Combining current knowledge of Cypripedium calceolus with a new analysis of genetic variation in Italian populations to provide guidelines for conservation actions

The split between conservation science and real-world application is an ongoing issue despite several calls for unification. Researchers are empowered to partially bridge the research-implementation gap by making their findings more accessible. Cypripedium calceolus is the most recognizable orchid of the European flora, and is currently facing habitat change and fragmentation, in addition to threats from collectors and illegal traders. Although several studies have focused on the ecological and genetic features of the species, a comprehensive account of how such aspects can be translated into concrete conservation recommendations is still missing. In this study, we describe microsatellite genetic variation in 188 individuals from different Italian populations of C. calceolus. Our results indicate the need for immediate conservation action for the most isolated populations in the Central Apennines and north-western Italy. Although our genetic findings are specific to the Italian populations, our aim is to review ecological and population genetic aspects in C. calceolus and their implications for conservation against the existing threats. Therefore, our detailed guidelines for translocation, habitat management and post-translocation monitoring can be used to inform conservation strategies in threatened populations of C. calceolus across its range.The genetic part of the present study was partially funded by Natural England (UK)

Layout of Ancient Greek Papyri Through Lead-Drawn Ruling Lines Revealed by Macro X-Ray Fluorescence Imaging

The use of lead-drawn ruling lines by ancient scribes for the layout of Greek papyrus rolls was known to us only from classical authors and was postulated by a few scholars in modern times. In situ application of noninvasive Macro X-Ray Fluorescence Imaging Spectroscopy (MA-XRF) to unrolled papyri from Herculaneum, dating from about 200 BC to the 1st century AD, has provided the first direct evidence of such practice in ancient book production. The key experimental proof of periodic lines drawn in lead was gathered by a highly sensitive MA-XRF mobile instrument, which allowed detection of ultra-low trace residues of metals with detection limits that rival synchrotron light instruments. Elemental distribution maps of Pb have revealed three different systems of textual layout in ancient papyrus rolls and have resolved the dispute around so-called Maas' Law, by delivering experimental proof that slanted text columns were a deliberate aesthetic choice of scribes

Relative HERV-H, W and K expression in ASD patients and healthy controls.

<p>Data obtained in fresh PBMCs (T₀) and after <i>in vitro</i> stimulation (T₇₂) of ASD patients and healthy controls are represented as box plot. ASD patients show higher levels of HERV-H (panel A) both at T₀ and after <i>in vitro</i> stimulation in comparison to healthy controls. Conversely, HERV-W (panel B) expression is higher in healthy controls than in ASD patients, both at T₀ and after <i>in vitro</i> stimulation. Significant differences between groups are shown. HERV-K (panel C) expression levels were similar in ASDs compared to HCs in both conditions, and significant differences were achieved only inside control group. Relative env gene expression levels were analyzed by Real-time PCR and represented by 2^−ΔΔCt in logarithmic scale.</p

Clinical features and assessments obtained using the ADI-R, ADOS, CARS and PEP-3 diagnostic scales.

̂<p>ne: not evaluated.</p>*<p>ASS: Autism Severity Score.</p>1<p>: Communication;</p>2<p>: Motor;</p>3<p>: Maladaptative behaviors.</p

Demographic information for the ASD and control cohorts.

<p>Demographic information for the ASD and control cohorts.</p

Quantitative evaluation of HERV-H expression in individual ASD patients and healthy controls.

<p>Comparative analysis of expression levels in individual ASD patients (panel A) shows that <i>in vitro</i> stimulation of PBMCs induces HERV-H expression increase in the patients with low levels at T₀. Conversely, <i>in vitro</i> stimulation does not modify HERV-H levels in individual HC (panel B). <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0048831#s3" target="_blank">Results</a> obtained by Real time PCR are represented as 2^−ΔΔCT in logarithmic scale. Red dashed line identifies values 2^−ΔΔCT>10.</p

Percentage of positive samples for expression of HERV families in cultured PBMCs from ASD and HC groups.

a<p>RT-PCR analysis of PBMCs at time 0 after withdrawal.</p>b<p>RT-PCR analysis of PBMCs after 72 hours of stimulation in culture.</p>c<p>RT-PCR analysis of PBMCs at T₀ and T₇₂.</p>d<p>No statistics are computed.</p><p>In parentheses the number of positive samples over the total (28).</p

Quantitative evaluation of HERV-W expression in individual ASD patients and healthy controls.

<p>No significant differences in expression levels of individual ASD patients (panel A) and healthy control (panel B) after <i>in vitro</i> stimulation are observed. <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0048831#s3" target="_blank">Results</a> obtained by Real time PCR are represented as 2^−ΔΔCT>10 in logarithmic scale. Red dashed line identifies values 2^−ΔΔCT>10.</p

HERVs expression in autism spectrum disorders

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, resulting from complex interactions among genetic, genomic and environmental factors. Here we have studied the expression of Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), non-coding DNA elements with potential regulatory functions, and have tested their possible implication in autism

IDPlanT: the Italian database of plant translocation

IDPlanT is the Italian Database of Plant Translocation, an initiative of the Nature Conservation Working Group of the Italian Botanical Society. IDPlanT currently includes 185 plant translocations.The establishment of a national database on plant translocation is a key step forward in data sharing and techniques improvement in this field of plant conservatio