Factors conditioning the camera-trapping efficiency for the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Camera trapping is the most used method for surveying medium-sized carnivores in Spain. The main target for these surveys has been the Iberian lynx, the most endangered cat in the world. The Iberian lynx conservation program has received the largest EU LIFE projects grant. So, efficiency is a key goal for managing this grant. During 2003 and 2007, we have applied these funds to the survey of the Iberian lynx in Eastern Sierra Morena (Spain). Using two different techniques, we have studied both to see which is the most efficient. The survey developed in active latrines resulted more efficient than that of scent stations and live prey camera trapping throughout the years, although there has been a variation between years. Otherwise, the live prey method has been the one providing the greatest speed and number of pictures per entrance. We suggest that camera-trapping surveys can be improved in terms of efficiency for a wide range of species, or at least for the Iberian lynx. To improve the results, cameras might be placed in relation to breeding territories. With this determinant, camera-trapping surveys would be shorter than 120 days. Finally, we suggest how those surveys for medium carnivores should be designed.     

A review of research on Chinese <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tuber</Emphasis> species

Truffles are abundant in some regions of China. Nevertheless, it was not until the 1980s that Tuber species were discovered by Chinese mycologists. In recent years, international truffle markets have shown an increasing interest in the import of Chinese Tuber. These truffles serve as a complement to European truffles due to their lower prices and their greater availability in a deficit market. However, Chinese truffles have been the subject of fraudulent commercial practices, and these could have a negative effect on truffle culture. These concerns have been behind numerous recent studies designed to obtain detailed information about Chinese Tuber species. Unfortunately, many of these studies are not published in English, and are dispersed throughout the specific local or national bibliography and proceedings of specialized truffle conferences. In view of the need to expand current knowledge of Chinese Tuber species, we present a comprehensive summary of the taxonomy, ecology, mycorrhizae, genetics, biochemistry, and cultivation of Chinese Tuber species. We also provide a synthetic taxonomy and morphological characterization of 16 Chinese Tuber species in order to assist in their verification and monitoring.     

In vitro antiamyloidogenic properties of 1,4-naphthoquinones

The aim of this study is to find out whether several 1,4-naphthoquinones (1,4-NQ) can interact with the amyloidogenic pathway of the amyloid precursor protein processing, particularly targeting at β-secretase (BACE), as well as at β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) aggregation and disaggregating preformed Aβ fibrils. Compounds bearing hydroxyl groups at the quinoid (2) or benzenoid rings (5, 6) as well as some 2- and 3-aryl derivatives (11-15) showed BACE inhibitory activity, without effect on amyloid aggregation or disaggregation. The halogenated compounds 8 and 10 were selective for the inhibition of amyloid aggregation. On the other hand, 1,4-naphthoquinone (1), 6-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (4) and 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone (26) did not show any BACE inhibitory activity but were active on amyloid aggregation and disaggregation preformed Aβ fibrils. Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (3), and 3-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methoxy-1,4-napththoquinone (19) were active on all the three targets. Therefore, we suggest that 1,4-NQ derivatives, specially 3 and 19, should be explored as possible drug candidates or lead compounds for the development of drugs to prevent amyloid aggregation and neurotoxicity in Alzheimer’s disease.     

Cytogenetic characterization of the invasive mussel species Xenostrobus securis Lmk. (Bivalvia: Mytilidae)

The chromosomes of the invasive black-pigmy mussel (Xenostrobus securis (Lmk. 1819)) were analyzed by means of 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) / propidium iodide (PI) and chromomycin A3 (CMA) / DAPI fluorescence staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization using major rDNA, 5S rDNA, core histone genes, linker histone genes, and telomeric sequences as probes. The diploid chromosome number in this species is 2n = 30. The karyotype is composed of seven metacentric, one meta/submetacentric, and seven submetacentric chromosome pairs. Telomeric sequences appear at both ends of every single chromosome. Major rDNA clusters appear near the centromeres on chromosome pairs 1 and 3 and are associated with bright CMA fluorescence and dull DAPI fluorescence. This species shows five 5S rDNA clusters close to the centromeres on four chromosome pairs (2, 5, 6, and 8). Three of the four core histone gene clusters map to centromeric positions on chromosome pairs 7, 10, and 13. The fourth core histone gene cluster occupies a terminal position on chromosome pair 8, also bearing a 5S rDNA cluster. The two linker histone gene clusters are close to the centromeres on chromosome pairs 12 and 14. Therefore, the use of these probes allows the unequivocal identification of 11 of the 15 chromosome pairs that compose the karyotype of X. securis.