Studies on the cyanophytes of Cuba 4–6

The article comprises three subsequently published studies of the taxonomy of Cuban cyanophyte/cyanobacterial flora: (4)Lyngbyopsis willei: This oscillatorialean genus and species, described byGardner (1927) from mountain creeks in Puerto Rico, was found more than 50 years later in similar localities in Cuba. The morphological variability of the Cuban populations is described and similarity with the genusSchizothrix (sect.Inactis) discussed. —(5)Cylindrospermum-species: The morphological variability of twenty-oneCylindrospermum-populations collected in Cuba was studied, documented by graphical methods and compared with the published data. Four new taxa were recognized (C. minutissimum v.rinoi, C. zonatum, C. bourrellyi, andC. desikacharyi). The other populations belong to the variation ranges ofC. breve, C. minutissimum, C. michailovskoense, andC. muscicola v.kashmiriense.— (6)Gomphosphaerioideae-species: Fifty eight populations (9 species) of the subfamilyGomphosphaerioideae (Microcystaceae, Chroococcales) from freshwater biotopes of Cuba were evaluated: Four planktic species with a probable cosmopolitan distribution were found (Coelosphaerium kuetzinginianum, C. minutissimum, Snowella lacustris andCoelomoron pusillus), and from the genusCoelomoron Buell two new species,C. microcystoides andC. vestitus were described. The tropical planktic speciesWoronichinia fremyi forms occasionally water blooms in larger reservoirs. Two tropical species from the genusGomphosphaeria Kütz, were recognized,G. multiplex (Nyg.) c. n. andG. semen-vitis sp. n.     

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in La Habana,Cuba: A Study of Local Social–Ecological Resilience

Following the collapse of the Cuban economy in the early 1990s, epidemiologists in the Cuban Ministry of Health noticed dramatic increases in reported outbreaks of ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) in some coastal communities. This article summarizes the results of a comparative case study which applied an ecosystem approach to human health to investigate this issue. Situated learning and complexity theories were used to interpret the results of the investigation. CFP outbreaks are influenced by a complex set of interactions between ecological and socioeconomic processes. This study found that the level of organization of the local sports fishing community and the degree of degradation of the local nearshore marine ecosystem appear to be key factors influencing the diverging levels of CFP outbreaks recorded in the 1990s in the communities studied.     

Influence of lunar cycle on catches of spiny lobster Panulirus argus (Decapoda: Palinuridae) in the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba

Many biological processes such as reproductive and migratory behaviours have been associated with moon cycles. In this study, the nocturnal light levels associated with lunar cycle (INT) were correlated with daily catch rate of lobster P. argus, during seven lunar months of 2002 fishing period, to determine a possible relationship between these variables. The lobster catches were obtained from three fishing companies that develop their activities in the Gulf of Batabanó: EPICOL that fishes in Coloma area; PESCAHABANA in Batabanó area and PESCAISLA in Isla area. Daily catch per boat (CDB) was used as a measurement of daily catch variations (catch rate). The correlation was analyzed showing it in chronological graphs based on average of CDB per lunar phases, comparing lobster catch rate per lunar phases -with the Kruskal-Wallis test-. Spearman rank correlation coefficient and cross correlation techniques were also applied. Similarities between lobster catch rate and the lunar cycle were not found. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was modularly smaller than 0.1 in all cases and demonstrated quantitatively that correlation between CDB and INT does not exist. Kruskal-Wallis test detected differences only in Batabanó area but not when making the analyses for the whole Gulf of Batabanó. Finally, the cross correlations do not detected significance in any zone, as well. It is concluded that, in opposition to what other authors have reported, the catch rates of P. argus and the lunar cycle did not show significant correlation in the Gulf of Batabanó. This trend was independent of the fishing art, which varied according to the time of the year that was analyzed.     

Spatial and temporal variations of meiofaunal communities from the western sector of the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba: II. Seagrass systems

The meiofauna from seagrass meadows in the western sector of the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba were studied to describe the spatial and temporal variations in community structure. Replicated cores were taken in three locations (arranged in m- and km-scales) and in two seasons (dry and wet). The meiofauna (metazoans between 500 and 45 microm) were identified to major taxa. Temporal changes in the meiofaunal communities could not be detected and they are not linked to the subtle seasonal changes in the water column. A larger variation in community structure was observed in the spatial m-scale (among cores in a station) probably accredited to heterogeneity of microenvironment and biological processes. A second source of variation in the km-scale (among locations) was identified relating to physical processes affecting seagrass meadows: marine currents and anthropogenic disturbances. Distribution patterns of meiofauna across locations coincide with one study from 20 years ago in seagrass beds (i.e. higher densities in area closer to break-shelf and diminution of fauna at southern of Pinar del Rio); however, cumulative anthropogenic disturbances on seagrass meadows would most likely explain the depletion of communities observed in our survey in comparison with decades ago. Estimates of meiofaunal density and richness of major taxa from our study (and other areas from the Cuban shelf) are consistently lower than other temperate and tropical sites; possibly caused by low primary productivity due to narrow tidal amplitude and oligotrophic waters.     

Variations of the nutritional condition of lobsters Panulirus argus (Decapoda: Palinuridae) in Eastern region of the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba

Nutritional condition can affect survival and growth rate of crustaceans, and this is mostly affected by habitat conditions. This study describes the space-temporary nutritional changes in this commercially important species. With this aim, the variations in the nutritional condition (K) of lobsters from four zones (1, 2, 4 and 5) in the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba, were determined. For this, the weight/length ratio (K=Pt/Lt) was calculated using animals captured in 1981 and 2010. The nutritional condition between areas and sexes, and years and sexes, was contrasted by a bifactorial ANOVA, and the overall length and weight of lobsters were compared using a t-Test for independent samples and unifactorial ANOVA. It was found that the nutritional condition was significantly greater in males than in females. In addition, significant variations between zones were detected for both years. Nutritional condition of lobsters from Zone five was the highest for 1981, while it was Zone two for 2010. Lobsters nutritional state showed significant variations between years, being greater in 1981 (2.34 +/- 0.84g/mm) than in 2010 (1.96 +/- 0.49g/mm). The inter-zones variations as well as the inter-annual ones seem to be related to the reported variations of the bottom type and the vegetation cover. Seasonal variations in the abundance and distribution of benthic organisms, that constitute food for lobsters, could also be influencing. The differences between sexes, however, were assumed as a consequence of the methodology used and the sexual dimorphism of the species. Due to other K estimation methods, that do not include morphometric measurements, these differences were not detected. We suggested that the P. argus nutritional condition is a good estimator of the habitat condition. Besides, according to the applied K estimation methodology, it was found that different groups of lobsters that have resemblant nutritional condition, did not necessarily observe similarities in the overall mean length or weight, so they could exist under different habitat conditions.     

Tradicional use of medicinal plants with diuretic properties at Quemado de Güines Municipality, Cuba

Medicinal plants are highly rich in Cuba and an amount of 179 species have been reported to be used by the population for diuretic purposes, nevertheless, no experimental validation has supported this effect. This study presents the relative importance of the medicinal plant species most widely used for diuretic purposes in two communities of Quemado de Guines Municipality, Villa Clara province. The information was obtained through the application of an interview to 85 inhabitants, from which 80 were random surveys to people with a great knowledge of plants, and five to herbalists and doctors practicing natural medicine. The etnopharmacological information was registered (gathered) by means of the "Tradicional of the Medicine of the Island" (TRAMIL) methodology and the interesting species were identified by a botanist and deposited in the Herbarium of the Central University "Marta Abreu" from Villa Clara, registered in the Index Herbarium, published periodically by the International Association for Plant Taxonomy. The data was analyzed by means of the indexes of use values and significant use level after TRAMIL. From the total of 19 botanical families, 26 medicinal species were identified, and 10 plants resulted with higher significant use and higher indexes of use values. From the plants reported as diuretics, 53.8% have not been experimentally validated in Cuba, the rest of the identified species have been validated at a preclinical level in some centers in the country, but its use have not been authorized as phytochemicals by the Cuban Regulatory Agency. The documentation related to the use of medicinal plants in the studied areas reveals that the traditional knowledge continues deeply rooted in the communities, and popular wisdom is kept through the representative images of the herbalist and people with considerable knowledge about this topic.     

Not of African Descent: Dental Modification among Indigenous Caribbean People from Canímar Abajo,Cuba

Dental modifications in the Caribbean are considered to be an African practice introduced to the Caribbean archipelago by the influx of enslaved Africans during colonial times. Skeletal remains which exhibited dental modifications are by default considered to be Africans, African descendants, or post-contact indigenous people influenced by an African practice. Individual E-105 from the site of Canímar Abajo (Cuba), with a direct ¹⁴C AMS date of 990–800 cal BC, provides the first unequivocal evidence of dental modifications in the Antilles prior to contact with Europeans in AD 1492. Central incisors showing evidence of significant crown reduction (loss of crown volume regardless of its etiology) were examined macroscopically and with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine if the observed alterations were due to deliberate modification or other (unintentional) factors considered: postmortem breakage, violent accidental breakage, non-dietary use of teeth, and wear caused by habitual or repeated actions. The pattern of crown reduction is consistent with deliberate dental modification of the type commonly encountered among African and African descendent communities in post-contact Caribbean archaeological assemblages. Six additional individuals show similar pattern of crown reduction of maxillary incisors with no analogous wear in corresponding mandibular dentition.     

Biological fitness and action opportunity of natural selection in an urban population of Cuba: Plaza de la Revolución, Havana

This paper describes the biological fitness of an urban population of Havana city, Plaza de la Revolución, which has the lowest fertility and the highest demographic ageing in Cuba. The aim is to assess the biological fitness of this community through the indexes of action opportunity of natural selection, to determine its evolutionary pattern and the influence of its socio-cultural peculiarity. Demographic data were obtained from the reproductive histories of 1200 women between the ages of 55 and 64. Data concerning mortality and surviving offspring from the first embryonic stages until age of reproduction were also collected. In order to measure the level of biological fitness two indexes were used: the Crow index of action opportunity of natural selection and the corrected index proposed by Johnston and Kensinger, which takes into account prenatal mortality. This corrected index was calculated including and excluding induced abortions in order to evaluate the contribution of these to biological fitness. When only postnatal mortality was considered, the results showed an evolutionary pattern similar to that of developed countries, based on low mortality and fertility. However, when prenatal mortality was taken into account, biological fitness decreased and the corrected index of natural selection was 4.5 times higher than when miscarriages and fetal deaths were not considered. Moreover, this corrected index was 2.65 times higher when induced miscarriages were considered, indicating the large decrease in biological fitness as a result of the current reproductive behaviour of frequent induced abortion.     

Variation of snail's abundance in two water bodies harboring strains of Pseudosuccinea columella resistant and susceptible to Fasciola hepatica miracidial infection, in Pinar del Río Province, Cuba

The abundance of freshwater snails in two rural sites of Pinar del Río, Cuba, which harbor Pseudosuccinea columella susceptible and resistant to miracidia of Fasciola hepatica was followed for one year. Susceptible snails were found in the most anthropic site (IPA) whereas the resistant population inhabited the most preserved one (El Azufre). Only two snail species coexisted with P. columella at IPA site (Physa cubensis and Tarebia granifera) while five species were found at El Azufre, including an endemic from that province (Hemisinus cubanianus). Populations of both resistant and susceptible snails showed stable densities throughout the year, although the susceptible strain attained higher abundance. The highest densities were observed in April-May 2004 for the susceptible population whereas the resistant strain attained its highest abundance in January 2004. No record of Fossaria cubensis was made and the thiarid T. granifera occurred only at low densities. One of the sampled sites (IPA) meets all the conditions for the first report of P. columella naturally infected with larvae of F. hepatica.     

First Report of a New Isolate of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Metarhizium rileyi</Emphasis> from Maize Fields of Quivicán,Cuba

Metarhizium rileyi (Farlow) Samson is an important entomopathogenic fungus of more than 30 species of Lepidoptera larvae. The aim of this research was to characterize isolate of M. rileyi from Quivicán, Cuba on the basis of morphological and molecular approaches. The fungus was isolated from samples of S. frugiperda larvae collected from maize fields of Quivicán municipality, Mayabeque province, Cuba, and it was cultured on PDA?+?Ampicillin solid media for morphological characterization. The DNA was isolated using CTAB method and internal transcribed spacer (ITS1, ITS4) were used as the primers for the amplification. The amplified products of 1335 bp were purified and sequenced at CINVESTAV-IPN in both the directions using the above primers. A consensus sequence was obtained by alignment of the forward and reverse sequences for this region and deposited in GenBank (MG637450). The fungus produced slightly cottony colony of pale green color and dispersed conidia and septal mycelium were observed under the optical microscope. A BLAST search of the sequence in GenBank revealed a 99% of identity with several strains of N. rileyi (e.g., AF368501.1, AB268359.1 and EU553337.1) and M. rileyi (e.g., KY436756.1). This is the first report of M. rileyi isolate from maize fields of Quivicán in Cuba and this is important for biodiversity studies and is another possibility for Integrated Pest Management.     

Lista de los helechos y licófitos de Cuba

This paper presents an up-to-date list of the ferns and lycophytes of Cuba. The list contains 599 species in 131 genera and 37 families. In total, Cuba harbors 93 endemic species (17 lycophytes and 76 ferns) that represent a 15.5% of the total species of ferns and lycophytes. For each taxon the distribution in Cuba is given according to three phytogeographical subprovinces: Western Cuba, Central Cuba, and Eastern Cuba. The following new combinations are made: Amauropelta balbisii var. longipilosa, Amauropelta piedrensis var. heterotricha, Amauropelta scalpturoides var. glabriuscula, Christella hispidula var. inconstans, Cyathea × acunae, Didymoglossum caluffii, Didymoglossum micropubescens, Goniopteris alata var. subpinnata, Goniopteris sclerophylla var. latifolia, Pteris hexagona var. multifida . A new name, Goniopteris moranii, is given for Thelypteris guadalupensis. New records reported herein for Cuba are Megalastrum macrotheca, Polystichopsis argillicola, and Pteris propinqua.     

El géneroJacquinia L. (Theophrastaceae) en Cuba

The term phyletic diversity is used here to denote the continued co-existence and evolution of separate major phyletic groups which have a similar mode of life (e.g. within the angiosperms). This work attempts to show that an understanding of the factors which determine the degree of phyletic diversity could contribute to understanding the nature and evolution of higher taxonomic categories, such as families. The opposite of phyletic diversity, phyletic uniformity (Fig. 1A—B), should result from unequal evolutionary rates of different groups and repeated adaptive radiations of the most successful groups; the following competition for essential, limiting resources should lead to the extinction of all less rapidly evolving, inferior groups. At least some plant families are shown to have specific adaptive specializations which give them competitive advantages for part of the environmental resources only. This ensures their co-existence and the maintainance of phyletic diversity. The nature of these family specializations is considered briefly. It is shown that physiological adaptations to particular conditions, symbioses which aid in obtaining nutrients and, especially, chemical defence mechanisms could be major components of these specializations and thereby the raison d'être of plant families.     

Two new species of coccidia (apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the bearded false chameleon Chamaeleolis barbatus (Sauria: polychridae) from cinco pesos, Pinar Del Río, Cuba.

Parasitological examination of bearded false chameleons Chamaeleolis barbatus freshly imported from Cuba revealed the presence of 2 species of coccidia that are described as new. Oocysts of Isospora chamaeleolidis n. sp. are spherical to slightly subspherical, 16.1 (13-21) x 15.6 (13-19) microm, with a brownish and bilayered wall approximately 1.0-1.5 microm thick; outer layer markedly pitted. 0.75-1.0 microm thick. One, rarely 2, globular polar granules, 1.5 in diameter are present in the sporulated oocysts. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 10.8 (10-13) x 7.8 (7-9) microm, with a smooth, colorless, and unilayered sporocyst wall. Stieda body and substieda bodies are present. A sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of small granules of irregular size scattered among the sporozoites. Oocysts of Eimeria chamaeleolidisbarbati n. sp. are broadly oval, 19.0 (17-21) x 15.7 (15-17) microm, with a bilayered, colorless oocyst wall approximately 0.75 thick; outer layer of oocyst wall is smooth, 0.5 microm thick. One or 2, rarely 4, globular, irregular polar granules, approximately 1.5 microm in diameter, are present in sporulated oocysts. Sporocysts are broadly oval, 7.4 (7-8.5) x 6.1 (5.5-7) microm, with a smooth, colorless, and unilayered sporocyst wall, composed of 2 valves joined by suture; Stieda body and substieda bodies are absent.     

Effect of Rhizobium–Azospirillum coinoculation on nitrogen fixation and yield of two contrasting Phaseolus vulgaris L. genotypes cultivated across different environments in Cuba

Azospirillum spp. have shown potential to enhance nodulation and plant growth of legumes when coinoculated with Rhizobium. The effect of Azospirillum on the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis is, however, dependent on the host genotype used. Previous greenhouse experiments identified two genotypes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), BAT477 and DOR364, contrasting in nodulation response to Azospirillum when coinoculated with Rhizobium. Genetic analysis revealed a genetic basis (Quantitative Trait Loci) on the bean genome related to the differential responsiveness to Azospirillum between the two bean genotypes. In this study, on-station and on-farm field experiments in different regions in Cuba were conducted to evaluate the agronomic relevance of the differences in response to Azospirillum–Rhizobium coinoculation between the two genotypes BAT477 and DOR364. It was observed that Azospirillum–Rhizobium coinoculation as compared to single Rhizobium inoculation increased the amount of fixed nitrogen and the yield of DOR364 across all sites. For BAT477, on the contrary, a negative effect of Azospirillum–Rhizobium coinoculation on yield and nitrogen fixation was observed on most of the sites as compared to single Rhizobium inoculation. The modified stability regression equations resulting from this study may contribute to predict how a combination of genotype and inoculum will perform at a certain environmental setting. This study highlights the importance of genotype × inocula interactions in agricultural outputs and establishes a link between greenhouse phenotype, genetic background and performance in the field.     

Checklist of the smaller families of Opomyzoidea,Anthomyzidae, Asteiidae,Aulacigastridae, Clusiidae,Odiniidae, Opomyzidae and Periscelididae (Diptera)?of?Finland

A species checklist is presented for Finland covering seven smaller families of Opomyzoidea: Anthomyzidae, Asteiidae, Aulacigastridae, Clusiidae, Odiniidae, Opomyzidae and Periscelididae (Diptera).     

Compounds isolated at theDepartment of Biogenesis of Natural Substances,Institute of Microbiology,Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences,in 1954–1983

Substances studied at this department in 1954–1983 are reviewed; a total of 226 compounds are characterized in a tabular form. They include natural compounds as well as those prepared by biotransformation, by semisynthetic and synthetic methods.     

Trypanosomes of non-human primates from the National Centre of Primates, Ananindeua, State of Pará, brazil

Trypanosome infections were sought in 46 non-human primates captured principally in Amazonian Brazil. Twenty-two (47.8%) were infected with four Trypanosoma species: T. cruzi, T. minasense, T. devei and T. rangeli. These preliminary results confirmed the high prevalence and diversity of natural infections with trypanosomes in primates from Brazilian Amazon and were the first formal record of simian infections with trypanosomes in the State of Acre. The presence of T. cruzi-like and T. rangeli-like parasites are recorded in four new hosts.     

Abstracts of Papers,Conference of Young Scientists,Kol’tsov Institute of Developmental Biology,Russian Academy of Sciences,Moscow, Russia (December 21–22, 2009)

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Abstracts of Papers, Conference of Young Scientists, Kol’tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia (December 21–22, 2009)