The occurrence and significance of triploidy in the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica.

Karyotyping of Fasciola hepatica samples from Britain and Ireland has identified a triploid isolate which is effectively aspermic, rendering it necessarily asexually reproducing. Considering the extensive presence of asexually reproducing diploid and triploid Fasciola in Asia it is suggested that facultative gynogenesis is widespread in this parasite. This has important implications for the population genetics and evolution of Fasciola, especially in relation to the development and spread of drug resistance, and must be considered in the mathematical modelling of this process.

Development and mechanical characterization of bioadhesive semi-solid, polymeric systems containing tetracycline for the treatment of periodontal diseases

Purpose. This study examined the mechanical characteristics and release of tetracycline from bioadhesive, semi-solid systems which were designed for the treatment of periodontal diseases.

Virgin birth in a hammerhead shark.

Parthenogenesis has been documented in all major jawed vertebrate lineages except mammals and cartilaginous fishes (Class Chondrichthyes: sharks, batoids, chimeras). Reports of captive female sharks giving birth despite being held in the extended absence of males have generally been ascribed to prior matings coupled with long-term sperm storage by the females. Here we provide the first genetic evidence for chondrichthyan parthenogenesis, involving a hammerhead shark. This finding also broadens the known occurrence of a specific type of asexual development (automictic parthenogenesis) among vertebrates, extending recently raised concerns about the potential negative effect of this type of facultative parthenogenesis on the genetic diversity of threatened vertebrate species.