Achtheres percarum von Nordmann, 1832 and Achtheres sandrae Gadd, 1901 (Lernaeopodidae) are common parasitic copepods infecting fishes in Eurasia. The former is specific to perch, Perca fluviatilis L., while the latter, to zander, Sander lucioperca (L.). Until recently these copepods have been regarded a single species. The present study was intended to analyse details of male morphology and provide their complete descriptions with differential diagnosis. Males of A. percarum and A. sandrae were collected from perch and zander at Lake Dąbie (north-western Poland). The males of A. sandrae are larger than those of A. percarum. They also differ in proportions of the first antenna, mandibular denticulation, structure of the first maxilla, and the armament of caudal ramus. The reported differences in male morphology constitute a conclusive confirmation of the separate identity of the two species.
Inhibin B is a gonadal dimeric polypeptide hormone that regulates synthesis and secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in a negative feedback loop. The aim of the present study was to determine changes in serum inhibin B, gonadotropins and testosterone concentrations during childhood and puberty in males. We studied the relationship between circulating inhibin B, gonadotropins and testosterone in serum of healthy boys during the first two years of life and then in pubertal development. Using a recently developed two-side enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), inhibin B levels were measured in the serum of 78 healthy boys divided into eleven age groups from birth to the end of pubertal development. In addition, serum levels of gonadotropins and testosterone were measured. Serum inhibin B, gonadotropins and testosterone increased during the first months of postnatal life. A peak in serum inhibin B and gonadotropins concentrations was observed around 3-4 months of age. There was a significant positive correlation between serum inhibin B and gonadotropins and testosterone levels during the first 2 years of life. After this early increase, serum inhibin B, gonadotropins and testosterone levels decreased significantly and remained low until puberty followed by an increase beginning with the onset of puberty. Serum levels of inhibin B reached a peak at stage G3 of puberty. Around midpuberty, inhibin B lost its positive correlation with luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone from early puberty, and developed a strong negative correlation with FSH, which persisted into adulthood. We conclude that inhibin B plays a key role in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormonal axis during male childhood and pubertal development. Inhibin B is a direct marker of the presence and function of Sertoli cells and appears to reflect testicular function in boys., M. Chada, R. Průša, J. Bronský, K. Kotaška, K. Šídlová, M. Pechová, L. Lisá., and Obsahuje bibliografii
In respect of its morphology, biology and epidemiology, Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) impressum Koch, 1844 is one of the more poorly studied ticks of the genus Hyalomma Koch, 1844. No comprehensive morphological study has been done to date, and the nymph has not been described. Here the adults and larva are redescribed, and the nymph is described for the first time. Data on hosts, geographical distribution and disease relationships are provided.
Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) lusitanicum Koch, 1844 and Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) franchinii Tonelli Rondelli, 1932 are amongst the most poorly studied of those species within the genus Hyalomma Koch, 1844 that are restricted to the Mediterranean region. No comprehensive morphological study has been done to date, and the immature stages of H. (E.) franchinii have not been described. Here all the parasitic stages of H. (E.) lusitanicum and the adults of H. (E.) franchinii are redescribed, and the immature stages of the latter species are described for the first time. Data on hosts, geographic distribution and disease relationships are provided.
Taxonomic uncertainty as to the identities of Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) scupense Schulze, 1919 and Hyalomma detritum Schulze, 1919 has existed for nearly 85 years. The chief criterion used to consider these taxa as separate species has been an ecological feature, namely that H. scupense is a one-host tick while H. detritum is a two-host species. Morphologically they are identical. To date no comprehensive taxonomic study has been done on all parasitic stages of the two species. Here the decision to grant priority status to H. scupense and to synonymise H. detritum with H. scupense is defended. The adults and immature stages of H. scupense are illustrated and redescribed. The morphological characteristics that separate the males, females, nymphs and larvae from those of other Hyalomma species are discussed for each developmental stage. Data on hosts, geographic distribution and disease relationships are provided.