Diversity and symbiotic effectiveness of beta-rhizobia isolated from sub-tropical legumes of a Brazilian Araucaria Forest

While the occurrence of Betaproteobacteria occupying the nodules of tropical legumes has been shown, little is known about subtropical areas. Araucaria Forest is a subtropical endangered ecosystem, and a better understanding of the legume-rhizobial symbionts may allow their use in land reclamation. The 16S rRNA gene of bacteria isolated from nine leguminous species was sequenced and their nodulation tested in Mimosa scabrella and Phaseolus vulgaris. 196 isolates were identified as eight genotypes: Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Bradyrhizobium sp1-2, Rhizobium, and Burkholderia sp1-3. The majority of the isolates from native plants (87 %) were taxonomically related to β-rhizobia, namely Burkholderia, however the legumes Galactia crassifolia and Collea speciosa were nodulated by both α and β-rhizobia, and Acacia dealbata, an exotic plant, only by α-rhizobia. The nifH genes of some isolates were sequenced and N-fixing potential shown by the acetylene reduction test. Most of the isolates nodulated the test plants, some were effective in M. scabrella, but all presented low efficiency in the exotic promiscuous legume P. vulgaris. Pantoea and Pseudomonas did not nodulate and probably are endophytic bacteria. The presented data shows diversity of α, β and γ-Proteobacteria in nodules of subtropical legumes, and suggests host specificity with β-rhizobia. Potential isolates were found for M. scabrella, indicating that a high N-fixing strain may be further inoculated in plants for use in reforestation.     

Guaiane sesquiterpenes from Decachaeta scabrella

From the dichloromethane extract of leaves of Decachaeta scabrella, in addition to three known guaianolides and two flavonoids, a new guaianolide, 11α, 13-dihydroxerantholide, and two new guaiane acids, pechueloic acid and 11,13-dihydropechueloic acid, were characterized. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectral and chemical methods.     

A new nortriterpenoid from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma tropicum

Ganoderma tropicum has been widely used by the local folks for coronary heart disease treatment, liver protection, and sleep aid. In order to discover natural active components and tap the medical potential of G. tropicum, the chemical investigation of its fruiting bodies was carried out. This study led to the isolation of a new nortriterpenoid named 26-nor-11,23-dioxo-5α-lanost-8-en-3β,7β,15α,25-tetrol (1) and a known nortriterpenoid lucidone D (2). The structure of the new nortriterpenoid was elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy.     

Dioon caputoi (Zamiaceae), a new species from Mexico

A new species ofDioon (D. caputoi), found in Puebla, Mexico, is characterized by narrow leaflets, arising at an acute angle from the rachis and regularly and widely spaced along it. This species has hitherto been confused withD. purpusii.     

Fine mapping and epistatic interactions of the vernalization gene VRN-D4 in hexaploid wheat

Wheat vernalization requirement is mainly controlled by the VRN1, VRN2, VRN3, and VRN4 genes. The first three have been cloned and have homoeologs in all three genomes. VRN4 has been found only in the D genome (VRN-D4) and has not been cloned. We constructed a high-density genetic map of the VRN-D4 region and mapped VRN-D4 within a 0.09 cM interval in the centromeric region of chromosome 5D. Using telocentric 5D chromosomes generated from the VRN-D4 donor Triple Dirk F, we determined that VRN-D4 is located on the short arm. The VRN-D4 candidate region is colinear with a 2.24 Mb region on Brachypodium distachyon chromosome 4, which includes 127 predicted genes. Ten of these genes have predicted roles in development but we detected no functional polymorphisms associated to VRN-D4. Two recombination events separated VRN-D4 from TaVIL-D1, the wheat homolog of Arabidopsis vernalization gene VIL1, confirming that this gene is not a candidate for VRN-D4. We detected significant interactions between VRN-D4 and other four genes controlling vernalization requirement (Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1, Vrn-D1, and Vrn-B3), which confirmed that VRN-D4 is part of the vernalization pathway and that it is either upstream or is part of the regulatory feedback loop involving VRN1, VRN2 and VRN3 genes. The precise mapping of VRN-D4 and the characterization of its interactions with other vernalization genes provide valuable information for the utilization of VRN-D4 in wheat improvement and for our current efforts to clone this vernalization gene.     

Biogeographically interesting planktonic Nostocales (Cyanobacteria) in the Czech Republic and their polyphasic evaluation resulting in taxonomic revisions of Anabaena bergii Ostenfeld 1908 (Chrysosporum gen. nov.) and A. tenericaulis Nygaard 1949 (Dolichospermum tenericaule comb. nova)

Questions of biogeography of freshwater cyanobacteria and their ability to colonize new areas have been recently discussed in connection with increasing occurrence of some formerly rare morphospecies in temperate zones. Nevertheless, the general knowledge about the distribution of cyanobacterial species is still fragmentary, and any new findings on cyanobacterial biogeography and spread are valuable. In this study, we provide updated information on the occurrence of Anabaena bergii, Raphidiopsis mediterranea, and Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides in the Czech Republic. In addition, more nostocacean morphospecies are newly reported from the Czech Republic (A. fusca, A. tenericaulis, Dolichospermum curvum, D. mucosum, and S. reniformis). All of these morphospecies were characterized from a morphological point of view, and their phylogenetic affiliations were assessed on the basis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences. Based on these results, Anabaena bergii was reclassified into Chrysosporum gen. nov., and D. tenericaule comb. nova was established.     

Molecular phylogenetic diversity of the emerging mucoralean fungus Apophysomyces: Proposal of three new species

BackgroundApophysomyces is a monotypic genus belonging to the order Mucorales. The species Apophysomyces elegans has been reported to cause severe infections in immunocompromised and immunocompetent people. In a previous study of Álvarez et al.³ [J Clin Microbiol 2009;47:1650–6], we demonstrated a high variability among the 5.8S rRNA gene sequences of clinical strains of A. elegans.Material and methodsWe performed a polyphasic study based on the analysis of the sequences of the histone 3 gene, the internal transcribed spacer region of the rDNA gene, and domains D1 and D2 of the 28S rRNA gene, as well as by evaluation of some relevant morphological and physiological characteristics of a set of clinical and environmental strains of A. elegans.Results and conclusionsWe have demonstrated that A. elegans is a complex of species. We propose as new species Apophysomyces ossiformis, characterised by bone-shaped sporangiospores, Apophysomyces trapeziformis, with trapezoid-shaped sporangiospores, and Apophysomyces variabilis, with variable-shaped sporangiospores. These species failed to assimilate esculin, whereas A. elegans was able to assimilate that glycoside. Amphotericin B and posaconazole are the most active in vitro drugs against Apophysomyces.     

Description of two new species of Diaphanosoma Fischer, 1850 (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Sididae) from the United States and Canada and species richness of the genus in North America

Investigation of a small number of samples with representatives of the genus Diaphanosoma from the cladoceran collection of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution (Washington, D.C., U.S.A.) has revealed two new species, D. freyi and D. heberti, from Louisiana–Missouri and Newfoundland, respectively. The former looks like one of the most primitive species of the genus. Two other species, D. fluviatile and D. brevireme, are recorded from the southern United States for the first time. Members of the D. brachyurum and D. birgei species groups, which are morphologically variable and need further detailed investigations, were represented in the bulk of the material studied. The species richness of the genus in North America appears to be high and its composition is obviously complex but remains little studied.     

Contribution to the knowledge of the leaf-rollers (Lepidoptera,Tortricidae) of the Lower Amur Area

A list of 94 species of Tortricidae from the Lower Amur Area is presented, 14 species being recorded for Khabarovsk Terr. for the first time. Three species, Endotheina quadrimaculana, Argyroploce arbutella, and Dichrorampha obscuratana, are new to the Russian Far East. Two species monophagous on Quercus, Tortrix sinapina and Hedya inornata, have been found in the relict oak forests of the Lower Amur Area. Individual variation of the male genitalia within the Dichrorampha simpliciana species-group is revealed, and doubts are cast on the species rank of D. cancellatana and D. okui.     

A revision of Dryopteris sect. Diclisodon (Dryopteridaceae) based on morphological and molecular evidence with description of a new species

Dryopteris sect. Diclisodon is a small section of ferns with about 12 species mainly distributed in East Asia. Here, we carried out morphological and phylogenetic analyses of this section. A new species from southwest China, D. gaoligongensis, is described and illustrated. Dryopteris gaoligongensis resembles D. indonesiana and D. sparsa, but differs by having a creeping rhizome and large 4-pinnate fronds. We also show that D. glabrior Ching & Z.Y. Liu is a distinct species; however, because it is a later homonym of D. glabrior Copel., it should be renamed D. renchangiana. We conclude that a species previously known as D. nitidula, also an illegitimate homonym, should be recognized with a new name, D. sinonepalensis. We resolve the phylogenetic position of D. yoroii as sister to other sampled species of D. sect. Diclisodon. Our phylogenetic analyses confirm the distinctiveness of D. gaoligongensis, D. renchangiana, and D. sinonepalensis. A key to species of D. sect. Diclisodon in China is provided.     

New tardigrade records for the Baltic states with a description of Minibiotus formosus sp. n. (Eutardigrada,Macrobiotidae)

In sixteen moss, lichen and mixed (moss/lichen) samples, collected from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, 291 specimens, 48 simplexes, including one exuvium with 6 eggs, and 8 free-laid eggs of eutardigrades were found. In total, 17 species, together with one new to science, were identified (all are new records for the Baltic states): Astatumen bartosi, Diphascon (Adropion) prorsirostre, D. (Diphascon) bullatum, D. (D.) pingue pingue, D. (D.) recamieri, D. (D.) rugosum, Hypsibius convergens, H. dujardini, H. cf. scabropygus, Isohypsibius ronsisvallei, I. sattleri, Macrobiotus harmsworthi harmsworthi, M. hufelandi hufelandi, Milnesium asiaticum, Milnesium tardigradum tardigradum, Minibiotus formosus sp. n. and Paramacrobiotus richtersi. The new species is most similar to Minibiotus gumersindoi, but differs from it mainly by the presence of two types of cuticular pores, the absence of a triangular or pentagonal arrangement of pores above a single large pore on legs, the presence of granulation on all legs and a different macroplacoid length sequence. In this paper we also provide photographs and morphometrics of H. cf. scabropygus.     

AFLP-PCR and RAPD-PCR evidences of the transmission of the pathogen Aphanomyces astaci (Oomycetes) to wild populations of European crayfish from the invasive crayfish species, Procambarus clarkii

Aphanomyces astaci (Oomycetes) is responsible for the crayfish plague disease. This species is endemic of North America and five genotypes have been described using RAPD-PCR. The red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, is one of the most widely spread North American species and invasive in the world. However, no outbreaks on its specific genotype, i.e., genotype D, have ever been described in nature. We investigated three major series of crayfish plague outbreaks in indigenous crayfish populations of Austropotamobius pallipes, located in the areas of influence of P. clarkii. All samples collected tested positive for A. astaci using a rnDNA ITS-PCR test. We also performed an AFLP-PCR analysis on 19 isolates, and found that all isolates belong to genotype D. These isolates exhibited similar properties, i.e., adaptation to warm temperatures. We demonstrate, for the first time, the transmission of A. astaci genotype D to indigenous European populations of crayfish, and confirm that the properties of adaptation to warm water temperatures seem to be a specific character of genotype D. The results of this work emphasize once more the need of controlling invasive species and its trade, since they can carry harmful pathogens with specific adaptations or increased virulence in new environments.     

Ruminants from the Early Miocene of Napak,Uganda

Since the late 1950's, many ruminant specimens have been recovered from the Early Miocene volcano-sedimentary succession at Napak, Uganda. Beginning in 1958 when the first fossils were recognised by J.G. Wilson, and the subsequent surveys of Bishop and colleagues, more than 340 specimens have been found. Preliminary publications in the 1960's identified three species, Dorcatherium songhorensis, Dorcatherium ? chappuisi, and Palaeomeryx africanus. Napak material hitherto identified as Dorcatherium ? chappuisi represents a new species of tragulid smaller than D. chappuisi, and is here identified as Dorcatherium iririensis nov. sp., while material previously assigned to Palaeomeryx is transferred to Walangania. A new finding for the site is the tiny tragulid, Dorcatherium parvum. There are thus four species of ruminants at Napak.     

Variability of the Basal Esophageal Sheath in Belondirid Nematodes

The structure of the basal esophageal sheath was studied in Axonchium amplicolle, A. choristurn, A. crassum, A. gigas, A. micans, A. rotundum, A. serpens, A. solitare, Dorylairnellus aequalis, D. parvulus, D. tenuidens, Oxydirus gangeticus, O. gigus, O. oxycephaloides, and Swangeria bisexualis. In A. gigas the muscle bands comprising the sheath spiral dextrally, but in the other species of Axonchiurn they do not spiral but lie parallel to the esophagus. In O. gigus the spiral is sinistral, whereas in the other two species of Oxydirus it is dextral. The spiral is very slight in Dorylairnellus aequalis, each band passing around only about 180 degrees of the circumference of the esophagus. They completely encircle the esophagus in D. parvulus, and pass around about 3/4 the circumference in D. tenuidens. The definitions of Belondiroidea Thorne, 1964 and of Axonchium Cobb, 1920 are emended to recognize the variability in the structure of the sheath.     

A novel withanolide from Datura metel

A novel withanolide, daturilin, has been isolated from the alcohol soluble extract of the fresh leaves of D. metel and its structure established as 1-oxo-21,24S-epoxy- (20S,22S)-witha-2,5,25-trienolide through spectral studies including 2D NMR.     

In vitro antiherpetic and antirotaviral activities of a sulfate prepared from Mimosa scabrella galactomannan

A chemically sulfated galactomannan (BRS) from seeds of Mimosa scabrella had in vitro antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), but not against Simian rotavirus A/SA11 (SiRV-A/SA11). It was examined by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, which showed the sulfate groups to be mainly at C-6 of galactose residues. BRS had a selective inhibition against HSV-1 during its attachment step, having an IC₅₀ lower than 2.5 μg/ml, determined by plaque reduction, and a selectivity index of greater than 181, suggesting that the antiviral effect is likely due to interactions between the virus and BRS, being influenced its overall surface charge.     

First record of the subgenus Tipula (Ramatipula) (Diptera,Tipulidae) from China,with description of two new species

The subgenus Ramatipula Alexander, 1971 of the genus Tipula is recorded for the first time in China. Two new species, Tipula (Ramatipula) dolabcorolla, sp. nov., and Tipula (Ramatipula) spathulata, sp. nov. are described and illustrated. A key to the species of Tipula (Ramatipula) from the world is presented.urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:405A10AD-9C5E-4D81-A04B-403D96A286EC.