P2X7: a receptor with a split personality that raises new hopes for anti-cancer therapy

Purinergic Signalling -     

A phylogenetic analysis of rissooidean and cingulopsoidean families (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda)

The Rissooidea is one of the largest and most diverse molluscan superfamilies, with 23 recognized Recent families including marine, freshwater and terrestrial members. The Cingulopsoidea are a group of three marine families previously included within the Rissooidea. A previous molecular analysis including two rissooideans and one cingulopsoidean, indicated the possibility that the Rissooidea is at least diphyletic. We use new molecular data to investigate the polyphyly of Rissooidea and test the monophyly of Cingulopsoidea with a greatly increased taxon set. This study includes the greatest sampling to date with 43 species of 14 families of Rissooidea and all families of Cingulopsoidea. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses of 16S and 28S show that there are two major clades encompassing taxa previously included in Rissooidea. These are the Rissooidea s.s. containing Rissoidae and Barleeiidae and the Truncatelloidea containing Anabathridae, Assimineidae, Falsicingulidae, Truncatellidae, Pomatiopsidae, Hydrobiidae s.l., Hydrococcidae, Stenothyridae, Calopiidae, Clenchiellidae, Caecidae, Tornidae, and Iravadiidae. Rissoidae is not monophyletic, with Lironoba grouping with Emblanda (Emblandidae) and Rissoina forming a separate clade with Barleeiidae. Iravadiidae is not monophyletic, with Nozeba being sister to the Tornidae. Tatea, usually included within Hydrobiidae, is distinct from that family and Nodulus, previously included in Anabathridae, groups with the hydrobiids.     

Effects of 90 min of manual repetitive work on skin temperature and median and ulnar nerve conduction parameters: A pilot study in normal subjects

To test whether the influence of manual activity should be considered when interpreting the results of nerve conduction study (NCS) of the upper limbs performed during work shifts, we evaluated the short-term effect of 90-min repetitive manual work on NCS parameters. Twenty-eight healthy volunteers underwent NCS of the dominant limb at the end of an interview (T₀), after a 30-min rest in sitting position (T₁) and after performing a standardized 90-min manual task (T₂). The task was designed to simulate typical assembly and packing activities. No significant differences were observed for skin temperature (Ts) and NCS parameters between T₀ and T₁. Significantly (p < 0.001) higher Ts mean values were found at T₂ as compared to the previous tests for both females and males. The regression analysis showed an association between temperature variation and nerve conduction velocity values for the median and ulnar nerve at T₂ as compared to T₁. In females, a reduction of the mean sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude at T₂ was recorded, whereas an opposite trend was observed among males. Manual work is able to influence hand Ts and to modify NCS parameters. SNAP amplitudes changes suggest gender differences in peripheral nerve characteristics that deserve further investigation.     

3D strain map of axially loaded mouse tibia: a numerical analysis validated by experimental measurements

A combined experimental/numerical study was performed to calculate the 3D octahedral shear strain map in a mouse tibia loaded axially. This study is motivated by the fact that the bone remodelling analysis, in this in vivo mouse model should be performed at the zone of highest mechanical stimulus to maximise the measured effects. Accordingly, it is proposed that quantification of bone remodelling should be performed at the tibial crest and at the distal diaphysis. The numerical model could also be used to furnish a more subtle analysis as a precise correlation between local strain and local biological response can be obtained with the experimentally validated numerical model.     

Benthic marine flora in the Tuscan Archipelago. A first contribution: Isles of Capraia,Elba, Formiche di Grosseto,Giglio, Scoglio d'Africa,Montecristo and Giannutri

Abstract

Benthic marine flora of Tuscan Archipelago has been studied. Several samples were collected along five islands and some rocks. This paper is a compendium of new and already published data, in which 267 species, varieties, forms and stadia of algae and seagrasses are listed: 5 Bangiophyceae, 182 Florideophyceae, 45 Phaeophyceae, 6 Chlorophyceae, 28 Bryopsidophyceae, 1 Angiospermae.     

Dispersione anemofila di polline in Valle Padana

Abstract

Anemophylus dispersal of pollen grains in the Po Valley.—Results of phenological and aerobiological measurements with Castanea sativa pollen are presented. The data concerning the dispersal of this pollen in the Po Valley, show some features of the transport over hundred kilometer distances and give useful suggestions for application research.     

Note floristique et repartition de Rhodophycees rares (Kallymeniacees et Sebdeniacees) de la Mediterranee occidentale

Abstract

Floristic notes and geographical distribution of some rare Rhodophyta (Kallymeniaceae and Sebdeniaceae) of the western Mediterranean. Callophyllis laciniata, Kallymenia requienii and Kallymenia lacerata (Kallymeniaceae) and Sebdenia rodrigueziana (Sebdeniaceae) are recorded for the first time in the bay of Naples. For each species systematic and distribution data are also given.     

Contributo All'Embriologia Delle Plumbaginaceae (con 103 figg. nel testo)

Riassunto

L'A. stabilisce che in Plumbago capensis Thunb., accanto allo sviluppo secondo lo schema del tipo Plumbago, si riscontra, con bassissima frequenza, un nuovo tipo di sviluppo di gametofiti 7-nucleati bipolarizzati con oosfera di natura sporiale.

Stabilisce inoltre che in Statice Limonium L. lo sviluppo del gametofito femminile avviene esclusivamente secondo il tipo Euphorbia dulcis, mentre in Armeria vulgaris W. var. maritima (Miller) Willd. esiste associazione dei due tipi di sviluppo Adoxa ed Euphorbia dulcis nel rapporto approssimativo del 3%.

Mette in evidenza che la triploidia dei nuclei calazali, caratteristica dei gametofiti di tipo Euphorbia dulcis, può determinarsi secondo due distinte modalità : o per coalescenza dei tre fusi calazali durante la terza divisione dello sviluppo (Statice Limonium), o per un processo di vera e propria cariogamia dei tre nuclei sporiali quiescenti durante lo stadio di polarizzazione 1+3 con conscguente formazione durante la storia dello sviluppo di uno stadio binucleato secondario (Armeria vulgaris var. maritima).

Riconferma infine per questa ultima pianta il numero aploide dei cromosomi n = 9.     

Studio preliminare sulla tipologia della vegetazione sommersa del Canale di Sicilia e isole vicine

Abstract

Preliminary studies on the marine phythobenthic communities in the Straits of Sicily and adjacent islands. — The results of algological researches carried out by the Gruppo di Algologia of the S.B.I. in the Straits of Sicily and adjacent islands are reported. 288 species have been collected, 275 of which have been identified: 160 were Rhodophyta, 62 Phaeophyta, 32 Chlorophyta, 16 Cyanophyta and 2 Angiospermae. The vegetational research leads to the following conclusions: 1 - the harbour areas (Pantelleria, Malta: loc. 1 and 11) show a nitrophile vegetation, particulary near La Valletta where an almost pure population of Pterocladia pinnata is found; 2 - there are important biogeographical differences between Pelagie islands (Lampedusa, Linosa) and Pantelleria. In fact the former ones have an algal flora composed mostly of eastern mediterranean species, whilst the latter shows strong affinities with the north-african basin, as is demonstrated by the rich well developed belt of Cystoseira sedoides; 3 - several species of atlantic origin, such as Callophyllis laciniata, Peyssonnelia coriacea, P. inamoena and Castagnea chordariaeformis, have been found on the banks (loc. 3, 6, 7).