@article {1876, title = {Genetic differences among several species of Tricladida from the relict Lake Ohrid as revealed by enzyme electrophoresis.}, journal = {Folia Biol (Krakow)}, volume = {51}, year = {2003}, month = {2003}, pages = {105-9}, abstract = {

Six endemic and two widely distributed species living in Lake Ohrid were studied. In general, these hermaphroditic animals displayed no signs of departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Genetic variation in all but one of the endemic species was of the same extent as that in geographically wide ranging invertebrates. On the other hand, the Lake Ohrid population of the common European species Dendrocoelum lacteum was monomorphic at all loci examined. D. sanctinaumi, one of the endemic species, exhibited a clear genetic subdivision into spring and littoral subpopulations. The genetic differentiation of Crenobia alpina alpina and C. a. montenigrina proved commensurable to that of well separated species from other genera. The data suggest that the separation of particular lineages in the set of Lake Ohrid endemics was widely dispersed over time.

}, keywords = {Animals, Enzymes, Europe, Genetic Variation, Genetics, Population, Platyhelminths, Water Supply}, issn = {0015-5497}, author = {Sywula, Tadeusz and Krstanovski, Zdravko and Tasevska, Orhideja and Sell, Jerzy and Kretowicz, Tomasz} } @article {1766, title = {Triploid planarian reproduces truly bisexually with euploid gametes produced through a different meiotic system between sex.}, journal = {Chromosoma}, volume = {123}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Jun}, pages = {265-72}, abstract = {

Although polyploids are common among plants and some animals, polyploidization often causes reproductive failure. Triploids, in particular, are characterized by the problems of chromosomal pairing and segregation during meiosis, which may cause aneuploid gametes and results in sterility. Thus, they are generally considered to reproduce only asexually. In the case of the Platyhelminthes Dugesia ryukyuensis, populations with triploid karyotypes are normally found in nature as both fissiparous and oviparous triploids. Fissiparous triploids can also be experimentally sexualized if they are fed sexual planarians, developing both gonads and other reproductive organs. Fully sexualized worms begin reproducing by copulation rather than fission. In this study, we examined the genotypes of the offspring obtained by breeding sexualized triploids and found that the offspring inherited genes from both parents, i.e., they reproduced truly bisexually. Furthermore, meiotic chromosome behavior in triploid sexualized planarians differed significantly between male and female germ lines, in that female germ line cells remained triploid until prophase I, whereas male germ line cells appeared to become diploid before entry into meiosis. Oocytes at the late diplotene stage contained not only paired bivalents but also unpaired univalents that were suggested to produce diploid eggs if they remained in subsequent processes. Triploid planarians may therefore form euploid gametes by different meiotic systems in female and male germ lines and thus are be able to reproduce sexually in contrast to many other triploid organisms.

}, keywords = {Animals, Chromosomes, Female, Germ Cells, Male, Meiosis, planarians, reproduction, Triploidy}, issn = {1432-0886}, doi = {10.1007/s00412-013-0449-2}, author = {Chinone, Ayako and Nodono, Hanae and Matsumoto, Midori} } @article {1738, title = {Gene organization and expression of a neuropeptide Y homolog from the land planarian Arthurdendyus triangulatus}, journal = {J Comp Neurol}, volume = {454}, year = {2002}, month = {2002 Dec 02}, pages = {58-64}, abstract = {

Neuropeptide Y is one of the most widespread regulatory peptides within the vertebrate nervous system and shares the C-terminal motif [FY]-x(3)-[LIVM]-x(2)-Y-x(3)-[LIVMFY]-x-R-x-R-[YF] with pancreatic polypeptide, peptide YY, and fish pancreatic peptide Y. All four peptides are believed to have arisen from a single ancestral gene through successive gene duplication events in vertebrates. The origin of this peptide family may date back further still; similarly sized peptide transmitters with an identical C-terminal motif have been identified in molluscs and flatworms and designated neuropeptide F (NPF). Cloning of the npf gene from the parasitic flatworm Moniezia expansa identified some unusual features within the peptide precursor organization but, at the same time, provided support for an evolutionary relationship of npf and npy genes through the presence of a single intron at a conserved position. To extend the analysis of the evolutionary relationships between invertebrate NPF and vertebrate NPY family peptides, the NPF precursor from the turbellarian Arthurdendyus triangulatus was characterized. Sequence analysis revealed the npf transcript to be 362 base pairs in length encoding a single open reading frame of 81 amino acids. The precursor comprises a signal peptide followed by the mature peptide of 36 amino acids in length, terminating in the typical invertebrate GRPRF motif, followed by a carboxyterminal glycyl extension. The NPF precursor of A. triangulatus shows significant similarities to the vertebrate NPY peptides. Indeed, the N-terminus of A. triangulatus prepro-NPF corresponds more closely to that of the vertebrate peptide homologs than to that of other invertebrate NPFs isolated to date. Immunocytochemical localization studies have demonstrated NPF immunoreactivity throughout the nervous system of A. triangulatus, particularly in association with muscular structures. The data support an early evolutionary origin for this peptide transmitter family within the nervous system of basal bilaterians.

}, keywords = {Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Base Sequence, DNA, Complementary, Genomic Library, Helminth Proteins, Introns, Molecular Sequence Data, Nervous system, Neuropeptide Y, Organ Specificity, planarians, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Sequence Homology, Amino Acid}, issn = {0021-9967}, doi = {10.1002/cne.10440}, author = {Dougan, Paula M and Mair, Gunnar R and Halton, David W and Curry, W James and Day, Tim A and Maule, Aaron G} } @article {1734, title = {Neuropeptide F: primary structure from the tubellarian, Artioposthia triangulata.}, journal = {Comp Biochem Physiol C}, volume = {101}, year = {1992}, month = {1992 Feb}, pages = {269-74}, abstract = {

1. A neuropeptide exhibiting vertebrate pancreatic polypeptide immunoreactivity has been isolated and sequenced from extracts of the terrestrial turbellarian, Artioposthia triangulata. 2. This neuropeptide, designated neuropeptide F, consists of 36 amino acid residues terminating in a phenylalaninamide. 3. The full primary structure was established as: KVVHLRPRSSFSSEDEYQIYLRNVSKYIQLYGRPRF.NH2. The molecular mass, deduced from this sequence, was 4433 Da. 4. This neuropeptide exhibits C-terminal homology with neuropeptide F (Moniezia expansa) and with the vertebrate neuropeptide Y/pancreatic polypeptide superfamily of which it may represent a phylogenetic precursor.

}, keywords = {Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Helminth Proteins, Immunohistochemistry, Mass Spectrometry, Molecular Sequence Data, Molecular Weight, Neuropeptide Y, Neuropeptides, Pancreatic Polypeptide, Platyhelminths, Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid}, issn = {0742-8413}, author = {Curry, W J and Shaw, C and Johnston, C F and Thim, L and Buchanan, K D} } @article {1733, title = {Impact of the New Zealand flatworm (Artioposthia triangulata) on soil structure and hydrology in the UK.}, journal = {Sci Total Environ}, volume = {215}, year = {1998}, month = {1998 May 04}, pages = {259-65}, abstract = {

Through north west Europe, concern has been growing in recent years about the predatory nature of Artioposthia triangulata on indigenous earthworm species. In this study, the consequence of earthworm depletion by A. triangulata on soil structure and related hydrological processes is examined. Field measurements compare differences in saturated hydraulic conductivity between sites overrun by A. triangulata and neighbouring unaffected sites. Laboratory experiments were conducted on soil cores containing worms only, worms and A. triangulata, and a control with no worms or A. Triangulata. Differences in the water release characteristic and bulk density between treatments was studied. It is concluded that in the short term, infestation by flatworms and consequent depletion of earthworms will increase infiltration. However, as macropores degenerate or are removed over time, an increased risk of surface run off may result in increased pollution and flood hazards, whilst reduced drainage and subsequent waterlogging may reduce agricultural productivity in certain soils. More research into understanding the processes is required.

}, keywords = {Animals, Environmental Monitoring, Oligochaeta, Platyhelminths, Predatory Behavior, Regression Analysis, Soil, Soil Pollutants, United Kingdom}, issn = {0048-9697}, author = {Haria, A H and McGrath, S P and Moore, J P and Bell, J P and Blackshaw, R P} } @article {1732, title = {Septate junctions in the cephalic epidermis of Turbellarians (Bipalium)}, journal = {Cell Tissue Res}, volume = {184}, year = {1977}, month = {1977 Nov 07}, pages = {423-5}, abstract = {

In the epidermis of turbellarians septate junctions of the pleated sheet type have been demonstrated in conventional thin sections and freeze fractured preparations. The structure of these junctions entirely agrees with that found in molluscs and arthropods.

}, keywords = {Animals, Epidermis, Freeze Fracturing, Intercellular Junctions, Microscopy, Electron, Microscopy, Electron, Scanning, Turbellaria}, issn = {0302-766X}, author = {Storch, V and Welsch, U} } @article {1729, title = {British species of Polycelis (Platyhelminthes)}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {162}, year = {1948}, month = {1948 Oct 16}, pages = {620}, keywords = {Animals, Platyhelminths}, issn = {0028-0836}, author = {REYNOLDSON, T B} } @article {1728, title = {Parvalbumin-immunoreactive proteins in the nervous system of planarians}, journal = {Cell Mol Neurobiol}, volume = {15}, year = {1995}, month = {1995 Aug}, pages = {401-10}, abstract = {

1. Using immunological methods, we have identified parvalbumin-like material in the triclade flatworms, Polycelis nigra, Polycelis auriculata, Crenobia alpina, Dugesia tahitiensis, and Dugesia polychroa. 2. Western immunoblot analysis of these five species revealed heat stable parvalbumin-immunoreactive proteins between 32 kD and 44 kD. 3. Proteins at 19 and 32 kD revealed intense labeling with 45Ca2+. 4. Double immunodiffusion of planarian supernatants showed complete fusion of precipitates, indicating immunological relatedness of the parvalbumin-like material among the species investigated. 5. Immunocytochemical studies exhibit parvalbumin-immunoreactive material exclusively in neurons supporting the notion of an early evolutionary appearance of these proteins in the nervous system.

}, keywords = {Animals, Blotting, Western, Calcium-Binding Proteins, Immunohistochemistry, Molecular Weight, Nervous system, Parvalbumins, planarians}, issn = {0272-4340}, author = {Hutticher, A and Kerschbaum, H H and Kainz, V and Bito, M and Hermann, A} } @article {1727, title = {Chromosome number and ploidy-level in a Dutch population of Crenobia alpina Dana (Planaria)}, journal = {Genetica}, volume = {40}, year = {1969}, month = {1969}, pages = {61-4}, keywords = {Animals, Chromosomes, Diploidy, Mitosis, polyploidy, Turbellaria}, issn = {0016-6707}, author = {van der Linden, A G} } @article {1726, title = {Spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis and sperm structure in Crenobia (Planaria) alpina (Dana)}, journal = {Z Zellforsch Mikrosk Anat}, volume = {97}, year = {1969}, month = {1969}, pages = {549-63}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Division, Cell Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Flagella, Male, Microscopy, Phase-Contrast, Spermatozoa, Staining and Labeling, Turbellaria}, issn = {0340-0336}, author = {van der Linden, A G} } @article {1724, title = {Ammonia toxicity to the freshwater planarian Polycelis felina: contrasting effects of continuous versus discontinuous exposures}, journal = {Arch Environ Contam Toxicol}, volume = {68}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 May}, pages = {689-95}, abstract = {

Aquatic animals can be exposed to fluctuating concentrations of toxicants. In fact, for some toxicants (i.e., pesticides, ammonia), discontinuous exposure is more environmentally relevant than constant exposure. Responses of aquatic animals to each type of exposure may be different. However, despite the high ecological relevance of behaviour, there is still scarce information on the effects of discontinuous exposure on behaviour. Our study focused on the assessment of unionized ammonia toxicity on the behaviour of a freshwater planarian under continuous exposure (3 days of exposure and 18 days of recovery) versus discontinuous exposure (3 pulses of 1 day with 6 days of recovery between pulses = total 3 days of exposure and 18 days of recovery). Behaviour was assessed as locomotion activity. Bioassays with continuous and discontinuous exposure were performed with one control and five unionized ammonia concentrations (0.14-0.35 mg N-NH3/L). Unionized ammonia in continuous exposure caused less impact on behaviour than equivalent concentrations provided in a discontinuous exposure. By contrast, continuous exposures caused more impact on survival. The discontinuous exposure may allow detoxification during recovery periods, thus increasing the probability of survival in the next pulse. Under continuous exposure, the mortality threshold could be exceeded, and animals could die in greater proportion during exposure as well as the recovery period. We conclude that behavioural activity was a sensitive endpoint to assess the contrasting effects of continuous versus discontinuous exposure and that the response of planarians to discontinuous exposure is different to its response to continuous exposure.

}, keywords = {Ammonia, Animals, Biological Assay, Fresh Water, Lethal Dose 50, Locomotion, planarians, Toxicity Tests, Water Pollutants, Chemical}, issn = {1432-0703}, doi = {10.1007/s00244-015-0129-8}, author = {Alonso, Alvaro and Camargo, Julio A} } @article {1723, title = {Predator effects on a detritus-based food web are primarily mediated by non-trophic interactions}, journal = {J Anim Ecol}, volume = {83}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Jul}, pages = {953-62}, abstract = {

Predator effects on ecosystems can extend far beyond their prey and are often not solely lethally transmitted. Change in prey traits in response to predation risk can have important repercussions on community assembly and key ecosystem processes (i.e. trait-mediated indirect effects). In addition, some predators themselves alter habitat structure or nutrient cycling through ecological engineering effects. Tracking these non-trophic pathways is thus an important, yet challenging task to gain a better grasp of the functional role of predators. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that, in detritus-based food webs, non-trophic interactions may prevail over purely trophic interactions in determining predator effects on plant litter decomposition. This hypothesis was tested in a headwater stream by modulating the density of a flatworm predator (Polycelis felina) in enclosures containing oak (Quercus robur) leaf litter exposed to natural colonization by small invertebrates and microbial decomposers. Causal path modelling was used to infer how predator effects propagated through the food web. Flatworms accelerated litter decomposition through positive effects on microbial decomposers. The biomass of prey and non-prey invertebrates was not negatively affected by flatworms, suggesting that net predator effect on litter decomposition was primarily determined by non-trophic interactions. Flatworms enhanced the deposition and retention of fine sediments on leaf surface, thereby improving leaf colonization by invertebrates - most of which having strong affinities with interstitial habitats. This predator-induced improvement of habitat availability was attributed to the sticky nature of the mucus that flatworms secrete in copious amount while foraging. Results of path analyses further indicated that this bottom-up ecological engineering effect was as powerful as the top-down effect on invertebrate prey. Our findings suggest that predators have the potential to affect substantially carbon flow and nutrient cycling in detritus-based ecosystems and that this impact cannot be fully appreciated without considering non-trophic effects.

}, keywords = {Animals, Biomass, Carbon Cycle, Food Chain, Geologic Sediments, Models, Biological, planarians, Plant Leaves, Predatory Behavior, Quercus, Rivers}, issn = {1365-2656}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.12189}, author = {Majdi, Nabil and Boich{\'e}, Anatole and Traunspurger, Walter and Lecerf, Antoine} } @article {1722, title = {Behavioral, morphological and histopathological effects of sublethal doses of quercetin on the species Polycelis felina (Dalyell)}, journal = {Folia Biol (Krakow)}, volume = {61}, year = {2013}, month = {2013}, pages = {101-6}, abstract = {

The effect of quercetin was studied on the multi-eyed flatworm Polycelis felina (Daly.) in laboratory conditions. This is a very suitable test-organism available year-round in nature, easily maintained in the laboratory. The results showed that depending on the dose and recovery period quercetin caused locomotory (behavioral) changes in treated animals including aggregation in groups, resting and unsynchronized movements and twisting of particular body parts. Morphological changes in the form of depigmentation of certain body parts were the result of damage or deterioration ofreticular and parenchymal cells. Numerous basophilic bodies representing parts of damaged and decomposed cells were determined in the gastroderm between the third and seventh day after treatment. All histological preparations revealed significant deterioration of cellular material, and therefore a damaging effect of quercetin on the multi-eyed flatworm Polycelis felina (Daly.). We found an increased number of neoblasts and reticular cells on the third day after treatment, so we concluded that quercetin in the applied doses had a stimulating effect on cell division of neoblasts and reticular cells of treated flatworms.

}, keywords = {Animals, Behavior, Animal, Motor Activity, Platyhelminths, Quercetin}, issn = {0015-5497}, author = {Rajevi{\'c}, Nives and Matkovi{\'c}, Helena and Gregorovi{\'c}, Gordana and Kovacevi{\'c}, Goran and Knezovi{\'c}, Lejla and Kalafati{\'c}, Mirjana} } @article {1721, title = {The freshwater planarian Polycelis felina as a sensitive species to assess the long-term toxicity of ammonia}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {84}, year = {2011}, month = {2011 Jul}, pages = {533-7}, abstract = {

Behavioural endpoints are a good link between physiological and ecological effects. However long-term behavioural endpoints are not uniformly studied over all different organism groups. For example behaviour has been scarcely studied in planarians. Unionized ammonia (NH(3)) is one of the most widespread pollutants in developed countries, and is known to alter animal behaviour. In this study a long-term (30 d) bioassay was conducted to assess the effect of this pollutant on survival and behavioural activity (e.g. locomotion activity) of the freshwater planarian Polycelis felina. One control and three environmentally-realistic concentrations of unionized ammonia (treatments of 0.02, 0.05, and 0.09 mg N-NH(3) L(-1)) were used in quintuplicate. The behaviour of planarians was measured after 0, 10, 20 and 30 d of ammonia exposure. Mortality was recorded every 2 d. Unionized ammonia increased mortality in the two highest NH(3) concentrations and the locomotory activity was depressed in all treatments after 20 d of exposure. Behavioural effect was observed at concentrations 20 times lower than the short-term LC50 for this species. Previous studies proposed safe concentrations of unionized ammonia of 0.01-0.10 mg N-NH(3) L(-1) to aquatic ecosystems, but our study has shown that these concentrations will affect planarians. Because planarians play a key role in streams (as predator/scavenger), safe concentrations should be below 0.02 mg N-NH(3) L(-1) to protect this species in the freshwater community. Our results can contribute to improve the knowledge about ammonia toxicity to freshwater ecosystems, we recommend that safe concentrations of unionized ammonia should be based on very sensitive species.

}, keywords = {Ammonia, Animals, Environmental Monitoring, Fresh Water, planarians, Water Pollutants, Chemical}, issn = {1879-1298}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.04.030}, author = {Alonso, Alvaro and Camargo, Julio A} } @article {1720, title = {Ameliorating effect of chloride on nitrite toxicity to freshwater invertebrates with different physiology: a comparative study between amphipods and planarians}, journal = {Arch Environ Contam Toxicol}, volume = {54}, year = {2008}, month = {2008 Feb}, pages = {259-65}, abstract = {

High nitrite concentrations in freshwater ecosystems may cause toxicity to aquatic animals. These living organisms can take nitrite up from water through their chloride cells, subsequently suffering oxidation of their respiratory pigments (hemoglobin, hemocyanin). Because NO(2)(-) and Cl(-) ions compete for the same active transport site, elevated chloride concentrations in the aquatic environment have the potential of reducing nitrite toxicity. Although this ameliorating effect is well documented in fish, it has been largely ignored in wild freshwater invertebrates. The aim of this study was to compare the ameliorating effect of chloride on nitrite toxicity to two species of freshwater invertebrates differing in physiology: Eulimnogammarus toletanus (amphipods) and Polycelis felina (planarians). The former species presents gills (with chloride cells) and respiratory pigments, whereas in the latter species these are absent. Test animals were exposed in triplicate for 168 h to a single nitrite concentration (5 ppm NO(2)-N for E. toletanus and 100 ppm NO(2)-N for P. felina) at four different environmental chloride concentrations (27.8, 58.3, 85.3, and 108.0 ppm Cl(-)). The number of dead animals and the number of affected individuals (i.e., number of dead plus inactive invertebrates) were monitored every day. LT(50) (lethal time) and ET(50) (effective time) were estimated for each species and each chloride concentration. LT(50) and ET(50) values increased with increases in the environmental chloride concentration, mainly in amphipods. Results clearly show that the ameliorating effect of chloride on nitrite toxicity was more significant in amphipods than in planarians, likely because of the absence of gills (with chloride cells) and respiratory pigments in P. felina. Additionally, this comparative study indicates that the ecological risk assessment of nitrite in freshwater ecosystems should take into account not only the most sensitive and key species in the communities, but also chloride levels in the aquatic environment.

}, keywords = {Amphipoda, Animals, Chlorides, Lethal Dose 50, Nitrites, planarians, Water Pollutants, Chemical}, issn = {0090-4341}, doi = {10.1007/s00244-007-9034-0}, author = {Alonso, A and Camargo, J A} } @article {1719, title = {Resistance of two planarian species to UV-irradiation}, journal = {Folia Biol (Krakow)}, volume = {54}, year = {2006}, month = {2006}, pages = {103-8}, abstract = {

The aim of this work was to determine the effects of 20, 25 and 30 minute UV-irradiation periods lambda = 253.5 nm to two planarian species Dugesia tigrina (Gir.) and Polycelis felina (Daly.). In vivo, UV light effects have been reported to affect intracellular receptors and disrupt simple behaviour. The effects of UV-rays on mortality and behavior as well as morphological, cytological and histological changes in the two planarian species were assessed, and the course and the dynamics of regenerative processes were compared between them. Experimental populations of Dugesia tigrina and Polycelis felina species were maintained in laboratory conditions at room temperature. Mortality, behavioral and morphological changes were monitored daily by means of a light stereomicroscope. For cytological and histopathological analysis, planarians were fixed in Bouine fixative on the first, second, third, fifth and seventh day after exposure to UV-irradiation, respectively. They were embedded in paraffin, cut on a microtome, stained with toluidin blue and embedded in Canada-balsam. UV-rays caused mortality, behavioral, morphological, cytological and histological changes in each planarian species. In regeneration of damaged body parts reticular cells and neoblasts played the main role. Neoblasts as totipotent cells extremely increased in number in the area of damaged tissue, immediately after UV-exposure. Dugesia tigrina was more sensitive to UV-rays than Polycelis felina due to possession of less pigmented cells. The course of regeneration in both species was similar. Most individuals of both species regenerated in 5 to 12 days after UV-irradiation.

}, keywords = {Animals, planarians, Ultraviolet Rays}, issn = {0015-5497}, author = {Kalafati{\'c}, Mirjana and Kovacevi{\'c}, Goran and Franjevi{\'c}, Damjan} } @article {1718, title = {Toxicity of nitrite to three species of freshwater invertebrates.}, journal = {Environ Toxicol}, volume = {21}, year = {2006}, month = {2006 Feb}, pages = {90-4}, abstract = {

Nitrite is a compound with a high toxicity to aquatic animals. Several anthropogenic pollution sources are increasing the concentrations of this component of the nitrogen cycle. Despite this toxicity, there is little available literature on its effects on freshwater invertebrates. Laboratory bioassays were performed to obtain data on the lethal effects of nitrite to three species of freshwater invertebrates: the planarian Polycelis felina and the amphipods Echinogammarus echinosetosus and Eulimnogammarus toletanus. The LC(50), LC(10), and LC(0.01) values (mg/L NO(2)--N) at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h were calculated for each species. E. toletanus and E. echinosetosus were the most sensitive species, with 96 h LC(50) values of 2.09 and 2.59 mg/L NO(2)--N, respectively. In contrast, the planarian P. felina showed a higher tolerance to nitrite, with a 96 h LC(50) value of 60.0 mg/L NO(2)--N. The obtained results were compared with the reported nitrite data for other freshwater invertebrates. This study may contribute to a more appropriate assessment of the ecological risk of this compound in freshwater ecosystems.

}, keywords = {Amphipoda, Animals, Lethal Dose 50, Nitrites, planarians, Rivers, Spain, Water Pollutants, Chemical}, issn = {1520-4081}, doi = {10.1002/tox.20155}, author = {Alonso, Alvaro and Camargo, Julio A} } @article {1717, title = {Toxicity testing of herbicide norflurazon on an aquatic bioindicator species--the planarian Polycelis felina (Daly.)}, journal = {Aquat Toxicol}, volume = {73}, year = {2005}, month = {2005 Jul 30}, pages = {342-52}, abstract = {

Norflurazon is a bleaching, preemergence herbicide. Due to its mobility and long half-life it presents a potential for groundwater contamination. The aim of our study was to investigate toxic effects of norflurazon on non-targeted aquatic bioindicator organism, the planarian Polycelis felina (Daly.). Animals were exposed to water solutions of norflurazon in concentrations 200, 20, 2 and 0.2 microM. Mortality, locomotive and morphological changes were monitored. Histological changes were studied both on treated and control animals with light microscopy. The primary DNA damage on single planarian cells was studied using the alkaline comet assay. Three comet parameters were studied: tail length, percentage of DNA in comet tail and tail moment. The results showed that norflurazon caused mortality, locomotive, morphological and histological changes in treated animals compared to corresponding controls. The most prominent histological changes were damage of the outer mucous layer, lack of rhabdites, damage to epidermis and extensive damage to parenchyma cells. The results of alkaline comet assay indicated that norflurazon in concentrations of 2 and 0.2 microM induces significant increase of primary DNA damage in planarian cells compared to the corresponding control animals. The mean values of all three measured parameters were significantly elevated on the fourth day of the treatment compared with the first and the seventh day. Based on the results of mortality and locomotive observations, we conclude that the fourth day of the treatment represents a certain threshold within planarian metabolism followed by the beginning of detoxification and recovery. However, histological preparations and comet data statistics show results indicating that high toxicity on the seventh day of the treatment gave the results of decrease of DNA damage due to the tissue/cell damage (apoptosis) and not recovery. The present study showed the ability of norflurazon to induce a wide range of different toxicological responses in freshwater planarian Polycelis felina (Daly.).

}, keywords = {Animals, Comet Assay, Croatia, DNA Damage, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Herbicides, Histological Techniques, Locomotion, Mortality, planarians, Pyridazines, Time Factors}, issn = {0166-445X}, doi = {10.1016/j.aquatox.2005.03.023}, author = {Horvat, T and Kalafati{\'c}, M and Kopjar, N and Kovacevi{\'c}, G} } @article {1716, title = {Karyological analysis of two allopatric populations of planarian Polycelis felina (Daly.) in Croatia}, journal = {Folia Biol (Krakow)}, volume = {52}, year = {2004}, month = {2004}, pages = {131-3}, abstract = {

The results of preliminary karyological investigations of two geographically distant and morphologically slightly different Polycelis felina (Daly.) populations from central Croatia are reported. The results have shown that individuals of both populations are diploids, with the same chromosome number in their neoblasts (2n=18). Their karyotypes were composed of nine chromosome pairs, three of them are metacentric and the other six are submetacentric. Statistical evaluation of data indicated that both populations of Polycelis felina (Daly.), despite minor differences observed between them, belong to the same karyological biotype.

}, keywords = {Animals, Chromosomes, Croatia, Geography, Karyotyping, planarians, Species Specificity}, issn = {0015-5497}, author = {Kalafati{\'c}, Mirjana and Kopjar, Nevenka and Zrna, Gordana and Zupan, Irina and Kovacevi{\'c}, Goran and Franjevi{\'c}, Damjan} } @article {1715, title = {The impairments of neoblast division in regenerating planarian Polycelis felina (Daly.) caused by in vitro treatment with cadmium sulfate}, journal = {Toxicol In Vitro}, volume = {18}, year = {2004}, month = {2004 Feb}, pages = {99-107}, abstract = {

The effects of cadmium sulfate on the neoblast mitotic activity in regenerating planarian Polycelis felina (Daly.) were investigated. Mitotic abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations were evaluated after 6-h treatment and 24-h recovery period. The blastema were fixed, and examined cytologically through routine lactoorceine squash preparations. Mitotic indices were also determined. Cadmium sulfate induced a dose-dependent decrease in neoblast mitotic activity, accompanied with disturbances in distribution of cells over mitotic phases. Different cytological abnormalities with varying frequency were observed. Marked mitotic depression was concentration-dependent. Toxic effects of cadmium in regenerating planarian were mainly associated with mitotic spindle disturbances. Immediately after treatment mitotic abnormalities were prevalent over chromosomal and C-mitosis was the most prominent one. After 24-h recovery period a prevalence of mitotic over chromosomal aberrations was still present in animals treated with two higher concentrations of cadmium sulfate. However, the proportions of cells with chromosome stickiness in all treated animals were significantly increased compared to their post-treatment values. Observed mitotic impairments could be related to mitotic arrest contributing to retardations and delays, especially in animals treated with the highest concentration tested. The results obtained indicated usefulness of short term invertebrate assays as an alternative to in vitro pre-screening of toxic chemicals.

}, keywords = {Animals, Biological Assay, Cadmium Compounds, Cell Division, Chromosome Aberrations, Croatia, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Drug Evaluation, Preclinical, Female, Forecasting, Mitosis, Mitotic Index, Mortality, Oxygen Consumption, planarians, regeneration, Sulfates, Survival, Time Factors}, issn = {0887-2333}, author = {Kalafati{\'c}, M and Kopjar, N and Besendorfer, V} } @article {1711, title = {Genesis, composition and fate of cortical granules in the eggs of Polycelis nigra (Turbellaria, Tricladida).}, journal = {J Ultrastruct Res}, volume = {50}, year = {1975}, month = {1975 Feb}, pages = {277-83}, keywords = {Animals, Cytoplasmic Granules, Female, Fertilization, Glycoproteins, Golgi Apparatus, Histocytochemistry, Microscopy, Electron, Ovum, Polysaccharides, Proteins, Turbellaria}, issn = {0022-5320}, author = {Gremigni, V and Domenici, L} } @article {1710, title = {On the distribution of neoblasts of Dugesia lugubris (Turbellaria, Tricladida) before and during regeneration}, journal = {C R Hebd Seances Acad Sci}, volume = {250}, year = {1960}, month = {1960 Mar 28}, pages = {2465-7}, keywords = {Animals, Annelida, Asteraceae, planarians, Platyhelminths, regeneration, Turbellaria}, issn = {0001-4036}, author = {LENDER, T and GABRIEL, A} } @article {1708, title = {Anatomical deviation of male organs of land planarians from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with description of two new species of Cratera (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida).}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {3931}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Mar 11}, pages = {27-40}, abstract = {

Two new land planarian species, collected in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are described. Their external aspect is similar to that of Imbira marcusi Carbayo et al., 2013 and Pseudogeoplana theresopolitana (Schirch, 1929), respectively. The analysis of the internal organs, however, revealed they belong to the genus Cratera. The male copulatory organs of one species is very different from any other geoplaninid, for the penis papilla holds a large, distal cavity receiving the ejaculatory duct and, furthermore, the papilla projects vertically downwards from the roof of the male atrium. Thus we consider it as a new species, Cratera cuarassu sp. nov. The second species differs from its congeners in that the dorsal insertion of the penis papilla is anterior to the ventral one, and in that the female atrium is narrowed in the anterior portion. The species was found in the type locality of Pseudogeoplana theresopolitana (Schirch, 1929) and compares well with it in the external features. However, since its internal organs are unknown and the type material of the species is seemingly lost, we describe it as Cratera anamariae Carbayo, sp. nov.

}, keywords = {Animals, Brazil, Genitalia, Male, Male, planarians}, issn = {1175-5334}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.3931.1.2}, author = {Carbayo, Fernando and Almeida, Ana Laura} } @article {1702, title = {Vomiting of land planarians (Turbellaria: Tricladida: Terricola) ingested by cats}, journal = {Aust Vet J}, volume = {60}, year = {1983}, month = {1983 Sep}, pages = {282-3}, keywords = {Animals, Cat Diseases, Cats, planarians, Turbellaria, Vomiting}, issn = {0005-0423}, author = {Winsor, L} } @article {1701, title = {Oblique illumination and interference contrast microscopy aids in the taxonomic histology of land planarians.}, journal = {Mikroskopie}, volume = {34}, year = {1978}, month = {1978 Dec}, pages = {319-21}, keywords = {Animals, Microscopy, Interference, Microscopy, Phase-Contrast, planarians, Turbellaria}, issn = {0026-3702}, author = {Winsor, L} } @article {1700, title = {Pseudoparasitism of domestic and native animals by geoplanid land planarians}, journal = {Aust Vet J}, volume = {56}, year = {1980}, month = {1980 Apr}, pages = {194-6}, abstract = {

Three cases of pseudoparasitism of a pullet, Pygmy possum and domestic cat by geoplanid land planarians are reported. Unlike similar reports from Japan and America, there is no implication of gastrointestinal pseudoparasitism in these Australian cases. It is believed that the incidents described arose from accidental attachment of land planarians to the animals concerned.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cat Diseases, Cats, Chickens, Opossums, Parasitic Diseases, Parasitic Diseases, Animal, planarians, Poultry Diseases}, issn = {0005-0423}, author = {Winsor, L} } @article {1698, title = {First report of the land planarian Diversibipalium multilineatum (Makino \& Shirasawa, 1983) (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Continenticola) in Europe.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4067}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Jan 26}, pages = {577-80}, abstract = {

Introduction of alien species may significantly affect soil ecosystems, through predation or disruption of components of native ecosystems (Winsor et al. 2004; \Álvarez-Presas et al. 2014; Justine et al. 2014). Land planarians have been reported as alien species in soils throughout the world and, among those, some species are considered to be successful invaders, e.g. Platydemus manokwari de Beauchamp, 1963, Arthurdendyus triangulatus (Dendy, 1894), Bipalium adventitium Hyman, 1943, Bipalium kewense Moseley, 1878 and Dolichoplana striata Moseley, 1877 (Winsor et al. 2004; \Álvarez-Presas et al. 2014; Justine et al. 2014, 2015). Soil moisture status seems to be an important element for their successful invasion (Fraser \& Boag 1998). In Europe at least 18 species of alien land planarians have been recorded since now and some of them are considered as invasive ones, e.g. P. manokwari (cf. Justine et al. 2014). Although the alien land planarian B. kewense has been reported to occur in many greenhouses in Italy (Bello et al. 1995), no data are available on its establishment and/or impact on natural environments. On 28th September 2014, 20 specimens (~1 individual/m2) of the land planarian Diversibipalium multilineatum (Makino \& Shirasawa, 1983) (Fig. 1), native to Japan, were collected under pots, branches and plastic materials in a private garden located in the center of Bologna (Emilia Romagna, Central Italy), near the urban park Giardini Margherita (44\°29\&$\#$39; N, 11\°21\&$\#$39; E; WGS84). Thirty plant species (both indigenous and alien), mainly cultivated as bonsai (e.g. Lagerstroemia indica L., Juniperus procumbens (Siebold ex Endl.) Miquel), were present in this shady, wet garden (25 m2). Between March 2014 and June 2015, 70 more specimens of D. multilineatum were collected at the same site, mainly at dusk and dawn after rain. Reproduction by fission and regeneration processes were observed in several of those specimens, which were kept for some time in captivity. A specimen of D. multilineatum was also collected in a garden in L\éguevin (Haute-Garonne, France), which will be described in a forthcoming paper by Justine et al. (in prep.) (see also Kawakatsu et al. 2014). Specimens without a genital pore were initially ascribed to D. multilineatum on the basis of their external appearance: the dorsal surface was brownish yellow and presented five longitudinal stripes at the head plate and the neck, showing the typical appearance of the species. The middorsal stripe was widened at its anterior end, on the head plate, and at the pharynx level. The ventral pattern of the animals at the pharyngeal region was also characteristic, with the middorsal stripe widened at this level. The Italian Diversibipalium specimens used for the molecular analysis were fixed and preserved in absolute ethanol. Fragments of the mitochondrial gene COI and 28S ribosomal RNA nuclear gene (GenBank Acc. Numbers KU245358 and KU245357, respectively) were obtained using the procedure and COI primers described in \Álvarez-Presas et al. (2008) and Sol\à et al. (2013). The French specimen\&$\#$39;s COI (Specimen MNHN JL177, GenBank Acc. Number KT922162) was obtained as described in Justine et al. (2015). 28S sequences of 14 Bipaliinae specimens and four Microplana species (outgroup) retrieved from GenBank were included in the phylogenetic analyses (Fig. 2). Sequence alignment was obtained by using the online software MAFFT version 7 (Katoh \& Standley 2013), while ambiguously aligned positions were removed using the program Gblocks (Talavera \& Castresana 2007) with default settings, excepting the minimum number of sequences for a flank position at the minimum value (set at 10) and with half of the allowed gap positions. The final alignment had a length of 1589 bp. We used two phylogenetic inference approaches: maximum likelihood (ML), using the RaxML 8.2.3 software (Stamatakis 2014), and Bayesian inferences (BI), using MrBayes 3.2.4 (Ronquist et al. 2012). The evolutionary model used, GTR+I+G, was estimated to be the best with the software jModeltest 2.1.7 (Darriba et al. 2012; Guindon \& Gascuel 2003), using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). MrBayes analyses were performed for 10-milion generation with sampling parameters every 103 and a 25\% default burn-in value for the final trees. Convergence of the two runs (average standard deviation of split frequencies \<\< 0.01) and likelihood stationarity were checked. The maximum likelihood analyses were performed under 1000 bootstrap pseudoreplicates. The phylogenetic results show a close and highly supported relationship of the Italian Diversibipalium specimens with those from Japan and South Korea that have been identified as D. multilineatum (Fig. 2). Diversibipalium multilineatum is the sister-group of B. nobile Kawakatsu \& Makino, 1982, but with low support. The COI sequences of the French (MNHN JL177) and the Italian Diversibipalium specimens were compared in Geneious v. 8.0.5 (http://www.geneious.com, Kearse et al. 2012) and were found to be identical. These results indicate that the species introduced in both countries is the same, and most probably concerns the species D. multilineatum. The pathways of introduction of D. multilineatum are currently unknown, although a relationship between the horticultural trade and the introduction of alien land planarians is well known (\Álvarez-Presas et al. 2014 and references therein). Here we report the first occurrence of individuals of D. multilineatum outside Asia. The GenBank sequence of D. multilineatum from South Korea is not yet supported by a published description of the specimen, while it is debatable whether South Korea should be considered part of the natural range of D. multilineatum, which only seems to include Japan. In the present paper, we consider the South Korean animal to be an introduced specimen. Soil moisture status, temperature, and food availability are considered to be the main factors determining the presence of terrestrial planarians (Boag et al. 1998); the microclimatic conditions of the Italian garden were similar to plant nurseries and greenhouses, while an abundance of food was available, such as isopods [Porcellionides pruinosus (Brandt, 1833)], oligochaetes [Dendrobaena attemsi (Michaelsen, 1902) and several juveniles of Lumbricus spp.] and gastropods [Cernuella cisalpina (Rossmassler, 1837), Cornu aspersum (O.F. M\üller 1774), Deroceras reticulatum (O.F. M\üller, 1774), Discus rotundatus (O.F. M\üller, 1774), Limacus flavus (Linnaeus, 1758), Milax nigricans (Philippi, 1836), Papillifera papillaris (Linnaeus, 1758), Pomatias elegans (O.F. M\üller, 1774)]. Moreover, winter 2014 reached the highest temperatures and rainfall of the last two decades (source: CNR-ISAC, Bologna), thus favouring establishment and spread of D. multilineatum. The potential environmental impacts of some invasive flatworms are well documented (\Álvarez-Presas et al. 2014; Justine et al. 2014) and, even if these effects have not yet been assessed for D. multilineatum, the adoption of precautionary measures and of early intervention is here strongly recommended (Genovesi \& Shine 2004). Finally, knowledge of the introduction pathway(s), together with the analysis of prey preference and possible impact on the invertebrate fauna, will be essential to halt or at least to limit the spread of this introduced land flatworm.

}, keywords = {Animals, Biological Evolution, Body Size, Europe, phylogeny, planarians}, issn = {1175-5334}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4067.5.4}, author = {Mazza, Giuseppe and Menchetti, Mattia and Sluys, Ronald and Sol{\`a}, Eduard and Riutort, Marta and Tricarico, Elena and Justine, Jean-Lou and Cavigioli, Luca and Mori, Emiliano} }