Synthesis and biological characterization of novel rose bengal derivatives with improved amphiphilicity for sono-photodynamic therapy.

Sono-Photodynamic therapy (SPDT) utilizing ultrasound and light has been demonstrated that this novel approach can lower dosage resulting in reduction of the potential side effects caused by sensitizers. Recently, a new formulation of rose bengal (RB) as an intralesional injection has completed clinical trials phase II for PDT treatment of melanoma cancer. However, the inherent unfavorable pharmacological properties of RB hindered its extensive clinical development.

Adaptation and selection in the Senecio (Asteraceae) hybrid zone on Mount Etna, Sicily.

Hybrid zone theory provides a powerful theoretical framework for measuring and testing gene flow and selection. The Senecio aethnensis and Senecio chrysanthemifolius hybrid zone on Mount Etna, Sicily, was investigated to identify phenotypic traits under divergent selection and to assess the contributions of intrinsic and extrinsic selection against hybrids to hybrid zone maintenance. Senecio samples from 14 sites across Mount Etna were analyzed for 24 quantitative traits classified into four groups (QTGs), six allozymes and seven simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci to describe patterns of variation throughout the hybrid zone.

Radiation and diversification within the Ligularia-Cremanthodium-Parasenecio complex (Asteraceae) triggered by uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

The Ligularia-Cremanthodium-Parasenecio (L-C-P) complex of the Tussilagininae (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) contains more than 200 species that are endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in eastern Asia. These species are morphologically distinct; however, their relationships appear complex. A phylogenetic analysis of members of the complex and selected taxa of the tribe Senecioneae was conducted using chloroplast (ndhF and trnL-F) and nuclear (ITS) sequences.