5-Hydroxytryptamine immunoreactivity in the epidermal sacciform gland cells of the clingfish Lepadogaster candollei Risso

Summary Serotonin has been demonstrated in the epidermal sacciform glandular cells of the clingfish Lepadogaster candollei by use of immunocytochemistry.Serotonin immunoreactivity is found both in the peripheral cytoplasm of the glandular cells and their luminal secretion. The presence of serotonin in the sacciform glandular cells parallels that located by both biochemical and immunocytochemical procedures in the cutaneous glands of many amphibian species.     

Occurrence of gastrin-releasing peptide-like and bombesin-like immunoreactivities in the epidermal sacciform gland cells of the clingfish Lepadogaster candollei

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)-like and bombesin (BOM)-like immunoreactivities were localized in the exocrine sacciform gland cells and in the surface epidermis of the clingfish Lepadogaster candollei with the use of previously characterized antibodies. The GRP-like and BOM-like peptides show resemblance to those immunohistochemically found in the dermal secretory products of the amphibian skin. The immunoreactive peptides tested in this study are unusual bioactive components of secretory sources of exocrine glands since these peptides were first demonstrated in cells of the neuroendocrine system. The results suggest that such bioactive compounds may exert regulatory activity in the absorptive processes of the skin epithelium and in influencing secretion release from exocrine complexes.     

Species relationships in the genus Vasconcellea (Caricaceae) based on molecular and morphological evidence

Validity of the taxa currently recognized in the genus Vasconcellea was analyzed by investigating morphological and molecular data from 105 specimens of this genus and six specimens of the related genus Carica. Taxon identification of these specimens was compared with clustering in two phenetic dendrograms generated with 36 morphological characters and 254 amplified fragment length polymorphic (AFLP) markers. Moreover, cytoplasmic haplotypes were assessed using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of one mitochondrial and two chloroplast DNA regions. Results show that the morphological data set, containing mainly vegetative characteristics, merely reveals external resemblance between specimens, which is not directly associated with genetic relationships and taxon validity. Phenotypic plasticity and intercompatibility between several species are likely to confuse morphological delimitation of the taxa. Based on the results of our study, several specimens that could not be identified with the currently used identification key (1) could be attributed to a known taxon, which should be extended to include a higher range of morphological variability or (2) could be hypothesized to be of hybrid origin. Because of the high intraspecific variation within V. microcarpa and V. × heilbornii, revision of these taxa is recommended.     

Yuchengia,a new polypore genus segregated from Perenniporia (Polyporales) based on morphological and molecular evidence

Yuchengia gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate Perenniporia narymica. It represents a monophyletic lineage within the core polyporoid clade based on sequences of the rDNA ITS and nLSU regions, and it is distinct from Perenniporia s.s. Yuchengia shares some characters with Perenniporia, both having thick‐walled and cyanophilous basidiospores, but differs by having acyanophilous and amyloid skeletal hyphae dissolving in KOH, and non‐dextrinoid basidiospores.     

Analysis of a meristic trait for hybridization in sunfishes (genus Lepomis)

Necessity of a thorought study of hybridization, following the breakdown of reproductive isolating mechanisms between naturally occurring populations, has been felt by biologists in geneeral and ichthyologists in particular. In this connection a formula for ‘hybrid index’ developed mainly by Hubbs & Kuronuma (1942) and Hubbs, Hubbs & Johnson (1943) has widely been in use, to test the assumption of hybridity and to study the mode of inheritance. Misra, Bateson & Keenleyside (1970) gave statistical methods of analysing hybrid indices estimated for characters of the ‘continuous’ type, and also provided a numerical example. Recently Misra (1971) gave a method of doing similar analysis for hybrid indices estimated for meristic characters, but no example was provided, as data were not available to him. This paper presents a study of hybridization in the sunfishes (genus Lepomis) of Pinehurst Lake, Ontario, Canada, based on the number of scales below the lateral line; the primary purpose of the study is to show the complete computational procedure involved in the application of the method of Misra (1971), so that those users of the method who are mainly interested in the applied aspects of the method, can bypass the mathematics easily.     

Orthaea (Ericaceae-Vaccinieae): New species and redefinition of the genus

A historical review of Orthaea is provided and the present generic concept is amplified to include Empedoclesia and Lysiclesia . A key to the 31 recognized species is given. Orthaea paniculata, O. glandulifera, O. oedipus , and O. coriacea are described as new. New combinations are Orthaea caudata, O. minor, O. panamensis, O. brachysiphon , and O. stipitata .     

来自中国北方部分地区33株孢子丝菌菌株的表型和基因型鉴定

孢子丝菌病是一种临床常见的真菌感染疾病,近期有研究认为其致病菌是由多个同形种构成的复合体。为明确我国孢子丝菌病致病菌的生理学以及分子生物学方面的特点,对33株分离自我国孢子丝菌病患者组织的病原菌进行了研究,首先检测其在37℃是否生长以及PDA培养基上生长21d的菌落直径,其次检测其糖同化特点,最后对其钙调蛋白(Calmodulin,CAL)基因进行PCR扩增、序列测定以及系统进化分析。结果显示,这些菌株全部为球形孢子丝菌Sporothrix globosa,说明我国孢子丝菌病的病原菌可能以球形孢子丝菌为主。     

A reappraisal of the genus Megacaryon (Boraginaceae,Lithospermeae) based on molecular,morphological, and karyological evidence

The systematic position and phylogenetic relationships of Echium orientale, a rare endemic of the mountains of northern Turkey, were elucidated based on morphological, molecular, and karyological evidence.

Using nuclear and plastid DNA sequences, we found that this species is not included in Echium, but is rather at least as divergent from it as other related lineages, namely the South African Lobostemon and Echiostachys. Pollen characters revealed a strong affinity with Onosma, especially in the non-reticulate ornamentation of the tectum. Fruit morphology is unique in the genera of the Echium ‘alliance' (e.g. Echium, Pontechium, Lobostemon, and Echiostachys), because of the large size and the smooth, glossy nutlet surface as in most species of Onosma. Karyological observations show that this species is diploid with 2n = 12, and differing from both Lobostemon or Echium, where nearly all species have higher numbers (usually 2n = 14 and 2n = 16, respectively). Combined with a ‘megaherb' habit, the weak zygomorphism of the large flowers and a restricted range in the humid mountain forests of the Black Sea region, fruit, pollen and chromosome characters suggest an isolated position for E. orientale in the Echium alliance. We therefore propose its placement in the monotypic Megacaryon, a genus originally described by Boissier, but largely disregarded by later botanists. An original specimen is designated as generic lectotype.     

The molecular phylogeny of the genus Rhizopus based on rDNA sequences

In order to establish the molecular phylogeny of the genus Rhizopus, three molecules of the ribosomal RNA-encoding DNA (rDNA), complete 18S, internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1-5.8S-ITS2, and 28S D1/D2 regions of all the species of the genus were sequenced. Phylogenetic trees showed three major clusters corresponding to the three groups in the current morphological taxonomy, microsporus-group, stolonifer-group, and R. oryzae. R. stolonifer var. lyococcos was clustered independently from the major clusters. R. schipperae clustered differently in all trees. Strains of R. sexualis had multiple ITS sequences. A. rouxii clustered with R. oryzae. These results indicate the possibility of molecular identification of species groups using rDNA sequencing. Reclassification of the genus might be appropriate.     

Historical biogeography of tamarins,genus Saguinus: the molecular phylogenetic evidence

Hypotheses of the historical biogeography of tamarins (genus Saguinus) based on variation in coat colors and body size are tested using phylogenetic relationships inferred from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data. Samples from all 12 species of Saguinus and several subspecies are included in the analysis. Approximately 1,200 bases of mtDNA sequence from the cytochrome b and D-loop regions are reported for the tamarins and several outgroup taxa. Parsimony analysis of the mtDNA sequence data reveals Saguinus to be a monophyletic taxon composed of two major clades: one, the Small-bodied clade, contains S. nigricollis, S. tripartitus, and S. fuscicollis, and the other, the Large-bodied clade, contains the other nine species. The phylogenetic relationships among tamarins inferred from the mtDNA sequence data reject previous hypotheses for the historical biogeography of tamarins and suggest different dispersal routes for this group of New World monkeys. The molecular data suggest that tamarins dispersed across South America in two major waves from an origin somewhere south of the Amazon. One wave moved in a westerly direction, whereas the other moved in a northeastern direction toward the Amazon delta and then west along the northern portion of the continent into northern Colombia and Panama. Am J Phys Anthropol 108:65–89, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Transfer of the members of the genus Brachiola (microsporidia) to the genus Anncaliia based on ultrastructural and molecular data

Two microsporidian genera, AnncaliiaIssi, Krylova, & Nicolaeva 1993 and BrachiolaCali et al. 1998, possess a Nosema-type life cycle and unique cell surface ornamentations, which include precocious electron-dense coating of the plasmalemma and a variety of secretory structures deposited on the parasite surface and scattered in the host cell cytoplasm. Comparative analysis of ultrastructure of Anncaliia meligethi (the type species of the genus Anncaliia) and of B. vesicularum and B. algerae (the best-studied members of the genus Brachiola) clearly demonstrated that these microsporidia share many distinctive morphological features. The comparison of small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences showed high sequence identity of A. meligethi and B. algerae. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the rDNA sequences of A. meligethi clustered with those of B. algerae suggesting a close relatedness of these microsporidia. The combination of molecular and morphological data provided clear evidence that these microsporidia belong to the same genus and therefore, warranted emendation of the genus Anncaliia and establishments of the following new combinations: Anncaliia vesicularum nov. comb., Anncaliia algerae nov. comb., Anncaliia connori nov. comb., and Anncaliia gambiae nov. comb. The generic name Brachiola is submerged according to the rule of priority.     

Tethyan vicariance, relictualism and speciation: evidence from a global molecular phylogeny of the opisthobranch genus Bulla

Aim Our aims were: (1) to reconstruct a molecular phylogeny of the cephalaspidean opisthobranch genus Bulla, an inhabitant of shallow sedimentary environments; (2) to test if divergence times are consistent with Miocene and later vicariance among the four tropical marine biogeographical provinces; (3) to examine the phylogenetic status of possible Tethyan relict species; and (4) to infer the timing and causes of speciation events. Location Tropical and warm‐temperate regions of the Atlantic, Indo‐West Pacific, Australasia and eastern Pacific. Methods Ten of the 12 nominal species of Bulla were sampled, in a total sample of 65 individuals, together with cephalaspidean outgroups. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred by Bayesian analysis of partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and 16S rRNA and nuclear 28S rRNA genes. Divergence times and rates of evolution were estimated using uncorrelated relaxed‐clock Bayesian methods with fossil calibrations (based on literature review and examination of fossil specimens), implemented in beast . The geographical pattern of speciation was assessed by estimating the degree of overlap between sister lineages. Results Four clades were supported: Indo‐West Pacific (four species), Australasia (one species), Atlantic plus eastern Pacific (three species) and Atlantic (two species), with estimated mean ages of 35–46 Ma. Nominal species were monophyletic, but deep divergences were found within one Indo‐West Pacific and one West Atlantic species. Species‐level divergences occurred in the Miocene or earlier. The age of a sister relationship across the Isthmus of Panama was estimated at 7.9–32.1 Ma, and the divergence of a pair of sister species on either side of the Atlantic Ocean occurred 20.4–27.2 Ma. Main conclusions Fossils suggest that Bulla originated in the Tethys realm during the Middle Eocene. Average ages of the four main clades fall in the Eocene, and far pre‐date the 18–19 Ma closure of the Tethys Seaway. This discrepancy could indicate earlier vicariant events, selective extinction or errors of calibration. Similarly, the transisthmian divergence estimate far pre‐dates the uplift of the Panamanian Isthmus at about 3 Ma. Speciation events occurred in the Miocene, consistent with tectonic events in the central Indo‐West Pacific, isolation of the Arabian Sea by upwelling and westward trans‐Atlantic dispersal. Differences in habitat between sister species suggest that ecological speciation may also have played a role. The basal position of the Australasian species supports its interpretation as a Tethyan relict.     

Systematic relationships of the bushy-tailed and black-footed mongooses (genus Bdeogale, Herpestidae, Carnivora) based on molecular, chromosomal and morphological evidence

The relationships within the mongooses (Herpestidae) have been recently reconsidered on the basis of molecular data. However, these studies failed to completely resolve the relationships within the subfamily Herpestinae. Moreover, the species of the genus Bdeogale have not been included in previous studies. Three genes were sequenced, Cytochrome b, ND2 and Transthyretin intron I, for 20 species of Herpestidae. The results show that the Herpestidae form two clades, corresponding to the traditional Herpestinae and Mungotinae, but with Cynictis included in the former rather than the latter. Within the Herpestinae, the genus Herpestes is not monophyletic. A newly proposed clade groups Bdeogale, Cynictis, Ichneumia and Rynchogale. Some morphological and karyological characters were mapped on the trees so as to characterize the newly defined molecular groups.     

Acheilognathus changtingensis sp. nov., a new species of the cyprinid genus Acheilognathus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Southeastern China based on morphological and molecular evidence

A new species of the bitterling genus Acheilognathus, Acheilognathus changtingensis sp. nov., was recently discovered from Changting County in Hanjiang River, Fujian Province, Southeastern China. It can be diagnosed by the following combination of characters: dorsal fin with three simple and 15 (occasionally 14) branched fin rays, anal fin with three simple and 12 (occasionally 11) branched fin rays; dorsal fin pale and anal fin slightly pale; white spots on anal-fin rays forming a transverse band, and anal fin margined with white band in males. Its unique characters are the many dispersed black spots on the dorsal, anal, pelvic, caudal fins, and on the head. Using the mitochondrial cytochrome Jb gene as a molecular marker, we reconstructed phylogenetic trees of A. changtingensis sp. nov. and other species in Acheilognathus to confirm its taxonomic status and study its speciation. Analyses of both morphological and molecular data consistently indicated the taxonomic status of the present new species. The results also show that A. changtingensis sp. nov. and Acheilognathus macropterus are sister species that diverged about 14.50 MYA by geographical isolation.