Morphology and zoogeography of the burrower-like gammarid Gammarus koshovi (Bazikalova, 1946) (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Gammaridae) – An overlooked and poorly known species in the Siberian fauna

A comprehensive survey of several lakes in the Tuva Republic of Russia yielded, besides the ubiquitous Gammarus lacustris, the discovery of a small freshwater, lacustrine amphipod not previously recorded in this area. A comparative study of the Tore-Khol Lake gammarid population, probably conspecific with Gammarus koshovi (Bazikalova, 1946) originating from Khubsugul Lake, was conducted. The species, G. koshovi, is characterized by a specific habitus: a small-sized compact body, all limbs shortened, carpi of pereopods (PIII and PIV) reduced, coxal plates broad, and pereopod dactyli sturdy. It has been suggested that juveniles of the euryoecious G. lacustris or other large species could be confused with the relatively small G. koshovi. Consequently, we decided to present the distribution of gammarid species throughout south Siberia and Mongolia, referring to the sequences of works primarily by Soviet authors, which may be hard to access by international readers. We discuss affinity with related groups, distribution, and ecology of G. koshovi to better understand their evolution. Additionally, the zoobenthic species diversity of widely represented groups in the ecosystems of Tore-Khol Lake is briefly reviewed. An identification key for the Siberian Gammarus with 10 species is provided.

The specialized thoracic skeletomuscular system of the myrmecophile Claviger testaceus (Pselaphinae, Staphylinidae, Coleoptera)

External and internal structures of the thorax of the myrmecophile beetle Claviger testaceus (Clavigeritae, Pselaphinae) were examined and documented with state-of-the-art visualization techniques. Following a general trend in the omaliine lineage (Staphylinidae), the skeletal elements of the pro- and pterothorax in Claviger reach a maximum degree of compactness, with largely reduced inter- and intrasegmental sutures and skeletal elements linked with the flight apparatus. The musculature, especially metathoracic direct and indirect flight muscles, also shows a high degree of reduction. Two forms of wings were found among individuals of C. testaceus, both non-functional and representing an advanced stage of reduction. However, that wing vestiges are still present and the metanotum, only slightly reduced, suggests that loss of flight in this species is likely the result of a young evolutionary process. Several structures are linked with myrmecophilous habits: small body size facilitates transportation of beetles by ant workers and makes it easier to move inside nest tunnels; the remarkably compact body and mechanically robust appendages make the beetles less vulnerable to attacks by ant mandibles; the improved elytral interlocking mechanism and unusually expanded epipleura enhance the protection of vulnerable dorsal parts of the pterothorax and anterior abdomen; and glands associated with trichomes on the posterolateral elytral angle produce secretions attractive for ants. Various modifications of the thorax and anterior abdomen lead to an optimization of intimate associations with ants. The morphological syndrome enabling these beetles to cope with life in ant colonies evolved in several steps. This is suggested by an increasing solidification of the thoracic skeleton in related non-myrmecophilous groups and also by less modified related clavigerites;for instance, ant-associated tropical species are still able to fly.

Distinct architecture and composition of mouse axonemal radial spoke head revealed by cryo-EM

The radial spoke (RS) heads of motile cilia and flagella contact projections of the central pair (CP) apparatus to coordinate motility, but the morphology is distinct for protozoa and metazoa. Here we show the murine RS head is compositionally distinct from that ofChlamydomonas. Our reconstituted murine RS head core complex consists of Rsph1, Rsph3b, Rsph4a, and Rsph9, lacking Rsph6a and Rsph10b, whose orthologs exist in the protozoan RS head. We resolve its cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure at 3.2-Å resolution. Our atomic model further reveals a twofold symmetric brake pad-shaped structure, in which Rsph4a and Rsph9 form a compact body extended laterally with two long arms of twisted Rsph1 β-sheets and potentially connected dorsally via Rsph3b to the RS stalk. Furthermore, our modeling suggests that the core complex contacts the periodic CP projections either rigidly through its tooth-shaped Rsph4a regions or elastically through both arms for optimized RS–CP interactions and mechanosignal transduction.

An ANATOMICAL EXPLANATION OF ABHYANGA (AN AYURVEDIC MASSAGE)

INTRODUCTION- Acharya Sushruta defines health it follows the Doshas must be in equilibrium, the digestive fire must be in a balanced state & the tissue (Dhatus) & Malas (waste) must work in normal state. The sensory & motar organs & mind, atma must be also in a pleasant state. Such person is called a healthy person or Sawastha. so it is clear that maintain a good health was for the longevity of life. Maharishi Charaka has used term ‘Samhanan’ to denotes the compactness of body. A compact body is characterized by symmetrical & well divided bones, joint, muscles, bloods. An individual having a compact body is very strong otherwise he is weak. Aabhyanga is the therapeutic intervention of panchkarma in which the body is treated with simple or medicated oil on particular body part according to need. Whenever these is a discomfort or uneasiness over the body we unknowowingly try to soothe it through massage AIM: To Study Anatomical Explanation Of Abhyanga (An Ayurvedic Massage) OBJECTIVE: 1. Detail Study of Abhyanga Study about Shatang Sharir RESULT: Aabhyanga a procedure of panchkarma in which the body is treated with simple or medicated oil on particular body part according to need. CONCLUSION: Thus we can conclude that Anatomical knowledge of Shadanga Sharir is quite beneficial while attempting the process of Abhyanga.

Guajirus serpentinicus: a new genus and species of minute grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Ommatolampidinae) from Cuba

Guajirus serpentinicus gen. nov., sp. nov., is described from the serpentine plant communities of Matanzas province located less than 100 km east of Havana, Cuba. The genus can be distinguished by its distinctive combination of characters: very small size (<10 mm), compact body, variegated coloration, large rounded eyes in a small head, relatively long and tongue-like remnants of the tegminae, tympanum present, furculae barely present and male subgenital plate with a wide rounded concavity. These small grasshoppers appear adapted to the special conditions of living in the serpentine communities of western Cuba.

Distinct architecture and composition of mouse axonemal radial spoke head revealed by cryo-EM

The radial spoke (RS) transmits mechanochemical signals from the central pair apparatus (CP) to axonemal dynein arms to coordinate ciliary motility. The RS head, directly contacting with CP, differs dramatically in morphology between protozoan and mammal. Here we show the murine RS head is compositionally distinct from the Chlamydomonas one. Our reconstituted murine RS head core complex consists of Rsph1, Rsph3b, Rsph4a, and Rsph9, lacking Rsph6a whose orthologue exists in the Chlamydomonas RS head. We present the unprecedented cryo-EM structure of RS head core complex at 4.5-Å resolution and identified the subunit location and their interaction network. In this complex, Rsph3b, Rsph4a, and Rsph9 forms a compact body with Rsph4a serving possibly as an assembly scaffold and Rsph3b in a location that might link the head with stalk. Interestingly, two Rsph1 subunits constitute the two stretching-arms possibly for optimized RS-CP interaction. We also propose a sawtooth model for the RS-CP interaction. Our study suggests that the RS head experiences profound remodeling to probably comply with both structural and functional alterations of the axoneme during evolution.

Genetic Diversity of Kedah Kelantan Cattle Breed and Its Crossbred types in Malaysia Based on Microsatellite Markers

Background The Kedah Kelantan (KK) is the indigenous cattle breed of Malaysia and is mainly kept by small farmers for meat production because of its small and compact body, and low maintenance requirement. This breed faces risk of germplasm dilution due to extensive crossbreeding and breeds replacement practices in the country. The population size of purebred KK is fast decreasing and most of the commercial populations are actually crossbreds. There is a lack of information on the genetic characteristics of KK. The genetic relationships between the KK, the synthetic breeds developed using the KK as the maternal line, as well as the non-descriptive KK crossbred types are also unknown. It is with these in mind that the present study was conducted. The objective of the study was to evaluate the genetic variability within and among the indigenous KK cattle and its crossbred types in Malaysia using 30 microsatellites loci. Results All the 30 microsatellites loci used were polymorphic in all populations. Heterozygosity values observed were moderate and lower than the expected values. The inbreeding was present in all populations and could lead to loss of genetic diversity if not addressed. In general, the genetic differentiation measures were moderate, with a mean FST of 0.054. The structure analysis grouped the populations into three clusters. Analysis of zebu and taurine diagnostic alleles showed that all population had high proportion of Indian zebu alleles and very low proportions of African taurine and European taurine diagnostic alleles. Conclusions It may be concluded that there is still some genetic variation present in the KK. However, this genetic diversity is at risk of being lost if no appropriate breeding practices are implemented.

Comparative Histomorphology of the Ovary and the Oviduct in Rabbits and Pigeons

Introduction Knowledge of the evolutionary relationship between different classes of vertebrates can be obtained through a comparative study of their structures, forms, functions, and of the mode of development of the structures. Birds and mammals are vertebrates with different modes of reproduction, that is, oviparity in birds and viviparity in mammals. The aim of the present study is to compare the histomorphology of the ovaries and of the oviducts/uterine tubes in rabbits and pigeons. The present study highlights the histological and morphological differences that bring about the production of eggs in birds and the production of fully developed fetuses in mammals. Materials and Methods Five rabbits and five domestic pigeons were anesthetized with chloroform and sacrificed. The ovaries and the oviducts/uterine tubes were dissected and fixed in Bouin fluid and processed for a light microscopic study. Results The result showed paired ovaries and uterine tubes in rabbits that unite at the isthmus to form a single uterus that opens into the vagina, with only the left ovary and oviduct appearing as a compact body with distinct infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina in pigeons. Photomicrographs of the ovaries of rabbits showed parenchyma cells with primary follicles, while the ovaries of pigeons showed developing follicles and yolk granules. Both the oviducts of rabbits and of pigeons showed a highly folded mucosa with a thick muscular wall. Conclusion The differences observed in the structures of the ovaries and of the oviducts of rabbits and pigeons might be due to their different reproductive functions in parturition (viviparity and oviparity, respectively).