scholarly journals Morphology of Stephanella hina (Bryozoa, Phylactolaemata): common phylactolaemate and unexpected, unique characters

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas F. Schwaha ◽  
Masato Hirose
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Mouth Opening ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Neurosecretory Cells ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Immunocytochemical Staining ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Microscopy Techniques

Abstract Stephanella hina is a little studied freshwater bryozoan belonging to Phylactolaemata. It is currently the only representative of the family Stephanellidae, which in most reconstructions is early branching, sometimes even sister group to the remaining phylactolaemate families. The morphological and histological details of this species are entirely unknown. Consequently, the main aim of this study was to conduct a detailed morphological analysis of S. hina using histological serial sections, 3D reconstruction, immunocytochemical staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy techniques. The general morphology is reminiscent of other phylactolaemates; however, there are several, probably apomorphic, details characteristic of S. hina. The most evident difference lies in the lophophoral base, where the ganglionic horns/extensions do not follow the traverse of the lophophoral arms but bend medially inwards towards the mouth opening. Likewise, the paired forked canal does not fuse medially in the lophophoral concavity as found in all other phylactolaemates. Additional smaller differences are also found in the neuro-muscular system: the rooting of the tentacle muscle is less complex than in other phylactolaemates, the funiculus lacks longitudinal muscles, the caecum has smooth muscle fibres, latero-abfrontal tentacle nerves are not detected and the medio-frontal nerves mostly emerge directly from the circum-oral nerve ring. In the apertural area, several neurite bundles extend into the vestibular wall and probably innervate neurosecretory cells surrounding the orifice. These morphological characteristics support the distinct placement of this species in a separate family. Whether these characteristics are apomorphic or possibly shared with other phylactolaemates will require the study of the early branching Lophopodidae, which remains one of the least studied taxa to date.

scholarly journals Application of Autofluorescence for Confocal Microscopy to Aid in Archaeoparasitological Analyses

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 581-585
Author(s):  
Johnica Jo Morrow ◽  
Christian Elowsky
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Taxonomic Identification ◽  
Molecular Analyses ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Excellent Method ◽  
Microscopy Techniques ◽  
Scanning Electron

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to examine archaeoparasitological specimens from coprolites associated with La Cueva de los Muertos Chiquitos (CMC) located near present-day Durango, Mexico. The eggs for 4 different types of parasites recovered from CMC coprolites were imaged using CLSM to assist with identification efforts. While some of the parasite eggs recovered from CMC coprolites were readily identified using standard light microscopy (LM), CLSM provided useful data for more challenging identifications by highlighting subtle morphological features and enhancing visualization of parasite egg anatomy. While other advanced microscopy techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), may also detect cryptic identifying characters, CLSM is less destructive to the specimens. Utilizing CLSM allows for subsequent examinations, such as molecular analyses, that cannot be performed following SEM sample preparation and imaging. Furthermore, CLSM detects intrinsic autofluorescence molecules, making improved identification independent of resource and time-intensive protocols. These aspects of CLSM make it an excellent method for assisting in taxonomic identification and for acquiring more detailed images of archaeoparasitological specimens.

scholarly journals Suitability of PLLA as Piezoelectric Substrates for Tissue Engineering Evidenced by Microscopy Techniques

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (S5) ◽  
pp. 63-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. B. Barroca ◽  
A. L. Daniel-da-Silva ◽  
P. S. Gomes ◽  
M. H. R. Fernandes ◽  
S. Lanceros-Méndez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Bone Repair ◽  
Piezoelectric Materials ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Biological Phenomena ◽  
Skeletal Deformation ◽  
Electrical Stimuli ◽  
Microscopy Techniques

Since the discovery of the piezoelectric character of bone, the suitability of some piezoelectric materials have been studied for bone repair; they are thought to act like transducers converting the mechanical energy of skeletal deformation in electrical stimuli capable of controlling osteogenic growth. The mechanisms underlying this process are far from being understood and systematic studies at a local scale are required. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a unique way to observe phenomena at the nanoscale and liquid imaging provides a unique tool to assess biological phenomena at the nanoscale. So in this study, aiming at a better understanding of the role of piezoelectricity in the osteogenic growth, the interaction between a poled piezoelectric material, in this case poly (L-lactic) acid and an adhesion promoting protein, the fibronectin, and bone-like cells is evaluated by scanning probe microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

scholarly journals MICROSCOPY TECHNIQUES ARE EFFECTIVE TOOLS FOR IMPLEMENTING STUDIES IN DAIRY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo D'Incecco ◽  
Luisa Pellegrino
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Biological Membrane ◽  
Immunogold Labelling ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Storage Lipids ◽  
Fat Globules ◽  
Microscopy Techniques

Milk is a complex system where lipids, proteins, sugars and salts are present in different phases, and thus shows a characteristic behaviour during either technological treatments or storage. Lipids are organized as globules, small drops of triglycerides surrounded by a biological membrane that ensures stability of their emulsion. Casein is the main milk protein and is organized as micelles containing salts and strongly hydrated. This last feature has an important effect on the micelle stability. Furthermore, micelle stability is ensured by glycosylated k-casein fragments. Interaction between fat globules and casein micelles are likely to occur since ~1010 globules e 1014 micelles are present in 1 mL of milk and their reactive surface is approximately 0.07 and 4 m2 respectively. Different milk processes, i.e. mechanic or thermal, are responsible for interactions which may vary in number and chemical nature. Microscopy techniques represent an indispensable tool to study milk microstructure during milk processing or even on finished products upon storage. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, through specific probes, is suitable to study phenomena of coalescence among fat globules and fat-protein interactions in fluid milk, gel (clotted milk) or cheese. Transmission electron microscopy and immunogold labelling are used to more deeply investigate either milk components ultrastructure or specific interactions established between the milk fat globule membrane and the casein fractions. Food products are matrices where a multidisciplinary approach is necessary for their study, and microscopy certainly plays a key role.

Phylogeny, evolution and systematic revision of the mite harvestman family Neogoveidae (Opiliones Cyphophthalmi)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ligia R. Benavides ◽  
Gustavo Hormiga ◽  
Gonzalo Giribet
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Molecular Study ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Sister Group Relationship ◽  
Systematic Revision ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Usa

Mite harvestmen of the family Neogoveidae have a tropical trans-Atlantic distribution with representatives in equatorial West Africa and the Neotropics, specifically in the south-east region of the USA and in northern South America, being conspicuously absent from Central America. We provide a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the family including representatives of all genera but the monotypic Tucanogovea Karaman, 2013, and new information on the type species described by Jochen Martens in 1969 that were unavailable for molecular study until now: Brasiliogovea microphaga, Metagovea oviformis and ‘? Gen. enigmaticus’. Additionally, we revisit the somatic and male genitalic morphology of representatives of all genera by means of scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and describe the new genera Leggogovia Benavides & Giribet, gen. nov., Microgovia Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, gen. nov., Waiwaigovia Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, gen. nov. and 13 new species: Brasiliogovea aphantostylus Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Brasiliogovea microstylus Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Brasiliogovea yacambuensis Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Metagovea matapi Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Metagovea planada Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Microgovia chenepau Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Neogovea branstetteri Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Neogovea enigmatica Martens, sp. nov., Neogovea matawai Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Parogovia montealensis Benavides & Giribet, sp. nov., Parogovia prietoi Benavides & Giribet, sp. nov., Parogovia putnami Benavides & Giribet, sp. nov. and Waiwaigovia schultzi Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses based on maximum likelihood, parsimony and Bayesian inference support the monophyly of Neogoveidae and a sister group relationship of Neogoveidae + Ogoveidae with Troglosironidae (a clade named Sternophthalmi). Relationships among neogoveid genera are largely congruent between methods as follows: ((Leggogovia gen. nov., Metasiro), (Parogovia, ((Canga, Microgovia gen. nov.), ((Brasiliogovea, Neogovea), (Huitaca, (Waiwaigovia gen. nov., Metagovea)))))). In light of our results, the following taxonomic changes are proposed: Metagovea oviformis Martens, 1969 is transferred to Microgovia, gen. nov.; Parogovia pabsgarnoni Legg, 1990 is transferred to Leggogovia, gen. nov.; ‘? Gen. enigmaticus Martens, 1969’ is an invalid name according to the ICZN; the corresponding taxon is redescribed and formally named as Neogovea enigmatica Martens, sp. nov.

Simple morphology-based species identification in Euplotes spp.

2020 ◽  
Vol 193 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-211
Author(s):  
Sandra Trogant ◽  
Katja Becker ◽  
Maximilian Schweinsberg ◽  
Ioanna Ioannidou ◽  
Ralph Tollrian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Species Classification ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Ciliate Species ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Species Specific

Ciliates are unicellular protists of the phylum Ciliophora and found in high abundances in water systems world-wide. Today their important ecological role in all aquatic systems is well known. However, morphological species identification in ciliates is difficult due to sometimes tiny morphological characteristics. We here present a simplified method visualizing all important species classification patterns. We focused on species identification in the genus Euplotes using immunocytochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. With these tools, we identify and describe the shape of the interphase macronucleus, the number and distribution of the ventral cirri as well as the species-specific body surface tubulin pattern. We visualize and describe three species difficult to distinguish: Euplotes octocarinatus, Euplotes aediculatus and Euplotes daidaleos. Species identification was subsequently validated with the help of 18S rDNA genome sequencing. We anticipate that this method can also be applied for the identification of different ciliate species in a cost and time effective manner.

scholarly journals Improvement of Pulmonary Photodynamic Therapy: Nebulisation of Curcumin-Loaded Tetraether Liposomes

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1243
Author(s):  
Jennifer Lehmann ◽  
Michael R. Agel ◽  
Konrad H. Engelhardt ◽  
Shashank R. Pinnapireddy ◽  
Sabine Agel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Photodynamic Therapy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Doppler Anemometry ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Air Jet ◽  
Aerodynamic Properties

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes for a high number of cancer related mortalities worldwide. Therefore, it is important to improve the therapy by finding new targets and developing convenient therapies. One of these novel non-invasive strategies is the combination of pulmonary delivered tetraether liposomes and photodynamic therapy. In this study, liposomal model formulations containing the photosensitiser curcumin were nebulised via two different technologies, vibrating-mesh nebulisation and air-jet nebulisation, and compared with each other. Particle size and ζ-potential of the liposomes were investigated using dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler anemometry, respectively. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine the morphological characteristics. Using a twin glass impinger, suitable aerodynamic properties were observed, with the fine particle fraction of the aerosols being ≤62.7 ± 1.6%. In vitro irradiation experiments on lung carcinoma cells (A549) revealed an excellent cytotoxic response of the nebulised liposomes in which the stabilisation of the lipid bilayer was the determining factor. Internalisation of nebulised curcumin-loaded liposomes was visualised utilising confocal laser scanning microscopy. Based on these results, the pulmonary application of curcumin-loaded tetraether liposomes can be considered as a promising approach for the photodynamic therapy against lung cancer.

Three-dimensional characterization of first instar horse and rhinoceros stomach bot fly larvae (Oestridae: Gasterophilinae: Gasterophilus, Gyrostigma): novel morphology and evolutionary implications

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin-Yu Li ◽  
Thomas Pape ◽  
Doug Colwell ◽  
Charles Dewhurst ◽  
Dong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Ancestral State ◽  
First Instar ◽  
Fly Larvae

Abstract Larval characters are of importance in systematic and evolutionary studies of Diptera but lag behind characters of adults due to difficulties in obtaining relevant information. Larvae of stomach bot flies are obligate parasites completing development exclusively in the alimentary tract of equids and rhinoceroses. They possess diversified morphological adaptations, providing remarkable examples to further our understanding of larval evolution. Herein, three-dimensional structures of first instar Gasterophilus pecorum and Gyrostigma rhinocerontis are compared using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We suggest CLSM has a large potential for exploiting cryptic character systems of micro fly larvae, as spectral range and intensity of autofluorescence emitted by sclerotized structures and soft tissues are distinct, presenting a high-contrast mechanism for multistructural visualization with non-destructive sample preparation. Five new potential synapomorphies are proposed to corroborate the sister-group Gasterophilus and Gyrostigma. The upward curving mouth-hooks of first instar Gasterophilus and Gyrostigma are distinctive in Cyclorrhapha and possibly serve to facilitate the larval subcutaneous migration within the host. Three types of mouthhooks are recognized in first instar Oestridae, with the gently curved and gradually tapered type optimized as the ancestral state, from which the gasterophiline and hypodermatine types evolved independently.

Resolving the phylogenetic position of enigmatic New Guinea and Seychelles Scutigeromorpha (Chilopoda): a molecular and morphological assessment of Ballonemini

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aodhán D. Butler ◽  
Gregory D. Edgecombe ◽  
Alexander D. Ball ◽  
Gonzalo Giribet
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Sister Group Relationship

Recent phylogenetic analyses of scutigeromorph centipedes omitted New Guinea endemics for lack of modern data, either from morphology or molecular sequences. Among these is the tribe Ballonemini, originally established for Ballonema Verhoeff, 1904, and Parascutigera Verhoeff, 1904, based on similar tergal prominences. Subsequent systematic revision led to their separation into different subfamilies. Combined analyses of morphology and sequence data including Ballonema gracilipes Verhoeff, 1904, resolve Ballonema either in a grade of Scutigerinae or as sister to all other Scutigerinae + Thereuoneminae. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) of the types of B. gracilipes demonstrates the utility of this technique for non-destructive imaging of historical museum material at a resolution comparable to scanning electron microscopy. A possible record of Ballonema in the Seychelles is dismissed; a collection from Silhouette samples a member of Thereuoneminae described as Seychellonema gerlachi, gen. nov. sp. nov. Morphological data, analysed with sequence data for other Scutigeromorpha, ally Seychellonema with the Oriental–Australian genus Thereuopoda Verhoeff, 1904, but it displays a novel patterning of its tergal spinula and tarsal papillae. The phylogenetic analyses include sequence data for African Pselliodidae, corroborating a sister group relationship to remaining Scutigeromorpha and generating a more stable result than in earlier analyses using only Neotropical species.

Corrigendum to: Phylogeny, evolution and systematic revision of the mite harvestman family Neogoveidae (Opiliones Cyphophthalmi)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ligia R. Benavides ◽  
Gustavo Hormiga ◽  
Gonzalo Giribet
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Molecular Study ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Sister Group Relationship ◽  
Systematic Revision ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Usa

Mite harvestmen of the family Neogoveidae have a tropical trans-Atlantic distribution with representatives in equatorial West Africa and the Neotropics, specifically in the south-east region of the USA and in northern South America, being conspicuously absent from Central America. We provide a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the family including representatives of all genera but the monotypic Tucanogovea Karaman, 2013, and new information on the type species described by Jochen Martens in 1969 that were unavailable for molecular study until now: Brasiliogovea microphaga, Metagovea oviformis and ‘? Gen. enigmaticus'. Additionally, we revisit the somatic and male genitalic morphology of representatives of all genera by means of scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and describe the new genera Leggogovia Benavides & Giribet, gen. nov., Microgovia Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, gen. nov., Waiwaigovia Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, gen. nov. and 13 new species: Brasiliogovea aphantostylus Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Brasiliogovea microstylus Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Brasiliogovea yacambuensis Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Metagovea matapi Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Metagovea planada Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Microgovia chenepau Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Neogovea branstetteri Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Neogovea enigmatica Martens, sp. nov., Neogovea matawai Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov., Parogovia montealensis Benavides & Giribet, sp. nov., Parogovia prietoi Benavides & Giribet, sp. nov., Parogovia putnami Benavides & Giribet, sp. nov. and Waiwaigovia schultzi Benavides, Hormiga & Giribet, sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses based on maximum likelihood, parsimony and Bayesian inference support the monophyly of Neogoveidae and a sister group relationship of Neogoveidae + Ogoveidae with Troglosironidae (a clade named Sternophthalmi). Relationships among neogoveid genera are largely congruent between methods as follows: ((Leggogovia gen. nov., Metasiro), (Parogovia, ((Canga, Microgovia gen. nov.), ((Brasiliogovea, Neogovea), (Huitaca, (Waiwaigovia gen. nov., Metagovea)))))). In light of our results, the following taxonomic changes are proposed: Metagovea oviformis Martens, 1969 is transferred to Microgovia, gen. nov.; Parogovia pabsgarnoni Legg, 1990 is transferred to Leggogovia, gen. nov.; ‘? Gen. enigmaticus Martens, 1969' is an invalid name according to the ICZN; the corresponding taxon is redescribed and formally named as Neogovea enigmatica Martens, sp. nov.

scholarly journals Nervous system and ciliary structures of Micrognathozoa (Gnathifera): evolutionary insight from an early branch in Spiralia

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (10) ◽  
pp. 160289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Bekkouche ◽  
Katrine Worsaae
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Large Brain ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
The Many ◽  
Collecting Tubules

Recent studies show that Gnathifera, comprising Rotifera, Gnathostomulida and Micrognathozoa, constitute the sister group to the remaining Spiralia (containing, e.g. flatworms, segmented worms and molluscs). Therefore, a better understanding of Gnathifera is central for unravelling the evolution of the highly diverse Spiralia. Here, we describe the previously unstudied nervous system and ciliary structures of Micrognathozoa, using immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The nervous system is simple with a large brain, paired sub-esophageal ganglia, two trunk commissures, two pairs of ventral longitudinal nerves and peripheral nerves. The paired ventro-lateral nerve cords are confirmed to be a symplesiomorphy of Gnathifera (possibly even Spiralia), whereas the paired ventro-median nerves are not previously reported in Gnathifera. A pharyngeal ganglion is described for Micrognathozoa: a complex structure with two apical tufts of ciliary receptors, now shown to be shared by all Gnathifera. The ventral pattern of external ciliophores is re-described, and protonephridia with multi-ciliated collecting tubules similar to those of Rotifera are confirmed. A range of new details from a simple nervous system and complex set of ciliary structures in a microscopic metazoan are hereby unravelled. The many resemblances with Rotifera corroborate their close relationship, and shed more light on the evolution of Gnathifera.

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