Antimicrobial activity of some macroalgae of the Veracruzano Reef System (SAV), Mexico

The study of macroalgae antimicrobial agents is limited to Mexico and scarce in the Veracruzano Reef System (SAV). It is necessary to devote efforts towards this field of applied phycology. The aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of some phyla of Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta and Ochrophyta from SAV. Methanolic extracts from 23 marine macroalgae species (7 Chlorophyta, 4 Phaeophyta and 12 Rhodophyta) from the Veracruzano Reef System (SAV) (Mexico) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Antibacterial and antifungal activity were assessed by agar diffusion and agar dilution methods. The differences between mean values obtained for experimental groups was done by analysis of variance (ANOVA multifactorial model), p-values of 0.001 or less were considered statistically significant. Two new records are recognized for SAV (Laurencia gracilis and Sebdenia flabellata) and Compsothamnion thuioides for the Gulf of Mexico coasts. 16 species showed antibacterial activity, of which Caulerpa sertularioides, Ulva lactuca and Laurencia obtuse had significant activity on Gram-positive bacteria. 43.7% belong to the phyla Chlorophyta (7 species), 50% Rhodophyta (8 species) and 6.25% Ochrophyta (1 species). This indicates that the extracts of the algae of the Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta are the ones that showed the greatest activity. Regarding the yeasts, 16.6% of the total algae collected were active in the different yeast strains. 43.7% belongs to Chlorophyta species and for Rhodophyta were 60%. The macroalgae with the highest antifungal activity were: Cymopolia barbata, Ulva lactuca and Laurencia gracilis. The macroalgae of the Veracruzano Reef System present antimicrobial activity. This study is the first investigation of macroalgae's bioactive components from SAV, where they could be sources for future medical applications.     

The chemotaxonomy of Parka decipiens from the lower old red sandstone,Scotland (U.K.)

Chemical analyses of the hydrocarbon, amino acid, and carbohydrate constituents of the fossil remains of Parka suggest the genus is referable to the Chlorophyta. Gas chromatograms of the reproductive and vegetative areas of thalli show a smooth distribution of normal, saturated acids with maxima at C₁₆ and C₁₂, respectively. Esters of organic-soluble compounds isolated from reproductive areas are characteristically longer in their carbon chain-lengths and show higher maxima. Mass spectra of acid mixtures (before esterification) reveal various series of phenyl- and naphthylaromatic acids, phenols, and dicarboxylic acids. Acid hydrolysis indicated the presence of various polysaccharides rich in mannose and glucose, while enzymatic catalysis with α- and β-amylases and cellulase/chitinase mixtures indicate the presence of α-(1 → 4) and β-(1 → 4) glucopyranose linkages suggesting the presence of starch and cellulose, respectively. Gas chromatographic analysis coupled to mass spectroscopy reveal the presence of sterane derivatives (stigmatane and ergostane) associated with representative genera of the Chlorophyta.     

‘Candidatus Megaira polyxenophila’ gen. nov., sp. nov.: Considerations on Evolutionary History,Host Range and Shift of Early Divergent Rickettsiae

“Neglected Rickettsiaceae” (i.e. those harboured by non-hematophagous eukaryotic hosts) display greater phylogenetic variability and more widespread dispersal than pathogenic ones; yet, the knowledge about their actual host range and host shift mechanism is scarce. The present work reports the characterization following the full-cycle rRNA approach (SSU rRNA sequence, specific in situ hybridization, and ultrastructure) of a novel rickettsial bacterium, herewith proposed as ''Candidatus Megaira polyxenophila'' gen. nov., sp. nov. We found it in association with four different free-living ciliates (Diophrys oligothrix, Euplotes octocarinatus, Paramecium caudatum, and Spirostomum sp., all belonging to Alveolata, Ciliophora); furthermore it was recently observed as intracellular occurring in Carteria cerasiformis and Pleodorina japonica (Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyta). Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated the belonging of the candidate new genus to the family Rickettsiaceae (Alphaproteobacteria, Rickettsiales) as a sister group of the genus Rickettsia. In situ observations revealed the ability of the candidate new species to colonize either nuclear or cytoplasmic compartments, depending on the host organism. The presence of the same bacterial species within different, evolutionary distant, hosts indicates that ''Candidatus Megaira polyxenophila'' recently underwent several distinct host shifts, thus suggesting the existence of horizontal transmission pathways. We consider these findings as indicative of an unexpected spread of rickettsial infections in aquatic communities, possibly by means of trophic interactions, and hence propose a new interpretation of the origin and phylogenetic diversification of rickettsial bacteria.     

Morphogenesis of rissoidae in the inland basins of the Eastern Paratethys

Miocene rissoids from the heterochronous low-salinity seas of the Eastern Paratethys (Early Chokrakian, Karaganian, Late Konkian, Early Sarmatian, and Early Maeotian) were revised. The polyphyletic genus Mohrensternia is subdivided into several generic and subgeneric taxa. The new genus Zhgentia and the new subgenera Rissoa (Turboellina), R. (Pseudoturboellina), and R. (Maeotia) are established.     

Preliminary observations on the benthic marine algae of the Gorringe seabank (northeast Atlantic Ocean)

Examination of marine samples collected in 2006 from the Gettysburg and Ormonde seamounts on the Gorringe seabank southwest of Portugal has revealed 29 benthic Chlorophyta, Phaeophyceae (Ochrophyta), and Rhodophyta that were identified provisionally to genus and to species. Combining lists for the present and a previous expedition brings the total of algae thus far recorded to 48. The brown alga Zonaria tournefourtii and the red alga Cryptopleura ramosa were the most abundant species in the present collections. The kelp Laminaria ochroleuca was present only in the Gettysburg samples while Saccorhiza polyschides was observed only on the Ormonde seamount. Comparisons with the benthic marine algae recorded on seamounts in the mid-Atlantic Azores archipelago show features in common, notably kelp forests of L. ochroleuca at depths below 30 m and Z. tournefortii dominance in shallower waters.     

Prototheca tumulicola sp. nov., a novel achlorophyllous,yeast-like microalga isolated from the stone chamber interior of the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus

Two achlorophyllous microalgal strains were isolated from the soil and white moldy colony collected inside the stone chamber of the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus in Japan. Phylogenetic analyses of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and Dl/D2 large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA) gene sequences, and concatenated gene sequences of the SSU and D1/D2 LSU rRNA genes indicated that our two isolates were the members of the non-photosynthetic, yeast-like microalgal Chlorellaceous genus Prototheca (Chlorellales, Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) but well distinguished from known species. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, isolates T6713-13-10^T and T61213-7-11 are proposed to represent a novel species in Prototheca, P. tumulicola, with the type strain JCM 31123^T (isolate T6713-13-10^T).     

Description of Oculogryphus shuensis sp. n. (Coleoptera,Lampyridae), the first species of the genus in the Sino-Japanese realm,with a modified key to the subfamily Ototretinae

A new species of the lampyrid genus Oculogryphus Jeng, Engel, and Yang, O. shuensis sp. n. from China (Sichuan Province) is described and figured. The genus previously was known only from Vietnam, and the new species is the first representative of the genus in the Sino-Japanese zoogeographic realm. Some morphological variations of Oculogryphus and the allied genus Stenocladius are discussed and a modification to the most recent key to ototretine genera is proposed to accommodate Oculogryphus.     

A new genus of soft coral (Cnidaria,Octocorallia) from the Republic of Congo (Pointe-Noire Region)

A new genus of soft coral from the Republic of Congo is described, Complexum gen. n. Nine West African octocoral species previously described in the genus Alcyonium by Tixier-Durivault (1955) are referred to this new genus, and a new species is described and figured, Complexum pusillum sp. n. The new species is characterized by having encrusting growth form and abundant spiny clubs in the surface of the polyparium. It colonizes shallow calcareous rocky banks (5 to 20 m depth) existing in coastal water of the region of Pointe-Noire. Based on molecular phylogeny this new genus is well separated from Alcyonium species.     

Fatty acid composition of ten marine algae from australian waters

Detailed fatty acid analyses are reported for ten benthic algae from Australian waters of which the data for Cladophora fascicularis (Chlorophyta); Polysiphonia pungens, Porphyra sp., Centroceras clavatum (Rhodophyta); Hormosira banksii, Ralfsia sp., and Dictyota dichomota (Phaeophyta) are presented for the first time. The analyses report the exact molecular structure of component acids which is essential for taxonomic and food chain studies. The acid 16:4ω3 could be taxonomically distinguishing for species of the Chlorophyta. The occurrence of cis-vaccenic acid (18:1ω7) in the algae reported here suggests a distribution in marine benthic algae which is wider than hitherto realised, with particular taxonomic importance for Chlorophyta species in which it occurs in high levels. Corallina officinalis was found to contain the non-methylene interrupted acids 20:2 and 22:2.     

DISTINGUISHING MULTIPLE LINEAGES OF PEDIASTRUM DUPLEX WITH MORPHOMETRICS AND A PROPOSAL FOR LACUNASTRUM GEN. NOV1

Accurately defining species boundaries in the green algae (Chlorophyta) is integral for studies of biodiversity and conservation, water‐quality assessments, and the use of particular species as paleoindicators. Recent molecular phylogenetic and SEM analyses of the family Hydrodictyaceae (Chlorophyta) resolved three phylogenetic lineages of isolates with the Pediastrum duplex Meyen 1829 phenotype. The present study employed analyses of cell shape and cell wall ultrastructure to determine if the three lineages possessing the P. duplex morphotype were distinguishable. Only one of the groups, containing isolates with the P. duplex var. gracillimum West et G. S. West phenotype, was shown to be morphologically distinct from the other two P. duplex groups. The erection of a new genus, Lacunastrum, is proposed to recognize this group as a separate taxon.     

A new late neogene genus of roakers (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) from the Eastern Black Sea Region

The roaker species (Sciaenidae) Sciaena impropria Gabelaia, 1976 from the Lower Pliocene (?) of Abkhazia is assigned to a new genus, Carnevalella gen. nov. This genus essentially differs from other sciaenid fishes in the greater number of supraneurals and vertebrae, the posterior shift of the dorsal fin origin, and the fusion of the fourth hypural with the terminal centrum. An incomplete roaker skeleton found in the Upper Maeotian (Upper Miocene) of the Taman Peninsula (Krasnodar Region) is assigned to the same genus. The Maeotian roaker is described as a new species, C. (?) tmutarakanica sp. nov. Morphological peculiarity of the genus Carnevalella gen. nov. justifies its allocation to a new subfamily, Carnevalellinae subfam. nov.     

Review of the green lacewing genus Chrysacanthia Lacroix with a new species from Nigeria (Neuroptera,Chrysopidae)

The genus Chrysacanthia Lacroix (Chrysopidae: Belonopterygini) is reviewed and a new species is described from Nigeria. With the addition of the new species described herein, the genus contains four Old World species known from Madagascar, Nigeria, India, Thailand and China.     

Ecological description of the sodium chloride mineral springs in the Kirenga River basin and the upper reaches of the Lena River: 2. Flora of non-vascular plants: Algae,lichens

For the first time, the flora of algae and aquatic lichens is studied in the sodium chloride mineral springs of the Northern Baikal region flowing from the Lower Cambrian salt-bearing formations. The full list of algae found in six springs is presented. In total, 257 taxa are identified belonging to six divisions: Cyanoprokaryota (=Cyanophyta), Euglenophyta, Bacillariophyta, Xanthophyta, Chlorophyta, and Streptophyta. The flora of diatoms is the richest (196 taxa, or 76%). The similarity of algoflora of different springs is negligible. Species that are indifferent to salinity prevail in most of the mineral springs; mesohaline species dominate in the Ust’-Kutskii spring. Nineteen taxa of halophile diatoms are identified. The marine species Percursaria percursa (Chlorophyta) is recorded in Klyuchevskoi and Ust’-Kutskii springs. In the three springs, seven lichen species from the four genera are identified, five species are truly aquatic and two species may stand flooding; all these species are found in the freshwater ponds and streams. Two species of the genus Bagliettoa are probably relict in the Baikal region.     

The brachiopod family Linoproductidae stehli from the lower Moscovian of the Middle Carboniferous of the Moscow Region

The phylogeny and taxonomy of the brachiopod family Linoproductidae are revised. The change in the distributional pattern of spines and distinctive structure of the median lobe of the cardinal process are shown to be the main apomorphies in the family evolution. A new subfamily, Linispininae, and the included new genera, Linispinella and Linispinus, are described. In the nominotypical subfamily Linoproductinae, a new genus Linoproductoides and two new species included in this genus are described from the Vereiskian deposits of the Moscow Region. The new species Linispinus riparius (Trautschold), L. longus sp. nov., and L. staricensis (Ivanov) are described from the Kashirskian deposits. Another new species is tentatively described as “Linoproductus” kabanovi.     

Ostracods of the genus Palaeocytheridea Mandelstam in the Middle and Upper Jurassic of Europe: 1. Development of ideas on the content of the genus and the results of its revision

The analysis of ostracods (Crustacea) of the genus Palaeocytheridea, widespread in the Boreal and Tethyan regions of Europe, allows establishing several correlated sequences in the Middle Jurassic of these regions, thus showing the stratigraphical significance of this genus. However M.I. Mandelstam misdescribed the hinge in carapace valves of the ostracod genus Palaeocytheridea in his characterization of the type species of P. bakirovi Mandelstam, 1947, and subsequently P.S. Lyubimova (1955) replaced the original type species by Eucythere denticulata Sharapova, 1937, thus confusing the understanding of the content of the genus Palaeocytheridea and triggering the assignment to it of more than 90 forms, belonging not only to different genera but also to different families. The revision reveals 11 valid Palaeocytheridea species, belonging to the two subgenera: Palaeocytheridea s. str. and Malzevia subgen. nov. One species, Palaeocytheridea kalandadzei sp. nov., is described as new. This paper, the first of the series of three papers dealing with ostracods of the genus Palaeocytheridea, considers the history of the development of ideas on the content of the genus, presents the results of its revision, and describes new taxa.     

Scale insects (Homoptera, Coccinea) of the volga area: III. Nudicauda gen. n. and other mealybugs from astrakhan

The present paper is the third part of a revision of the fauna of the Volga Area. Five species new for the Volga Area, including four new for Russia are recorded. Nudicauda gen. n. is erected with type species Nudicauda nigra (Matesova, 1957) (comb. n.). The new genus differs from other genera of mealybugs in a complex of characters and mainly in the presence of very specific oral rim tubular ducts with a broad flat ring and in an unusual ovisac with the opening over posterior tergites of the female body. In addition to the type species, N. orientalis (Borchsenius, 1949) and N. salina (Matesova, 1981) (comb. n.) are also included in the new genus. N. nigra and N. orientalis are considered as separate species, contrary to Danzig (1980). All the three species of the new genus are redescribed and illustrated. The structure of the tubular ducts of the genus Humococcus Ferris, 1953 is briefly discussed and illustrated.     

Representatives of the genus Ammosiphonia He, 1977 (Foraminifera) from the Jurassic and Carboniferous of Western Siberia

The wide distribution of the genus Ammosiphonia in the Upper Jurassic and Carboniferous of Western Siberia is established for the first time. Six haplophragmoidid species of Western Siberia are assigned to this genus. The diagnosis of the genus is emended; the taxonomic positions and scopes of the species Ammosiphonia nonioninoides (Reuss), A. beresoviensis (Bulatova), and A. sibirica (Zaspelova) are revised; two new species, A. suprajurassica sp. nov. and A. valanginica sp. nov., are described.     

Cretaceous and Paleogene Bourgueticrinina (Echinodermata,Crinoidea) of the USSR

The theca and the columnals of twenty-two lateCretaceous species of the genus Bourgueticrinus (including two new species), of one species of the genus Democrinus, of four species of the genus Conocrinus (including one new species) and of one species of the genus Paleobathycrinus known from USSR are figured and shortly described. Biometric reconstructions of stems for B. aequalis, B. bellus, B. danicus, B. fischeri and C. tauricus nov. sp. are given. A new index is used to suggest the relative flexibility of stem. Decrease in dimension and flexibility of the arms in several species take place simultaneously with an increase of stem flexibility. This fact seems to be closely related to environmental changes.