Background: Rhinolophus affinis sensu lato is distributed throughout Southeast Asia. The taxonomic status of forms attributed to the species is unclear due to the limited sample size with incomplete datasets and the taxa have high variation in morphology and echolocation call frequency. The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution and taxonomic status of the subspecific forms of R. affinis in mainland Southeast Asia using large sample size with multiple datasets, including morphological, acoustic, and genetic data, both to elucidate taxonomic relationships and to test for congruence between these datasets. Results: Three morphological forms were confirmed within the region; two concur with previously recognized taxa, namely R. affinis macrurus and R. affinis superans, and are strongly supported by morphological and genetic data. The third form is morphologically distinct, but its taxonomic status remains unclear. It is probable that this third form represents a distinct taxonomic entity; however, more data are required to confirm this. R. a. macrurus is known from the north of peninsular Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam (Indochinese subregion); R. a. superans is found throughout the Thai-Malay Peninsula (Sundaic subregion); whilst the third form is presently known from east central Myanmar (Shan state) and lower northern Vietnam (Nghe An Province).

Rhinolophus affinis sensu lato is a widespread bat species in South and Southeast Asia which shows considerable geographical variation in its morphology, echolocation call frequencies and genetics. The taxonomic status of the taxon in the Sundaic subregion remains uncertain however as the limited studies to date have been largely based on morphology. The aim of the present study was to determine the taxonomic status of subspecific forms recognized in the subregion and to evaluate phylogeographic distinctiveness between those occurring in Borneo and the Malay Peninsula using genetic, morphological and acoustic datasets. Two forms were confirmed: R. a. nesites from Borneo and R. a. superans from the peninsula. The previous recognition of a population from southernmost Sumatra as R. a. superans was not supported, however, as this form is likely R. a. affinis. Genetic divergence between these three forms is rather deep and is estimated to have occurred during the arid climatic period of the Pleistocene when suitable habitats were reduced to isolated pockets. Our results support the phylogeographic distinctiveness hypothesis as R. affinis sensu lato shows discrete affinities between Borneo and the Malay Peninsula. Discovery of new forms of R. affinis is likely with greater sampling effort throughout the region. Our study also demonstrates the importance of employing multiple datasets in taxonomic evaluations, as the use of morphological and/or acoustic datasets alone could lead to erroneous conclusions.

The molecular events in the ovaries of Fenneropenaeus merguiensis De Man during vitellogenesis were investigated. The ribosomal protein L10a (RPL10a) was characterized and cloned. It consisted of 669 bp and the deduced polypeptide had 217 amino acids (GeneBank/EBI accession number FJ623402). The calculated molecular mass and pI were 25.7 kDa and 10.06, respectively. An immunohistochemical technique showed that RPL10a was located in the cytoplasm and nucleus of developing oocytes and follicle cells. Treatment of undeveloped ovarian explant cultures with recombinant histidine (His)-RPL10a stimulated the expression of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and shrimp ovarian peritrophin (SOP) genes, previously shown to be involved in ovarian maturation. The transcripts of all three genes in the ovarian explants showed their highest expression after 4 h incubation with the His-RPL10a at 37 degrees C. The TCTP and HSP70 transcripts declined after 12 h, while the transcript of SOP remained high until 24 h. The His-RPL10a did not stimulate the expression of the TCTP, SOP, and HSP70 genes in shrimp muscle tissue. The information on the molecular behavior of the RPL10a in this study may, in the future, lead to new methods to stimulate ovarian development in shrimp.

Pediococcus acidilactici HN9 is a beneficial lactic acid bacterium isolated from Nhang, a traditional Thai-style fermented beef. In this study, the molecular properties of P. acidilactici HN9 were characterized to provide insights into its potential probiotic activity. Specifically, this work sought to report the complete genome of P. acidilactici HN9 and perform a comparative genome analysis with other bacterial strains belonging to the genus Pediococcus. Genomic features of HN9 were compared with those of all other bacterial Pediococcus strains to examine the adaptation, evolutionary relationships, and diversity within this genus. Additionally, several bioinformatic approaches were used to investigate phylogenetic relationships, genome stability, virulence factors, bacteriocin production, and antimicrobial resistance genes of the HN9 strain, as well as to ensure its safety as a potential starter culture in food applications. A 2,034,522 bp circular chromosome and two circular plasmids, designated pHN9-1 (42,239-bp) and pHN9-2 (30,711-bp), were detected, and used for pan-genome analysis, as well as for identification of bacteriocin-encoding genes in 129 strains belonging to all Pediococcus species. Two CRISPR regions were identified in P. acidilactici HN9, including type II-A CRISPR/CRISPR-associated (Cas). This study provides an in-depth analysis on P. acidilactici HN9, facilitating a better understanding of its adaptability to different environments and its mechanism to maintain genome stability over time.

Ovarian maturation is a crucial step for shrimp brood stock. A suppressive subtractive hybridization was used to identify di¡erentially expressed genes in the ovaries during vitellogenesis of Fenneropenaeus merguiensis. Three-to sevenfold up-regulated genes were selected. A BLAST search identi¢ed nine unique genes. The genes that may be involved in ovarian maturation, namely translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), H-L(3)MBT-LIKE, shrimp ovarian peritrophin (SOP), vitellin (Vn), thrombospondin (TSP) and ribosomal protein L10a (RPL10a), were further studied. The transcripts of HSP70, TCTP, SOP and RPL10a in the ovary showed their highest expression in the early stage and declined in the later stages. In contrast, the transcripts of the H-L(3)MBT-LIKE, TSP and Vn genes increased from the early stage to be signi¢cantly up-regulated during the late stage. A comparison of gene expression among organs during the vitellogenesis showed that the transcripts of HSP70, SOP, H-L(3)MBT-LIKE and TSP were down-regulated in the brain, intestine, hepatopancreas and lymphoid (except for TSP) when compared with their expression in shrimp with non-developed ovaries. The mRNA of TCTP and RPL10a was signi¢cantly overexpressed in the lymphoid and heart, whereas TCTP transcripts were signi¢cantly down-regulated in the brain during the vitellogenesis. The molecular behaviour of the transcripts in this study may, in the future, lead to an ability to stimulate the ovarian development in shrimp.