Key Innovations: Further Remarks on the Importance of Morphology in Elucidating Systematic Relationships and Adaptive Radiations

The present paper is an argument in support of the continued importance of morphological systematics and a plea for improving molecular phylogenetic analyses by addressing explicit character transformations. We use here the inference of key innovations and adaptive radiations to demonstrate why morphological systematics is still relevant and necessary. After establishing that theories of phylogenetic relationship offer robust explanatory bases for discussing evolutionary diversification, the following topics are addressed: (1) the inference of key innovations grounded in phylogenetic analyses; (2) the epistemic distinction between character ‘mapping’ and relevant evidence in systematic and evolutionary studies; and (3) key innovations in molecular phylogenetics. We emphasize that the discovery of key innovations, in fossil or extant taxa, further strengthens the importance of morphology in systematic and evolutionary inferences, as they reveal scenarios of character transformation that have led to asymmetrical sister-group diversification. Our main conclusion is that understanding characters in and of themselves, when properly contextualized systematically, is what evolutionary biologists should be concerned with, whereas the analysis of tree topology alone, in which statistical nodal support measures are the sole indicators of phylogenetic affinity, does not lead to a fuller understanding of key innovations.     

Placement of Kuhlmanniodendron Fiaschi & Groppo in Lindackerieae (Achariaceae, Malpighiales) confirmed by analyses of rbcL sequences, with notes on pollen morphology and wood anatomy

The phylogenetic placement of Kuhlmanniodendron Fiaschi & Groppo (Achariaceae) within Malpighiales was investigated with rbcL sequence data. This genus was recently created to accommodate Carpotroche apterocarpa Kuhlm., a poorly known species from the rainforests of Espírito Santo, Brazil. One rbcL sequence was obtained from Kuhlmanniodendron and analyzed with 73 additional sequences from Malpighiales, and 8 from two closer orders, Oxalidales and Celastrales, all of which were available at Genbank. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out with maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference; bootstrap analyses were used in maximum parsimony to evaluate branch support. The results confirmed the placement of Kuhlmanniodendron together with Camptostylus, Lindackeria, Xylotheca, and Caloncoba in a strongly supported clade (posterior probability = 0.99) that corresponds with the tribe Lindackerieae of Achariaceae (Malpighiales). Kuhlmanniodendron also does not appear to be closely related to Oncoba (Salicaceae), an African genus with similar floral and fruit morphology that has been traditionally placed among cyanogenic Flacourtiaceae (now Achariaceae). A picrosodic paper test was performed in herbarium dry leaves, and the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, a class of compounds usually found in Achariaceae, was detected. Pollen morphology and wood anatomy of Kuhlmanniodendron were also investigated, but both pollen (3-colporate and microreticulate) and wood, with solitary to multiple vessels, scalariform perforation plates and other features, do not seem to be useful to distinguish this genus from other members of the Achariaceae and are rather common among the eudicotyledons as a whole. However, perforated ray cells with scalariform plates, an uncommon wood character, present in Kuhlmanniodendron are similar to those found in Kiggelaria africana (Pangieae, Achariaceae), but the occurrence of such cells is not mapped among the angiosperms, and it is not clear how homoplastic this character could be.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichophyton rubrum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichophyton interdigitale</Emphasis>: Genetic Diversity Among Species and Strains by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Method

Onychomycosis is a common condition that represents up to 50% of all nail problems and 30% of all cases of dermatophytoses. Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale are the most common agents involved in this condition. In cases of recurrent post-treatment onychomycosis, strain fingerprinting could reveal whether the original isolate is responsible, a new strain has been acquired or if multiple strains are involved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the RAPD method for species and strain differentiation of T. rubrum and T. interdigitale obtained from patients with subungeal distal-lateral onychomycosis. A set of 86 strains of onychomycosis causative dermatophytes were submitted to species differentiation and strain typing by RAPD method with two previously described primers. Both primers proved capable of strain differentiation when tested for each species. Nineteen molecular profiles were configured for T. rubrum isolates with primers 1 and 6. For T. mentagrophytes, ten molecular profiles were configured with primer 1 and twenty-one with primer 6. We found that T. interdigitale and T. rubrum species were grouped in different clusters when both primers were analyzed together. This study shows that these primers are valuable tools for strain differentiation with T. rubrum and T. intedigitale.     

Biosynthesis of vitamin B12 by Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii ATCC 13673 using liquid acid protein residue of soybean as culture medium

Vitamin B12 deficiency still persists, mainly caused by low intake of animal food products affecting vegetarians, vegans, and populations of underdeveloped countries. In this study, we investigate the biosynthesis of vitamin B12 by potential probiotic bacterium using an agroindustry residue, the liquid acid protein residue of soybean (LAPRS), as a low-cost, animal derivate-free alternative culture medium. Cultures of Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii ATCC 13673 growing in LAPRS for vitamin B12 biosynthesis were studied using the Plackett–Burman experimental approach, followed by a central composite design 2² to optimize the concentration of significant variables. We also performed a proteolytic treatment of LAPRS and evaluated the optimized–hydrolyzed medium influence on the microbial growth and metabolism in shaker flask and bioreactor experiments. In this all-plant source medium, P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii produced high concentrations of cells and high amounts of vitamin B12 (0.6 mg/g cells) after process optimization. These results suggest the possibility of producing vitamin B12 by a potential probiotic bacterium in a very cheap, animal derivate-free medium to address the needs of specific population groups, at the same time reducing the production costs of this essential vitamin.     

Cavity-nesting bee communities in areas with different levels of vegetation disturbance

ABSTRACT

The reasons for the decline of bee diversity and abundance include the destruction and loss of natural habitats. Protected areas are created for biodiversity conservation, but these areas vary strongly in their level of vegetation disturbance. Using trap-nests, we assessed changes in solitary bee abundance, richness, and composition in areas ranging from naturally conserved to degraded. Solitary bees were sampled during an 18-month period in three areas of southeastern Brazil: a preserved area in Rio Preto State Park – PERP; a restored/altered area with exotic plants at the Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys – JK Campus; and a degraded area in Biribiri State Park – PEBi. A total of seven species of bees built 115 nests. In the degraded area, only two nests were built. Abundance of built nests was higher in the preserved area (PERP), but diversity was higher in the restored area (JK Campus). Our results show that the solitary bee population responds positively to habitat complexity (local scale). The presence of a diverse solitary bee fauna in the restored area indicates that altered areas should also be protected as suitable areas for re-colonization of cavity-nesting bees.     

Immobilization of Fungal Cellulases Highlighting β-Glucosidase: Techniques,Supports, Chemical,and Physical Changes

The Protein Journal - β-Glucosidase is widely used in several industrial segments, among which we can highlight the pharmaceutical industry, beverages, biofuels, animal feed production, and...     

Models for alarm call behaviour

The evolution of alarm call behaviour under individual selection is studied. Four mathematical models of increasing complexity are proposed and analysed. Theoretical conditions for the evolution of “selfish”, “mutualistic”, “altruistic” or “spiteful” alarm calls are established. The models indicate that the hypotheses of benefits of retaining group members or avoiding group detection are not sufficient to explain the evolution of alarm call behaviour, but serve as a complementary factor to facilitate its evolution in most cases. It is hypothesized that the evolution of alarm calls between non-kin should evolve probably when calls are mutualistic, mildly altruistic and there are beneficial group size effects against predation.     

In vitro activity of water-soluble quaternary chitosan chloride salt against <Emphasis Type="Italic">E. coli</Emphasis>

The antibacterial effect of the N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan chloride salt (TMC) was evaluated against the bacterium Escherichia coli. The derivative was prepared via reaction of chitosan with dimethyl sulfate in the presence of NaOH and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was assessed by measuring the changes in turbidity and by counting of Colony Forming Units (c.f.u.). The results indicated good antibacterial activity against E. coli for all concentration of TMC tested (20.0; 7.5 and 3.5 mg/l) over 7 h of incubation. From the data, the ideal lethal concentration was determined as 20.0 mg/l.     

Vascularization of broad ligament of uterus and its relationship with fetal and placental development in gilts

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of vascular architecture of broad ligament of the uterus on fetal and placental development in gilts. Fifteen gilts DB-90 (DanBred) were divided into three groups according to gestational age at slaughter (50, 80, and 106 days). After slaughter, fetuses and placentas were collected, weighed, and measured. The uterine arterial system was detached by latex repletion for quantification of the number and diameter of the terminal vessels in different regions of the uterine horns (apex, middle region, and base). Fetal and placental measurements were statistically analyzed and correlated with the number and diameter of arteries in each uterine segment. No correlation was observed (P > 0.10) between the number and diameter of arteries destined to the uterus with the number or weight of fetuses or placental weight in any gestational group. It was observed (P < 0.05) that more vessels destined to the medium region of the uterine horns, independent of the gestational age or uterus side. At the 80th day of gestation, fetuses located at the base of the uterus have (P < 0.05) smaller cephalic and thoracic perimeters. It was concluded that there were differences in vascularization of broad ligament that irrigates the different uterine segments, but this was not sufficient to influence the development of fetuses in gilts. The middle region of the uterine horns was the segment with a greater number of vessels, regardless of gestational age.     

Monocyte adherence to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis,zymosan-C3b and erythrocyte-hemolysin in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis

Independent and dependent (C3b/Fc receptors) opsonic adherence ability of monocytes from thirty-three patients with acute or chronic paracoccidioidomycosis and from 13 healthy individuals were studied in the presence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), Paracoccidioides brasiliensis opsonized by patient's serum (PbPS) or normal serum (PbNS), zymosan opsonized by fresh sera from healthy donors (ZyNS) and erythrocytes opsonized by hemolysin (EA). Statistically significant differences concerning the percentage of adhered monocytes to PbPS (number of adhered monocytes/total number of monocytes) were detected between control and chronic (active and inactive) groups. Significant differences in relationship to the mean number of PbPS (number of fungi in monocytes/total number of monocytes) were also observed between control and chronic active mycosis. Present data suggest that patients with chronic disease have more ability in the first step of phagocytic activity, considered as the main effector mechanism to control the dissemination and severity of paracoccidiodomycosis. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.