagellate transformation during the diurnal cycle of C. velia. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3771794 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3771794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3771796&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00493.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3771796 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3771796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3771795&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00494.x ABSTRACT. The marine oligotrichous ciliate Spirotontonia taiwanica n. sp. isolated from the coastal waters of northeastern Taiwan is reported, using live observation, protargol preparations and molecular data. The new species differs from the most similar, known congener Spirotontonia turbinata in the following features: (1) lower number of buccal membranelles (11[ndash]13 vs. 13[ndash]17); (2) higher number of whorls of girdle kinety (2.5 vs. 1.5); (3) lower number of macronuclear nodules (20[ndash]31 vs. 28[ndash]40); (4) larger cell size (80[ndash]104 × 40[ndash]72 vs. 44[ndash]75 × 29[ndash]56 [mu]m); (5) larger anterior cell end to buccal vertex (50 vs. 33 [mu]m); (6) larger ratio of cell length to cell width (1.74 vs. 1.38); (7) the different beginning of the girdle kinety (posteri... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3771795 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3771795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746474&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00489.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746474 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3746474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3842882&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00483.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3842882 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3842882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3842881&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00482.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3842881 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3842881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3842880&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00479.x ABSTRACT. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3842880 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3842880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3842879&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00495.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3842879 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3842879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3842878&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00493.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3842878 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3842878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3842877&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2009.00401.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3842877 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3842877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695163&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00490.x ABSTRACT. A membranous closing apparatus shuts the lorica opening in disturbed tintinnids of six genera belonging to four families. The homology of the apparatuses is investigated, using data from the literature and Mediterranean tintinnids studied in vivo and by scanning electron microscopy. Morphological and functional similarities indicate that the foldable closing apparatus is not only a synapomorphy of the genera Codonella (Codonellidae) and Dictyocysta (Dictyocystidae), as suggested 80 years ago, but also of Codonaria (Codonellidae) and Codonellopsis (Codonellopsidae). In Codonaria, Codonella, and Dictyocysta, the apparatuses merge posteriorly into membranous lorica sacs, which probably represent homologous structures. The diagnoses of these genera are improved according to the new f... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695163 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3676095&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00484.x ABSTRACT. Unusual prostomatid specimens were found in the biological reactor of a wastewater treatment plant in a health resort in Valencia, Spain. These ciliates were attached to flocs unlike other free-swimming prostomatid ciliates described to date in the mixed liquor of activated sludge plants. The morphological study of this species led to a typically different combination of characteristics: elongated cell shape, 20[ndash]30 somatic kineties, 2 perioral kineties, and 1 circumoral kinety, 1 large vacuole protruding at the terminal end, a lorica tapered toward the aperture with a smooth neck, and 11[ndash]16 annular ridges. These characteristics place this representative as a new species of the genus Metacystis[mdash]Metacystis galiani n. sp. This species became the dominant population... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3676095 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3676095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671197&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00491.x ABSTRACT. The external and internal ultrastructure of the harmful unarmored dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides Margalef has been examined with special reference to the apical groove and three-dimensional structure of the flagellar apparatus. The apical groove is U-shaped and connected to the anterior sulcal extension on the dorsal side of the epicone. The eyespot is located dorsally and composed of two layers of globules situated within the chloroplast. A narrow invagination of the plasma membrane is associated with the eyespot. The nuclear envelope has normal nuclear pores similar to other eukaryotes but different from the Gymnodinium group with diagnostic nuclear chambers. The longitudinal and transverse basal bodies are separated by approximately 0.5[ndash]1.0 [mu]m and interconn... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671197 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3671197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671198&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00487.x ABSTRACT. The balance of essential elements (e.g. carbon [C], nitrogen [N], and phosphorus [P]) between consumers and their resources influences not only the growth and reproduction of the consumers but also the nutrients they regenerate. Flagellate protists are significant predators of aquatic bacteria and directly influence nutrient flow to higher trophic levels and, through excretion, influence the mineral element composition of dissolved nutrients. Because the element stoichiometry of protists is poorly characterized, we varied the resource composition of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens and used it to grow the mixotrophic bacterivorous flagellate Ochromonas danica. Using a mass balance approach, the element composition of O. danica was found to vary depending upon the nutrient co... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671198 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3671198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652008&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00488.x ABSTRACT. Colonial volvocaleans (Chlorophyceae) are used as a standard model of multicellular evolution. However, the phylogenetic position of the colonial volvocalean family Spondylomoraceae has yet to be resolved. To examine this, the molecular phylogenies of Pyrobotrys stellata and Pyrobotrys squarrosa were analyzed using combined 18S rRNA, RUBISCO large subunit, and P700 chl a-apoprotein A2 gene sequences. In the phylogenetic trees, Pyrobotrys belonged to the clade Caudivolvoxa and was not closely related to other colonial volvocalean flagellates. The results indicate that colony formation of Spondylomoraceae independently evolved from unicellular volvocaleans. The phylogenetic position of problematic "Pascherina tetras" SAG 159-1 was also analyzed. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic M... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652008 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3652008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652010&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00485.x ABSTRACT. To assess diversity among cryptic species of the ciliate genus Strombidium, we characterized the small subunit ribosomal DNA gene (SSU-rDNA) from several lineages that had been identified previously as distinct based on the internal transcribed spacer regions of the rDNA locus. We sequenced SSU-rDNA from four members of a cryptic species cluster of ciliates from tidepools in the North Atlantic Ocean. One of the sequences was very similar (>99% similarity) to that of Strombidium apolatum. The other three sequences differed from each other and from the closest named species on GenBank by 4[ndash]10%. We were able to cultivate only one of these three species. Here we name it Strombidium rassoulzadegani n. sp. and describe its morphology, behavior, and feeding. The history of observa... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652010 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3652010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652009&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00486.x ABSTRACT. Heterokaryosis is the initial step of the parasexual cycle, a process that provides genetic variability in filamentous fungi through the production of heterozygous diploid nuclei. To characterize the parasexual cycle in Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, we evaluated the presence of heterokaryosis, vegetative compatibility reactions, and diploid formation among isolates of Race 65 collected from different Brazilian states. Vegetative compatibility groups were identified among the isolates according to their ability to form heterokaryons. Two heterozygous diploids were selected from compatible heterokaryons, which were characterized by the segregation of the parental auxotrophic markers and by RAPD profiles. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652009 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3652009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3588703&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00481.x ABSTRACT. In the course of a large-scale global survey of mycetozoans, amoeboid organisms that form fruiting bodies, a new species of Acrasis was discovered from several subtropical locales in Hawaii, Australia, Bermuda, and South Africa. We isolated four strains from dead, still attached, plant material, and one strain from attached bark of a tree. Each isolate forms simple uniseriate multicellular fruiting bodies typically consisting of two bottle-shaped, basal stalk cells and a chain of (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3588703 Fri, 21 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3588703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3588705&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00480.x This study provides, for the first time, sequence data for the protozoan flagellates Crithidia bombi and Crithidia mellificae (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae). We amplified the partial sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA), glycosomal glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH), cytochrome b (Cyt b), and the complete internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1) of the ribosomal RNA gene region for 66 clones of C. bombi from Switzerland and Alaska. Furthermore, we sequenced the same stretch of SSU rRNA and gGAPDH for one isolate of C. mellificae from Switzerland. All four molecular markers classified the C. bombi samples into two distinct lineages A and B. Both lineages were found in the two sampling locations. Variation within lineages was small or non-existing. Seque... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3588705 Thu, 20 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3588705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3588704&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00483.x (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3588704 Thu, 20 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3588704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545266&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00482.x ABSTRACT. Based on both morphological and molecular information, two new euplotid genera Apodiophrys n. g. and Heterodiophrys n. g. are described in the present paper. Apodiophrys n. g. is defined as sculptured Diophryinae with bipartite adoral zone; frontoventral cirri arranged in Diophrys-pattern; marginal cirri located in two clearly separated groups. Heterodiophrys n. g. is recognizable by the combination of Diophrys-like frontoventral cirri and the unique structure of several marginal cirri that are arranged in a long row. The type species for both new genera, Apodiophrys ovalis n. sp. and Heterodiophrys zhui n. sp., collected from southern China sea, are described. The small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequences for both new taxa are determined. Phylogenetic analyses based on these ... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545266 Fri, 07 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3545266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501343&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00479.x We report average intragenomic variation of 0.75% and 2.27% in the SSU and internal transcribed spacer regions, respectively. From electron micrographs and light microscopy of histological sections we determined that C. mesnili spores grow within the intestinal epithelium where they establish themselves intercellularly. In addition, we confirmed previous accounts regarding the high virulence of this parasite. Caullerya mesnili reduces host lifespan, the number of clutches, and the total number of offspring. This high selection pressure placed on hosts supports the importance of C. mesnili as a model parasite for the study of host[ndash]parasite biology in permanent lakes. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501343 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3501343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3448452&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00477.x ABSTRACT. Ancyromonas was first described in 1882 by Saville Kent, with the modern concept of the genus dating from 1979 with the work of Hänel. Since then, organisms assigned to Ancyromonas have been found to be common in diverse ecosystems, and the group's isolated phylogenetic placement renders it of considerable evolutionary interest. However, in 2008 Cavalier-Smith et al. concluded that all modern accounts of Ancyromonas were of a different organism from that described by Saville Kent, and erected the new genus Planomonas to encompass modern observations of Ancyromonas, and several new species. We critique the rationale for creating this new genus, reexamining the original sources and making additional observations using light and electron microscopy. We find that almost all the diff... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3448452 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3448452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3448453&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00476.x ABSTRACT. Since the introduction of the microbial loop concept, awareness of the role played by protozooplankton in marine food webs has grown. By consuming bacteria, and then being consumed by metazooplankton, protozoa form a trophic link that channels dissolved organic material into the "classic" marine food chain. Beyond enhancing energy transfer to higher trophic levels, protozoa play a key role in improving the food quality of metazooplankton. Here, we consider a third role played by protozoa, but one that has received comparatively little attention: that as prey items for ichthyoplankton. For >100 years it has been known that fish larvae consume protozoa. Despite this, fisheries scientists and biological oceanographers still largely ignore protozoa when assessing the foodweb dynamics... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3448453 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3448453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3432549&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00475.x ABSTRACT. The microsporidian Nosema philosamiae is a pathogen that infects the eri-silkworm Philosamia cynthia ricini. The complete sequence of rRNA gene (4,314 bp) was obtained by polymerase chain reaction amplification with specific primers and sequencing. The sequence analysis showed that the organization of the rRNA of N. philosamiae was similar to the pattern of Nosema bombycis. Phylogenetic analysis of rRNA gene sequences revealed that N. philosamiae had a close relationship with other Nosema species, confirming that N. philosamiae is correctly assigned to the genus Nosema. (Source: The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology) The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3432549 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3432549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3369986&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00474.x ABSTRACT. Described herein are the morphology and certain morphogenetic stages of a new freshwater ciliate species, Deviata polycirrata n. sp., and of Deviata bacilliformis recorded in the soil of a dried temporary pond from Argentina. Ciliates were studied alive and after silver impregnation with Protargol. Deviata polycirrata n. sp. measures 130[ndash]180 × 45[ndash]70 [mu]m in vivo. The species possesses 8[ndash]9 long cirral rows on the right and 9[ndash]13 on the left of the oral zone, and 3 dorsal rows of dikinetids. The adoral zone is composed of 39[ndash]48 membranelles. There are four macronuclear nodules and usually two micronuclei. A single contractile vacuole is located equatorially on the left body margin. This new species mainly differs from its congeners in having a higher ... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3369986 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3369986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3353985&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00471.x ABSTRACT. Amber-preserved shells of testate amoebae often provide as many diagnostic features as the tests of modern taxa. Most of these well-preserved microfossils are morphologically assignable to modern species indicating either evolutionary stasis or convergent evolution. Here we describe two Lower Cretaceous testate amoebae that are clearly distinguishable from modern species. Centropyxis perforata n. sp. and Leptochlamys galippei n. sp. possessed perforate shells that were previously unknown in these genera. They are preserved in highly fossiliferous amber pieces from the Upper Albian (ca. 100 million years old) of Archingeay/Les Nouillers (Charente-Maritime, southwestern France). Syninclusions of soil and litter dwelling arthropods and microorganisms indicate a limnetic-terrestrial ... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3353985 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3353985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349917&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00472.x ABSTRACT. Peritrich ciliates have been traditionally subdivided into two orders, Sessilida and Mobilida within the subclass Peritrichia. However, all the existing small subunit (SSU) rRNA phylogenetic trees showed that the sessilids and mobilids did not branch together. To shed some light on this disagreement, we tested whether or not the classic Peritrichia is a monophyletic group by assessing the reliability of the SSU rRNA phylogeny in terms of congruency with [alpha]-tubulin phylogeny. For this purpose, we obtained 10 partial [alpha]-tubulin sequences from peritrichs and built phylogenetic trees based on [alpha]-tubulin nucleotide and amino acid data. A phylogenetic tree from the [alpha]-tubulin and SSU rRNA genes in combination was also constructed and compared with that from the SSU ... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349917 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3349917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349916&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00473.x ABSTRACT. We discovered a free-living peritrich ciliate with outstanding features in the River Rhine. Its morphology and 18S rRNA gene sequence were studied with standard methods. Apocarchesium arndti n. sp. has several peculiarities. (i) There are ordinary zooids, macrozooids, and microzooids, which form a hemispherical rosette on a discoidal base, the stalk dish, locking the [sim]18 [mu]m wide and up to 2 mm long, spirally contracting colony stalk. (ii) The stalk myoneme is connected only to the microzooids. (iii) A rosette contains up to 50 zooids not connected to each other but individually attached to the stalk dish with the scopula. (iv) The ordinary zooids are epistylidid, trumpet-shaped ([sim]6:1 length:width), about 180 × 30 [mu]m in size, and have an ellipsoidal macronucleus sub... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349916 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3349916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331003&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00470.x ABSTRACT. Two frequently used universal eukaryote probes, EUK1209 and EUK516, are not consistent with one branch of the eukaryotic phylogenetic tree, the Kinetoplastida, which has undergone rapid evolution of their small subunit rRNA gene. Kinetoplastids include medically important parasitic organisms (e.g. Trypanosoma, Leishmania) and free-living flagellates that occur in all aquatic environments and in soils (e.g. Bodo, Neobodo, Rhynchomonas). A modified probe presented here as KIN516, now based on the kinetoplastid sequence, provides a strong signal with Neobodo designis, Leishmania donovani, and Trypanosoma cruzi using the catalyzed reporter deposition protocol. EUK516 and KIN516 function as competitor probes, thereby greatly increasing discriminatory power when used in combination. Th... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331003 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3331003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331004&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2010.00469.x ABSTRACT. The surfaces of massive corals of the genus Favia from Eilat, Red Sea, and from Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, are covered by a layer of eukaryotic microorganisms. These microorganisms are embedded in the coral mucus and tissue. In the Gulf of Eilat, the prevalence of corals covered by patches of eukaryotic microorganisms was positively correlated with a decrease in water temperatures (from 25[ndash]28 °C in the summer to 20[ndash]23 °C in winter). Comparisons carried out using transmission and scanning electron microscopy showed morphological similarities between the microorganisms from the two geographically distant reefs. The microorganisms found on and in the tissues were approximately 5[ndash]15 [mu]m in diameter, surrounded by scales in their cell wall, contained a nuc... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331004 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3331004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3321920&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2009.00448.x ABSTRACT. To investigate the feeding by the newly described mixotrophic dinoflagellate Paragymnodinium shiwhaense (GenBank accession number=AM408889), we explored the feeding process and the kinds of prey species that P. shiwhaense is able to feed on using several different types of microscopes, including a transmission electron microscope and high-resolution video-microscopy. In addition, we measured the growth and ingestion rates of P. shiwhaense on its optimal algal prey Amphidinium carterae as a function of prey concentration. We also measured these parameters for edible prey at a single concentration at which the growth and ingestion rates of P. shiwhaense on A. carterae were saturated. Paragymnodinium shiwhaense feed on algal prey using a peduncle after anchoring the prey by a tow fi... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3321920 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3321920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3321919&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2009.00462.x ABSTRACT. The mixotrophic dinoflagellate Paragymnodinium shiwhaense n. gen., n. sp. is described from living cells and from cells prepared by light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, sequences of the small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA and photosynthetic pigments are reported. The episome is conical, while the hyposome is hemispherical. Cells are covered with polygonal amphiesmal vesicles arranged in 16 rows and containing a very thin plate-like component. There is neither an apical groove nor apical line of narrow plates. Instead, there is a sulcal extension-like furrow. The cingulum is as wide as 0.2[ndash]0.3 × cell length and displaced by 0.2[ndash]0.3 × cell length. Cell length and width of live cells fed Amphidinium carterae were 8.4... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3321919 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3321919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200208&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2009.00468.x ABSTRACT. Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences have been shown to be very useful for identification of microbial eukaryotes. Usually, complete or long partial sequences of the rDNA genes are analysed. However, the development of new massive sequencing technologies producing a large amount of relatively short sequences raises the question about the minimum length of rDNA fragments necessary for species distinction in environmental sampling. To answer this question, we compared six variable regions of the small subunit (SSU) rDNA of foraminifera, known to have rapidly evolving ribosomal genes. For each region, we analysed (1) the sequence divergence between and within foraminiferal morphospecies, (2) the intraspecific polymorphism, and (3) the ability of each region to recognize the phylotypes inf... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200208 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3200208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200212&cid=s_32046_77_f&fid=32046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1550-7408.2009.00464.x ABSTRACT. Two new trypanosomatid species (Euglenozoa, Kinetoplastea) isolated from the intestinal tract of heteropteran insect hosts were described based on molecular phylogenetic analyses of Spliced Leader (SL) RNA gene repeats, glycosomal glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase, and small subunit ribosomal RNA genes, as well as by morphology. Leptomonas barvae n. sp., from a mirid host Collaria oleosa, was found to represent one of the closest monoxenous (one host) relatives of the dixenous (two hosts) parasitic genus Leishmania. This finding further supports the origin of these dixenous parasites from monoxenous progenitors in the Neotropics. Blastocrithidia largi n. sp., from a largid host Largus cinctus, is among a few members of this genus available in culture. The species is a close ... The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200212 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3200212