The percentage of NK cells in the liver lymphocytes was markedly

The percentage of NK cells in the liver lymphocytes was markedly higher than that in peripheral blood (Fig. 7A). Hepatic NK cells also expressed higher levels of activation markers HLA-DR, CD38, and CD69 (Fig. 7B) and activation receptors NKp30,

NKp44, NKp46, NKG2A, and NKG2D but lower levels of inhibitory receptors CD158a and CD158b (Fig. 7C) in comparison with peripheral NK compartments. Furthermore, hepatic NK cells produced more CD107a than peripheral NK cells with all four stimulations, as described in Fig. 7D. In comparison with peripheral NK cells, hepatic NK cells produced higher levels of IFN-γ only upon PMA/ionomycin stimulation and produced less IFN-γ upon P815/anti-NCR stimulation. These data indicate that hepatic NK cells displayed higher levels of activation and cytotoxic functions than peripheral NK cells in these IA patients. We subsequently NVP-BGJ398 analyzed the associations between hepatic NK cell activation status and degranulation capacity and liver injury scores in IA patients. As EPZ-6438 cost shown in Fig. 8A, the expression levels of HLA-DR and CD38 on freshly isolated

hepatic NK cells and CD107a degranulation in response to anti-ALS or anti-NCR were higher in IA patients with inflammation scores of G2 to G3 versus those with a score of G1. On the contrary, CD69 expression on liver NK cells and PMA/ionomycin

and K562 induction of CD107a degranulation were similar between these groups. The correlation see more analysis further illustrated that the expression of CD38, NKp30, and NCR-redirected CD107a on hepatic NK cells correlated positively with serum ALT levels (all P < 0.05; Fig. 8B). These data suggest that the presence of activated NK cells is closely associated with liver necroinflammation in IA patients. The current study has characterized hepatic and peripheral NK cells in HBV-infected subjects and has demonstrated that (1) activated NK cells preferentially accumulate in the livers of IA patients, in which they are skewed toward cytolytic activity dependent on increased hepatic IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 expression and decreased IL-10 expression, and (2) the elevated NK cytolytic activity is associated with liver injury, whereas concomitant inefficient IFN-γ production may favor viral persistence in these IA patients. These findings clearly describe the immune status of NK cells in vivo and further define the potential roles of NK cells in liver injury in CHB patients. Although the hepatic NK cell frequency was reduced in IA patients, the total number of hepatic NK cells from these patients was significantly increased, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry analyses.

Over half are cirrhotic (63%), genotype 1a (56%) and prior non-re

Over half are cirrhotic (63%), genotype 1a (56%) and prior non-re-sponders to treatment (52%). We found significant worsening in both IFN-based and IFN-free treated patients from baseline to week-4 in terms physical functioning (-5.9%, p=0.008 and -6.3%, p<0.001 respectively) PD0325901 nmr with no significant difference between the groups. The IFN-free group also experienced significant worsening in energy (-8.3%, p=0.009) and pain (-11.7%, p=0.009) from baseline to week-4. The IFN-based group had significant worsening in FSS (mean change:

+1.6, p=0.006) whereas the IFN-free group reported a smaller and non-significant change from baseline (+0.6, p=0.06). In terms of side effects, the IFN-based group experienced increased irritability (+2.0, p=0.009) and itching (+1.0, p=0.009), whereas the IFN-free group reported increased physical tiredness (+1.5, p=0.02). Conclusions: Real world patients treated with IFN-free regimens experience worsened physical symptoms at week-4 of treatment see more similar to the worsening reported by patients treated with IFN-based regimens. Continued enrollment and follow-up may reveal further differences between IFN-based and IFN-free regimens as well as elucidate the role of ribavirin in these reported symptoms. NIH funded (DA031095, DK090317). Disclosures: Kian Bichoupan – Consulting: Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences

Alyson Harty – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Gilead; Consulting: Gil-ead, Jannsen, Acaria Pharmacy Jeffrey J. Weiss – Consulting: Vertex; Grant/Research Support: Cephalon Thomas D. Schiano – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: vertex, salix, merck, gilead, pfizer; Grant/Research Support: massbiologics, itherx Douglas Dieterich – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: merck, Idenix, Jans-sen ; Consulting: Gilead, BMS Andrea D. Branch – Grant/Research Support: Kadmon, Gilead, Janssen The following people have nothing to disclose: Jillian Nickerson, Ponni Perum-alswami Background/Aim Hepatitis

C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan. We aimed to elucidate the clinical features of chronic hepatitis C patients who develop HCC after achieving a sustained viral response (SVR) to interferon (IFN) therapy. Methods Clinical selleck products parameters of 146 patients (mean age: 59 years old, male: 88, female: 58) were evaluated who achieved a SVR from 1991 to 2013 in our hospital. Results Eleven patients (7.5 %) developed HCC within a median follow-up period of 62 months (range12–271 months). Cox regression analysis revealed that the strongest factor predictive of HCC occurrence was higher AST (>50IU/L) level (hazard ratio [HR] 6.51, P=0.024), followed by lower platelet (<17x104 cells/microL) count (HR 4.39, P=0.318), prolonged (<80%) prothrombin time (HR 3.69, P=0.047), higher gamma-GTP(>70IU/L) level HR 3.66, P=0.045) before IFN therapy.

In summary, the current work expands our understanding about the

In summary, the current work expands our understanding about the role of dysfunctional adipose tissue on metabolic and histological parameters of patients with NAFLD. Liver steatosis is rare in MHO subjects with normal insulin-sensitive adipose tissue, highlighting the important role of lipotoxicity in NAFLD. There is a low threshold for the metabolic effects of dysfunctional adipose tissue, including elevation of liver aminotransferases, IR, and steatohepatitis. A similar low threshold for adipose tissue IR triggers the development of NASH in susceptible patients, but appears to be less of a factor in determining the severity of necroinflammation.

In contrast, fibrosis may worsen EGFR inhibitor in proportion to the severity of dysfunctional fat. We believe that these findings are a first step toward a better understanding of the role of obesity in NASH and may increase awareness about dysfunctional adipose tissue as a potential

target for intervention in these patients. AZD6244 The authors thank all the volunteers, the Clinical Translational Science Award nursing staff (in particular, Rose Kaminski-Graham and Norma Diaz), and the laboratory and nutritional staff for their assistance in performing the above-described studies. “
“The opportunities of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related procedure for hemodialysis (HD) patients have been increasing recently. However, the complication rate of ERCPs in HD patients has not been evaluated sufficiently.

We aimed to clarify the feasibility MCE of ERCPs in HD patients. We retrospectively reviewed 76 consecutive ERCPs for HD patients between January 2005 and December 2012 in one university hospital and three tertiary-care referral centers. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was performed in 21 HD patients. We evaluated the incidence and risk factors for complications of all ERCPs and EST in HD patients. The incidence of pancreatitis, cholangitis, and cardiopulmonary complications for ERCPs in HD patients was 7.9% (6/76), 1.3% (1/76), and 1.3% (1/76), respectively. The mortality rate was 2.6% (2/76), and it occurred after acute pancreatitis in one patient and pneumonia in the other patient. The incidence of hemorrhage and pancreatitis with EST was 19% (4/21) and 4.8% (1/21), respectively. The duration of HD was significantly longer in the patients with hemorrhage after EST than without (19.5 vs 6 years; P = 0.029). ERCP is feasible in HD patients. However, EST is not advisable because of the high hemorrhage rate, particularly for patients with a long duration of HD. “
“Obesity-related hepatic steatosis is a major risk factor for metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Fat reduced hypocaloric diets are able to relieve the liver from ectopically stored lipids. We hypothesized that the widely used low carbohydrate hypocaloric diets are similarly effective in this regard.

Upon injury to adult liver, all these cell types respond and init

Upon injury to adult liver, all these cell types respond and initiate fibrogenesis. For instance, cholestasis caused by bile duct ligation induces myofibroblastic differentiation of PFBs in the genesis of

biliary fibrosis similar to transdifferentiation of HSCs commonly seen after hepatotoxic parenchymal damage.23 Injection of pig serum to rats results in progressive liver fibrosis that is associated with “activation” of myofibroblasts and second-layered cells around the central veins.4 The fact that all these “fibrogenic” cell types are derived from MC/SubMCs suggests that clarifying the mechanisms underlying the cell fate decision of HSCs and PFBs from MC/SubMCs in developing livers should facilitate understanding of how microenvironments Dorsomorphin chemical structure in the liver control the phenotypes of HSCs and PFBs and their transdifferentiation to myofibroblasts in adult livers. Our results demonstrate that the HSC lineage is distinct from an SEC lineage during liver development. However, the mesothelium was previously shown to contribute to both HSCs and SECs in chick embryos by vital dye labeling.11 The reason for this Ruxolitinib discrepancy is not clear

at the present time, but the dye labeling may cause nonspecific staining of the SEC precursors in chick embryos. It may also be attributable to a difference in the anatomical and spatial characteristics of liver morphogenesis between the species. Lastly, we noticed that not all STM expresses Wt1 in E9.5 mouse embryos. Obviously, the STM is a heterogeneous population and we cannot rule out a possibility that Wt1− STM might contribute medchemexpress to SEC in mouse embryogenesis. The Wt1+ mesothelium covering the developing gut and lung is shown to migrate inward and contribute to smooth muscle cells during mouse embryogenesis.24, 25 In the developing heart, the epicardium undergoes an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and gives rise to smooth muscle

cells, endothelium, and cardiomyocytes.17 Similar to these reports, we find that Wt1+ MC/SubMCs migrate inward from the liver surface and give rise to HSCs and PMCs during liver morphogenesis. These findings suggest that a contribution of the mesothelium to different mesenchymal cell lineages is a common mechanism in the organogenesis of the liver, lung, and heart. Deletion of Wt1 causes reduced liver size and abnormal expression of SMA in the HSCs.12 Wt1-deficient liver MCs have decreased expression of pleiotrophin, a hepatotrophic factor.26, 27 Recently, Wt1 was shown to directly regulate Snail1 expression, and thereby to induce an EMT in the epicardium.28 Similar to the Wt1-knockout livers, β-catenin deletion in liver mesenchymal cells using the Dermo1Cre results in a small liver size and abnormal expression of SMA in HSCs.

9% to 29% This clearly indicates that product immunogenicity an

9% to 2.9%. This clearly indicates that product immunogenicity and switching to a different product Autophagy high throughput screening carry with them only a small risk for inhibitor

development. In addition, PTPs are likely to be older than untreated patients, and other confounding and potentially contributory factors not considered will have, in some cases, an immunological impact. The incidence of inhibitors in PUPs and MTPs with haemophilia A ranged from 4.4% [23] to 52% [1]. As a result of the potential influence of confounding factors, both genetic and non-genetic, it is not possible to fully appreciate the impact of the type of concentrate and product immunogenicity per se. It is also noteworthy that the incidence of inhibitors varies between cohorts despite the use of the same product, which underscores both the heterogeneity of the studies and the importance of a well-characterized cohort for study to better appreciate the immunogenicity of the product itself. Survey.  The issue of product switching was considered to be of moderate to low (3–2) importance and influence on clinical practice by

the majority of the group. The Metformin mw type of product was considered of moderate to low importance (no individual rated it at 5) (Figs 1 and 2), but its influence on clinical practice was highly variable (Fig. 1). Recommendations.  The European Haemophilia Therapy Standardisation Board concluded that in PTPs there is no evidence to suggest that the immunogenicity of various types of product will differ and that the use of these concentrates, or a switch between them, will be

associated with a risk of inhibitor development. Thus far, there is insufficient evidence with regard to inhibitor risk for a treating physician to select one product over another and recent findings suggesting an impact of the FVIII polymorphism on inhibitor risk require further studies [67]. MCE公司 Evaluating whether the type of concentrate has the ability to modulate the risk in PUPs in a significant way and thereby establishing implications for the use of different types of factor concentrates will require well-designed, prospective clinical trials. These trials must also consider all other aspects of product choice. Independent of the concentrate used, EHTSB recommended that all patients should be carefully monitored during the high-risk period at start of treatment. This review of the literature revealed a lack of data allowing a proper appreciation of the potential impact of a variety of non-genetic risk-factors on inhibitor development. The most important factors appear to be: the reason for the first infusion at young age and the intensity of treatment. In these situations the immune system may be exposed to the deficient factor within the context of immune system challenges and the occurrence of danger signal(s). The prophylactic use of factor concentrates to prevent bleeds is state-of-the-art.

A probe is placed over the liver and delivers an ultrasound pulse

A probe is placed over the liver and delivers an ultrasound pulse wave. The degree Small molecule library mw of propagation of the ultrasound shear wave is recorded as a numerical value, the fibroscan score, which is inversely proportional to the elasticity of the liver so is a measure of fibrosis deposition. The fibroscan score can therefore inform HCV management decisions. Transient elastography

may be unsuccessful in patients with high BMI in whom serum markers of fibrosis or liver biopsy may provide an alternative means of assessing liver fibrosis stage. However, a probe suitable for the examination of obese patients is now available. Elastography simply indicates fibrosis severity, not the cause of the fibrosis. When the cause of the liver disease is uncertain, or multifactorial, examination of liver histology may be necessary. Liver biopsy.  Direct histological examination of liver tissue remains the gold standard in establishing disease stage, inflammation and severity. An early report by

Aledort highlighted the haemorrhagic risk of liver biopsy in patients with haemophilia [16]. 3 MA However, provided an adequate factor replacement strategy is followed the risk of significant haemorrhage should be no greater in patients with haemophilia than those with normal coagulation [17,18]. Liver biopsy can be performed via the percutaneous or the transjugular route [19]. Percutaneous biopsy should ideally be performed under direct radiological imaging. Patients with haemophilia should have their factor levels normalized with infused concentrate or desmopressin prior to liver biopsy. A number of factor replacement protocols exist. A commonly used protocol in the UK is

shown in Table 1. Liver histology is not essential in making the decision to treat HCV infection with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Biopsy is indicated for patients in whom the cause of the liver dysfunction is in doubt and for those in whom the presence or absence of cirrhosis needs to be established to guide management such as the need for surveillance for the development of varices and HCC. Endoscopy.  Patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis on fibroscan or liver biopsy should MCE have surveillance endoscopy every 3 years. Those with small varices should have annual endoscopy. Patients with larger varices should be commenced on a non-selective beta blocker to reduce the risk of bleeding [20]. In the UK patients with bleeding disorders who received British factor concentrates between 1980 and 2001 have been designated as a public health risk for transmission of vCJD and special precautions are in operation for certain interventional procedures that they may have to undergo. However, for at risk patients undergoing surveillance endoscopy or treatment of varices by banding or sclerotherapy no special precaution needs to be taken with the endoscope. Monitoring for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: Amongst the 50 subjects (mean age-2817 ± 127 years, 29

Methods: Amongst the 50 subjects (mean age-28.17 ± 12.7 years, 29-females) included in the study, 34 were suspected to have CD (serology positive), 4 were follow up patients of CD on gluten free diet and 12 had dyspepsia with no evidence of CD on complete evaluation. CD was diagnosed on the basis of modified ESPGHAN criteria. They underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) along with NBI using an Olympus GIF-180 gastroscope to evaluate the villous

pattern of duodenal mucosa. These images were digitally recorded for further characterization. Four duodenal biopsies were taken from second part of duodenum for histopathology. selleck screening library Digitally recorded images were analyzed by two experienced endoscopists and biopsy specimen by an experienced pathologist all of whom were blinded to clinical details and serological investigations. Villous patterns on NBI were classified into Normal-villous pattern (NVP), Distorted&blunted-villous pattern (DVP) and Absent-villous pattern (AVP). NBI findings were correlated with histopathology. Results: NBI in total study population revealed AVP in 14, DVP in 13 and NVP in 23 patients. In CD, EGD revealed grooving pattern in 94.1% patients, scalloping in 82.3% and decreased fold height in 52.9%. In this study group (CD, n = 34) 14 had AVP, 13 had DVP and 7 had NVP on NBI, while

on histopathology 11 had total villous atrophy, 11 had partial villous atrophy and 12 had no villous atrophy. CD patients on gluten free diet (n = 4) and the 12 dyspepsia patients (control group) had

normal villous pattern on both NBI and histopathology. Significant correlation was observed EPZ-6438 cell line between NBI and histopathological examination (p < 0.001). The overall sensitivity and specificity of NBI for delineating villous pattern were 100% and 82.1% and the positive and negative predictive values were 81.4% & 100% respectively. Conclusion: NBI can predict villous atrophy with high sensitivity and negative predictive value in CD. Key MCE公司 Word(s): 1. Celiac disease; 2. NBI; 3. Villous atrophy; 4. Villous pattern; Presenting Author: HONGGUANG WANG Additional Authors: MANTONG WANG, XIANG GUO, QINGMEI GUO, SHIZHU LIU Corresponding Author: HONGGUANG WANG Affiliations: The People’ Hospital of Jilin City Objective: Colonoscopy with histology examination is useful as a stand diagnosis tool in patient with Crohn’s Disease. To evaluate the usefulness of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)in the diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease, and to study its indication, procedure and complication. Methods: One hundred and fifty four cases who was eligible for endoscopic mucosal resection, from chronic ulcerative colitis, but suspicion for the diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease. Some complications which occurred during endoscopic mucosal resection were observed and treated. Results: Endoscopic mucosal resection was fullilled in 154 cases. Arteriolar hemorrhage from wound is 5.7%, no perforation. 23 cases was found granuloma and diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease.

The active phase of the study consisted of a series of 12 SPG blo

The active phase of the study consisted of a series of 12 SPG blocks with 0.3 cc of 0.5% bupivacaine or saline provided 2 times per week for 6 weeks. Subjects were re-evaluated at 1 and 6 months postfinal procedure. The final dataset included 38 subjects, 26 in the bupivacaine group and 12 in the saline group. A repeated measures analysis of variance showed that subjects

receiving treatment with bupivacaine experienced a significant reduction in the numeric rating scale scores compared with those receiving saline at baseline (M = 3.78 vs M = 3.18, P = .10), 15 minutes (M = 3.51 vs M = 2.53, P < .001), 30 minutes (M = 3.45 vs M = 2.41, P < .001), and 24 hours after treatment (M = 4.20 vs M = 2.85, P < .001), respectively. Headache Impact Test-6 scores were statistically Proteasome inhibitor significantly selleck kinase inhibitor decreased in subjects receiving treatments with bupivacaine from before treatment to the final treatment

(Mdiff = −4.52, P = .005), whereas no significant change was seen in the saline group (Mdiff = −1.50, P = .13). SPG blockade with bupivacaine delivered repetitively for 6 weeks with the Tx360® device demonstrates promise as an acute treatment of headache in some subjects with CM. Statistically significant headache relief is noted at 15 and 30 minutes and sustained at 24 hours for SPG blockade with bupivacaine vs saline. The Tx360® device was simple to use and not associated with any significant or lasting adverse MCE events. Further research on sphenopalatine ganglion blockade is warranted. “
“To describe the clinical characteristics in classical trigeminal neuralgia (TN) with concomitant persistent pain and to investigate whether TN with concomitant persistent pain represents a distinct phenotype. There has been much debate about the possible pathophysiological and clinical importance of concomitant persistent pain in TN. This has led to subgrouping of TN into forms with and without concomitant persistent pain in the recent 3rd International Classification of Headache Disorders beta classification.

In this cross-sectional study, data on the clinical characteristics were systematically and prospectively collected from consecutive TN patients. A total of 158 consecutive TN patients were included. Concomitant persistent pain was present in 78 patients (49%). The average intensity of concomitant persistent pain was 4.6 (verbal numerical rating scale). The concomitant persistent pain was present at onset or early in the disease course. Patients with concomitant persistent pain were on average 6.2 (P = .008) years younger at onset, but the 2 groups had the same duration of disease (P = .174). There was a preponderance of women in TN with (P < .001) but not in TN without concomitant persistent pain (P = .820). Right-sided pain was more prevalent than left-sided in TN without (P = .007) but not in TN with concomitant persistent pain (P = .907).

In elderly patients and in patients with underlying cardiovascula

In elderly patients and in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease and other risk factors for thrombosis, these agents should be used, when strictly indicated. Anamnestic response with the increase in FVIII inhibitor after APCC treatment has been reported only in the haemophilic patients [14]. Data on the use of FVIII replacement therapy in acquired haemophilia are scanty. Its use should be attempted only in case of low inhibitor

titre (<5 BU mL), minor bleeding and no bypassing agents availability. According to the experience in congenital haemophilia with alloantibodies, a loading dose should be given as bolus to neutralize the inhibitor and to achieve the haemostatic level, followed by subsequent doses given by bolus or by continuous infusion for maintenance [15]. The www.selleckchem.com/products/Nolvadex.html recovery and half-life of the infused this website FVIII:C cannot be predicted because of the variable kinetics of FVIII:C. In case of no satisfactory response within 24–48 h, one should resort to a by-passing agent. Desmopressin, a synthetic vasopressin analogue, releases FVIII/von Willebrand factor from the vascular endothelium. Its use in acquired haemophilia is

anecdotal; the indications are the same as for FVIII concentrates [16]. When infused intravenously or administered subcutaneously or intranasally, FVIII:C increases three- to five-fold above the baseline and reach a value sufficient to treat minor bleeding. The tachyphylaxis phenomenon limits it use to 3 or 4 上海皓元 consecutive days. The antidiuretic and vasomotor side-effects require caution in older patients. The response to high-dose immunoglobulins has been attributed to the presence of anti-idiotype antibodies in the pooled immunoglobulins, but at present, there is no evidence for its use as a single agent in acquired haemophilia [17]. A possible application is as an integral component of immune tolerance induction protocol [18–20]. The aim of the immunosuppressive therapy is the eradication of the inhibitor. Spontaneous complete remission (e.g. children, post-partum, drug-associated cases) were reported up to 36% of the patients [21], but are unpredictable and the

patients remain at great risk of severe bleeding if the inhibitor persists [1,22,23]. Therefore, immunosuppressive therapy should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is established. No prospective, controlled studies evaluating the efficacy of the different therapeutic agents have been published. Prednisone as monotherapy or in combination with cyclophosphamide and azothioprin is the standard intervention [1,24] (Table 3). The therapy should be carried out with adequate doses and duration: previous experience in haemophiliacs points to the importance of carrying out the treatment according to haematological tolerance [25]. Complete remission rate is higher and overall mortality is lower in the treated patients. Response rate with prednisone alone is high, but a sustained remission after prednisone discontinuation is rare.

Pair-wise sequence similarities within the 16S rRNA clade contain

Pair-wise sequence similarities within the 16S rRNA clade containing all eleven L. wollei strains were high, ranging from 97% to 100%. This group was distantly related (<92% nucleotide similarity) to other taxa within the group previously considered under the genus Lyngbya sensu lato (C. Agardh ex Gomont). Collectively, these results suggest that this toxigenic group is evolutionarily distinct and sufficiently distant as to be considered a separate genus, which we have described as

Microseira gen. nov. and hence transfer to it the type M. wollei comb. nov. “
“Trebouxiophytes of the genus Prasiola are well known in Antarctica, where they are among the most important primary producers. Although many aspects of their biology have been thoroughly investigated, the scarcity of molecular data has so far prevented an accurate assessment of their taxonomy and phylogenetic position. Using sequences of the chloroplast genes rbcL and psaB, we demonstrate the existence of three selleck inhibitor cryptic species that were previously confused under Prasiola crispa (Lightfoot) Kützing. Genuine P. crispa occurs in Antarctica;

its presence was confirmed by comparison with the rbcL sequence of the type specimen (from Y27632 the Isle of Skye, Scotland). Prasiola antarctica Kützing is resurrected as an independent species to designate algae with gross morphology identical to P. crispa but robustly placed in a separate lineage. The third species is represented by specimens identified as P. calophylla (Carmichael ex Greville) Kützing in previous studies, but clearly separated from European P. calophylla (type locality: Argyll, Scotland); this alga is described as P. glacialis sp. nov. The molecular data demonstrated the presence of P. crispa in Maritime and Continental Antarctica. P. antarctica was recorded from the Antarctic Peninsula and Shetland Islands, and P. glacialis 上海皓元 from the Southern

Ocean islands and coast. Such unexpected cryptic diversity highlights the need for a taxonomic reassessment of many published Antarctic records of P. crispa. The results also indicate that marine species of Prasiola form a well-supported monophyletic group, whereas the phylogenetic diversity of freshwater species is higher than previously suspected (at least three separate lineages within the genus include species living in this type of environments). “
“Aquatic habitats are usually structured by light attenuation with depth resulting in different microalgal communities, each one adapted to a certain light regime by their specific pigment composition. Several taxa contain pigments restricted to one phylogenetic group, making them useful as marker pigments in phytoplankton community studies. The nuisance and invasive freshwater microalga Gonyostomum semen (Raphidophyceae) is mainly found in brown water lakes with sharp vertical gradients in light intensity and color. However, its pigment composition and potential photoadaptations have not been comprehensively studied.