The Satellite DNA PcH-Sat, Isolated and Characterized in the Limpet (Mollusca, Gastropoda), Suggests the Origin from a Nin-SINE Transposable Element.

Satellite DNA (sat-DNA) was previously described as junk and selfish DNA in the cellular economy, without a clear functional role. However, during the last two decades, evidence has been accumulated about the roles of sat-DNA in different cellular functions and its probable involvement in tumorigenesis and adaptation to environmental changes. In molluscs, studies on sat-DNAs have been performed mainly on bivalve species, especially those of economic interest.

Life History Traits and Longevity of the Invasive Asian Common Toad (Schneider, 1799) in Madagascar.

We analyzed the body length, age structure, and age at sexual maturity of the invasive Asian common toad from different sites in Toamasina, east Madagascar. We used skeletochronology as a proxy for age estimation, while gonads were histologically analyzed to determine the age of sexual maturity. The analysis of pooled age data from three sites investigated in 2016 showed that both sexes were larger, although not older, than those of native populations.

Chromosome Diversity and Evolution of the Endemic Malagasy Velvet Geckos of the Genus (Reptilia, Gekkonidae).

We performed a molecular and phylogenetic analysis and a comparative cytogenetic study with standard karyotyping, silver staining (Ag-NOR) and sequential C-banding + Giemsa, + fluorochromes on several samples. The phylogenetic inference retrieved two main clades, the first comprises , and , while the second includes , and . The available samples of form two different clades (here named clade A and clade B), which probably deserve a taxonomic re-evaluation.

Evolutionary and Genomic Diversity of True Polyploidy in Tetrapods.

True polyploid organisms have more than two chromosome sets in their somatic and germline cells. Polyploidy is a major evolutionary force and has played a significant role in the early genomic evolution of plants, different invertebrate taxa, chordates, and teleosts. However, the contribution of polyploidy to the generation of new genomic, ecological, and species diversity in tetrapods has traditionally been underestimated.

Life History Traits of Sperm Whales Linnaeus, 1758 Stranded along Italian Coasts (Cetartiodactyla: Physeteridae).

We investigated the relationship between age and body length, and age at sexual maturity of individuals stranded along the Italian coast. Our molecular analysis shows that all our samples belong to the C.001.

First Insights on the Karyotype Diversification of the Endemic Malagasy Leaf-Toed Geckos (Squamata: Gekkonidae: ).

We provide here the first karyotype description of eight species and a characterization of their chromosomal diversity. We performed a molecular taxonomic assessment of several samples using the mitochondrial 12S marker and a comparative cytogenetic analysis with standard karyotyping, silver staining (Ag-NOR) and sequential C-banding + Giemsa, +Chromomycin A3 (CMA), +4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). We found chromosomal variability in terms of chromosome number (2n = 34-38), heterochromatin composition and number and localization of loci or Nucleolar Organizer Regions (NORs) (alternatively on the 2nd, 6th, 10th or 16th pair).

Comparative cytogenetics on eight Malagasy Mantellinae (Anura, Mantellidae) and a synthesis of the karyological data on the subfamily.

We performed a molecular and cytogenetic analysis on different Mantellinae species and revised the available chromosomal data on this group to provide an updated assessment of its karyological diversity and evolution. Using a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA, we performed a molecular taxonomic identification of the samples that were used for cytogenetic analyses. A comparative cytogenetic analysis, with Giemsa's staining, Ag-NOR staining and sequential C-banding + Giemsa + CMA + DAPI was performed on eight species: sp.

Chromosome Diversity and Evolution in Helicoide a (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora): A Synthesis from Original and Literature Data.

We performed a molecular and a comparative cytogenetic analysis on different Helicoidea species and a review of all the available chromosome data on the superfamily to provide an updated assessment of its karyological diversity. Standard karyotyping, banding techniques, and Fluorescence in situ hybridization of Nucleolus Organizer Region loci (NOR-FISH) were performed on fifteen species of three families: two Geomitridae, four Hygromiidae and nine Helicidae. The karyotypes of the studied species varied from 2 = 44 to 2 = 60, highlighting a high karyological diversity.

Karyological Diversification in the Genus (Urodela: Salamandridae).

We performed the first cytogenetic analysis on five out of the seven species of the genus , including seven subspecies, and representatives of its sister genus All the studied species have a similar karyotype of 2n = 24, mostly composed of biarmed elements. C-bands were observed on all chromosomes, at centromeric, telomeric and interstitial position. We found a peculiar taxon-specific NOR configuration, including either heteromorphic and homomorphic NORs on distinct regions of different chromosomes.

Dental fluorosis in the Vesuvius towns in AD 79: a multidisciplinary approach.

Endemic fluorosis induced by high concentrations of fluoride in groundwater and soils is a major health problem in several countries, particularly in volcanic areas. To evaluate the occurrence of dental fluorosis resulting from exposure to high levels of environmental fluoride in 79 AD Herculaneum and close Vesuvius towns. The occurrence of dental fluorosis from teeth of the Herculaneum victims of the 79 AD eruption and some individuals from Pompeii (14-37 AD) and Nocera Inferiore (Salerno, IV sec.

Cold-blooded in the Ice Age: "refugia within refugia", inter-and intraspecific biogeographic diversification of European whipsnakes (Squamata, Colubridae, Hierophis).

In this work, we performed a biogeographic analysis with Bayesian binary MCMC (BBM) statistical dispersal-vicariance analysis (S-DIVA) and species distribution models (SDM) on three phylogenetically closely related Mediterranean whipsnakes (Hierophis gemonensis, H. carbonarius, H. viridiflavus), to investigate the pathways of their geographical diversification and locate putative refugial areas in the last glacial maximum (LGM).

To move or not to move: cranial joints in European gekkotans and lacertids, an osteological and histological perspective.

Lepidosaurs are frequently described as having highly kinetic skulls, and different forms of cranial kinesis have been described as being characteristic of their radiation. The model of amphikinesis proposed by Frazzetta, J Morphol 1962; 111:287-319, which was long considered a synapomorphy of the large suborder Sauria, is now much debated given its uncertain distribution among the various lizard taxa and the lack of data about its morphological correlates. In this article, we analyze the anatomical correlates of different forms of cranial kinesis, with particular regard to the putative saurian amphikinesis, describing the possible diverse skull movements of several species of European gekkotans (Hemidactylus turcicus, Mediodactylus kotschyi, and Tarentola mauritanica) and lacertids (Lacerta agilis, L.

Karyological evidence for diversification of Italian slow worm populations (Squamata, Anguidae).

A karyological analysis on six Italian populations the slow worm (Anguis veronensis Pollini, 1818) was performed and their genetic differentiation at the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fragment from a Spanish sample has been assessed. The Italian populations were karyologically uniform, all showing 2n=44 elements, of which 20 were macrochromosomes and 24 microchromosomes. Comparison with literature data on Central European populations showed a difference on the morphology of the 10(th) chromosome pair: submetacentric in Italian populations and telocentric in the Central European ones.

Replacement of sodium with choline in slow-cooling media improves human ovarian tissue cryopreservation.

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is a promising technique for fertility preservation in young female cancer patients and efforts have been made to improve its effectiveness. During cooling and thawing, sodium ions significantly contribute to the 'solute effect' that plays a major role in disrupting cell membranes. Choline ions, which do not cross the cell membrane, should not contribute to the intracellular solute load.

Seasonal variation in glycoconjugates of the pedal glandular system of the rayed Mediterranean limpet, Patella caerulea (Gastropoda: Patellidae).

Glycoconjugates secreted by the pedal system of the rayed limpet, Patella caerulea, were characterised in situ by histochemical and lectin-histochemical methods in individuals collected around the annual cycle, in November, March, and June. Stainings with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Alcian blue pH 2.5 (AB pH 2.

Molecular cytogenetic study of three common Mediterranean limpets, Patella caerulea, P. rustica and P. ulyssiponensis (Archaeogastropoda, Mollusca).

The present paper shows the results of chromosome banding and rDNA-FISH study performed on several specimens of different populations of Patella caerulea, Patella rustica and Patella ulyssiponensis. The taxonomic attribution of specimens was ascertained by the molecular phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. P.

Estrogen-induced Akt-1 activity in the lizard (Podarcis s. sicula) testis.

There are always more evidences indicating that 17beta-estradiol (E2) is to be necessary for normal male fertility. Here we report the expression of the most ubiquitously expressed member of the akt family of genes, akt1, in the lizard (Podarcis s. sicula) testis.