Alarista succina gen. et sp. nov. (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) in Dominican amber

Alarista succina gen. et sp. nov. (Poaceae) is described from a single floret preserved in amber of Tertiary age originating from the Dominican Republic. The new genus is characterised by (1) a narrow-winged lemma awn, (2) numerous (as many as 17) lemma nerves, (3) a lengthy rachilla internode (implying a lax spikelet), (4) sinuous-margined long cells, (5) silica cells arranged transversely, (6) stomatal subsidiaries low domed and (7) papillae. The epidermal features are characteristic of the abaxial leaf blade surface of members of the Bambusoideae and the fossil is placed in this group.

htp://zoobank.org/033FCBF4-CD61-4C85-97E4-8418C9ABA5E6     

Macromitrium maolanense Zeyou Zhang,D.D.Li,Jing Yu & S.L.Guo,a new species from China based on molecular and morphological evidence

Introduction. During a field excursion in Guizhou Province, China, we collected some interesting moss specimens with branch leaves subulate in the upper part, partially and variably bistratose laminae, and a Macromitrium-like epiphytic growth habit on tree trunks. We present morphological and phylogenetic arguments for recognising these plants as a new moss species in the genus Macromitrium Brid. (Orthotrichaceae).

Methods. We compared the morphology of the potential new species with closely related species of Macromitrium, and constructed a phylogenetic tree based on ITS2, trnL and trnG including sampling from 14 other morphologically similar species of Macromitrium.

Key results. The proposed new species belongs to the genus Macromitrium (Orthotrichaceae, Musci). It is closely related to M. gymnostomum Sull. & Lesq. in the phylogenetic tree and according to gametophytic morphological features, represents a hitherto undescribed species.

Conclusions. A new moss species, Macromitrium maolanense Zeyou Zhang, D.D.Li, Jing Yu & S.L.Guo, is described and illustrated. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners by the combination of the following features of the branch leaves: (1) oblong-lanceolate, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, gradually narrowed to an easily broken subula; (2) rather obscure upper and medial cells, often with blackish stains among cells, densely pluripapillose; (3) variably and partially bistratose laminae in the upper 1/3 portion; (4) basal cells clear, hyaline and smooth, those near costae forming a ‘cancellina region’; and (5) with numerous brownish, clavate gemmae on upper portion. We also discuss the principal distinctive characters separating the new species from its nearest congeners.     

葡萄糖对小球藻(Chloralla sp. HN08)光合作用和生长的影响

【目的】探讨葡萄糖作为外加碳源对热带海洋小球藻(Chloralla sp.HN08)生物质生产和脂、光合色素、碳水化合物及可溶性蛋白等细胞主要成份含量的影响。【方法】分析比较小球藻HN08在光合自养和兼养(添加10 g/L葡萄糖)2种营养方式下的生长速率、细胞密度、光合放氧速率、油脂相对含量,以及可溶性总糖、淀粉和可溶性蛋白的含量。【结果】结果表明,在光照条件下葡萄糖(10 g/L)能促进小球藻(Chloralla sp.HN08)生长,提高细胞终密度,而异养条件下藻细胞逐渐衰亡。兼养条件下,细胞相对生长速率及细胞终密度分别是自养条件下的6.8倍和1.3倍。兼养藻细胞中可溶性糖、淀粉、油脂含量显著高于(P0.05)光合自养细胞,然而可溶性蛋白质和光合色素含量显著低于(P0.05)光合自养细胞。添加葡萄糖的小球藻液的光饱和点和呼吸速率均高于光自养条件下的细胞,但2种培养条件下藻液的净光合速率无显著差异(P0.05)。【结论】光照条件下,添加葡萄糖可显著提高小球藻HN08相对生长速率和细胞终密度,促进油脂与淀粉的积累。     

Artemisia Caerulescens l. var. Cretacea Fiori: Indagine Morfologica,Anatomica ed Analitica

Abstract

ARTEMISIA CAERULESCENS L. var CRETACEA Fiori: its morphology, anatomy and santonin content. — Artemisia caerulescens L. var. cretacea Fiori, endemic of the loamy soils of Romagna and Tuscany, has been collected near Siena and specimens have been submitted to morphological, anatomical, systematic researchs.

The names of previous botanists who have collected this plant in the surroundings of Siena have been listed.

The big underground apparatus of Artemisia and the variable morphological characters of the species, expecially for the inflorescence, have been put in evidence.

The most outstanding anatomical characters of var. cretacea are the following:

1) in the overground stem (that means in the inflorescence axis) glandular hairs and T hairs are present, persisting also when the cork tissue is formed; the collateral vascular bundles are surrounded by a sclerenchymatic cap, outside the phloem; the parenchyma cells of the protoxylem area in the primary and secondary structure are not lignified; some cambial cells show lignified walls.

2) in the cortical parenchyma of the underground stem occur frequent cell division; the sclerenchyma cap cells are absent. The phloem is mixed with fibers and crossed by tangential parenchyma. Growth rings or sector rings are evident in the xylem; between the wood rings, layers of parenchyma are interposed. Several growth rings may be formed during one year.

3) the young root is triarch or tetrarch, the cells of the cortex undergo frequent divisions. The grown up root resembles closely the underground stem.

4) The leaves are isobilateral and provided with aquiferous parenchyma.

The flower buds of many Artemisia of the section Seriphidium, to which Artemisia caerulescens var. cretacea belongs, produce santonin which has anthelmintic properties.

The colorimetric determination of the drug contained in the var. cretacea had showed that it has a santonin content of g 0,56%.     

Ricerche Embriologiche su Senecio Vulgaris L. var. Thyrrenus Fiori

Abstract

Embryological researches on SENECIO VULGARIS L. var. THYRRENUS Fiori. — Male gametophyte, development of tapetal cells and female gametophyte have been studied in Senecio vulgaris L. var thyrrenus Fiori.

1) The development of male gametophyte is normal. Divisions of the microspore mother cells are of the simultaneous type. The division of the generative nucleus has never been observed till the pollen grain was in the anther.

2) The tapetal cells follow a very simple development. The nucleus of each cell divides only twice starting at the same time with the meiotic divisions of pollen mother cells but ending much earlier; subsequently, as usually happens with the Asteraceae, the ameboid involution of the tapetum begins. Endomitosis or any other process which leads to a polyploidy not due to nuclear fusion, has never been observed.

3) The female gametophyte is eight nucleate of the normal type (Polygonum). At maturity it shows only three antipodal cells whose nucleus undergoes at first, two or three divisions. Only later these new nuclei, always within the antipodal cell, may fuse in a polyvalent one.     

Marine Fungi Aspergillus sydowii and Trichoderma sp. Catalyze the Hydrolysis of Benzyl Glycidyl Ether

Whole cells of the marine fungi Aspergillus sydowii Gc12, Penicillium raistrickii Ce16, P. miczynskii Gc5, and Trichoderma sp. Gc1, isolated from marine sponges of the South Atlantic Ocean (Brazil), have been screened for the enzymatic resolution of (±)-2-(benzyloxymethyl)oxirane (benzyl glycidyl ether; 1). Whole cells of A. sydowii Gc12 catalyzed the enzymatic hydrolysis of (R,S)-1 to yield (R)-1 with an enantiomeric excess (ee) of 24–46% and 3-(benzyloxy)propane-1,2-diol (2) with ee values <10%. In contrast, whole cells of Trichoderma sp. Gc1 afforded (S)-1 with ee values up to 60% and yields up to 39%, together with (R)-2 in 25% yield and an ee of 32%. This is the first published example of the hydrolysis of 1 by whole cells of marine fungi isolated from the South Atlantic Ocean. The hydrolases from the two studied fungi exhibited complementary regioselectivity in opening the epoxide ring of racemic 1, with those of A. sydowii Gc12 showing an (S) preference and those of Trichoderma sp. Gc1 presenting an (R) preference for the substrate.     

Polyphenol Components in Cultured Cells of Amacha (Hydrangea macrophylla Seringe var. Thunbergii Makino)

In the course of our studies on the polyphenol components of the cultured cells of amacha, seven polyphenol compounds were isolated as pure crystals. The chemical structures of these compounds were determined by analytical methods (IR, UV, NMR and MS spectra) and colour reactions, and the compounds were identified as phyllodulcin, hydrangenol, daphnetin-8-monomethylether, umbelliferone, phyllodulcin-8-β-D-glucoside, hydrangenol-8-β-D-glucoside and skiminin (umbelliferone-7-β-D-glucoside). This is the first report of the isolation of phyllodulcin-8-β-D-glucoside and daphnetin-8-monomethylether from a natural source and of the other compounds from the cells of higher plants in suspension culture.     

Abraracourcix curvivenatus n. gen. n. sp. from the Lowermost Eocene Oise amber (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae)

An extinct genus Abraracourcix n. gen. with A. curvivenatus n. sp. is described based on the specimen from the Lowermost Eocene Oise amber. The venation characters and possible hostplant relationships, as well as taxonomic position and biogeographical pattern of recent Pochazoides generic group are discussed.     

Embryology and embryogenesis of Spiranthes L.C.M. Richard (Orchidaceae): S. spiralis (L.) Cheval and S. aestivalis (Poiret) L.C.M. Richard

Abstract

The various stages of female gametophyte development and embryogenesis in S. spiralis and S. aestivalis are described. In both species the reproductive cycle is sexual. Some peculiarities are present: the female gametophyte is usually 6-7-8-nucleate; after double fertilization a single endospermatic cell is formed; the proembryo appears differentiated and is made up of different cells in the chalazal and micropylar ends; a single basal cell in the proembryo acts as suspensor.     

Mathematical modeling of capillary formation and development in tumor angiogenesis: penetration into the stroma

The purpose of this paper is to present a mathematical model for the tumor vascularization theory of tumor growth proposed by Judah Folkman in the early 1970s and subsequently established experimentally by him and his coworkers [Ausprunk, D. H. and J. Folkman (1977) Migration and proliferation of endothelial cells in performed and newly formed blood vessels during tumor angiogenesis, Microvasc Res., 14, 53–65; Brem, S., B. A. Preis, ScD. Langer, B. A. Brem and J. Folkman (1997) Inhibition of neovascularization by an extract derived from vitreous Am. J. Opthalmol., 84, 323–328; Folkman, J. (1976) The vascularization of tumors, Sci. Am., 234, 58–64; Gimbrone, M. A. Jr, R. S. Cotran, S. B. Leapman and J. Folkman (1974) Tumor growth and neovascularization: an experimental model using the rabbit cornea, J. Nat. Cancer Inst., 52, 413–419]. In the simplest version of this model, an avascular tumor secretes a tumor growth factor (TGF) which is transported across an extracellular matrix (ECM) to a neighboring vasculature where it stimulates endothelial cells to produce a protease that acts as a catalyst to degrade the fibronectin of the capillary wall and the ECM. The endothelial cells then move up the TGF gradient back to the tumor, proliferating and forming a new capillary network. In the model presented here, we include two mechanisms for the action of angiostatin. In the first mechanism, substantiated experimentally, the angiostatin acts as a protease inhibitor. A second mechanism for the production of protease inhibitor from angiostatin by endothelial cells is proposed to be of Michaelis-Menten type. Mathematically, this mechanism includes the former as a subcase. Our model is different from other attempts to model the process of tumor angiogenesis in that it focuses (1) on the biochemistry of the process at the level of the cell; (2) the movement of the cells is based on the theory of reinforced random walks; (3) standard transport equations for the diffusion of molecular species in porous media. One consequence of our numerical simulations is that we obtain very good computational agreement with the time of the onset of vascularization and the rate of capillary tip growth observed in rabbit cornea experiments [Ausprunk, D. H. and J. Folkman (1977) Migration and proliferation of endothelial cells in performed and newly formed blood vessels during tumor angiogenesis, Microvasc Res., 14, 73–65; Brem, S., B. A. Preis, ScD. Langer, B. A. Brem and J. Folkman (1997) Inhibition of neovascularization by an extract derived from vitreous Am. J. Opthalmol., 84, 323–328; Folkman, J. (1976) The vascularization of tumors, Sci. Am., 234, 58–64; Gimbrone, M. A. Jr, R. S. Cotran, S. B. Leapman and J. Folkman (1974) Tumor growth and neovascularization: An experimental model using the rabbit cornea, J. Nat. Cancer Inst., 52, 413–419]. Furthermore, our numerical experiments agree with the observation that the tip of a growing capillary accelerates as it approaches the tumor [Folkman, J. (1976) The vascularization of tumors, Sci. Am., 234, 58–64]. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Morpho-histochemical characterization of salivary gland cells of males of the tick <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhipicephalus</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">sanguineus</Emphasis> (Acari: Ixodidae) at different feeding stages: description of new cell types

This study describes the changes undergone by cells of the salivary glands of unfed and feeding (at day two and four post-attachment) Rhipicephalus sanguineus males, as well as new cell types. In unfed males, types I and II acini are observed with cells “undifferentiated”, undefined 1 and 2 (the latter, with atypical granules), a, c1 and c3; type III is composed of cells d and e; and type IV present cells g. In males at day two post-attachment, type I acini exhibit the same morphology of unfed individuals. An increase in size is observed in types II, III, and IV, as cells are filled with secretion granules. Some granules are still undergoing maturation. In type II acinus, cells a, b and c1–c8 are observed. Cells c7 and c8 are described for the first time. Cells c7 are termed as such due to the addition of polysaccharides in the composition of the secretion granules (in unfed individuals, they are termed undefined 1). Type III acini exhibit cells d and e completely filled with granules, and in type IV, cells g contain granules in several stages of maturation. In males at day four post-attachment, type I acini do not exhibit changes. Granular acini exhibit cells with fewer secretion granules, which are already mature. In type II acini, cells a, b, c1–c5 are present, type III exhibit cells d and e, and type IV contain cells g with little or no secretion. This study shows that in the salivary glands of R. sanguineus males, cells a, c1, and c3 of type II acinus, and cells d and e of type III do not exhibit changes in granular content, remaining continuously active during the entire feeding period. This indicates that during the intervals among feeding stages, gland cells reacquire the same characteristics found in unfed individuals, suggesting that they undergo reprogramming to be active in the next cycle.     

CRISPR/Cas9介导的USP30基因敲除细胞系的建立及其对塞内卡病毒增殖的影响

【目的】利用规律成簇的间隔短回文重复序列/Cas9核酸酶（clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 nuclease,CRISPR/Cas9）技术建立USP30基因敲除的人胚胎肾细胞（human embryonic kidney 293T cells,HEK-293T）细胞系,为开展宿主泛素特异性蛋白酶30（ubiquitin-specific protease 30,USP30）蛋白的功能研究建立了细胞模型;同时,初步探究USP30蛋白在病毒感染过程中的作用。【方法】根据Ensemble数据库查询USP30基因序列,定位USP30在基因组中不同转录本重叠区的第一个外显子段,设计并合成2对引导RNA （single guide RNAs,sgRNA）,分别构建在pX459载体中;将pX459-USP30-sgRNA质粒转染HEK-293T细胞,并用嘌呤霉素处理,筛选出转染阳性的细胞,然后通过有限稀释法筛选单克隆细胞,通过Western blotting及测序检测USP30基因的敲除。通过Western blotting及实时荧光定量PCR分析比较塞内卡病毒（Senecavirus A,SVA）在野生型和USP30基因敲除HEK-293T细胞中的复制差异。【结果】Western blotting及测序证实USP30基因敲除单克隆细胞系构建成功。进一步实验发现,SVA在USP30基因敲除细胞中的复制水平显著低于野生型细胞。【结论】成功构建USP30基因敲除的HEK-293T细胞系,首次证明USP30对SVA的复制具有促进作用,为进一步揭示USP30相关免疫反应和SVA感染过程的作用机制提供了良好的细胞模型,也为开展宿主USP30蛋白调控病毒复制的机制研究提供了关键工具和一定的理论依据。     

研究报告: 基于AS1411适配体的DNA-RNA杂交载体的抗肿瘤研究

目的 研究连接适配体的DNA-RNA分子作为杂交载体靶向肿瘤细胞并导入功能性RNA分子进入细胞的有效性，以及对肿瘤细胞的影响。方法 设计合成短的互补DNA、RNA分子，组装成DNA-RNA杂合链；连接AS1411适配体为靶向分子，再分别连接p21 saRNA和TIGIT siRNA作为药物分子，记为P21 saRNA和TIGIT siRNA，构成杂交载体，通用结构式为AS1411-DNA/RNA-sxRNA；检测AS1411-DNA/RNA-sxRNA能否靶向结合并进入肿瘤细胞及其对瘤细胞生存、迁移、侵袭和凋亡的影响。结果 将设计的杂交载体各部分等摩尔加入杂交缓冲体系并于特定温度条件下孵育，TBM聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳检测到AS1411-DNA/RNA-sxRNA成功组装；AS1411-DNA/RNA-sxRNA杂交载体在10%血清条件下也显示出良好的抗降解稳定性；荧光显微镜和激光共聚焦显微镜下观察，SKOV3细胞表面及胞内存在绿色大量荧光信号，杂交载体成功进入肿瘤细胞。杂交载体孵育后：在mRNA水平上，p21基因表达（2.14±0.25）是对照组（1.02±0.10）2倍以上，P<0.05；TIGIT基因表达（0.63±0.09）低于对照组（1.09±0.15），P<0.05；在蛋白质水平上，p21基因表达（1.57±0.16）是对照组（1.10±0.09）1.5倍以上，P<0.05；TIGIT基因表达（0.61±0.12）低于对照组（1.01±0.07），P<0.05。CCK-8实验显示，P21 saRNA（3.10±0.13）和TIGIT siRNA（2.91±0.13）杂交载体孵育组与空白对照组（3.67±0.15）相比，卵巢癌细胞增殖能力显著下降（P<0.05）；划痕实验结果显示，P21 saRNA孵育组愈合率（42.53±2.90）%、TIGIT siRNA孵育组愈合率（36.23±3.43）%，明显低于空白对照组（76.47±3.64）%，P<0.05；Transwell检测迁移能力发现：P21 saRNA孵育组（128.25±5.36）、TIGIT siRNA孵育组（119.50±8.79）低于对照组（186.5±8.56）；侵袭能力：P21 saRNA孵育组（145.5±9.45）、TIGIT siRNA孵育组（112.25±5.63）也显著低于对照组（202.50±10.12），P<0.05；细胞凋亡率：P21 saRNA孵育组（11.74%±2.47%）、TIGIT siRNA孵育组（17.12%±2.04%）明显高于对照组（5.66%±1.44%），P<0.05。结论 所制备的AS1411-DNA/RNA-sxRNA杂交载体能够有效靶向肿瘤细胞，携带功能性小RNA靶向导入肿瘤细胞并调控目的基因表达，使肿瘤细胞的增殖、侵袭和迁移能力受到抑制；该结果为利用DNA-RNA偶联AS1411适配体作为靶向工具的杂交载体，靶向杀伤表面表达NCL蛋白的肿瘤细胞提供了实验基础。     

A scanning electron microscopical study of sperm development and activation in Arenicola marina L. (Annelida: Polychaeta)

Abstract

The lugworm, Arenicola marina L. has an annual cycle of reproduction with epidemic spawning and external fertilisation. The spermatozoa of Arenicola are unusual in that they are held immotile (as plates of several hundred cells known as morulae) in the coelomic fluid until activated just prior to spawning. Activation of Arenicola sperm is brought about by a sperm maturation factor (SMF) from the prostomium and can be carried out in vitro using an assay technique developed by Bentley (1985). Scanning electron microscopy is used here to examine the changes which occur during in vitro activation. This revealed that the bundles of flagella of inactive sperm become disorganised as flagella beating commences but the flagella at this stage are still bound together at their tips. The sperm heads then become separated from the cytophore and finally the distal binding of the flagella is broken to give free-swimming spermatozoa. Coelomocytes present in the coelomic fluid resorb unspawned gametes prior to the initiation of the next gametogenic phase.     

Matthiola Tricuspidata R. BR. (Cruciferae): Analisi Cariologica Ed Embriologica

Abstract

<Matthiola tricuspidata> R. Br.: karyological and embryological studies. — Karyological and embryological observations on specimens of Matthiola tricuspidata R. Br. (Cruciferae) from Siracusa (Sicily) are reported. The chromosome number, 2n = 14, is confirmed, its karyotype having the following features:

z = 2n = 14 = 2M₁ + 2M³ ₂ + 2M₃ + 2M₄ + 2S₁ + 2S₂ + 2S₃

A mutant metaphase is reported. The mutation concerns only one chromosome of pair 2S₁. The development of the megagametophyte follows the normal or Polygonum type. The three antipodal cells disappear very soon. The hypostase is probably connected with the xerotermic habitat in which the species lives. The endosperm is of the nuclear type.     

白花鬼针草中多烯炔类成分的分离及其生物活性研究

为了解白花鬼针草(Bidens pilosa var.radiata)的化学成分,采用多种色谱技术从其提取物中分离多烯炔类成分,并对其生物活性进行研究。结果表明,从白花鬼针草乙酸乙酯提取部位中分离鉴定出4个多烯炔类化合物,分别为5-acetoxy-2-phenylethinyl-thiophene (1)、1-phenylhepta-1,3,5-triyne (2)、5-phenyl-2-(1-propynyl)-thiophene (3)和icthyothereol acetate (4)。体外活性评价结果表明,化合物1～4均具有中等抗MRSA活性,且均对人肝LO_2细胞无毒性。首次为化合物1提供核磁数据并进行结构解析,化合物3、4为首次从该属植物中分离得到。     

Studies of protonemal morphogenesis in mosses. IX. Discelium nudum: exquisite pioneer of unstable clay banks

Abstract

The protonemal system of Discelium nudum produces a sward of unicellular, colourless, starch-filled rhizoidal tubers ca 1 cm below the surface of unstable clay banks. These short-lived and desiccation-intolerant diaspores are exposed on new clay surfaces following winter exfoliation of the original substratum. Their abundance and rapid germination appears to be a reproductive strategy giving Discelium a competitive advantage in this highly unstable habitat. The rounded, thin-walled, non-gemmiferous chloronemal filaments and colourless rhizoids of Discelium suggest affinities with the Funariaceae and the Gigaspermaceae. An early report of multicellular tubers in Discelium is most probably due to misinterpretion of the large starch grains, up to 20 μm in diameter, as cells within the unicellular tubers.     

Ricerche Cito-Embriologiche E Distribuzione Geografica di Cirsium Casabonae Lam. ET DC. (Compositae)

Abstract

Cyto-embryological study and geographical distribution of CIRSIUM CASABONAE Lam. et DC. — The mature megagametophyte of Cirsium Casabonae Lam. et DC. (Compositae) is eight nucleate of the normal or Polygonum type.

In the nucellus there is only one megaspore mother cell. After meiosis the three micropylar megaspores degenerate. The three antipodal cells start to degenerate as soon as the gametophyte reaches maturity. Microsporogenesis is regular.

The chromosome number of Cirsium Casabonae Lam. et DC. is 2n = 32. This shows that also in Europe, as in America, there is at least one species of Cirsium with basis number × = 16.

The study of the geographical distribution of Cirsium Casabonae Lam. et DC. shows it to be an Atlantic-West Mediterranean endemism.     

Spirochete-like cells in a Dominican amber Ambylomma tick (Arachnida: Ixodidae)

Amber preserves microscopic, soft-bodies organisms and is a good medium in which to trace the evolution of pathogen–vector associations. Spirochetes-like cells (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) in the hemocoel and lumen of the alimentary tract of a larva tick (Amblyomma sp. Arachnida: Ixodidae) in Dominican amber are described in the collective fossil genus and species, Palaeoborrelia dominicanan. gen., n. sp. The size and shape of the fossil spirochetes closely resemble those of present-day Borrelia species. This discovery represents the first record of spirochete-like cells associated with fossil ticks.