Effects of bleaching on the pharmacological and toxicological activities elicited by the aqueous extracts prepared from two “fire corals” collected in the Mexican Caribbean

Hydrocorals of the genus Millepora are abundant skeleton-forming inhabitants of coral reefs around the world. These species are popularly known as “fire corals” since contact with them causes severe pain, skin eruptions and blisters as a result of the release of unidentified toxins. Millepora species associate with photosynthetic dinoflagellates of the genus Symbiodinium (“zooxanthellae”), and up to now the role of these symbionts in the toxic effects induced by the “fire corals” is unknown. In this study, we compared the hemolytic, vasoconstrictor, and phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) activities of the crude aqueous extracts prepared from normal and bleached specimens of two hydrocorals collected in the Mexican Caribbean, Milleporaalcicornis and Millepora complanata. Electrophoretic analysis revealed some differences between the protein profiles of the extracts prepared from normal and bleached specimens. Bleaching decreased, but not abolished, the hemolytic effect induced by the hydrocorals extracts and the phospholipase A₂ activity of M. complanata extract. Furthermore, it did not modify the enzymatic activity of M. alcicornis extract and vasoconstriction elicited by both extracts. Our results suggest that the presence of the symbionts does not importantly influence the pharmacological and toxic effects induced by Millepora ssp. extracts, and indicate that cnidarians are the main source of the bioactive compounds.     

Neuronal mechanisms underlying behavioral switching in a pteropod mollusc

Summary In the pteropod mollusc Clione limacina, wing retraction takes precedence over spontaneous and continuous swimming, a phenomenon here defined as behavioral switching. The wing retraction system is organized as a simple reflex in which wing mechanoreceptors activate a pair of retraction interneurons which in turn excite at least two pairs of retraction motoneurons.Activation of individual mechanoreceptors does not inhibit swimming or trigger wing retraction. A pair of retraction interneurons can fully suppress swimming when induced to fire at physiological frequencies, and may be both sufficient and necessary for swim inhibition.Retraction interneurons monosynaptically inhibit both swim interneurons and swim motoneurons. Retraction motoneurons inhibit swim motoneurons through a polysynaptic pathway.A model summarizing the neural circuitry underlying behavioral switching in Clione is presented. A comparison of this model with the behavioral choice model in Pleurobranchaea reveals that the overall neural mechanisms for behavioral choice and behavioral switching are similar as both involve dual function interneurons that not only activate their own motor pathway, but also inhibit the competing motor system. While inhibition is biased toward the afferent side of the competing circuit in behavioral choice, it is biased to the efferent side in behavioral switching.     

Neckera enrothiana (Neckeraceae,Musci), a new species from Sichuan,China

Abstract

A new species in the moss family Neckeraceae, Neckera enrothiana M.C. Ji is described and illustrated from the Sichuan Province, China. It is characterized by the combination of relatively small plants, entirely non-undulate and non-decurrent leaves, and by its lacking or very short costa. It is compared with the somewhat similar and widely distributed N. complanata (Hedw.) Hueb. and N. besseri (Lob.) Jur., as well as with the Asian N. goughiana Mitt.     

Variations of behavioural patterns during development in the water stick insect

Variations of associations between different behavioural patterns were analysed during post-embryonic development in the water stick insect,Ranatra linearis L. (Heteroptera: Nepidae). Behavioural patterns recorded were: quiescence, swimming, crawling, leg waving, body swaying, respiratory ascents breathing, respiratory descents, grooming and feeding activities (predatory attempts, foreleg movements, ingestion). A factorial analysis of correspondance stressed the contrast between the organization of larval behaviour and that of adult behaviour. No behavioural patterns were dropped from the repertoire during post-embryonic development ofRanatra linearis and no new patterns developed in adults outside the reproductive period. Larval behaviour was characterized by more frequent respiratory activities and grooming and adult behaviour was characterized by more frequent locomotory activities. At all larval stages grooming was associated with respiratory activities and crawling, but not with feeding activities.     

The role of colony morphology and substratum inclination in the success of Millepora alcicornis on shallow coral reefs

 Millepora species are conspicuous members of shallow coral reefs where they occupy a variety of substrata and produce morphologically complex skeletons. This study focuses on the roles of growth on vertical and horizontal surfaces and the production of encrusting bases and branches (a “sheet-tree” morphology) for the success of the Millepora alcicornis on coral reefs. The effects of inclination were investigated by comparing the size and growth rates of M. alcicornis on vertical and horizontal surfaces at 3–5 m depth, in St. John, US Virgin Islands. The consequences of morphological complexity were investigated by comparing polyp density, chlorophyll content and biomass between encrusting bases and branches; the role of branches in asexual reproduction was also quantified. Colonies on vertical surfaces had larger encrusting bases, longer perimeters and lower densities of branches compared to those on horizontal surfaces. Growth rates also varied significantly between surfaces, largely because colonies on horizontal surfaces shrank in area while those on vertical surfaces increased in area, albeit slowly. Branches were not specialized in comparison to encrusting bases in terms of the density of dactylozooids and gastrozooids, chlorophyll content and biomass, but they were effective asexual propagules. During one storm, 79% of the branches were removed from colonies of M. alcicornis, and 4% attached to the substratum to produce new colonies at a density of ≈0.5 colonies.m^-2. Anecdotal observations suggest that such storms rarely damaged encrusting bases on vertical surfaces, but often destroyed those on horizontal surfaces. Thus, the encrusting bases on vertical surfaces are likely to be large because of greater age rather than faster growth, while those on horizontal surfaces are likely to be small because they are relatively young and short lived. These findings suggest that the success of M. alcicornis is a result, in part, of the beneficial consequences of their “sheet-tree” morphology, that supports: (a) slow growth and resistance to wave damage of encrusting bases on vertical surfaces, and (b) the use of branches as asexual propagules. Accepted: 24 November 1998     

Genetic relationships of the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis and its symbionts within and between locations across the Atlantic

Although the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis is a prominent and ecologically relevant amphi-Atlantic reef builder, little attention has been given to its endosymbionts which are also involved in the survival and adaptation success of the species in different environments. In this study, we resolve the genetic relationships between M. alcicornis and its symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) within both sides and across the Atlantic. The COI and 16S-rDNA regions were selected for the host tissues, and the 23S-rDNA and ITS regions were chosen for the symbionts. Phylogenetic networks consistently showed that host populations from the eastern Atlantic archipelagos (Canary and Cape Verde Islands) were more related to western Atlantic populations than they were between them. However, results for Symbiodiniaceae species varied according to the molecular marker used. Samples from Mexico were grouped as Symbiodinium sp. (formerly Symbiodinium clade A) by both markers. Specimens from Puerto Rico were grouped as either Symbiodinium sp. or Breviolum sp. (formerly Symbiodinium clade B), according to the molecular marker used. Most samples from the eastern Atlantic were identified as Breviolum sp. by both markers, except for one sample from the Canary Islands and two samples from the Cape Verde Islands, which were identified as Cladocopium sp. (formerly Symbiodinium clade C) using ITS-rDNA. These results suggest that these two genera of Symbiodiniaceae may cohabit the same M. alcicornis colony. Because hydrocorals from the Canary Islands were phylogenetically related to the western Atlantic, but symbionts were more related to those of the Cape Verde Islands, the origin of the coral and its symbionts is probably different. This may be explained either by “horizontal” transmission, i.e. acquisition from the environment, or by a change in the dominant symbiont composition within the host. The flexibility of this hydrocoral to select symbionts, depending on environmental conditions, can provide new insight to understand how this coral may face ongoing climate change.

     

Factors affecting zooplankton feeding by the sea anemoneAiptasia pallida

Effects of various treatments on prey capture, prey ingestion and ingestion time of individualArtemia salina nauplii by the sea anemoneAiptasia pallida Verrill were studied in the laboratory. Exposure to crudeArtemia homogenate, 5 × 10^–4 M reduced glutathione or 5 × 10^–4 M proline significantly decreased the number ofArtemia that were captured and ingested but had no significant effect on the ingestion time of individualArtemia. Multiple captures increased the total ingestion time but decreased ingestion time per prey item. Results suggest that, under these conditions, the prey capture phase of zooplankton feeding was somewhat distinct from the ingestion phase since chemical stimuli that significantly reduced prey capture had no significant effect on ingestion time.     

Editorial Retraction

STATEMENT OF RETRACTION

Upon a thorough investigation, it has been determined that the paper titled “Presence of Siderophores on Grape Marc Aerated Compost Tea,” written by F. Diánez, M. Santos, M. de Cara, and J.C. Tello published in the Geomicrobiology Journal, 2006, Volume 23, pages 323–331, is nearly identical to the article “Grape Marc Compost Tea Suppressiveness to Plant Pathogenic Fungi: Role of Siderophores,” also written by F. Diánez, M. Santos, M. de Cara and J.C. Tello along with A. Boix, I. Trillas and M. Avilés that published in Compost Science & Utilization, 2006, 48–53, five months prior to publishing in Geomicrobiology Journal.

As a result the article published in Geomicrobiology Journal has been retracted and should not be cited in the electronic or print version of the journal. Please click here to view the article to which this statement of retraction relates.

Dr. William C. Ghiorse

Editor-in-Chief

Geomicrobiology Journal

Dr. Henry L. Ehrlich

Editor-in-Chief

Geomicrobiology Journal     

STUDIES OF THE PURPLE HERON,PART 2: BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS

Tomlinson, D. N. S. 1974. Studies of the Purple Heron, Part 2: Behaviour patterns. Ostrich 45: 209–223.

Some aspects of Purple Heron Ardea purpurea behaviour have been covered although the study is not complete. Further observations are needed, especially on pair formation, nest building and copulation. Many of the displays described for the Ardeidae are clearly homologous and only slight differences exist. The throat puffing component in the Aggressive Upright Display appears unique to A. purpurea as does the clappering and sudden retraction of the neck in the Stretch Display. Birds raised in captivity provided valuable information on agonistic behaviour patterns and the behaviour of young.     

Retraction

Retraction: “HCFU inhibits cervical cancer cells growth and metastasis by inactivating Wnt/β-catenin pathway” from Journal of Cellular Biochemistry by Ping Liu, Shuying Ma, Hua Liu, Huazhen Han, and Shanshan Wang published online on 12 December 2017 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been withdrawn by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief Gary S. Stein and John Wiley and Sons, Inc. The retraction has been agreed because the authors are not responding to requests to finalize their article for publication in the journal as the Version of Record.     

Banding,age and growth in the calcareous hydrozoan Millepora complanata Lamarck

Prominent bands or lines were present on colonies of Millepora complanata on coral reefs at Barbados, West Indies. These bands appeared as regular, dark and light horizontal zones or stripes on vertically growing plates and blades making up the colonies. Bands are formed by wave-like undulations or currugations of the skeletal surface. The number of bands correlates with colony height and mean band width equals the mean annual vertical growth of measured colonies. Variation in annual growth and differences in growth rates of colonies between different reefs were determined from band width measurements. Bands provide a rapid and non-destructive means for measuring growth and ageing colonies of M. complanata.     

Retracted: A proteomic approach for investigation of photosynthetic apparatus in plants

Retraction: The following article from Proteomics, “A proteomic approach for investigation of photosynthetic apparatus in plants” by C. Ciambella, P. Roepstorff, E.M. Aro and L. Zolla, published online on 28 January 2005 in the Wiley Online Library ( http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pmic.200401129/full ), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the Editor‐in‐Chief and Wiley‐VCH GmbH & Co. KGaA. The retraction has been agreed due to the similarity of Figure 4 in this article and an image from an article by B. Granvogl and L.A. Eichacker which was originally submitted to Proteomics on November 1^st, 2002 and which was finally published online on 6 June 2006 in the Wiley Online Library ( http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pmic.200500924/full ) as Figure 1 in Proteomics, “Mapping the proteome of thylakoid membranes by de novo sequencing of intermembrane peptide domains” by B. Granvogl, V. Reisinger and L.A. Eichacker.     

Competition and coexistance between Glossiphonia complanata and Helobdella stagnalis (Glossiphoniidae: Hirudinoidea)

Summary The prey utilization of Glossiphonia complanata and Helobdella stagnalis from Bruce Lake, Alberta, Canada was examined quantitatively using serological techniques. While considerable prey range overlap occurred between the species, niche overlap was low during the winter, peaked in March and declined through the summer. Temporal differences in feeding and intraspecific weight class differences in prey utilization were found in both species but more distinctly in G. complanata. It is suggested that co-existance of G. complanata and H. stagnalis is based on adjustments of weight class food resource partitioning on a temporal basis.     

Riccia rhenana Lorb. ex. K.Mill. in Britain

Abstract

A single, small moss leaf has been found among very small amounts of contents extracted from the Tyrolean Iceman's colon. It belongs to the species Neckera complanata Hedw., a woodland moss of low to moderate altitudes. The leaf was accidently ingested and not consumed as food.     

Bioaccumulation of butyltin compounds by mussels in harbours

Abstract

The bioaccumulation of butyltin compounds by freshwater mussels (Elliptio complanata) from contaminated sediments has been investigated in the laboratory and in the field in Oshawa and Whitby Harbours in Ontario. Tributyltin (TBT) was concentrated by mussels to higher concentrations in Whitby Harbour than in Oshawa Harbour. Concentrations of TBT in mussels and rates of accumulation related positively to the concentration of TBT in sediment.     

Diversity in Reproduction and General Morphology between Two Glossiphonia Species (Hirudinea) in Lake Esrom,Denmark*

According to Bennike (1943) the leech fauna in Lake Esrom, Denmark, includes two types of Glossiphonia complanata (L.), namely G. complanata typica Bennike, 1943 and G. complanata concolor (Apáthy, 1888). The results of the present investigation, which were based on material collected in 1975, 1976, and 1980, strongly indicated that we are dealing with two species in Lake Esrom, namely Glossiphonia complanata (L.) and G. (Clepsine) concolor (Apáthy). The two species have a rather similar life history, but G. complanata is on average larger than G. concolor. Differences in reproduction included size of eggs and timing of breeding, but the number of offspring seemed to be similar. Tank experiments revealed that all offspring of G. complanata had a conspecific parent, and likewise for G. concolor. The general appearance of the two species is significantly different, and the average ratio of body width to body height (W/H ratio) was ca. 30% higher for preserved individuals of G. complanata than for G. concolor. The ecological distribution of the two types, and the reliability of pigmentation as a diagnostical tool in leech systematics are discussed. Characters used for the identification of the species are included.     

Requirement for particular seed-borne fungi for seed germination and seedling growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xyris complanata</Emphasis>, a pioneer monocot in topsoil-lost tropical peatland in Central Kalimantan,Indonesia

Hawaii yellow-eyed grass (Xyris complanata: Xyridaceae) inhabits infertile, acidic peat soil in the rainy tropical zone in Southeast Asia. This monocot plant produces a large number of dormant seeds in order to make a large deposit to seed bank in the soil. Under laboratory conditions, surface-sterilized X. complanata seeds are rarely able to germinate on sterilized peat moss bed; they require inoculation with either seed epiphytic or soil fungi to facilitate active seed germination. In the present study, three different genera of seed epiphytic fungi were isolated, and two common fungal genera, Fusarium sp. (strain R-1) and Penicillium sp. (strain Y-1), were found to promote seed germination of X. complanata. In sterile peat moss beds, the germination-stimulating fungi also showed growth-promoting effects on X. complanata seedlings. These results suggest that the seed germination-promoting fungi likely function as genuine partners for X. complanata in tropical open peat lands.     

Retracted: Nrf2: a novel therapeutic target in fragile X syndrome is modulated by NNZ2566

Retraction : “Nrf2: a novel therapeutic target in fragile X syndrome is modulated by NNZ2566” by R. M. J. Deacon, M. J. Hurley, C. M. Rebolledo, M. Snape, F. J. Altimiras, L. Farías, M. Pino, R. Biekofsky, L. Glass and P. Cogram. The above article, from Genes, Brain and Behavior, published online on 12th May 2017 in Wiley Online Library ( wileyonlinelibrary.com ), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Andrew Holmes and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed as all authors cannot agree on a revised author order, and at least one author continues to dispute the original order. In this case, the original article is being retracted on the grounds that the journal does not have permission to publish. Reference: Deacon, R. M. J., Hurley, M. J., Rebolledo, C. M., Snape, M., Altimiras, F. J., Farías, L., Pino, M., Biekofsky, R., Glass, L. and Cogram, P. (2017), Nrf2: a novel therapeutic target in fragile X syndrome is modulated by NNZ2566. Genes, Brain and Behavior. doi:10.1111/gbb.12373.     

Sound communication in social voles (subgenus Sumeriomys)

ABSTRACT

The acoustic communication of three species of social voles from the subgenus Sumeriomys – Microtus socialis (two subspecies: M. s. socialis and M. s. goriensis), M. paradoxus and M. hartingi – are described. Vole sound communication includes two main signals: squeaks and singing. The sounds made by M. hartingi have significantly higher frequency parameters than those of other species. Voles of all species squeak in situations of distress, and the males sing during courtship of the females. However, singing in social voles is not a necessary pattern for sexual behaviour: less than half of M. s. socialis and M. paradoxus males sang, M. hartingi sang even more rarely and M. s. goriensis did not demonstrate this behaviour at all. Despite the great similarity of the squeaks, its parameters differ significantly between species and differ from those of the common voles. This introduces one more argument that M. paradoxus and M. socialis are independent species, as are the subgenera Sumeriomys and Microtus.