Basal divergence of Eriophyoidea (Acariformes, Eupodina) inferred from combined partial COI and 28S gene sequences and CLSM genital anatomy.

Eriophyoids are an ancient group of highly miniaturized, morphologically simplified and diverse phytoparasitic mites. Their possible numerous host-switch events have been accompanied by considerable homoplastic evolution. Although several morphological cladistic and molecular phylogenetic studies attempted to reconstruct phylogeny of Eriophyoidea, the major lineages of eriophyoids, as well as the evolutionary relationships between them, are still poorly understood. New phylogenetically informative data have been provided by the recent discovery of the early derivative pentasetacine genus Loboquintus, and observations on the eriophyoid reproductive anatomy. Herein, we use COI and D1-2 rRNA data of 73 eriophyoid species (including early derivative pentasetacines) from Europe, the Americas and South Africa to reconstruct part of the phylogeny of the superfamily, and infer on the basal divergence of eriophyoid taxa. In addition, a comparative CLSM study of the female internal genitalia was undertaken in order to find putative apomorphies, which can be used to improve the taxonomy of Eriophyoidea. The following molecular clades, marked by differences in genital anatomy and prodorsal shield setation, were found in our analyses: Loboquintus(Pentasetacus((Eriophyidae + Diptilomiopidae)(Phytoptidae-1, Phytoptidae-2))). The results of this study suggest that the superfamily Eriophyoidea comprises basal paraphyletic pentasetacines (Loboquintus and Pentasetacus), and two large monophyletic groups: Eriophyidae s.l. [containing paraphyletic Eriophyidae sensu Amrine et al. 2003 (=Eriophyidae s.str.) and Diptilomiopidae sensu Amrine et al. 2003] and Phytoptidae s.l. [containing monophyletic Phytoptidae sensu Boczek et al. 1989 (=Phytoptidae s.str.) and Nalepellidae sensu Boczek et al. 1989]. Putative morphological apomorphies (including genital and gnathosomal characters) supporting the clades revealed in molecular analyses are briefly discussed.

[GALLOGENESIS INDUCED BY ERIOPHYOIDS (ACARIFORMES: ERIOPHYOIDEA)].

Eriophyoid mites are a group of phytoparasites of high economic importance due to their ability to transmit phytopathogens and cause the development of various plant malformations including galls. Chemical compounds of mite saliva injected into plant cells and the reaction of the plant cell genome play the crucial role in the gall formation process. Various triggers specific to plant DNA (e.g. exogenous phytohormones) and pathogenic microbes may be the factors inducing the gallogenesis. The process of gall formation is a complex growth reaction induced in the epidermal cells. Mechanisms of the gallogenesis induced by eriophyoids are studied very insufficiently. The analysis of the available literary data shows that malformations caused by eriophyoids on plants significantly vary in shape, topography, and longevity and may have different etiologies. Differences in the shape of a gall depend, first of all, on the mite species; plants, however, demonstrate limited number of gall types. Clarified classification of galls induced by eriophyoid mites is proposed. A gradual program for future studies is represented.

[The problem of myocardial heterogeneity].

In this paper, we present a review of modern data on the myocardial heterogeneity. Data obtained by different authors as well as our own results clearly show that cardiac muscle is an essentially heterogeneous system at every level of organization: from molecular to organ. Cardiomyocyte function in the myocardial system is closely coordinated: both temporarily and spatially, with complex motion of cardiac chamber walls. Spatio-temporal heterogeneity of left ventricular wall motion is considered as its fundamental attribute. An index of spatio-temporal heterogeneity of left ventricular wall motion suggested by authors is shown to reflect an essential variable that regulates or modulates left ventricular mechanical function.

[Spatio-temporal heterogeneity of human left ventricle contractions in norm and under ischemic heart disease].

2D-ultrasonic images of the left ventricle are analyzed and spatio-temporal heterogeneity of regional wall motion is characterized quantitatively in norm and in ischemic heart disease. Negative correlation between regional heterogeneity and global ejection fraction is revealed. Regional heterogeneity is shown to increase significantly in a group of patients as compared to healthy people. Role of apex in ventricular pump function is specified. Diagnostic indicator of regional wall motion abnormality is suggested. The data allow one to challenge a new paradigm of morpho-functional organization of heart based on the functional heterogeneity of modules (segments) that compose ventricular wall and differ in biomechanical characteristics and timing of both electrical and mechanical activation.