A new ring nematode, Xenocriconemella costaricense sp. nov., (Nematoda: Criconematidae) from Costa Rica.

During nematode surveys of natural vegetation in forests of La Cima de Copey de Dota, San José, San José province, Costa Rica, a Xenocriconemella species closely resembling X. macrodora and related species was found. Integrative taxonomical approaches demonstrated that it is a new species described herein as X. costaricense sp. nov. The new species is parthenogenetic (only females have been detected) and characterised by a short body (276-404 µm); lip region with two annuli, not offset, not separated from body contour; first lip annulus partially covering the second lip annulus. Stylet thin, very long (113-133 µm) and flexible, occupying 30.5-47.8% of body length. Excretory pore located from one or two annuli anterior to one or two annuli posterior to level of stylet knobs, at 42 (37-45) µm from anterior end. Female genital tract monodelphic, prodelphic, outstretched, and occupying 35-45% of body length, with vagina slightly ventrally curved (14-18 µm long). Anus located 6-11 annuli from the tail terminus. Tail conoid and bluntly rounded terminus, the last 2-3 annuli oriented dorsally. Results of molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analyses of D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS, and partial 18S rRNA, as well as cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene sequences further characterised the new species and clearly separated it from X. macrodora and other related species (X. iberica, X. paraiberica, and X. pradense).

Criteria for melanocytic lesions in LC-OCT.

BACKGROUND: Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is an emerging diagnostic tool with imaging depth reaching ~400 µm and a novel three-dimensional (3D) cube providing cellular resolution. As far as we are aware, there are only a limited number of papers that have reported diagnostic criteria for melanocytic lesions using this technique, and none of them have been multicentric. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to establish the diagnostic criteria for melanocytic lesions using LC-OCT and identify the most significant architectural and cytologic features associated with malignancy. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 80 consecutive melanocytic lesions from a prospective multicentric data set spanning three European centres was conducted. We excluded facial, acral and mucosal lesions from the study. Dermoscopic and LC-OCT images were evaluated by a consensus of four observers. Multivariate logistic regression with backward elimination was employed. RESULTS: The main melanoma diagnostic criteria include detecting >10 pagetoid cells in 3D acquisition, irregular 3D epidermal architecture, disrupted dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) and clefting. Significant risk factors were irregular 3D epidermal architecture, >10 pagetoid cells, dendritic cells at DEJ without underlying inflammation. Novel malignancy criteria in vertical view were DEJ disruption and clefting around atypical melanocyte nests. Exclusive melanoma features were epidermal nests, epidermal consumption, dense dermal nests with atypia. Protective features in the absence of any malignancy indicators were DEJ ring pattern, cobblestone, elongated rete ridges (vertical), well-defined DEJ and wave pattern (vertical). CONCLUSIONS: A series of diagnostic criteria for the identification of melanocytic lesions with LC-OCT have been established. Validation of these criteria in clinical practice through future studies is essential to further establish their utility.

Two new species of the genus Sectonema Thorne, 1930 (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Aporcelaimidae) from Iran, with new insights into its evolutionary relationships.

Two new species of the genus Sectonema found in northern Iran are characterized, including morphological descriptions and molecular (18S-, 28S-rDNA) analyses. Sectonema tehranense sp. nov. is distinguished by its 7.22 - 8.53 mm long body, lip region offset by constriction and 24 - 31 µm wide with perioral lobes and abundant setae- or cilia-like projections covering the oral field, mural tooth 15.5 - 17 µm long at its ventral side, neck 1091 - 1478 µm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 61 - 71% of the total neck length, female genital system diovarian, uterus simple and 3.9 - 4.2 times the corresponding body diameter long, transverse vulva (V = 49 - 59), tail short and rounded (44 - 65 µm, c = 99 - 162, c' = 0.6 - 0.8), spicules 111 - 127 µm long, and 7 - 10 spaced ventromedian supplements with hiatus. Sectonema noshahrense sp. nov. displays a 4.07 - 4.73 mm long body, lip region offset by constriction and 23 - 25 µm wide with perioral lobes and abundant setae- or cilia-like projections covering the oral field, odontostyle 14 - 14.5 µm long, neck 722 - 822 µm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 66 - 68% of the total neck length, female genital system diovarian, uterus simple and 2.4 - 2.7 times the corresponding body diameter long, transverse vulva (V = 54 - 55), tail convex conoid (39 - 47 µm, c = 91 - 111, c' = 0.8 - 0.9), spicules 82 µm long, and seven spaced ventromedian supplements with hiatus. Molecular analyses confirm a maximally supported (Epacrolaimus + Metaporcelaimus + Sectonema) clade and a tentative biogeographical pattern, with sequences of Indolamayan taxa forming a clade separated from those of Palearctic ones. Parallel or convergent evolution processes might be involved in the phylogeny of the species currently classified under Sectonema. This genus is certainly more heterogeneous than previously assumed.

The more we search, the more we find: discovering and expanding the biodiversity in the ring nematode genus Xenocriconemella De Grisse and Loof, 1965 (Nematoda: Criconematidae).

The ring nematode genus Xenocriconemella De Grisse and Loof, 1965 comprises only one nominal species, Xenocriconemella macrodora (Taylor, 1936) De Grisse and Loof, 1965. The initial objective of the present study was to investigate the morphological-morphometric and molecular diversity of 28 X. macrodora populations in the Iberian Peninsula associated with tree forests (mainly Quercus spp.). However, a detailed integrative taxonomic analysis (morphological-morphometric and molecular data) from each population and analysis of this data using principal component analysis (PCA) for morphometric data (including these 28 populations and other 25 X. macrodora populations around the world) and molecular and phylogenetic species delimitation methods revealed that X. macrodora forms a species complex. This species complex is composed by species that are morphometricly and morphologically similar, but clearly different at the molecular level. Three new species are described applying integrative taxonomy, namely as Xenocriconemella iberica sp. nov., Xenocriconemella paraiberica sp. nov. and Xenocriconemella pradense sp. nov. However, the molecular diversity of this species in USA and Italy confirmed that additional species are likely present in this species complex, and the diversity of this group may be higher than expected. The study of X. macrodora topotypes can clarify the position of this species using molecular markers under an integrative approach.

Understanding the anatomy of dermoscopy of melanocytic skin tumours: Correlation in vivo with line-field optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Early melanoma detection is the main factor affecting prognosis and survival. For that reason, non-invasive technologies have been developed to provide a more accurate diagnosis. Recently, line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) was developed to provide an in vivo, imaging device, with deep penetration and cellular resolution in three dimensions. Combining the advantages of conventional OCT and reflectance confocal microscopy, this tool seems to be particularly suitable for melanocytic lesions. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify and describe the correlation between specific dermoscopic criteria and LC-OCT features in three dimensions associated with melanocytic lesions. METHODS: Dermoscopic and LC-OCT images of 126 melanocytic lesions were acquired in three different centres. The following dermoscopic criteria have been considered: reticular pattern, dots and globules, structureless areas, blue-whitish veil, regression structures, negative network, homogeneous pattern, streaks and blotches. RESULTS: 69 (55%) benign and 57 (45%) malignant lesions were analysed. A regular reticular pattern was found associated in the 75% of the cases with the presence of elongated rete ridges with pigmented cells along the basal layer, while atypical reticular pattern showed an irregular organization of rete ridges with melanocytic hyperplasia, broadened and fused ridges and elongated nests. Both typical and atypical dots and globules were found associated with melanocytic nests in the dermis or at the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ), as well as with keratin cysts/pseudocysts. Grey globules corresponded to the presence of melanin-containing dermal inflammatory cells (melanophages) within the papillae. Structureless brown/black areas correlated with alterations of the DEJ. We observed the same DEJ alterations, but with the presence of dermal melanophages, in 36% of the cases of blue/white/grey structureless areas. A description of each LC-OCT/dermoscopy correlation was made. CONCLUSIONS: LC-OCT permitted for the first time to perform an in vivo, 3D correlation between dermoscopic criteria and pathological-like features of melanocytic lesions.

A new needle nematode, Longidorus zanjanensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from north-western Iran.

During a survey of soil nematodes in 2022, a new species of the genus Longidorus, described here as Longidorus zanjanensis sp. nov., was discovered in the rhizosphere of Astragalus sp. in Zanjan Province, Iran. The new needle nematode is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric, and molecular traits. Further, its females are characterized by having a long body ranging 5.6-7.7 mm long, lip region anteriorly flattened and almost continuous or slightly offset by a depression with body contour, ca 16.5-18.5 µm wide, amphidial fovea pouch-like without basal lobes, guiding ring at 35-41 µm distance from the anterior end, and an odontostyle and odontophore ranging 102-115 and 47-75 µm long, respectively. The pharyngeal bulb is 123-153 µm long, female reproductive system didelphic-amphidelphic containing sperm, vulva almost equatorial, located at 46.7-51.4% of body length, tail short, rounded to bluntly conoid, bearing two pairs of caudal pores and terminus widely rounded with distinct radial lines in hyaline region (39-50 µm long, c = 122.4-189.4, c' = 0.6-0.8). Males are common, making up to 60% of the adults, and are functional, with spicules 68.0-80.0 µm long, as well as having 8-14 ventromedian copulatory supplements. All four juvenile life developmental stages were present, with the tail of first-stage juvenile conoid shape, dorso-ventrally curved with rounded terminus. The polytomous codes delimiting the new species are: A4-B3-C3-D3-E1-F34-G12-H1-I2-J1-K6. Morphologically, the new species comes close to eight known species of the genus, namely L. apulus, L. armeniacae, L. crassus, L. kheirii, L. soosanae, L. proximus, L. pauli, and L. ferrisi. The morphological differences between the new species and the aforementioned species are discussed. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on D2-D3 of large subunit (LSU) and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) rRNA sequences indicate that Longidorus zanjanensis sp. nov. is closely related to L. hyrcanus, L. soosanae, and L. elongatus.

Integrative taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships between representatives of genera within Merliniinae (Nematoda: Merliniidae), with new data on fourteen known and one unknown species.

The application of integrative taxonomic approaches is useful to species delineation based on a combination of distinct types of characters, here morphological features and ribosomal DNA sequences. In this study, we surveyed ectoparasitic nematodes of the subfamily Merliniinae in cultivated and natural environments in Iran. Results of morphological and morphometrical studies, light and scanning electron microscopic observations, and molecular analyses allowed us the identification of fourteen known and one unknown species including representatives of the genera Amplimerlinius (five species), Geocenamus (one species), Merlinius (three species), Nagelus (two species), Paramerlinius (one species), Scutylenchus (two species), and Telomerlinius (one species). The unknown species, Scutylenchus sp., characterized by having 35-50 incisures at mid-body; lateral field with 6 longitudinal incisures; lip region slightly offset by a constriction, flattened at front end; bearing 5-7 annuli; cephalic framework not refractive; stylet robust, 18.3-27 µm long; post anal intestinal sac absent; tail elongate conical, dorsally convex, with 24 (19-28) annuli in ventral side, ending to a smooth terminus and males common; spicules 24.5-31 µm long. The phylogenetic analyses were carried out using molecular data from nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) genes viz. D2-D3 expansion segments of the large ribosomal subunit (28S rRNA), partial small ribosomal subunit (18S rRNA), and internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The molecular variability of D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA and partial 18S rRNA was low in this family in comparison to the ITS region, which could be a more helpful molecular marker in species and genus identification.

Ultrasound of pancreatic transplant complications: a primer for radiologists.

Pancreatic transplantation is an established treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes patients and select type 2 diabetes patients, with excellent survival rates as graft health is evaluated through regular imaging and early detection of complications. Amongst the various imaging methods that may aid in diagnosis of pancreatic transplant complications, ultrasound is a widely available, quick, portable, and cost-effective technique, often used as the sole method to assess for pancreatic transplant complications. When assessing a patient with a pancreatic transplant, the radiologist should be methodical in assessing the vasculature, the pancreatic parenchyma, and the peripancreatic regions. Complications can be categorised based on time from transplant and type of complications, and include vascular, parenchymal, and enteric/anastomotic complications. Doppler has a major role in the diagnosis of vascular complications including arterial and venous thrombosis, arterial stenosis, pseudoaneurysms, and haematomas. Pancreatic complications include rejections and pancreatitis, and are often diagnosed through a combination of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, such as pancreatic heterogeneity or the presence of pancreatic pseudocysts. Enteric/anastomotic complications include leaks and bowel obstructions, and may require cross-sectional imaging in addition to ultrasound. This review covers the most common and high-impact vascular, parenchymal, and enteric/anastomotic complications that should be considered in every radiologist's search pattern when assessing a pancreatic graft, as well as their respective postoperative timeframes.

Development of a visible-light-active-NiTiO3 coating for the efficient removal of the persistent herbicide 2,6-dichlorobenzamide (BAM) from drinking water.

In the present research work, the photocatalytic evaluation of NiTiO3 nanoparticles immobilized on glass plates by the spin-coating procedure was carried out in the degradation of the recalcitrant herbicide 2,6-dichlorobenzamide (BAM). The concentrations of Ni employed to synthesize NiTiO3 nanoparticles were 1 wt% (1TESNi) and 2 wt% (2TESNi). The stability of coatings was evaluated by several washings and thermal treatments, which were verified by UV-vis analyses. The morphology of the coatings was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). The coatings displayed thickness values of 1.35 and 2.56 µm for TiO2 and 1TESNi, respectively. The crystalline phases of the coatings were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirming the presence of NiTiO3 and other phases related to TiO2. The bandgap of 1TESNi, compared with the bare TiO2, was reduced from 2.96 to 2.40 eV as a consequence of Ni addition. The TiO2, 1TESNi and 2TESNi coatings were evaluated in the photodegradation of BAM using visible-light for 240 min. The highest effectiveness was displayed by the 1TESNi coating, obtaining degradation of 92.56% after 240 min. Also, the photocatalytic efficiency of the 1TESNi coating was only reduced 1.99% after 3 reuse cycles in the BAM degradation. The scavenger tests revealed that the main oxidizing species involved in the reaction were the •OH- and •O2- radicals. The 1TESNi coating showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency because of its absorption in the visible-light region, valuable surface area and electronic charge separation. Thus, these advantageous features guarantee that NiTiO3 coatings are an efficient method for degrading recalcitrant herbicides from drinking water using a practical way to recover and reuse photocatalysts.

Anatomical and molecular characterization of some rhigonematid parasites of millipedes in Nigeria, with new insights into their phylogeny.

Parasitic nematodes of millipedes from Nigeria are molecularly characterized for the first time. During nematode surveys on live giant African millipedes from several localities in Nigeria, 4 species of rhigonematids were identified by application of integrative taxonomical approaches (morpho-anatomy and molecular markers), including Brumptaemilius sp., Gilsonema gabonensis, Obainia pachnephorus, and Rhigonema disparovis. The results of morphometric and molecular analyses of D2-D3 28S, ITS, partial 18S rRNA, and cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (COI) gene sequences further characterized the rhigonematid species, and clearly separated them from other related species. Phylogenetic relationships based on 28S and 18S rRNA genes suggest that genera within Ransomnematoidea (Ransomnema, Heth, Carnoya, Brumptaemilius, Cattiena, Insulanema, Gilsonema) and Rhigonematoidea (Rhigonema, Obainia, Xystrognathus, Trachyglossoides, Ichthyocephaloides) clustered rather closer than could be expected in view of their morphological differences. Phylogenetic relationships based on ITS and COI are congruent with those of other ribosomal genes; however, they are not conclusive due to the scarcity of available sequences of these genes for these genera in NCBI.

Bioconjugation of COL1 protein on liquid-like solid surfaces to study tumor invasion dynamics.

Tumor invasion is likely driven by the product of intrinsic and extrinsic stresses, reduced intercellular adhesion, and reciprocal interactions between the cancer cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is a dynamic material system that is continuously evolving with the tumor microenvironment. Although it is widely reported that cancer cells degrade the ECM to create paths for migration using membrane-bound and soluble enzymes, other nonenzymatic mechanisms of invasion are less studied and not clearly understood. To explore tumor invasion that is independent of enzymatic degradation, we have created an open three-dimensional (3D) microchannel network using a novel bioconjugated liquid-like solid (LLS) medium to mimic both the tortuosity and the permeability of a loose capillary-like network. The LLS is made from an ensemble of soft granular microgels, which provides an accessible platform to investigate the 3D invasion of glioblastoma (GBM) tumor spheroids using in situ scanning confocal microscopy. The surface conjugation of the LLS microgels with type 1 collagen (COL1-LLS) enables cell adhesion and migration. In this model, invasive fronts of the GBM microtumor protruded into the proximal interstitial space and may have locally reorganized the surrounding COL1-LLS. Characterization of the invasive paths revealed a super-diffusive behavior of these fronts. Numerical simulations suggest that the interstitial space guided tumor invasion by restricting available paths, and this physical restriction is responsible for the super-diffusive behavior. This study also presents evidence that cancer cells utilize anchorage-dependent migration to explore their surroundings, and geometrical cues guide 3D tumor invasion along the accessible paths independent of proteolytic ability.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Kidney Cancer: Ready for Prime Time?

The standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is surgery. However, a number of patients will not be candidates for surgical treatment or will reject this therapeutic approach. Therefore, alternative approaches are required. Historically, radiotherapy has been considered an ineffective treatment for RCC due to the radioresistance of renal tumour cells to conventional fractionation and the increased rate of toxicity. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a radiotherapy technique that provides a non-invasive ablative treatment with remarkable rates of local control in both primary tumours and metastases in several locations, with a low associated morbidity due to the highly conformal dose and the use of image-guided techniques. Current evidence shows that a higher dose per fraction, achieving a higher biological effective dose, can overcome the radioresistance of RCC cells. Therefore, SBRT, as well as the combination of SBRT and new emerging immune therapies, has a potential role in the local treatment of primary RCC and oligometastatic RCC patients.

Novel polypropylene-TiO2:Bi spherical floater for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of the recalcitrant 2,4,6-TCP herbicide.

In this work, spherical photocatalytic floaters were fabricated by depositing TiO2:Bi (TBi) particles on polypropylene (PP) spheres (recycled from beer cans). These particles were deposited on the sphere (TBi-sphere) by the spray coating technique and evaluated their performance for the photocatalytic degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) herbicide. SEM images demonstrated that the BTi powders consisted in conglomerated grains with sizes of 20-80 nm and the analysis by X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of rutile and anatase phases in the BTi. The photocatalytic experiments showed that the TBi and TBi-sphere produced maximum degradation of 90 and 97% for 2,4,6-TCP, respectively, after 4 h under UV-Vis light. The photocatalytic powders/composites were reused 3 times and the loss of degradation efficiency was 3 and 16% for the TBi powder and TBi-sphere, respectively. This means that the TBi-sphere is more stable for the continuous degradation of the 2,4,6-TCP contaminant. The TiO2:Bi powder was compared with the commercial TiO2 (P25) and found that the TiO2:Bi powder had higher light absorption (≈42%) and higher surface area (≈105%) than the P25. Therefore, the degradation percentage for the 2,4,6-TCP was 52% higher in the sample doped with Bi. Also, scavenger experiments were carried out and found that the main oxidizing agents produced for the degradation of 2,4,6-TCP were •OH- radicals and •O2- anions. Other species such as h+ were also produced at lower amount. Hence, our results demonstrated that spherical/floatable photocatalytic composites are a viable option to remove herbicide residuals from the water, which is of interest in water-treatment-plants.

Sinonasal mucosal melanomas: defining profiles for better survival outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Sinonasal mucosal melanoma is an aggressive malignancy with a 5-year survival rate ranging from 20% to 39%. Despite the evolving surgical and radiotherapy techniques, and introduction of immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapy, overall survival rates remain poor. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona and the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau between 1984 and 2020; primary outcome measures were 3 and 5-year melanoma-specific survival (MSS). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were performed to identify predictors of survival. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included, the mean age was 70.4, MSS at 3 and 5 years was 51.2%, and 29.5%, respectively. The median follow-up was 39.6 months during which 46% presented locoregional recurrence and 36%, metastasis. The univariate and multivariate analyses found as survival predictors the N category, the treatment received, the surgical margins and the mitotic index. CONCLUSIONS: We found an overall 5-year MSS of 29.5%. Those patients with intention-to-cure (stages III and IVa) treated by surgery that were N0 at diagnosis, with < 10 mitoses per HPF showed a 5-year MSS rate of 74.1%. More studies will be needed to adequately define the patients' profiles that will benefit from a better survival outcome.

On the identity of the genus Epacrolaimus Andrássy, 2000 (Nematoda, Dorylaimida), with new insights into its phylogeny.

The type species of the genus Epacrolaimus, Epacrolaimus declinatoaculeatus, is studied from the re-examination of type material of Aporcelaimus vorax, its junior synonym, and the observation of several Iberian populations and a few Iranian specimens. Morphologically, it displays a recognizable morphological pattern characterized by, among other features, the incurved nature of its odontostyle aperture, presence of perioral liplets or lobes, lip region 24-31 µm wide, odontostyle 21-25 µm long and comparatively anterior location of S2N pharyngeal gland nuclei. Nevertheless, variations in some morphological traits (vagina shape and tail shape) and in several morphometrics (body length, uterus length, vulva position, tail length and spicule length) are also noted. Sequences of D2-D3 domains of the 28S rDNA, 18S rDNA and COI mtDNA were obtained from several Iberian populations. Their analyses, in particular those from D2-D3 sequences, revealed the existence of a highly supported clade ((Epacrolaimus + Sectonema) + Metaporcelaimus), with a closer relationship between Epacrolaimus and Palaearctic populations of Sectonema, whereas the remaining aporcelaimid genera occupied placements in other clades. These results are discussed, with especial emphasis on the intricate separation of Epacrolaimus and Sectonema, which display significantly different protruding stomatal structure in spite of their close evolutionary relationship as derived from molecular trees.

Assessment of Noninvasive Markers of Steatosis and Liver Fibrosis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Monoinfected Patients on Stable Antiretroviral Regimens.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major nonacquired immune deficiency syndrome-defining condition for persons with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). We aimed to validate noninvasive tests for the diagnosis of NAFLD in PWH. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of PWH on stable antiretroviral therapy with persistently elevated transaminases and no known liver disease. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated to compare the diagnostic accuracy of liver biopsy with abdominal ultrasound, transient elastography (TE) (including controlled attenuation parameter [CAP]), and noninvasive markers of steatosis (triglyceride and glucose index [TyG], hepatic steatosis index [HSI], fatty liver index [FLI]) and fibrosis ([FIB]-4, aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index [APRI], NAFLD fibrosis score). We developed a diagnostic algorithm with serial combinations of markers. Results: Of 146 patients with increased transaminase levels, 69 underwent liver biopsy (90% steatosis, 61% steatohepatitis, and 4% F ≥3). The AUROC for steatosis was as follows: ultrasound, 0.90 (0.75-1); CAP, 0.94 (0.88-1); FLI, 0.81 (0.58-1); HSI, 0.74 (0.62-0.87); and TyG, 0.75 (0.49-1). For liver fibrosis ≥F3, the AUROC for TE, APRI, FIB-4, and NAFLD fibrosis score was 0.92 (0.82-1), 0.96 (0.90-1), 0.97 (0.93-1), and 0.85 (0.68-1). Optimal diagnostic performance for liver steatosis was for 2 noninvasive combined models of tests with TyG and FLI/HSI as the first tests and ultrasound or CAP as the second tests: AUROC = 0.99 (0.97-1, P < .001) and 0.92 (0.77-1, P < .001). Conclusions: Ultrasound and CAP performed best in diagnosing liver steatosis, and FLI, TyG, and HSI performed well. We propose an easy-to-implement algorithm with TyG or FLI as the first test and ultrasound or CAP as the second test to accurately diagnose or exclude NAFLD.

Description of Rotylenchus zhongshanensis sp. nov. (Tylenchomorpha: Hoplolaimidae) and discovery of its endosymbiont Cardinium.

A new bisexual species of Rotylenchus is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular characterizations. Rotylenchus zhongshanensis sp. nov. is characterized by having a conoid lip region complying with the basic pattern for Hoplolaimidae, but with pharyngeal glands slightly overlapping intestine dorsally and cuticle thickened abnormally in female tail terminus. Females have robust stylet (30.1-33.8 µm). The pharyngeal gland has short dorsal (11.2-16.8 µm) overlap on the intestine. The vulva is located at 48.0-56.5% of body length, and phasmids are pore-like, 4-6 annuli posterior to the anus. For males, phasmids are pore-like, 11-17 annuli posterior to cloaca. The spicules are ventrally arcuate (21.0-28.5 µm) with gubernaculum in 5-8 µm length. The rRNA and mitochondrial COI genes were successfully sequenced from the assembled whole-genome sequences of the new species, and were used for reconstructing the phylogenetic relationships of the new species. A new strain of cyto-endosymbiont Cardinium was also discovered from the genome sequences of R. zhongshanensis sp. nov. The 16S rRNA phylogeny analyses revealed that this new bacterial strain is closed to that from cyst and root-lesion nematodes.

A new needle nematode, Longidorus maginicus n. sp. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from southern Spain.

During nematode surveys in natural vegetation in Sierra Mágina, Jaén province, southern Spain, a Longidorus species closely resembling Longidorus carpetanensis was found, but application of integrative taxonomic approaches clearly demonstrated that it is a new species described herein as Longidorus maginicus n. sp. The new species is amphimictic, characterized by a moderately long body (4.2-5.2 mm); lip region anteriorly flattened, slightly separated from the rest of body by a depression, 9.0-11.0 µm wide and 3.5-6.0 µm high; amphidial fovea not lobed; relatively short odontostyle (61.0-70.5 µm); guiding ring located 23.5-27.0 µm from anterior end; vulva located at 42.0%-51.3% of body length; female tail 39.0-61.0 µm long, conoid, dorsally convex with rounded terminus (c' = 1.3-2.1), with two or three pairs of caudal pores; and males common (1:2 ratio males:females), with moderately long spicules (39.0-48.5 µm) and 1 + 6-9 ventromedian supplements and three juvenile developmental stages. According to the polytomous key, codes for the new species are (codes in parentheses are exceptions): A2-B1-C2-D2-E1-F2(3)-G2-H5(4)-I2-J1-K6. The results of molecular analysis of D2-D3 28S, internal transcribed spacer region, partial 18S rDNA, and cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (coxI) gene sequences further characterized the new species status, and separated it from L. carpetanensis and other related species.

An eco-friendly and sustainable support of agave-fibers functionalized with graphene/TiO2:SnO2 for the photocatalytic degradation of the 2,4-D herbicide from the drinking water.

In this research, we evaluated the photocatalytic performance of biodegradable composites for the removal of the 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide. The composite was composed by agave fibers (AgF), graphene-microplates (GM) and titanium dioxide TiO2/SnO2 (TSn) nanoparticles (NPs) and was named TSn + AgF/GM. Both, the TSn NPs and the GM were deposited on the AgF using the Dip-coating method. According to the analysis by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), the crystalline phase for the TiO2 and SnO2 was anatase and tetragonal-rutile, respectively. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images demonstrated that the AgF were completely saturated by the GM (which had average dimensions of 15 µm × 22 µm) and by conglomerations of TSn NPs with average size of 642 nm. The TSn NPs and the TSn + AgF/GM composite were evaluated for the photocatalytic degradation of the 2,4-D herbicide under ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) light and found a maximum degradation of 98.4 and 93.7% (after 4 h) for the TSn NPs and the TSn + AgF/GM composite, respectively. Reuse cycles were also performed and the degradation percentage decreased by 13.1% and by 7.8% (after 3 cycles of reuse) when the TSn NPs and the TSn + AgF/GM composite are employed, respectively. Scavenger experiments were also carried out and found that the oxidizing agents are mainly produced in the order of: •OH>•O2- > h+; then, the main oxidizing agents generated during the photocatalytic reaction were the hydroxyl radicals. Thus, the photocatalytic system studied in this work for the degradation of 2,4-D could pave the way for the development of new eco-friendly/floatable photocatalysts, which can be applied in wastewater-treatment plants.