01313nas a2200217 4500008004100000020001400041245010400055210006900159260000800228300001200236490000800248520067800256100001600934700001400950700001700964700001800981700001800999700001501017700001701032856004601049 2009 eng d a0949-944X00aUse of freeze-cracking in ontogenetic research in Macrostomum lignano (Macrostomida, Rhabditophora)0 aUse of freezecracking in ontogenetic research in Macrostomum lig cMay a273-2790 v2193 aA method for studying whole mount flatworm embryos based on freeze-cracking of the eggs is described. This method allows successful immunohistological and immunocytological studies of whole mount embryos. It does not require the use of sharpened needles or a microinjection system to puncture the eggshell. Moreover, this method is more practical and less time-consuming than classical puncturing and much cheaper than the use of a microinjection system. The advantages of this method are illustrated by results of several immunolocalisation experiments in the macrostomid flatworm Macrostomum lignano. The optimal procedure and crucial steps for this method are discussed.1 aWillems, M.1 aBoone, M.1 aCouvreur, M.1 aDe Mulder, K.1 aVan Ranst, J.1 aArtois, T.1 aBorgonie, G. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/10902613nas a2200253 4500008004100000020001400041245012600055210006900181260000800250300001000258490000700268520183400275100001802109700001802127700002602145700002102171700001902192700002202211700002002233700001902253700001702272700002402289856004602313 2009 eng d a1055-790300aTri-locus sequence data reject a "Gondwanan origin hypothesis" for the African/South Pacific crab genus Hymenosoma0 aTrilocus sequence data reject a Gondwanan origin hypothesis for  cOct a23-330 v533 aCrabs of the family Hymenosomatidae are common in coastal and shelf regions throughout much of the southern hemisphere. One of the genera in the family, Hymenosoma, is represented in Africa and the South Pacific (Australia and New Zealand). This distribution can be explained either by vicariance (presence of the genus on the Gondwanan supercontinent and divergence following its break-up) or more recent transoceanic dispersal from one region to the other. We tested these hypotheses by reconstructing phylogenetic relationships among the seven presently-accepted species in the genus, as well as examining their placement among other hymenosomatid crabs, using sequence data from two nuclear markers (Adenine Nucleotide Transporter [ANTI exon 2 and 18S rDNA) and three mitochondrial markers (COI, 12S and 16S rDNA). The five southern African representatives of the genus were recovered as a monophyletic lineage, and another southern African species, Neorhynchoplax bovis, was identified as their sister taxon. The two species of Hymenosoma from the South Pacific neither clustered with their African congeners, nor with each other, and should therefore both be placed into different genera. Molecular dating supports a post-Gondwanan origin of the Hymenosomatidae. While long-distance dispersal cannot be ruled out to explain the presence of the family Hymenosomatidae on the former Gondwanan land-masses and beyond, the evolutionary history of the African species of Hymenosoma indicates that a third means of speciation may be important in this group: gradual along-coast dispersal from tropical towards temperate regions, with range expansions into formerly inhospitable habitat during warm climatic phases, followed by adaptation and speciation during subsequent cooler phases. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.1 aTeske, P., R.1 aMcLay, C., L.1 aSandoval-Castillo, J.1 aPapadopoulos, I.1 aNewman, B., K.1 aGriffiths, C., L.1 aMcQuaid, C., D.1 aBarker, N., P.1 aBorgonie, G.1 aBeheregaray, L., B. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/11001826nas a2200157 4500008004100000020001400041245013200055210006900187300001000256490000600266520130100272100001301573700001801586700001801604856004601622 2009 eng d a1439-609200aDraconematidae (Nematoda) from cold-water corals in the Porcupine Seabight: The genus Cygnonema Allen & Noffsinger, 19780 aDraconematidae Nematoda from coldwater corals in the Porcupine S a37-400 v93 aTwo new and closely related species of the genus Cygnonema Allen & Noffsinger, 1978 are described from a cold-water coral degradation zone in the Porcupine Seabight (NE Atlantic). Both species differ from C. steineri Allen & Noffsinger, 1978 by more pronounced pharyngeal and posterior swellings, a smaller body, a shorter pharynx in relation to body length, a higher number of CAT, and by the absence of a dorsal tooth. Cygnonema verum sp. n. differs from C. belgicae sp. n. by its greater body length, the relatively larger held capsule, a higher number of CAT, a more anteriorly positioned anteriormost laterodorsal CAT, a higher number of PAT, by the external labial sensilla being setiform, a higher number of subcephalic setae, and by a more anterior position of the amphidial fovea on the head capsule. Males of C. verum sp. n. are easily recognised by the presence of two large subventral, precloacal corniform setae. They also differ froth males of C. belgicae sp. n. in the smaller amount of cytoplasm in the sperm cells, a knoblike capitulum, and a relatively shorter tail tip. The diagnosis of Cygnonema is emended, and a dichotomic identification key to the three species is provided. (C) 2008 Gesellschaft fur Biologische Systematik. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.1 aRaes, M.1 aDecraemer, W.1 aVanreusel, A. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/11101706nas a2200157 4500008004100000020001400041245012800055210006900183300001000252490000600262520118500268100001301453700001801466700001801484856004601502 2009 eng d a1439-609200aDraconematidae (Nematoda) from cold-water corals in the Porcupine Seabight: The genus Tenuidraconema Decraemer, 19890 aDraconematidae Nematoda from coldwater corals in the Porcupine S a41-430 v93 aA new species of Tenuidraconema Decraemer, 1989 is described from a cold-water coral degradation zone in the Porcupine Seabight (NE Atlantic). Tenuidraconema microsperma sp. n. is distinguished from all other species of Tenuidraconema by the combination of 10 CAT located posterior to the amphidial fovea, SIAT alternately long and short, male amphidial fovea composed of an inner and an outer loop, with ventral arm of inner loop as long as high, external labial sensilla papilliform, compact, jagged sperm cells with large, refraractive inclusions, the shape of the gubernaculum and the number of tail rings. The species diagnosis of T. koreense Rho & Kiln, 2004 is emended, based on new specimens found in the Porcupine Seabight. In the online edition oh this paper, the fourth-stage juvenile of T. koreense is described for the first tithe, additional descriptive data for the species are provided, and its biogeography in the North Atlantic is discussed. The diagnosis of Tenuidraconema is emended, and a dichotomic identification key to the five included species is provided. (C) 2008 Gesellschaft fur Biologische Systematik. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.1 aRaes, M.1 aDecraemer, W.1 aVanreusel, A. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/11201646nas a2200145 4500008004100000020001400041245024700055210006900302300000800371490000600379520103700385100001401422700001801436856004601454 2009 eng d a1439-609200aDesmotersia levinae, a new genus and new species of free-living nematode from bathyal oxygen minimum zone sediments off Callao, Peru, with discussion on the classification of the genus Richtersia (Chromadorida: Selachinematidae)0 aiDesmotersia levinaei a new genus and new species of freeliving  a1-20 v93 aDesmotersia levinae gen. n., sp. n. is proposed., based on material found in bathyal oxygen minimum zone sediments off the coast of Peru. Desmotersia closely resembles Richtersia in the animals' general appreance and in spiny ornamentation of the body cuticle, but clearly differs in stoma structure and by the presence of a dorsal tooth. Desmotersia levinae is characterized by a variety of spiny ornamentations anteriorly formed by bipartite spines arranged into a fin-like picket fence, by a head with an asymmetrical cephalic capsule, presence of two closely spaced ventral longitudinal rows of copulatory thorns, and by 2-4 ventral thorns in mid-tail positions on the male. As Desmotersia apparently forms a link between Selachinematidae and Desmodoridae, the systematic positions of Desmotersia and Richtersia are discussed. Lis is the :interaction between D. levinae and its habitat, in the full, online edition of this paper. (C) 2008 Gesellschaft fur Biologische Systematik. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.1 aNeira, C.1 aDecraemer, W. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/11302344nas a2200157 4500008004100000020001400041245017800055210006900233300001200302490000700314520176900321100001902090700001302109700001802122856004602140 2009 eng d a1388-554500aMorphological and molecular characterisation of Pratylenchus araucensis n. sp. (Pratylenchidae), a root-lesion nematode associated with Musa plants in Colombia0 aMorphological and molecular characterisation of iPratylenchus ar a799-8130 v113 aPratylenchus araucensis n. sp., a root-lesion nematode from Musa plants in Colombia, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterised by a combination of the following features: female small to medium sized (376-511 mu m) with slender body, lip region with two lip annuli, sometimes an incomplete third annulus, face view characterised by complete fusion of the lip sectors to each other and to oral disc, resulting in a plain and smooth face, anterior surface of the oral disc may be low-conical or flat with rounded edges, short and robust stylet (mean 15.3 mu m), short pharyngeal glands (mean 24.2 mu m), lateral field with four parallel, non-equidistant lines and middle ridge narrower than outer ones, outer lines with partial areolation and lines converging posterior to the phasmid which is located at mid-tail, vulva located at 78% of total body length and lips well developed, often protruding, posterior uterine sac short (mean 18.1 mu m), oval to slightly round spermatheca filled with round sperm, tail clearly conoid in half of population but subcylindrical (25%) or continuous grading from conical to subcylindrical in rest of population, tail terminus variable in shape, mostly conical rounded or rounded; males abundant, spicule 19 mu m long. The sequence comparison of the D2D3 rDNA expansion region clearly separates in different clades the new species from P. jaehni, P. loosi and P. coffeae, the only three described species of Pratylenchus that also reproduce by amphimixis and which have lip regions with two lip annuli and a smooth face. Clear autapomorphic characters were present in the D2D3 expansion region of 28S rDNA in all specimens analysed and for both clades of P. araucensis n. sp. and its sister species P. jaehni.1 aMunera, G., E.1 aBert, W.1 aDecraemer, W. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/11401834nas a2200217 4500008004100000020001400041245009100055210006900146260000800215300001200223490000700235520121100242100001501453700001601468700002201484700001401506700001701520700001601537700001701553856004601570 2009 eng d a0531-556500aThe free-living flatworm Macrostomum lignano: A new model organism for ageing research0 afreeliving flatworm Macrostomum lignano A new model organism for cApr a243-2490 v443 aTo study the several elements and causes of ageing, diverse model organisms and methodologies are required. The most frequently used models are Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and rodents. All have their advantages and disadvantages and allow studying particular aspects of the ageing process. During the last few years, several ageing studies focussed on stem cells and their role in tissue homeostasis. Here we present a new model organism which can study this relation where other model systems fail. The flatworm Macrostomum lignano possesses a dynamic population of likely totipotent somatic stem cells known as neoblasts. Several characteristics qualify M. lignano as a suitable model system for ageing studies in general and more specifically for gaining more insight in the causal relation between stem cells, ageing and rejuvenation. In this review, we will briefly describe the species and its life history, and discuss the role of its stem cells in ageing and rejuvenation. We also give an overview of the available experimental tools that allow a multidisciplinary approach for studying ageing in M. lignano. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.1 aMouton, S.1 aWillems, M.1 aBraeckman, B., P.1 aEgger, B.1 aLadurner, P.1 aScharer, L.1 aBorgonie, G. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/11502245nas a2200181 4500008004100000020001400041245008800055210006900143260000800212490000600220520170800226100001501934700001601949700001301965700002201978700001702000856004602017 2009 eng d a1742-999400aDemographic analysis reveals gradual senescence in the flatworm Macrostomum lignano0 aDemographic analysis reveals gradual senescence in the flatworm  cJul0 v63 aFree-living flatworms ("Turbellaria") are appropriate model organisms to gain better insight into the role of stem cells in ageing and rejuvenation. Ageing research in flatworms is, however, still scarce. This is partly due to culture difficulties and the lack of a complete set of demographic data, including parameters such as median lifespan and age-specific mortality rate. In this paper, we report on the first flatworm survival analysis. We used the species Macrostomum lignano, which is an emerging model for studying the reciprocal influence between stem cells, ageing and rejuvenation. This species has a median lifespan of 205 +/- 13 days (average +/- standard deviation [SD]) and a 90(th) percentile lifespan of 373 +/- 32 days. The maximum lifespan, however, is more than 745 days, and the average survival curve is characterised by a long tail because a small number of individuals lives twice as long as 90% of the population. Similar to earlier observations in a wide range of animals, in M. lignano the age-specific mortality rate increases exponentially, but levels off at the oldest ages. To compare the senescence of M. lignano with that of other ageing models, we determined the mortality rate doubling time, which is 0.20 +/- 0.02 years. As a result, we can conclude that M. lignano shows gradual senescence at a rate similar to the vertebrate ageing models Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus. We argue that M. lignano is a suitable model for ageing and rejuvenation research, and especially for the role of stem cells in these processes, due to its accessible stem cell system and regeneration capacity, and the possibility of combining stem cell studies with demographic analyses.1 aMouton, S.1 aWillems, M.1 aBack, P.1 aBraeckman, B., P.1 aBorgonie, G. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/11601984nas a2200229 4500008004100000020001400041245016900055210006900224260000800293300001400301490000700315520125100322100001501573700001801588700001501606700001701621700001601638700001901654700001901673700001601692856004601708 2009 eng d a0020-751900aAnalysis of the translationally controlled tumour protein in the nematodes Ostertagia ostertagi and Caenorhabditis elegans suggests a pivotal role in egg production0 aAnalysis of the translationally controlled tumour protein in the cSep a1205-12130 v393 aThe translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) is a conserved protein which has been described for a wide range of eukaryotic organisms including protozoa, yeasts, plants, nematodes and mammals. Several parasitic organisms have been shown to actively secrete TCTP during host infection as part of their immuno-evasive strategy. In this study, we have studied TCTP in Ostertagia ostertagi, a parasitic nematode of cattle, and in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. An analysis of the transcription and expression patterns showed that TCTP was present in the eggs of both species. This localisation is consistent for some other Strongylida such as Teladorsagia circumcincta, Cooperia oncophora and Haemonchus contortus. TCTP was also detected at low levels in excretory-secretory material from adult O. ostertagi worms. The role of TCTP in nematode biology was also investigated by RNA interference in C elegans. Knock-down of C elegans tctp (tct-1) transcription reduced the numbers of eggs laid by the hermaphrodite in the F(0) and F(1) generations by 90% and 72%, respectively, indicating a pivotal role of TCTP in reproduction. (C) 2009 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.1 aMeyvis, Y.1 aHouthoofd, W.1 aVisser, A.1 aBorgonie, G.1 aGevaert, K.1 aVercruysse, J.1 aClaerebout, E.1 aGeldhof, P. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/11701168nas a2200181 4500008004100000020001400041245013300055210006900188260000800257300001000265520057800275100001800853700002000871700001300891700001800904700001800922856004600940 2009 eng d a1175-532600aChromaspirina guanabarensis sp n. (Nematoda: Desmodoridae) and a new illustrated dichotomous key to Chromaspirina species0 aiChromaspirina guanabarensisi sp n Nematoda Desmodoridae and a n cMay a21-363 aA new species of Chromaspirina is described from Bica Beach, a polluted beach situated at Ilha do Governador, Guanabara Bay on the coast of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The new species belongs to the group of species within the genus which bears a poorly developed dorsal tooth. The new species is characterized by large body size, conoid tail shape, small acute dorsal tooth, long slender spicules with sclerotised hooked capitulum, and sexual dimorphism of the non-striated part of the tail. A new illustrated dichotomous key to males of species of Chromaspirina is proposed.1 aMaria, T., F.1 aEsteves, A., M.1 aSmol, N.1 aVanreusel, A.1 aDecraemer, W. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/11801227nas a2200241 4500008004100000020001400041245009200055210006900147260000800216300000800224490000800232520054600240100001500786700001500801700001900816700001500835700001700850700001700867700002200884700001900906700001400925856004600939 2009 eng d a0022-272000aA new preparation method to study fresh plant structures with X-ray computed tomography0 anew preparation method to study fresh plant structures with Xray cJan a1-40 v2333 aSince the development of X-ray computed tomography as a medical diagnostic tool, it was adapted and extended for many scientific applications, including plant structure research. As for many biological studies, sample preparation is of major importance to obtain good-quality images. Therefore, we present a new preparation method for fresh material which includes critical point drying and heavy metal staining. This technique enhances the contrast of fresh tissues, prevents artefacts such as tissue compression, and requires no embedding.1 aLeroux, O.1 aLeroux, F.1 aBellefroid, E.1 aClaeys, M.1 aCouvreur, M.1 aBorgonie, G.1 aVan Hoorebeke, L.1 aMasschaele, B.1 aViane, R. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/11901704nas a2200181 4500008004100000020001400041245011800055210006900173260000800242300001200250490000800262520114000270100001501410700001801425700001701443700001601460856004601476 2009 eng d a0929-187300aMolecular and morphological delineation of Longidorus poessneckensis Altherr, 1974 (Nematoda: Dorylaimida)0 aMolecular and morphological delineation of iLongidorus poessneck cFeb a125-1370 v1233 aThe plant-parasitic nematode Longidorus poessneckensis from the Czech Republic was morphologically and molecularly characterised. Molecular analyses were carried out using mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1-cox1) and ribosomal DNA (ITS2-second internal transcribed spacer, 18S gene and D2/D3 expansion segments of the 28S gene), which were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic relationship of L. poessneckensis with three morphologically closely related species, i.e. L. macrosoma, L. helveticus and L. uroshis, was inferred by using maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony methods, with a female of Xiphinema diversicaudatum and a bivulval female of X. vuittenezi as outgroups. All multiple alignments yielded similar basic trees supporting the uniqueness of L. poessneckensis and the validity of the four Longidorus species identified using morphological characters. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that L. poessneckensis is more closely related to L. macrosoma and L. helveticus than to L. uroshis. High inter-population diversity (19%) was observed across the cox1 gene between two populations of L. poessneckensis.1 aKumari, S.1 aDecraemer, W.1 aTraversa, D.1 aLiskova, M. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/12000729nas a2200157 4500008004100000020001400041245014600055210006900201260000800270300001200278490000700290520019500297100001500492700001800507856004600525 2009 eng d a0440-660500aA single bivulval female of Xiphinema diversicaudatum and two bivulval females of Xiphinema vuittenezi (Nematoda: Longidoridae)0 asingle bivulval female of iXiphinema diversicaudatum iand two bi cDec a250-2520 v463 aA population of Xiphinema vuittenezi from an apple orchard and a population of X. diversicaudatum from a peach orchard yielded bivulval females. Morphometrics of these females are presented.1 aKumari, S.1 aDecraemer, W. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/12102045nas a2200193 4500008004100000020001400041245013300055210006900188260000800257300001200265490000700277520145000284100001401734700001301748700001201761700001801773700001401791856004601805 2009 eng d a1016-847800aMonophyly of the family Desmoscolecidae (Nematoda, Demoscolecida) and Its Phylogenetic position inferred from 18S rDNA sequences0 aMonophyly of the family Desmoscolecidae Nematoda Demoscolecida a cMay a515-5230 v273 aTo infer the monophyletic origin and phylogenetic relationships of the order Desmoscolecida, a unique and puzzling group of mainly free-living marine nematodes, we newly determined nearly complete 18S rDNA sequences for six marine desmoscolecid nematodes belonging to four genera (Desmoscolex, Greeffiella, Tricoma and Paratricoma). Based on the present data and those of 72 nematode species previously reported, the first molecular phylogenetic analysis focusing on Desmoscolecida was done by using neighbor joining (NJ), maximum parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. All four resultant trees consistently and strongly supported that the family Desmoscolecidae forms a monophyletic group with very high node confidence values. The monophyletic clade of desmocolecid nematodes was placed as a sister group of the clade including some members of Monhysterida and Araeolaimida, Cyartonema elegans (Cyartonematidae) and Terschellingia longicaudata (Linhomoeidae) in all the analyses. However, the present phylogenetic trees do not show any direct attraction between the families Desmoscolecidae and Cyartonematidae. Within the monophyletic clade of the family Desmoscolecidae in all of the present phylogenetic trees, there were consistently observed two distinct sub-groups which correspond to the subfamilies Desmoscolecinae [Greeffiella sp. + Desmoscolex sp.] and Tricominae [Paratricoma sp. + Tricoma sp].1 aHwang, U.1 aChoi, E.1 aKim, D.1 aDecraemer, W.1 aChang, C. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/12202222nas a2200217 4500008004100000020001400041245010600055210006900161260000800230300001400238490000700252520157300259100001701832700001701849700001401866700003001880700001501910700001701925700001601942856004601958 2009 eng d a0020-751900aAn endosymbiotic bacterium in a plant-parasitic nematode: Member of a new Wolbachia supergroup0 aendosymbiotic bacterium in a plantparasitic nematode Member of a cJul a1045-10540 v393 aWolbachia is an endosymbiotic bacterium widely present in arthropods and animal-parasitic nematodes. Despite previous efforts, it has never been identified in plant-parasitic nematodes. Random sequencing of genes expressed by the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis resulted in several sequences with similarity to Wolbachia genes. The presence of a Wolbachia-like endosymbiont in this plant-parasitic nematode was investigated using both morphological and molecular approaches. Transmission electron microscopy, fluorescent immunolocalisation and staining with DAPI confirmed the presence of the endosymbiont within the reproductive tract of female adults. 16S rDNA,ftsZ and groEL gene sequences showed that the endosymbiont of R. similis is distantly related to the known Wolbachia supergroups. Finally, based on our initial success in finding sequences of this endosymbiont by screening an expressed sequence tag (EST) dataset, all nematode ESTs were mined for Wolbachia-like sequences. Although the retained sequences belonged to six different nematode species, R. similis was the only plant-parasitic nematode with traces of Wolbachia. Based on our phylogenetic study and the current literature we designate the endosymbiont of R. similis to a new supergroup (supergroup 1) rather than considering it as a new species. Although its role remains unknown, the endosymbiont was found in all individuals tested, pointing towards an essential function of the bacteria. (C) 2009 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.1 aHaegeman, A.1 aVanholme, B.1 aJacob, J.1 aVandekerckhove, T., T. M.1 aClaeys, M.1 aBorgonie, G.1 aGheysen, G. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/12302687nas a2200421 4500008004100000020001400041245005700055210005600112260000800168490000600176520162900182100001401811700001601825700001401841700001801855700001501873700001701888700001701905700002001922700002001942700001701962700001401979700001501993700001502008700001802023700001502041700001802056700001602074700001502090700002002105700001402125700001602139700001402155700001402169700001902183700001702202856004602219 2009 eng d a1932-620300aTo Be or Not to Be a Flatworm: The Acoel Controversy0 aTo Be or Not to Be a Flatworm The Acoel Controversy cMay0 v43 aSince first described, acoels were considered members of the flatworms (Platyhelminthes). However, no clear synapomorphies among the three large flatworm taxa - the Catenulida, the Acoelomorpha and the Rhabditophora have been characterized to date. Molecular phylogenies, on the other hand, commonly positioned acoels separate from other flatworms. Accordingly, our own multi-locus phylogenetic analysis using 43 genes and 23 animal species places the acoel flatworm Isodiametra pulchra at the base of all Bilateria, distant from other flatworms. By contrast, novel data on the distribution and proliferation of stem cells and the specific mode of epidermal replacement constitute a strong synapomorphy for the Acoela plus the major group of flatworms, the Rhabditophora. The expression of a piwi-like gene not only in gonadal, but also in adult somatic stem cells is another unique feature among bilaterians. These two independent stem-cell-related characters put the Acoela into the Platyhelminthes-Lophotrochozoa clade and account for the most parsimonious evolutionary explanation of epidermal cell renewal in the Bilateria. Most available multigene analyses produce conflicting results regarding the position of the acoels in the tree of life. Given these phylogenomic conflicts and the contradiction of developmental and morphological data with phylogenomic results, the monophyly of the phylum Platyhelminthes and the position of the Acoela remain unresolved. By these data, both the inclusion of Acoela within Platyhelminthes, and their separation from flatworms as basal bilaterians are well-supported alternatives.1 aEgger, B.1 aSteinke, D.1 aTarui, H.1 aDe Mulder, K.1 aArendt, D.1 aBorgonie, G.1 aFunayama, N.1 aGschwentner, R.1 aHartenstein, V.1 aHobmayer, B.1 aHooge, M.1 aHrouda, M.1 aIshida, S.1 aKobayashi, C.1 aKuales, G.1 aNishimura, O.1 aPfister, D.1 aRieger, R.1 aSalvenmoser, W.1 aSmith, J.1 aTechnau, U.1 aTyler, S.1 aAgata, K.1 aSalzburger, W.1 aLadurner, P. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/12402162nas a2200265 4500008004100000020001400041245010600055210006900161260000800230300001200238490000800250520141300258100001801671700001601689700001501705700001401720700002001734700001601754700001501770700001601785700001501801700001701816700001701833856004601850 2009 eng d a0012-160600aStem cells are differentially regulated during development, regeneration and homeostasis in flatworms0 aStem cells are differentially regulated during development regen cOct a198-2120 v3343 aThe flatworm stem cell system is exceptional within the animal kingdom, as totipotent stem cells (neoblasts) are the only dividing cells within the organism. In contrast to most organisms, piwi-like gene expression in. flatworms is extended from germ cells to somatic stem cells. We describe the isolation and characterization of the piwi homologue macpiwi in the flatworm Macrostomum lignano. We use in situ hybridization, antibody staining and RNA interference to study macpiwi expression and function in adults, during postembryonic development, regeneration and upon starvation. We found novelties regarding piwi function and observed differences to current piwi functions in flatworms. First, macpiwi was essential for the maintenance of somatic stem cells in adult animals. A knock-down of macpiwi led to a complete elimination of stem cells and death of the animals. Second, the regulation of stem cells was different in adults and regenerates compared to postembryonic development. Third, sexual reproduction of M. lignano allowed to follow germline formation during postembryonic development, regeneration, and starvation. Fourth, piwi expression in hatchlings further supports an embryonic formation of the germline in M. lignano. Our findings address new questions in flatworm stem cell research and provide a basis for comparison with higher organisms. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.1 aDe Mulder, K.1 aPfister, D.1 aKuales, G.1 aEgger, B.1 aSalvenmoser, W.1 aWillems, M.1 aSteger, J.1 aFauster, K.1 aMicura, R.1 aBorgonie, G.1 aLadurner, P. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/12502812nas a2200253 4500008004100000020001400041245008500055210006900140260000800209490000600217520210800223100001802331700001502349700001602364700001602380700001402396700002002410700001502430700001802445700001502463700001702478700001702495856004602512 2009 eng d a1471-213X00aCharacterization of the stem cell system of the acoel Isodiametra pulchra0 aCharacterization of the stem cell system of the acoel iIsodiamet cDec0 v93 aBackground: Tissue plasticity and a substantial regeneration capacity based on stem cells are the hallmark of several invertebrate groups such as sponges, cnidarians and Platyhelminthes. Traditionally, Acoela were seen as an early branching clade within the Platyhelminthes, but became recently positioned at the base of the Bilateria. However, little is known on how the stem cell system in this new phylum is organized. In this study, we wanted to examine if Acoela possess a neoblast-like stem cell system that is responsible for development, growth, homeostasis and regeneration. Results: We established enduring laboratory cultures of the acoel Isodiametra pulchra (Acoela, Acoelomorpha) and implemented in situ hybridization and RNA interference (RNAi) for this species. We used BrdU labelling, morphology, ultrastructure and molecular tools to illuminate the morphology, distribution and plasticity of acoel stem cells under different developmental conditions. We demonstrate that neoblasts are the only proliferating cells which are solely mesodermally located within the organism. By means of in situ hybridisation and protein localisation we could demonstrate that the piwi-like gene ipiwi1 is expressed in testes, ovaries as well as in a subpopulation of somatic stem cells. In addition, we show that germ cell progenitors are present in freshly hatched worms, suggesting an embryonic formation of the germline. We identified a potent stem cell system that is responsible for development, homeostasis, regeneration and regrowth upon starvation. Conclusions: We introduce the acoel Isodiametra pulchra as potential new model organism, suitable to address developmental questions in this understudied phylum. We show that neoblasts in I. pulchra are crucial for tissue homeostasis, development and regeneration. Notably, epidermal cells were found to be renewed exclusively from parenchymally located stem cells, a situation known only from rhabditophoran flatworms so far. For further comparison, it will be important to analyse the stem cell systems of other key-positioned understudied taxa.1 aDe Mulder, K.1 aKuales, G.1 aPfister, D.1 aWillems, M.1 aEgger, B.1 aSalvenmoser, W.1 aThaler, M.1 aGorny, A., K.1 aHrouda, M.1 aBorgonie, G.1 aLadurner, P. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/12601387nas a2200169 4500008004100000020001400041245015700055210006900212300001200281490000700293520079600300100002801096700001301124700001801137700001601155856004601171 2009 eng d a1388-554500aBernardius lineatus gen. n., sp n. (Enoplida: Enchelidiidae), a remarkable nematode with ornamented cuticle from a Brazilian tropical sandy beach0 aiBernardius lineatus igen n sp n Enoplida Enchelidiidae a remark a275-2870 v113 aBernardius lineatus gen. n., sp. n. is described from a sandy beach at Tamandare Bay, Brazil. It possesses the main characteristics of the family Enchelidiidae (Nematoda: Enoplida), but is unique by the presence of a body cuticle ornamented with longitudinal ridges formed by small rods, an entirely different character to all other members of the order Enoplida. The new genus is also characterised by a long, subdivided, buccal cavity with two subventral teeth and numerous denticles and the arrangement of the anterior sensilla in two crowns, the anterior crown being papilliform and the posterior crown consisting of six external labial and four cephalic sensilla, setiform. The relationships of the genera within the Enchelidiidae are discussed and an emended family diagnosis provided.1 ada Fonseca-Genevois, V.1 aSmol, N.1 aDecraemer, W.1 aVenekey, V. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/12701959nas a2200193 4500008004100000020001400041245007100055210006900126260000800195300000900203490000800212520141700220100001301637700001601650700001801666700001701684700001801701856004601719 2009 eng d a0777-627600aNematode assemblages in a nature reserve with historical pollution0 aNematode assemblages in a nature reserve with historical polluti cJan a3-140 v1393 aNematodes, and especially nematode communities, have significant potential as bio-indicators. The present study aimed to assess thee nematode community structure of several sites with different historical pollution Long-term polluted municipal waste-, tar- and sludge- sites were compared with less disturbed annex sites At each site heavy metal and PAHs concentrations were measured together with soil texture classes. pH and total organic matter Identification of three hundred nematodes at each location resulted in the discrimination of 63 genera from 32 different families of which the Cephalobidae. Belonolaimidae, Tylenchidae, Hoplolaimidae, Belonolaimidae and Plectidae were the most abundant families The sampling sites harbour significantly different nematode communities and significant differences of life-strategy-related parameters (cp-groups, MI Indexes) were observed. The significant augmentation of the proportion of the cp 2 nematodes in historically-polluted sites was especially informative. Omitting the cp 1 group from the MI (=MI2-5) better reflects putative historical pollution-induced community changes However, the current study did not reveal significant relationships between historical pollution and the feeding type composition, or the Shannon-Wiener diversity The observed results are critically assessed in the light of possible flaws such as sampling and analyzing limitations.1 aBert, W.1 aManhout, J.1 aVan Colen, C.1 aBorgonie, G.1 aDecraemer, W. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/12801603nas a2200157 4500008004100000020001400041245016900055210006900224300001400293490000700307520103400314100001901348700001401367700001801381856004601399 2009 eng d a0022-293300aCienfuegia gen. nov (Xyalidae) and Pseudoterschellingia gen. nov (Linhomoeidae), two new genera of free-living marine nematodes from the Caribbean Sea0 aiCienfuegiai gen nov Xyalidae and iPseudoterschellingiai gen nov a1067-10810 v433 aTwo new genera of nematodes are described from the Caribbean Sea. Cienfuegia gen. nov. belongs to the Xyalidae based on the position of the anterior gonad constantly left of the intestine, cuticle clearly striated, second and third circle of anterior sensilla inserted at the same level and buccal cavity surrounded by pharynx. The new genus is differentiated from other genera by the buccal cavity divided in two chambers and by the four cephalic setae being longer than the six outer labial setae. Within the Xyalidae, Cienfuegia shows most affinities with the genera Daptonema and Theristus. Pseudoterschellingia gen. nov. is placed within the Linhomoeidae on the basis of the presence of anterior rounded amphidial fovea, unarmed narrow buccal cavity, distinctive cardia and presence of apophysis of gubernaculum. Pseudoterschellingia is closely related to the genera Terschellingia and Terschellingioides, but is differentiated by the crypto-spiral amphidial fovea, and conical buccal cavity surrounded by pharyngeal tissue.1 aArmenteros, M.1 aVincx, M.1 aDecraemer, W. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/12902229nas a2200181 4500008004100000020001400041245014200055210006900197260000800266300001400274490000700288520163400295100001901929700002101948700001401969700001801983856004602001 2009 eng d a0025-315400aA morphometric analysis of the genus Terschellingia (Nematoda: Linhomoeidae) with redefinition of the genus and key to the species0 amorphometric analysis of the genus iTerschellingiai Nematoda Lin cSep a1257-12670 v893 aThe cosmopolitan and often ecologically dominant genus Terschellingia (Nematoda: Linhomoeidae), with 38 nominal species, is taxonomically a problematic taxon. Its species show high morphological plasticity, possess few diagnostic characters and identification keys are lacking. A revision of the genus was carried out based on morphological and morphometric data from the literature and from observations of specimens collected in Cienfuegos Bay, Caribbean Sea, Cuba. The diagnosis of the genus Terschellingia is emended. Of the current 38 nominal species, 15 are considered as valid species based on morphological characters related to size and position Of amphidial fovea, presence/position of cephalic and cervical setae, presence/size/shape of pharyngeal bulb, shape of spicular apparatus and shape of tail. Tabular and pictorial keys were provided based on these characters. Three sympatric species: T. communis, T. gourbaultae and T. longicaudata were redescribed based on recently collected Cuban specimens. Each of them showed relatively large differences in body size in comparison with the respective type specimens, suggesting possible variation due to local environmental differences. The highest intraspecific variation pertains for the most widely spread cosmopolitan species T. longicaudata, suggesting that morphological plasticity enhanced adaptation to different environmental conditions. The notable taxonomic inflation within the genus (14 species inquirendae, 9 junior synonyms), probably also present in other highly specious genera of marine nematodes, can lead to an overestimation of the alpha-diversity.1 aArmenteros, M.1 aRuiz-Abierno, A.1 aVincx, M.1 aDecraemer, W. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/13002806nas a2200217 4500008004100000020001400041245010300055210006900158260000800227300001200235490000700247520214500254100001902399700002102418700002502439700002502464700002102489700001402510700001802524856004602542 2009 eng d a0272-771400aBiodiversity patterns of free-living marine nematodes in a tropical bay: Cienfuegos, Caribbean Sea0 aBiodiversity patterns of freeliving marine nematodes in a tropic cNov a179-1890 v853 aSpatial and temporal biodiversity patterns of free-living marine nematodes were studied in Cienfuegos Bay, a tropical semi-enclosed basin in the Caribbean Sea. Taxonomic (to species level) and functional (biological trait) approaches were applied for describing the assemblage structure and relating it to abiotic environment based on a sampling scheme in six subtidal stations and three months. Biological trait approach added relevant information to species pattern regarding relationships between diversity patterns and the abiotic environment. The most common morphotypes were deposit feeding nematodes, with colonising abilities of 2-3 (in a scale from 1 to 5), tail conical cylindrical or filiforme and body slender; and their abundance were correlated with depth, organic matter and silt/clay fraction. In spite of a high turnover of species, functional diversity of assemblages did not change notably in space and time. A result probably due to sampling of the habitat pool of species and to low heterogeneity of the studied muddy bottoms. Chemical pollution (organic enrichment and heavy metals) and hydrodynamic regime possibly drove the biodiversity patterns. Spatial distribution of assemblages support the existence of two well differentiated basins inside the bay, the northern basin more polluted than the southern one. The low hydrodynamic regime would determine a poor dispersion of nematodes resulting in high spatial variance in the assemblage structure; and also the associated hypoxic conditions and pollutants in sediments can explain the dominance of tolerant nematode species such as Daptonema oxycerca, Sabatieria pulchra, Terschellingia gourbaultae, and Terschellingia longicaudata. A comparison of spatial-temporal patterns of biodiversity between Cienfuegos Bay and other semi-enclosed bays in temperate regions suggests several similarities: nematode assemblages are strongly influenced by anthropogenic disturbance, temporal trends are weak or overridden by spatial ones, and few cosmopolitan genera/species tolerant to pollution and hypoxic conditions are dominant. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.1 aArmenteros, M.1 aRuiz-Abierno, A.1 aFernandez-Garces, R.1 aPerez-Garcia, J., A.1 aDiaz-Asencio, L.1 aVincx, M.1 aDecraemer, W. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/13101956nas a2200169 4500008004100000020001400041245012200055210006900177300001200246490000700258520141100265100001501676700001501691700001801706700001601724856004601740 2009 eng d a1388-554500aTrichodorus arasbaranensis n. sp (Nematoda: Trichodoridae) from a natural forest in Arasbaran, north-west Iran0 aiTrichodorus arasbaranensisi n sp Nematoda Trichodoridae from a  a243-2520 v113 aTrichodorus arasbaranensis n. sp. is described from the rhizosphere of Carpinus betulus growing in forests in Arasbaran, north-west Iran. The new species is characterised by its large body length (1020-1520 mu m in males; 1100-1500 mu m in females), cuticle abnormally swollen upon fixation, onchiostyle medium-sized (41-66 mu m in males; 49-65 mu m in females) and secretory-excretory pore at level of pharyngeal bulb. Males have a single ventromedian cervical papilla varying in position from anterior to posterior to secretory-excretory pore, sperm cells with sausage-shaped nucleus, large (74-110 mu m), smooth, ventrally curved spicules, manubrium wide, not offset from lamina, lamina narrowed in mid-region and with a distal ventral velum, and gubernaculum 25.5-34.5 mu m long. Females have a short, but well developed, rounded vagina with large, rounded, triangular to oval-shaped, sclerotised vaginal pieces in lateral view. Because of its large body size, the new species most closely resembles T. magnus, T. elegans, T. obtusus, T. californicus and T. nanjingensis, from which the female can be differentiated by the short vagina length in relation to the corresponding body diam. and large size of the vaginal sclerotised pieces, and the male by the longer and differently shaped spicule which bears a velum. A key to the males and females of the Trichodorus spp. recorded from Iran is provided.1 aZahedi, E.1 aNiknam, G.1 aDecraemer, W.1 aKaregar, A. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/10601510nas a2200217 4500008004100000020001400041245011400055210006900169260000800238300001200246490000800258520087300266100001601139700001501155700001501170700001401185700001501199700001501214700001701229856004601246 2009 eng d a0362-252500aOntogeny of the Complex Sperm in the Macrostomid Flatworm Macrostomum lignano (Macrostomorpha, Rhabditophora)0 aOntogeny of the Complex Sperm in the Macrostomid Flatworm Macros cFeb a162-1740 v2703 aSpermiogenesis in Macrostomum lignano (Macrostomorpha, Rhabditophora) is described using light- and electron microscopy of the successive stages in sperm development. Ovoid spermatids develop to highly complex, elongated sperm possessing an undulating distal (anterior) process (or "feeler"), bristles, and a proximal (posterior) brush. In particular, we present a detailed account of the morphology and ontogeny of the bristles, describing for the first time the formation of a highly specialized bristle complex consisting of several parts. This complex is ultimately reduced when sperm are mature. The implications of the development of this bristle complex on both sperm maturation and the evolution and function of the bristles are discussed. The assumed homology between bristles and flagellae questioned. J. Morphol. 270:162-174, 2009. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.1 aWillems, M.1 aLeroux, F.1 aClaeys, M.1 aBoone, M.1 aMouton, S.1 aArtois, T.1 aBorgonie, G. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/10701562nas a2200241 4500008004100000020001400041245014700055210006900202260000800271300001200279490000800291520083200299100001601131700001401147700001401161700001501175700001801190700001701208700001701225700001501242700001701257856004601274 2009 eng d a0949-944X00aEmbryonic origins of hull cells in the flatworm Macrostomum lignano through cell lineage analysis: developmental and phylogenetic implications0 aEmbryonic origins of hull cells in the flatworm Macrostomum lign cAug a409-4170 v2193 aThe development of macrostomid flatworms is of interest for evolutionary developmental biology research because these taxa combine characteristics of the canonical spiral cleavage pattern with significant deviations from this pattern. One such deviation is the formation of hull cells, which surround the remaining embryonic primordium during early development. Using live observations with a 4D microscope system, histology, and 3D reconstructions, we analyzed the ontogeny of these hull cells in the macrostomid model organism Macrostomum lignano. Our cell lineage analysis allowed us to find the precursors of the hull cells in this species. We discuss the relation between macrostomid development and the development of other spiralians and the question of whether hull cells are homologous within rhabditophoran flatworms.1 aWillems, M.1 aEgger, B.1 aWolff, C.1 aMouton, S.1 aHouthoofd, W.1 aFonderie, P.1 aCouvreur, M.1 aArtois, T.1 aBorgonie, G. uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/108