Genetic analysis of L 1758 (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Pinnidae) in the Northwest Cabo Verde Islands (Central-East Atlantic).

The rough pen shell Linnaeus, 1758 (family Pinnidae) is a mollusc with an Atlantic-Mediterranean distribution, typically inhabiting coarse sandy substrates. Habitat degradation is considered the primary cause of population decline, leading to the designation 'Vulnerable' in certain regions. In this study, we conducted a genetic analysis of populations of from Cabo Verde and compared them with populations from the Mediterranean and Macaronesia.

MIMt: a curated 16S rRNA reference database with less redundancy and higher accuracy at species-level identification.

Motivation: Accurate determination and quantification of the taxonomic composition of microbial communities, especially at the species level, is one of the major issues in metagenomics. This is primarily due to the limitations of commonly used 16S rRNA reference databases, which either contain a lot of redundancy or a high percentage of sequences with missing taxonomic information. This may lead to erroneous identifications and, thus, to inaccurate conclusions regarding the ecological role and importance of those microorganisms in the ecosystem.

First Molecular Identification of a Goussia Parasite from a New World Invasive Blenny.

Purpose: Introduced or invasive fish are susceptible to new parasites but can simultaneously carry infectious parasites from their native range towards new hosts. Screening these parasites is key to address the health of fish populations and spread of diseases.

Methods: In this study, we sequenced a Coccidia parasite, for the first time from the blenny Omobranchus sewalli, introduced in the northern coast of Brazil with an Indo-Pacific origin.

A horizon scan exercise for aquatic invasive alien species in Iberian inland waters.

As the number of introduced species keeps increasing unabatedly, identifying and prioritising current and potential Invasive Alien Species (IAS) has become essential to manage them. Horizon Scanning (HS), defined as an exploration of potential threats, is considered a fundamental component of IAS management. By combining scientific knowledge on taxa with expert opinion, we identified the most relevant aquatic IAS in the Iberian Peninsula, i.

Clarifying the taxonomy of some cryptic blennies (Blenniidae) in their native and introduced range.

Omobranchus punctatus is native to the Indo-Pacific region and invasive in the Atlantic region, currently being considered one of the most widely distributed blenny species. However, recent molecular studies indicated that O. punctatus is a complex of species, with three divergent mtDNA lineages identified to date, stressing the need for a taxonomic revision.

The Terrific Skink bite force suggests insularity as a likely driver to exceptional resource use.

Natural history museum collections hold extremely rare, extinct species often described from a single known specimen. On occasions, rediscoveries open new opportunities to understand selective forces acting on phenotypic traits. Recent rediscovery of few individuals of Bocourt´s Terrific Skink Phoboscincus bocourti, from a small and remote islet in New Caledonia allowed to genetically identify a species of land crab in its diet.

Disentangling the Taxonomic Status of (Amphipoda: Caprellidae) Using an Integrative Approach.

Despite its importance in intertidal and shallow-water marine ecosystems, continues to be one of the most taxonomically challenging amphipods in the world. A recent molecular study focusing on pointed out the existence of three highly divergent lineages, indicating the possible existence of a process of ongoing speciation and, thus, casting doubt on the taxonomic status of this species. In the present study, we used an integrative approach to continue to shed light on the taxonomy and distribution of this caprellid.

First genetic record of the non-native muzzled blenny Omobranchus punctatus (Teleostei: Blenniidae) in the Atlantic Coast of Central and South America.

In this study we sequenced two mitochondrial (COI and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear (18S rRNA) gene fragment of an introduced muzzled blenny (Omobranchus punctatus) specimen collected from the Orinoco Delta (Gulf of Paria estuary) in Venezuela. This is the first genetic data generated for this species' introduced range in Central and South America, suggesting an introduction from the Indian Ocean.

Delayed surgery in hip fracture patients. Can we afford it?

Unlabelled: The aim is to analyze whether time to surgery (TtoS) in hip fracture patients is associated with longer than expected length of stay (LofS) and whether there is any particular group in which this is especially relevant. We developed an observational study in Madrid, Spain. From 771 patients admitted to the orthopedic ward, we selected 723 with surgical delay ≤7 days.

Studying cellular architecture in three dimensions with improved resolution: Ta replicas revisited.

Metal replicas have been used for surface analysis of biological structures with a variety of spatial resolutions. Platinum (Pt) has been the metal of choice because it provides very stable replicas and images of high contrast. Some other metals, such as tantalum (Ta) have been reported to provide better resolution on isolated macromolecular complexes and cellular structures.

Key Golgi factors for structural and functional maturation of bunyamwera virus.

Several complex enveloped viruses assemble in the membranes of the secretory pathway, such as the Golgi apparatus. Among them, bunyaviruses form immature viral particles that change their structure in a trans-Golgi-dependent manner. To identify key Golgi factors for viral structural maturation, we have purified and characterized the three viral forms assembled in infected cells, two intracellular intermediates and the extracellular mature virion.

Coexistence of multivalent and monovalent TCRs explains high sensitivity and wide range of response.

A long-standing paradox in the study of T cell antigen recognition is that of the high specificity-low affinity T cell receptor (TCR)-major histocompatibility complex peptide (MHCp) interaction. The existence of multivalent TCRs could resolve this paradox because they can simultaneously improve the avidity observed for monovalent interactions and allow for cooperative effects. We have studied the stoichiometry of the TCR by Blue Native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and found that the TCR exists as a mixture of monovalent (alphabetagammaepsilondeltaepsilonzetazeta) and multivalent complexes with two or more ligand-binding TCRalpha/beta subunits.

Differences in virus-induced cell morphology and in virus maturation between MVA and other strains (WR, Ankara, and NYCBH) of vaccinia virus in infected human cells.

Live recombinants based on attenuated modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) are potential vaccine candidates against a broad spectrum of diseases and tumors. To better understand the efficacy of MVA as a human vaccine, we analyzed by confocal and electron microscopy approaches MVA-induced morphological changes and morphogenetic stages during infection of human HeLa cells in comparison to other strains of vaccinia virus (VV): the wild-type Western Reserve (WR), Ankara, and the New York City Board of Health (NYCBH) strains. Confocal microscopy studies revealed that MVA infection alters the cytoskeleton producing elongated cells (bipolar), which do not form the characteristic actin tails.

Polymorphism and structural maturation of bunyamwera virus in Golgi and post-Golgi compartments.

The Golgi apparatus is the assembly site for a number of complex enveloped viruses. Using high-preservation methods for electron microscopy, we have detected two previously unknown maturation steps in the morphogenesis of Bunyamwera virus in BHK-21 cells. The first maturation takes place inside the Golgi stack, where annular immature particles transform into dense, compact structures.