A new species of Centaurea (Asteraceae) from Sicily

A new species of Centaurea, Centaurea sicana , endemic to Sicily, is described. This new taxon is close to Centaurea parlatoris and Centaurea giardinae (Sect. Dissectae), the former occurring at Palermo and in the Madonie Mountains, while the latter occurs on the Etna volcano. The new species has so far been found only on the Sicani Mountains, a limestone mountain range in western Sicily, while the related species occur in the surrounding mountains. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 157 , 785–788.     

Hieracium madoniense (Asteraceae) – a new species from Sicily

Abstract

A new endemic species of Hieracium is described from the Madonie Mountains (northern Sicily). Named Hieracium madoniense, this new taxon is confined to the Rocca di Mele, along the borders of Fagus sylvatica woods, on carbonate substrate. Relationships with the closest taxa are discussed.     

Rhamnus lojaconoi,nuova specie endemica della Sicilia

Abstract

Rhamnus lojaconoi, a new endemic species of Sicily. – The new species Rhamnus lojaconoi, occurring in the mediterranean-temperate forest of the Madonie (Northern Sicily) and probably a relict element connected with R. glandulosa Ait., endemic on the Atlantic Islands and living in similar habitats, is described. The taxonomic arrangement, the genetic interpretation and the ecology are also discussed.     

Genetic diversity in the Centaurea cineraria group (Compositae) in Sicily using isozymes

Abstract

The genetic diversity of seven taxa endemic to Sicily, C. cineraria, C. busambarensis, C. ucriae subsp. ucriae, C. ucriae subsp. umbrosa, C. todari, C. erycina and C. saccensis, from 11 localities was investigated using isozymes. Eight loci from five enzyme systems (IDH, MDH, PGD, PGM and PGI) were examined. A total of 19 alleles were identified, some rare and two of them exclusive to different populations. The allelic frequencies and the genetic variability values for each population were calculated. On the whole, the genetic diversity, i.e., average polymorphism (P) = 0.41, average number of alleles per locus (A) = 1.75, Nei's gene diversity (H) = 0.18, is moderate, with the highest genetic variability found in the populations of C. todari. The dendrogram shows two major groups: the first consists of all Sicilian populations except those of C. todari; the second of C. cineraria from the region of Campania and C. todari.     

Conflicting evolutionary and biostratigraphical trends in Nephrolepidina praemarginata (Douvillé, 1908) (Foraminiferida)

Six late Rupelian populations of Nephrolepidina praemarginata (Douvillé, 1908) have been isolated from a succession of the Caltavuturo Formation (Madonie Mts, Sicily). A total of 25 embryonal parameters were obtained from oriented equatorial sections of megalospheric specimens; 8 indexes were derived from selected parameters and 9 indexes were considered for the neanic apparatus, out of which 2 are introduced here: N05 (number of annuli in a radius of 0.5 mm) and r5 (distance occupied by the first five annuli). The data show marked deviations from the expected trend of traditional biometric measures; this is interpreted as dependent on environmental factors. Previous studies on the succession evidenced an increase in basin depth; this can be inferred also from the biometric analysis of the inner characters of the allochthonous Nephrolepidina tests. Here, we explore the paleobiological potential of parameters linked to embryo size and wall thickness, and discuss how depth-dependent parameters may affect the interpretation of evolutionary trends and biostratigraphy in radial foraminifers.     

Anticandidal effect of berry juices and extracts from Ribes species

The biological activities of fruit juices and pomace (skin, seeds) extracts from blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) and their hybrid plant (jostaberry, Ribes × nidigrolaria) were evaluated against the most frequently isolated twelve human pathogenic Candida species by broth dilution tests. The phenolic content of juice, water and methanol extracts were measured and the relationship with antifungal activity was assessed. Growth of the most Candida species was inhibited, with the exception of C. albicans, C. krusei, C. lusitaniae and C. pulcherrima. R. nigrum, with the highest phenol content, was observed to have the highest anticandidal activity, indicating a positive correlation between phenol content and antifungal activity.     

A new species of Anthemis sect. Hiorthia (Asteraceae) from SE Sicily

A new species of Anthemis sect. Hiorthia (Asteraceae) is described from Sicily. This taxon, named A. piagnattiorum, is confined to a restricted area of the Hyblaean territory (SE Sicily), in the Natural Reserve of Cava Grande (Cassibile, Siracuse), where it takes shelter on carbonate rocky habitat and participates, with other Sicilian endemic taxa, to the composition of a termophilous chasmophytic community (Putorio calabricae–Micromerietum microphyllae).     

东北地区被子植物新资料

报道了东北地区1个新分布种臭茶藨子(Ribes graveolens Bge.)和黑龙江省1个新分布种掌叶大黄(Rheum palmatum L.)。凭证标本保存于东北林业大学植物标本室(NEFU)。     

Distribution,ecology and conservation survey on Trifolium michelianum Savi (Fabaceae) in Sicily (Italy)

We report the identification of four residual stations for Trifolium michelianum Savi (Fabaceae) in Sicily, whereas the species was documented to be extinct at the Gorgo Cerro station (western Sicily), the only locality previously reported in the literature. In addition to an update on the distribution of the species, a survey on the new Sicilian populations led to their biological, ecological and phytosociological characterization, as well as to an assessment of the risk factors. The species, here relegated to the limit of its distribution area, occurs in particularly sensitive and vulnerable environments, such as the “Mediterranean temporary ponds”, considered “priority” by the Council Directive 92/43/EEC. Moreover, a new Sicilian association (Trifolio micheliani–Glycerietumspicatae ass. nova), framed in the alliance Glycerio-Sparganion (class Phragmito-Magnocaricetea), is described.     

Delimitation of the alliances Caricion firmae (Seslerietalia albicantis) and Seslerion juncifoliae (Seslerietalia juncifoliae) in the southeastern Alps and Dinaric mountains

Abstract

A syntaxonomic and phytogeographic delimitation of the calcareous open sedge swards in the alpine belt of the Alps (Caricion firmae) and subalpine and alpine tussock grasslands in wind-exposed habitats (Seslerion juncifoliae) in the area of the south-eastern Alps and of the Dinaric mountains was performed. Analyses based on hierarchical classification, ordination and chorology clearly showed the distinction between the syntaxa: stands from the Liburnian karst (Mt Sne?nik – SW. Slovenia, Mts Risnjak and Snje?nik – NW. Croatia), Li?ka Plje?ivica and the Velebit mountains belong to the Dinaric alliance Seslerion juncifoliae, whereas stands from the Trnovski gozd plateau (W. Slovenia, north-westernmost part of the Dinaric mountains), although somewhat transitional between the two alliances, and stands from the Alps, were classified in the alliance Caricion firmae. The alliance Seslerion juncifoliae of the Dinaric mountains vicariates Caricion firmae of the Alps.     

Population genetics of the Federally Threatened Miccosukee gooseberry (Ribes echinellum), an endemic North American species

Ribes echinellum (Coville) Rehder (Miccosukee gooseberry; Grossulariaceae) is a Federally Threatened species known from only two localities: Jefferson County (Florida, FL) and McCormick County (South Carolina, SC). This perennial shrub, ca. 1 m tall, is deciduous, and reproduces both vegetatively (clonal growth) and sexually (seed production). Recent surveys of the FL population revealed a dramatic decline in plant numbers. To assist in conservation and management of this species in FL and SC populations, microsatellite genetic markers were used to identify genotypes and assess the genetic structure of R. echinellum. We genotyped seven microsatellite loci in 102 individuals: 74 collected in FL and 28 in SC. Unbiased heterozygosity was between 0.28 and 0.53. All seven loci were polymorphic, showing a range of 1.52–2.13 effective number of alleles per locus (mean = 1.75). The two populations of R. echinellum show low genetic diversity, especially in SC. Clonality was not widespread, but was higher in the SC population. Both populations show signatures of bottlenecks but isolation by distance was not evident. We found significant deviation from HW equilibrium, with higher number of heterozygotes than expected. However when HW test was done for the combined populations as two separate groups, only FL showed a significant HW test and for SC the test was non-significant. Bayesian analysis and F_ST values suggest high genetic divergence between the populations. These results are important for developing a recovery plan and an ex situ and reintroduction conservation programs.     

The content of protein,fibre and minerals of leaves of selected Acacia species indigenous to north-western Tanzania

Abstract

Browse tree leaves of six species of Acacia (A. angustissima L., A. drepanolobium L., A. nilotica L., A. polyacantha L., A. senegal L., A. tortilis L.) were screened for chemical composition, including minerals and trace elements. Crude protein (CP) varied among the species from 145 (A. senegal) to 229 g/kg DM (A. angustissima). The species had moderate to high levels of minerals. The concentrations of Ca, P, Mg and S varied among the species from 14.6 – 31.5, 3.5 – 4.9, 1.4 – 3.0 and 1.7 – 2.8 g/kg DM, respectively. The forages showed relatively low concentrations of trace elements. Content of trace elements varied among the species from 4.5 – 23.8, 99.4 – 173.6, 146.2 – 432, 41.0 – 90.1, 10.9 – 22.2 and 0.05 – 0.65 mg/kg DM for Cu, Mo, Fe, Mn, Zn and Co, respectively. All leaves of browse species would meet the normal requirements for Ca, P, Mg and S in ruminants, although some species had higher levels of Ca than tabulated mineral requirements in livestock. Assayed Cu, Mn, Zn and Co would satisfy the lower range of recommended requirements of trace elements depending on their bioavailability. Therefore, browse leaves from Acacias could form good sources of CP and mineral supplements to ruminants.     

Anchovy (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Engraulis encrasicolus</Emphasis>) early life stages in the Central Mediterranean Sea: connectivity issues emerging among adjacent sub-areas across the Strait of Sicily

The combined use of field data on anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus, Linnaeus, 1758) egg distribution in the Central Mediterranean Sea on both sides of the Strait of Sicily (Sicilian–Maltese and Tunisian waters) and Lagrangian simulations were used to assess the pattern of connectivity between these two sub-areas as a result of spawning activity. The field data were collected during ichthyoplankton surveys carried out in summer 2008 and 2010. The simulation runs showed considerable (up to 20%) rates of particle exchange in both directions (from Tunisian to Sicilian–Maltese waters and vice versa). However, considering the typical high mortality rates of anchovy early stages, the actual larval exchange rates across the Sicily Strait are supposed to be significantly lower (<1%), supporting the hypothesis that the anchovy population sub-units in the Strait of Sicily can be considered as separate fish stocks for the evaluation of their optimum exploitation rates.     

New and noteworthy records of mosses from Italian national and regional Parks

Some remarkable mosses, as a result of the study of both recent collections and a review of herbarium specimens, are reported in this paper. They are: Anomodon rugelii (Müll.Hal.) Keissl., new record from southern Italy, a moss very rare in the Mediterranean region and considered threatened in many European countries; Blindia acuta (Hedw.) Bruch & Schimp. and Dichodontium palustre (Dicks.) M. Stech, both new records from Sicily, are very rare mosses in Italy. Moreover, a new locality in Sicily for the little-known species Tortula bolanderi (Lesq. & James) M. Howe is reported.     

Karyological and taxonomical considerations on Epipactis cupaniana sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) from Sicily

A new species of Epipactis from the Madonie massif (Sicily), E. cupaniana C. Brullo, D’Emerico and Pulv. sp. nov., is described and illustrated. It is a nemoral species, occurring in Holm oak woods, and is characterized by a diploid chromosome complement of 2n = 2x = 38. In the metaphase I, the mother cells of the embryo sac contain 19 bivalents. With respect to morphology and karyotype structure, the new species shows a close relationships with E. helleborine and other allied species, such as E. meridionalis and E. schubertiorum, both occurring in southern Italy and Sicily. However, several morphological features, chromosome size, and differences in the heterochromatin distribution allow for a clear distinction between E. cupaniana and the above‐mentioned species.     

Phylogeography of the pool frog Rana (Pelophylax) lessonae in the Italian peninsula and Sicily: multiple refugia,glacial expansions and nuclear–mitochondrial discordance

Aim To infer the evolutionary history of Rana (Pelophylax) lessonae Camerano within its inferred Quaternary refugial range, and to shed light on the processes that have contributed to shaping the patterns of diversity within the southern European peninsulas. Location The Italian peninsula south of the Alps and Sicily. Methods Sequence analysis of a mitochondrial cytochrome b gene fragment in 149 individuals sampled from 25 localities. Results Three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) phylogroups were identified, distributed in northern Italy, the whole Italian peninsula south of the northern Apennines, and Sicily. Syntopy between the northern and peninsular lineages was observed close to the northern Apennines. The northern lineage was the most differentiated, showing a net sequence divergence of 4.8 ± 0.8% with respect to the two others, whereas the net divergence between peninsular and Sicilian lineages was 2.6 ± 0.6%. Analysis of molecular variance (amova ) revealed that 93% of the overall variation occurred between these three groups. Historical demographic statistics support a recent expansion for both the northern and peninsular groups, but not for the Sicilian group. In both northern and peninsular Italy, such an expansion was likely to have occurred during the last glaciation. Main conclusions Our results suggest that a number of microevolutionary processes were involved in shaping the present genetic structure of R. lessonae in Italy. These encompass allopatric differentiations in three distinct Pleistocene refugia, recent population expansions and secondary contacts. Our results, together with some previous work, support (1) the existence of a suture zone in the northern Apennines, and (2) the possibility of population expansions during the last glacial phase, when a vast widening of the lowland floodplain habitats followed sea‐level fall, particularly in northern Italy. When compared with previous analyses of allozyme data, it appears that the peninsular mtDNA lineage has recently replaced the Sicilian one in southern Calabria, and we suggest that this event occurred due to selective introgression. The implications of such an occurrence for the study of factors underlying the patterns of diversity within this southern European biodiversity hotspot are discussed. Taxonomic implications of the results are also evaluated.     

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T for diagnosis of NSTEMI in the elderly emergency department patient: a clinical cohort study

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of age on the diagnostic performance of high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) under routine conditions.

Materials and methods: Data of 4118 consecutive emergency department (ED) patients who underwent a routine TnT measurement between 11 October 2012 and 30 November 2013 were analysed. Diagnostic accuracy of hsTnT was compared in four age categories (<50, 50–64, 65–74, ≥75 years of age) for different cut-off values. Primary endpoint was a main hospital diagnosis of NSTEMI.

Results: The median age of the study population (n?=?4118) was 61 years (IQR: 45–75 years). NSTEMI was diagnosed in 3.3% (n?=?136) of all patients. There were significant differences in hsTnT concentrations between age-groups (p?p?=?0.297). 72.2% of all patients ≥75 years of age (583/808) without NSTEMI had hsTnT concentrations above the 99th percentile of a healthy reference population. Specificity at 14?ng/L was 93.6% (95% CI: 92.12–94.87) in patients below 50 years of age and 27.9% (95% CI: 24.78–31.08) in patients 75 years of age and older.

Conclusions: Patients’ age needs to be considered at least one influencing factor on hsTnT concentrations at admission and should be included in the clinical interpretation of hsTnT concentrations for further clinical workup beneath other influencing factors like comorbidities and symptom onset time. The implementation of age-specific cut-off values could be considered for single troponin testing at admission but is associated with an increased risk of underdiagnosis of NSTEMI.     

Genetic diversity in the endangered Sicilian endemic Brassica rupestris: Proposals for a conservation strategy

Abstract

Brassica rupestris Raf. is a chasmophyte species that includes two subspecies, both endemic to Central-Western Sicily (Italy). Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used to detect genetic diversity within and among eight populations representative of the species' distribution range. High levels of genetic diversity were revealed both at the population (PPB = 53.88%, H _S = 0.212, Sh = 0.309) and at the species level (PPB = 96.55%, H _T = 0.307, Sh = 0.464). The correlation between genetic and geographical distances was negative (Mantel test, r = ?0.06, P < 0.95). The two subspecies of B. rupestris, subsp. rupestris and subsp. hispida, showed remarkable genetic similarity and molecular data did not unequivocally support their distinctness. The pattern of genetic variation revealed by our study bears important consequences for conservation management: It is desirable to preserve B. rupestris populations in situ with a “dynamic” strategy, while, ex situ conservation programmes might be improved to safeguard maximum genetic diversity.     

Seasonal fluctuation in nematode population associated with mango,Mangifera indica L.

Abstract

Mango, Mangifera indica L. Family – Anacardiaceae, an economically important fruit tree, was selected to study the effect of seasonal changes of the population of plant parasitic nematodes viz., Hoplolaimus indicus, Helicotylenchus indicus, Rotylenchulus reniformis, Tylenchorhynchus mashoodi, Tylenchus filiformis and Hemicriconemoides mangiferae around the roots. The population was investigated at 10, 20 and 40 cm depths. It was observed that seasonal fluctuations have a direct effect on the nematode population. The population was larger at 10 cm depth followed by 20 and 40 cm depths. The largest nematode population was observed when the percent soil moisture was high. Both soil temperature and soil moisture were equally important. The soil pH also affected indirectly the nematode population densities.