Analysis of rhizobial strains nodulating Phaseolus vulgaris from Hispaniola Island,a geographic bridge between Meso and South America and the first historical link with Europe

Hispaniola Island was the first stopover in the travels of Columbus between America and Spain, and played a crucial role in the exchange of Phaseolus vulgaris seeds and their endosymbionts. The analysis of recA and atpD genes from strains nodulating this legume in coastal and inner regions of Hispaniola Island showed that they were almost identical to those of the American strains CIAT 652, Ch24-10 and CNPAF512, which were initially named as Rhizobium etli and have been recently reclassified into Rhizobium phaseoli after the analysis of their genomes. Therefore, the species R. phaseoli is more abundant in America than previously thought, and since the proposal of the American origin of R. etli was based on the analysis of several strains that are currently known to be R. phaseoli, it can be concluded that both species have an American origin coevolving with their host in its distribution centres. The analysis of the symbiovar phaseoli nodC gene alleles carried by different species isolated in American and European countries suggested a Mesoamerican origin of the α allele and an Andean origin of the γ allele, which is supported by the dominance of this latter allele in Europe where mostly Andean cultivars of common beans have been traditionally cultivated.     

Azaperone and sudden death of drive net-captured southern chamois

The use of tranquilizers in the capture of southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) for scientific and/or management purposes (collection of samples, marking, translocations) was studied to improve animal welfare during capture operations. We used clinical findings and a statistical approach to analyze the causes of six incidences of mortality during captures using drive nets and tranquilizers in this species. Hematology and serum biochemistry, pathology, the use of tranquilizers and their dosages, the number of people involved in the capture of the chamois, and the location were all taken into account. The selection of candidate models to explain mortality was conducted using the theoretic information approach. Both observational findings and the models selected suggested that high doses of azaperone and to a lesser extent haloperidol had an effect on mortality rates. The higher mean serum lactate concentrations found in the chamois that died suggests that fatigue levels increased drug sensitivity and provoked the appearance of adverse effects, thereby increasing the probability of death. We conclude that butyrophenones—and especially azaperone—have a low safety margin in the southern chamois, contrary to what has been described for other species.     

Transgenerational effects of three global change drivers on an endemic Mediterranean plant

Plant populations are subjected to changes in their natural environment as a result of the incidence of simultaneous global change drivers. Despite the fact that these changes can largely affect early fitness components, information on the effects of simultaneous drivers of global change on offspring traits and performance is particularly scant. We analyzed the combined effect of three global change drivers of critical importance in Mediterranean ecosystems (habitat fragmentation, reductions in habitat quality and water availability) on germination and seedling performance of the gypsophile shrub Centaurea hyssopifolia. Seedlings from 39 mother plants from eight different environments (resulting from the combination of the three global change drivers) were sown and grown in a common garden. First, germination percentage, seedling size and seedling survival were monitored. Secondly, seedling performance and ecophysiological traits were measured under well and low‐watered conditions. Fragmentation showed the largest negative effect on germination and offspring performance. Seedlings of mothers from small fragments germinated more slowly, showed lower survival, died faster, and showed lower photosynthetic rates under well‐watered conditions compared to seedlings of mother plants from large populations. Seedlings of different maternal origins did not differ in their response to water stress or in their ability to survive to drought. Ninety‐five percent of the seedlings survived until soil water content was as low as 3%. Our study shows that global change can have not only immediate impacts on plant populations but also transgenerational effects, and highlights the importance of studies involving multiple drivers and a more integral understanding of global change.     

Nodular infection of the hair caused byMalassezia furfur

This paper reports the observation of a nodular infection of the hair caused byMalassezia furfur in a 7-year-old girl.