Molecular phylogenetics of Triculine snails (Gastropoda: Pomatiopsidae) from southern China

Triculine (Gastropoda: Rissooidea: Pomatiopsidae) snails are involved in the transmission of schistosomiasis and paragonimiasis; their distributions are mainly across southeastern Asia and southern China. In the present investigation, partial sequences of COI, 16S, and 28S were examined to infer the phylogenetic relationships among the species rich and poorly understood gastropod. Samples were collected from 12 geographic locations in six provinces of southern China. Several methods such as maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and distance analysis were used in phylogenetic analyses among these taxa. The resultant phylogenetic trees showed a similar topology irrespective of the phylogenetic methods used. The taxa fell into two clades, with those from Fujian, Guangxi, and Zhejiang Provinces in one clade and those from Hunan, Sichuan and Hubei in the other. Among the taxa in Hubei Province, five formed a monophyletic clade, but Tricula sp. H-SHY fell into a sister clade of Tricula hortensis of Sichuan, whilst Tricula hongshanensis formed a single clade. Sister taxa Tricula pingi and Tricula hsiangi formed well-supported clade within almost all the trees. These results, while preliminary, represent the first attempt to reconstruct a phylogeny for Triculinae across China.     

中国四川北部一沟颈螺新种(柄眼目,艾纳螺总科)描述(英文)

描述了栖息于甘肃南部的陆生贝类艾纳螺科1新种,南坪沟颈螺Holcauchen nanping sp. nov.。与各已知种相比,南坪沟颈螺的次体螺层最膨大;腭壁板齿及腔壁齿阙如;具1枚强壮轴唇齿;在生殖系统中,鞭状器小,乳突状;成荚器无盲囊;纳精囊管分支盲管缺乏。南坪沟颈螺,新种Holcauchen nanping sp. nov. (图1～4)鉴别特征次体螺层最膨大;无腭壁板齿与腔壁齿;轴唇齿1枚,强壮。鞭状器小乳突状;成荚器无盲囊;纳精囊管分支盲管缺乏。正模,HBUMM06584-specimen 1,具软体部的成体,四川省九寨沟县风成寺,2011-08-14,吴岷、徐沁、Prem B.Buhda采。模式标本保存于河北大学博物馆。词源:新种种名源自九寨沟县旧称"南坪"。     

Schistosoma ovuncatum n. sp. (Digenea: Schistosomatidae) from northwest Thailand and the historical biogeography of Southeast Asian Schistosoma Weinland, 1858

Schistosoma sinensium Bao, 1958 was first isolated from an unidentified snail in Sichuan Province, PR China. This species was apparently rediscovered in Chiang Mai Province, northwest Thailand (Baidikul et al., 1984); the definitive host was the rat Rattus rattus and the intermediate host was the snail Tricula bollingi. In this paper S. sinensium is rediscovered in Sichuan Province and compared with worms recovered from experimentally infected mice, which had been exposed to cercariae shed by T. bollingi from Chiang Mai. Evidence is presented suggesting that the schistosome collected by Baidikul was not S. sinensium and that a new species is involved. The new species, named Schistosoma ovuncatum (etymology: ovum (egg) + uncatus (hooked)), is described and compared with related taxa. All previous papers on the Thai schistosome have used worms recovered from field-collected rodents only; this is the first account in which the life-cycle has been completed in the laboratory, using cercariae shed by T. bollingi, and the resulting worms described. S. ovuncatum differs from S. sinensium in terms of size and shape of body and egg, number of testes, size of ovary, length of vitellarium, intermediate host and biogeographical distribution. The relationships of the two taxa and their position with respect to the Schistosoma indicum- and S. japonicum-groups are discussed. The implications of the findings for the evolution of human schistosomiasis in the region are also commented upon.     

Immunocytochemical Localisation of Glycosaminoglycan-Like Activity in the Mucus and Associated Tissues of Terrestrial Slug Species (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

Indirect immunofluorescence assays were conducted on cryotome sections of four terrestrial slug species from three distinct phylogenetic groups, Arion ater (L.), Arion hortensis (Férussac), Tandonia (Milax) budapestensis (Hazay), and Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) using monoclonal antibodies for two glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), heparan sulphate, and chondroitin sulphate. Specific staining for a heparan sulphate-like component was demonstrated in the foot and tail regions of each species and was particularly intense in A. ater and A. hortensis, notably in the epidermis and associated mucus-like material, and in mucus-like material from the pedal gland region of the latter species. Subsequent studies with A. ater confirmed the presence of heparan-sulphate–like activity in the caudal gland duct region. No evidence of specific staining for chondroitin sulphate-like activity was found in any of the slug species. This work suggests that a specific GAG, or a group of closely related GAGs, is a common component of mucus in a range of slug species and of different types of mucus, including trail (pedal) mucus and the more viscous mucus produced by the caudal gland.     

Two new species of the genus Boysidia from China,with a preliminary discussion of its geography (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora: Pupillidae)

Two species of the genus Boysidia Ancey, 1881 were reported as new to science, Boysidia(Boysidia) xianfengensis sp. nov. and B.(B.) xiaoguanensis sp. nov., while the distribution of the 23 species of Boysidia from China was discussed. The materials of the new species were collected from Hubei Province, China by authors. The shell of B.(B.) xianfengensis sp. nov. looks small(height 4.90 mm, diameter 3.10 mm), and has five apertural teeth: one large parietal tooth, one long columellar tooth, one small nipple-shaped upper palatal tooth, one large flake-shaped lower palatal tooth, one small infrapalatal tooth. The shell of B.(B.) xiaoguanensis sp. nov. looks small(height 3.55 mm, diameter 2.20 mm), and has four apertural teeth: one large parietal tooth, one long columellar tooth, one large flake-shaped upper palatal tooth, one slightly small flake-shaped lower palatal tooth. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.     

MMP?REDOX/NO Interplay in Periodontitis and Its Inhibition with Satureja hortensis L. Essential Oil

Satureja hortensis L. is an aromatic plant with antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against periodontopathogens. Here, we attempted to find out whether the antioxidant properties of S. hortensis L. essential oil (EO) could be used to inhibit matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities and prevent the induction of cell death by a pro‐oxidant insult. First, a landscape analysis of MMP and REDOX/nitric oxide (NO)‐related genes was performed (MRN model), and array data from periodontitis patients were plotted over the newly developed model. Thereafter, the antigelatinolytic activity of S. hortensis L. EO and its preventive effect against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)‐induced cell death were tested in vitro (HaCaT cells). Up‐regulation of MMP genes in the MRN network (except for MMP‐10, ‐15, ‐16, ‐20, ‐25, and ‐26) and differential expression of genes coding for antioxidant enzymes were found among others in periodontitis samples. MMP2 and MMP9 were central genes in the MRN network model. Moreover, treatments with 1 and 5 μl/ml of S. hortensis L. EO inhibited both MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activities, and H₂O₂‐induced cell death in vitro. We concluded that S. hortensis L. EO could be a promising host‐modulating agent, since oxidative stress and excessive MMP expression/activity are typical hallmarks of periodontal pathogenesis.     

DISTRIBUTION OF ARION HORTENSIS S.S. AND ARION DISTINCTUS IN NORTHERN SWITZERLAND

The distribution of the sibling slug species Arion hortensiss.s. and Arion distinctus in Northern Switzerland is described.In the sampled area, both species were almost equally abundantand their distributions overlapped. Most of the sampled sitescontained both species. Arion hortensis s.s. is more commonin Switzerland than previously known, and its range extendsmore towards the east of Switzerland. Arion hortensis s.s. wasmore abundant in gardens than in the other habitats sampled.At sites where only A. distinctus occurred, the form with abipartite oviduct prevailed. At sites where both species werepresent, the form of A. distinctus with a tripartite oviductwas more common than the form with a bipartite oviduct. In captivity,one specimen of A. distinctus mated with one A. hortensis s.s.,as indicated by a spermatophore of A. distinctus that was found withinthe atrium of one A. hortensis s.s. A majority of the specimens couldby assigned to the correct species by their colouration, buta safe distinction between A. hortensis s.s. and A. distinctusis only possible using characters of the reproductive system. (Received 4 July 2000; accepted 19 September 2000)     

The structure of the cutaneous pedal glands in the banded snail Cepaea hortensis (Müller, 1774)

Although gastropods have been crawling through the ocean and on the land for 60 million years, we still know very little about the sticky mucus produced in their foot. Most research has been focused on marine species in particular and, to a lesser extent, on the well‐known terrestrial species Arion vulgaris and Cornu aspersum. Within this study, we aim to characterize the foot anatomy of a smaller representative of the family Helicidae, the banded snail Cepaea hortensis. We are particularly interested in the microanatomy of the foot glands, their position, and the histochemical nature of their secretory content. Characterization of the dorsal foot region of Cepaea hortensis reveals four glands, differing in their size and in the granules produced. Histochemically, three of them react positively for sugars (PAS staining and lectin affinity tests for mannose, glucose and N‐acetyl‐d ‐glucosamine) and acidic proteins (positive Alcian blue and Toluidine blue staining), indicating the presence of acidic glycosaminoglycans. The fourth gland type does not react to any of these dyes. The ventral pedal region includes two different gland types, which are positive for the presence of acidic glycoproteins, with a lectin affinity for mannose only. A comparison with Helix pomatia indicates differences regarding the number of glands and their contents. In Helix, only three gland types are described in the dorsal region of the foot, which show a similar granular appearance but nevertheless differ in their chemical composition. Congruently, there are two gland types in the ventral region in both species, whereas in Helix an additional sugar moiety is found. This raises the question whether these differences between the pedal glandular systems of both helicid species are the result of protection or size‐related adaptations, as they occur in the same habitat.     

Hemiodus iratapuru,a new species of Hemiodontidae from the Rio Jari,Amazon Basin,Brazil (Teleostei,Characiformes)

Hemiodus iratapuru, a new species of the Hemiodontidae from the Rio Iratapuru, a left bank tributary of the Rio Jari, Amazon Basin, Brazil, is described. The new species is diagnosed from other species of Hemiodus by modifications in the ectopterygoid, tooth form, scale counts, dorsal‐fin form and colour pattern. The new species is proposed to be related to the Hemiodus quadrimaculatus species group.     

Reproductive biology and pollinators in two enantiostylous Qualea species (Vochysiaceae) in the Brazilian Cerrado

• Enantiostyly is a floral polymorphism in which two floral forms in the same species differ in deflection of the stigma to right or left position. In monomorphic enantiostylous plants, flowers of the two morphs occur within the same individual, usually in the same proportion. In self‐compatible species the function of monomorphic enantiostyly is proposed to increase outcrossing rates and offer a reproductive advantage under pollination limitation. Enantiostylous species are usually self‐compatible and show heteranthery, with poricide anthers and pollen as pollinator reward; however, there are families, such as Vochysiaceae, that have different characteristics.
• We analysed the reproductive system and pollination biology of Qualea parviflora and Q. multiflora, two enantiostylous species from the Brazilian Cerrado that have specific morphological and physiological traits. For this, we characterized flower traits, performed hand pollinations and studied floral visitors.
• We found no differences between morphs in the proportion of flowers, nectar produced or its concentration, pollen quantity and fruit set. Both species were self‐incompatible and quite generalist regarding floral visitors.
• Enantiostyly in self‐incompatible plants seems to confer a reproductive advantage by reducing self‐interference resulting from stigma clogging. This novel result helps to expand our knowledge on this complex floral polymorphism and opens new avenues for future research on this topic.

     

The effectiveness of pre‐ and post‐zygotic barriers in avoiding hybridization between two snapdragons (Antirrhinum L.: Plantaginaceae)

Reproductive barriers play an important role in the maintenance of species boundaries. However, to date, few studies have provided a detailed analysis of reproductive isolation barriers between species or examined their importance in maintaining species identity. This is the first detailed study into pre‐ and post‐zygotic reproductive isolation barriers in Antirrhinum, based on a mixed population with two species that rarely co‐occur. The study revealed that pollinator constancy and preference and poor hybrid seed viability were the most important reproductive isolating mechanisms. Reproductive isolation was practically complete by both pre‐ and post‐zygotic barriers. Average pre‐zygotic isolation was greater than post‐zygotic isolation, in accordance with the trend observed in flowering plants in which reproductive isolation is principally caused by pre‐zygotic mechanisms. However, average post‐zygotic isolation was also high, in contrast to what was expected among Antirrhinum spp. This case highlights the importance of quantifying the reproductive isolation barriers thoroughly to understand how and why species boundaries are maintained. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 176 , 159–172.     

Dental root size in bats with diets of different hardness

The relationship between tooth roots and diet is relatively unexplored, although a logical relationship between harder diets and increased root surface area (RSA) is suggested. This study addresses the interaction between tooth morphology, diet, and bite force in small mammals, phyllostomid bats. Using micro computed tomography (microCT), tooth root morphology of two fruit‐eating species (Carollia perspicillata and Chiroderma villosum) and two insect‐eating species (Mimon bennettii and Macrotus californicus) was compared. These species did not differ in skull or estimated body size. Food hardness, rather than dietary classification, proved to be the strongest grouping factor, with the two insectivores and the seed‐processing frugivore (C. villosum) having significantly larger RSAs. Bite force was estimated using skull measurements; bite force significantly correlated with tooth RSA but not with body size. Although the three durophagous species did exhibit larger crowns, the area of the occlusal surface did not vary among the four species. There was a linear relationship between root size and crown size, indicating that the roots were not expanded disproportionately; instead the entire tooth was larger in the hard diet species. MicroCT allows the nondestructive quantification of previously difficult‐to‐access tooth morphology; this method shows the potential for tooth roots to provide valuable dietary, behavioral, and ecological information in small mammals. J. Morphol. 276:1065–1074, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Purification of cadmium-binding proteins from related species of terrestrial helicidae (gastropoda,mollusca): A comparative study

Summary Three species of terrestrial Helicidae (Helix pomatia, Cepaea hortensis andArianta arbustorum) were fed cadmium-rich diet in the laboratory. The snails accumulated high amounts of the metal in their hepatopancreas. Most cadmium and some zinc were found, after centrifugation, in the soluble fractions from which a cadmium-binding protein was isolated for each species by ion exchange and gel chromatography. The proteins contained different amounts of cadmium, but little or no zinc, and showed high absorption at 254 nm indicating the presence of cadmium-mercaptide bonds. After gel filtration, a molecular weight of 12000 was found for cadmium-binding proteins fromHelix pomatia andArianta arbustorum, whereas a molecular weight of 10 000 was found for a cadmium-binding protein fromCepaea hortensis. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed one single band for each protein fromHelix pomatia andArianta arbustorum and suggested a molecular weight of 11000 for both species. Amino acid analysis revealed, for each protein, high amounts of cysteine (12–20%), glycine (15–19%), and serine (12–14%), and moderately elevated contents of lysine (9–13%) and alanine (4–8%), but no methionine and only traces, if any, of aromatic amino acids. The ratios of cadmium to cysteine were 1:5, 1:10 and 1:3 in the proteins fromHelix pomatia,Cepaea hortensis andArianta arbustorum, respectively. Some features of the isolated proteins resembled mammalian metallothioneins. Most characteristics, however, differed from true metallothioneins and were similar to cadmium-binding proteins found in some marine molluscs.     

Assimilation efficiencies of slugs on different food materials

Summary The relative assimilation efficiencies of two common British species of slug, Limax flavus (L.) and Arion hortensis (Fér.), were studied in the laboratory using a gravimetric method. Results are given for adult slugs feeding on carrot root and potato tuber at 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20° C, and for L. flavus juveniles of known age feeding on potato at 10° and 15° C. A few results are also provided for Agriolimax reticulatus (Müller) feeding on both potato and carrot at 15° C.High mean assimilation efficiencies of 76.94 and 76.87% were obtained for L. flavus feeding on carrot and potato respectively. The equivalent results for A. hortensis were 88.60 and 89.42%. For A. reticulatus at 15° C the figures were 76.1 and 71.9%. Ingestion rates and assimilation rates are given for the first two species at all temperatures. Assimilation efficiency was found to be independent of temperature for L. flavus but not for A. hortensis. Ingestion rate and assimilation rate were temperature dependent in all cases except for A. hortensis feeding on potato. A. hortensis was more efficient at consuming both carrot and potato per gram live weight. All species consumed more potato than carrot per gram live weight.Juvenile L. flavus were found to have higher assimilation efficiencies and ingestion rates than the adults per gram live weight.Linear regression equations were determined from the relationship between dry weight of food consumed, and dry weight of faeces produced from that food for L. flavus.It is concluded that food quality and age of slug may be the factors most strongly influencing assimilation efficiency in this group.     

Origin of the white shark Carcharodon (Lamniformes: Lamnidae) based on recalibration of the Upper Neogene Pisco Formation of Peru

Abstract: The taxonomic origin of the white shark, Carcharodon, is a highly debated subject. New fossil evidence presented in this study suggests that the genus is derived from the broad‐toothed ‘mako’, Carcharodon (Cosmopolitodus) hastalis, and includes the new species C. hubbelli sp. nov. – a taxon that demonstrates a transition between C. hastalis and Carcharodon carcharias. Specimens from the Pisco Formation clearly demonstrate an evolutionary mosaic of characters of both recent C. carcharias and fossil C. hastalis. Characters diagnostic to C. carcharias include the presence tooth serrations and a symmetrical first upper anterior tooth that is the largest in the tooth row, while those indicative of C. hastalis include a mesially slanted third anterior (intermediate) tooth. We also provide a recalibration of critical fossil horizons within the Pisco Formation, Peru using zircon U‐Pb dating and strontium‐ratio isotopic analysis. The recalibration of the absolute dates suggests that Carcharodon hubbelli sp. nov. is Late Miocene (6–8 Ma) in age. This research revises and elucidates lamnid shark evolution based on the calibration of the Neogene Pisco Formation.