Morphogenesis in ammonites - differences linked to growth pattern

This paper analyzes the relationship existing between septa and ornamentation in ammonites showing two basic growth patterns: cyclic and uniform. In both CMCS there exists a strong correlation between ornamentation size and interseptal distance, both characters, being related to each other through growth rate. Nevertheless, in the case of cyclic growth, regulation mechanisms appear which prevent the formation of non-adaptative structures induced by extreme deviations in growth rate.     

Giemsa C-banded karyotypes in Serupius L. (Orchidaceae)

Giemsa C-banding is utilized for the first time to characterize eight taxa of the genus Serapias . Heterochromatin distribution indicated that the Serapias species form a very homogeneous group. All the species possess chromosome pairs with similar heterochromatin patterns. C-banding showed conspicuous bands located around the centromeres, with some het-erochromatic short arms. There was more heterochromatin in S. apulica and S. nurrika than in the other taxa. Extensive centromeric heterochromatin may indicate recent structural rearrangements in the chromosome complement. Taken altogether, karyomorphology indicates a rather recent origin for the genus Serapias , which might also account for the small amount of interspecific variation observed.     

Nature protection areas of Europe are insufficient to preserve the threatened beetle Rosalia alpina (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): evidence from species distribution models and conservation gap analysis

1. Natura 2000 network (N2000) and national protected areas (NPAs) are recognised as the most important core ‘units’ for biological conservation in Europe. 2. Species distribution models (SDMs) were developed to detect the potential distribution of the rare and threatened cerambycid beetle Rosalia alpina L. in Europe, and the amount of suitable habitat within the N2000 network [special areas of conservation (SACs) and special protection areas (SPAs)], NPAs (e.g. national parks, regional parks, state reserves, natural monuments and protected landscapes) and the overall European protected area network (EPAN) (N2000 + NPAs) was quantified. 3. According to this analysis, the suitable habitat for R. alpina in Europe amounts to c. 754 171 km² and stretches across substantially uninterrupted areas from Portugal to Romania (west to east) and from Greece to Germany (south to north). The overlay between the existing system of conservation areas in Europe (N2000 and NPAs) and the binary map for R. alpina showed that only c. 42% of potential habitat is protected. SACs and SPAs protect c. 25% and 21% of potential habitat, respectively. However, because the two site types often spatially overlap, when taken together the entire N2000 network protects c. 31% of potential habitat. Instead, NPAs offer a degree of protection of c. 29%. Overall, almost 60% of the area potentially suitable for the species is unprotected by the EPAN, an aspect that should be considered carefully when planning the conservation of this beetle at a large scale. 4. These results may also help to focus field surveys in selected areas where greater chances of success are encountered to save resources and increase survey effectiveness.     

A fossil Halobates from the Mediterranean and the origin of sea skaters (Hemiptera, Gerridae)

Five species of sea skaters, genus Halobates Eschscholtz, are the only insects to have successfully colonized the open ocean. In addition, 38 species are found in sheltered coastal waters throughout tropical Indo-Pacific. The taxonomy of the genus is relatively well known, and the phylogeneuc relationships between extant species have recently been analysed (using cladistic methods). In the present paper, we describe the first fossil species of sea skaters, Halobates ruffoi sp. no v. from the Eocene deposit 'Pesciara di Bolca', in the province of Verona, northeastern Italy (geological age about 45 Myr). The significance of this fossil in setting the time scale for the reconstructed phylogeny and anagenesis of adaptive features of sea skaters, and in understanding the evolution and historical zoogeography of these marine insects is discussed.     

Selective and Synergistic Activity of L-S,R-Buthionine Sulfoximine on Malignant Melanoma Is Accompanied by Decreased Expression of Glutathione-S-Transferase

L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO) selectively inhibits glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Malignant melanoma may be uniquely dependent on GSH and its linked enzymes, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and GSH-peroxidase, for metabolism of reactive orthoquinones and peroxides produced during melanin synthesis. We compared the in vitro effects of BSO on melanoma cell lines and fresh melanoma specimens (n = 118) with breast and ovarian cell lines and solid tumors (n = 244). IC₅₀ values (μM) for BSO on melanoma, breast and ovarian tumor specimens were 1.9, 8.6, and 29, respectively. The IC₉₀ for melanoma was 25.5 μM, a level 20-fold lower than steady state levels achieved clinically. The sensitivity of individual specimens of melanoma correlated with their melanin content (r = 0.63). BSO synergistically enhanced BCNU activity against melanoma cell lines and human tumors. We followed GSH levels, GST enzyme activity, GST isoenzyme profiles and mRNA levels after BSO. BSO (50 μM) treatment for 48 hr resulted in a 95% decrease in ZAZ and M14 melanoma cell line GSH levels, and a 60% decrease in GST enzyme activity. GST-μ. protein and mRNA levels were significantly reduced in both cell lines. GST expression was unaffected. These data suggest that BSO action on melanoma may be related to GSH depletion, diminishing the capacity to scavenge toxic metabolites produced during melanin synthesis. We report here for the first time that BSO enhancement of alkylator action may be related in part to down regulation of GST. BSO may be a clinically useful adjunct in the treatment of malignant melanoma.