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PURPOSE: To study the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among S. aureus ocular infections in a tertiary health center in Brazil and compare antibiotic susceptibility patterns between MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus isolates. METHODS: Electronic records from the ocular microbiology laboratory of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo were retrospectively reviewed. During a 10-year period (between January 2000 and December 2009) all conjunctivitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis cases with a positive culture for S. aureus were identified. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-six S. aureus isolates were identified; of those, 56 (9.9%) were resistant to methicillin. Throughout the 10-year period, Staphylococcus aureus showed a significant increasing trend from 7.55% to 16.18% among overall S. aurues infections (p=0.001) and from 3.7% to 13.16% in conjunctivitis (p=0.001). Conversely, we did not observe the same trend among those with keratitis (p=0.38). Staphylococcus aureus isolates showed higher resistance rates to tobramycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin when compared with S. aureus isolates (p< 0.001). All cases were susceptible to vancomycin. CONCLUSION: We observed an increasing trend in the overall prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus ocular infections and statistically significant higher resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics compared to Staphylococcus aureus. Our data supports the need for constant bacterial surveillance and should be taken into consideration before initiating empiric treatment of ocular infections. OBJETIVO: Estudar a prevalência do Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina nas infecções oculares causadas por S. aureus em um centro de saúde terciário no Brasil e comparar o perfil de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana entre as cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina e S. aureus susceptível à meticilina MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva dos arquivos do laboratório de microbiologia ocular da Universidade Federal de São Paulo e selecionados todos os casos de conjuntivite, ceratite e endoftalmite com cultivo positivo para S. aureus, durante um período de 10 anos (entre janeiro de 2000 e dezembro de 2009). Foi avaliada a prevalência de Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina e comparado o perfil de susceptibilidade antimicrobiano dos Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina e S. aureus susceptível à meticilina. RESULTADOS: Quinhentos e sessenta e seis isolados de S. aureus foram identificados. Desses, 56 (9,9%) apresentaram resistência à meticilina. Durante o período de 10 anos estudado, Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina mostrou uma tendência significante de aumento de 7,6% para 16,2% entre as infecções oculares causadas por S. aureus em geral (p=0,001) e de 3,7% para 13,2% nas conjuntivites (p=0,001). A mesma tendência não foi observada entre as amostras de ceratite (p=0,38). Os isolados de Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina mostraram maiores taxas de resistência à tobramicina, gentamicina, ciprofloxacino, gatifloxacino e moxifloxacino em comparação com os isolados de S. aureus susceptível à meticilina (p

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a suscetibilidade, in vitro, de Staphylococcus coagulase negativa (SCoN), isolados da conjuntiva e córnea, à meticilina, às fluoroquinolonas e aos aminoglicosídeos. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas retrospectivamente 707 amostras oculares de SCoN quanto à suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos pelo teste de disco difusão, durante o período de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2003. RESULTADOS: Houve um aumento do número de SCoN em isolados da conjuntiva (n=57, ano de 2000 e n=153, ano de 2003) e da córnea (n=28, ano de 2000 e n=78, ano de 2003). A freqüência de SCoN resistentes à meticilina isolados da conjuntiva e da córnea, aumentou (1,8 a 19,6% e 14,3 a 29,3% respectivamente) durante o período avaliado. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante nos anos estudados, nos percentuais de SCoN resistentes às fluoroquinolonas, nas conjuntivas (ofloxacina: 1,8 a 7,8% e ciprofloxacina: 3,5 a 9,2%) e nas córneas (ofloxacina: 14,3 a 9,0% e ciprofloxacina:14,3 a 10,3%). Avaliando-se os resultados das amostras isoladas da conjuntiva, observou-se um aumento na resistência à tobramicina: 15,8 a 34,6%; e à gentamicina: 10,5 a 25,5%; mas não houve mudança no perfil de resistência das amostras da córnea à tobramicina: 28,6 a 26,9% e à gentamicina: 21,4 a 23,1%). CONCLUSÃO: Houve diminuição na suscetibilidade in vitro dos SCoN para meticilina, tobramicina e gentamicina. As fluoroquinolonas, representadas pela ofloxacina e ciprofloxacina, demonstraram ter um padrão estável de suscetibilidade in vitro.PURPOSE: To assess the in vitro susceptibility of conjunctival and corneal coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) to methicillin, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. METHODS: A total of 707 conjunctival and corneal CoNS disk diffusion test results were retrospectively analyzed, from January 2000 through December 2003. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2003, there was an increase in number of CoNS isolated from conjunctiva (n=57 to n=153) and cornea (n=28 to n=78). The frequency of conjunctival and corneal methicillin-resistant CoNS also increased (1.8 to 19.6% and 14.3 to 29.3%, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between fluoroquinolones-resistant CoNS percentages in conjunctiva (ofloxacin: 1.8 to 7.8% and ciprofloxacin: 3.5 to 9.2%) and cornea (ofloxacin: 14.3 to 9.0% and ciprofloxacin: 14.3 to 10.3%). Evaluating the results of the conjunctival samples, there was increased resistance to tobramycin (15.8 to 34.0%) and to gentamycin (10.5 to 25.5%). There was no change in resistance of corneal isolates to tobramycin (28.6 to 26.9%) and to gentamycin (21.4 to 23.1%). CONCLUSIONS: there was a decrease in in vitro CoNS susceptibility to methicillin, tobramycin and gentamycin. Fuoroquinolones represented by ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin demonstrated stable in vitro susceptibility.

For a stratophenetic analysis of Middle Triassic ammonoids from the German Muschelkalk (Anisian, Ladinian), whorl expansion rates, whorl width indexes, umbilical width indexes, maximal conch sizes, body chamber lengths, the orientations of the aperture, and a number of sculpture parameters of approximately 500 specimens were identified. 274 of these data sets, sorted according to their stratigraphic age, were evaluated in scatter plots as well as canonical discriminant function analyses. Several of the diagrams that were produced in these analyses reflect more or less steady changes in conch morphology through geological time, except for some intervals with abrupt and rather drastic transformations. These morphological discontinuities are synchronous with immigrations into the Germanic Basin of crinoid and brachiopod taxa. This discovery indicates disturbances in the endemic evolution of the ammonoids caused by such immigrations. At a small scale, this case study demonstrates that a rising sea level may have boosted the faunal exchange between an open marine and a restricted epicontinental basin, causing a minor regional increase in biodiversity. It also demonstrates that the evolution of ‘Germanic’ ceratites happened mainly within the Germanic Basin but partially probably also within the Tethyan Sea. The ecology of the ceratites from this Basin is discussed. Accordingly, they were stenohaline, good backward swimmers with a good manoeuvrability, and able to achieve neutral buoyancy.

PURPOSE: To report the antifungal susceptibility profile of yeast isolates obtained from cases of keratitis. METHODS: Susceptibility testing of 15 yeast strains isolated from corneal infections to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole was performed using the NCCLS broth microdilution assay. RESULTS: Most episodes of eye infections were caused by Candida albicans. The antifungal drugs tested showed the following minimal inhibitory concentration values against yeast isolates: 0.125-0.5 µg/ml for amphotericin B; 0.125->64.0 µg/ml for fluconazole; 0.015-1.0 µg/ml for itraconazole and 0.015-0.125 µg/ml for ketoconazole. Despite the fact that all Candida isolates were judged to be susceptible to azoles, one isolate showed a minimal inhibitory concentration value significantly higher than a 90% minimal inhibitory concentration of all tested isolates. Rhodotorula rubra was resistant to fluconazole and itraconazole. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that most yeast isolates from corneal infections are usually susceptible to amphotericin B and azoles, they exhibit a wide range of minimal inhibitory concentration values for antifungal drugs. The identification of strains at species level and their susceptibility pattern to antifungal drugs should be considered before determining the concentration to be used in topical antifungal formulations in order to optimize therapeutic response in eye infections.OBJETIVO: Relatar resultados e avaliar a aplicabilidade do teste de suscetibilidade a antifúngicos de leveduras isoladas de infecções corneais oculares. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se teste de suscetibilidade pelo método de microdiluição em caldo, padronizado pelo NCCLS-EUA, em 15 amostras de leveduras de infecções corneanas a anfotericina B, fluconazol, itraconazol e ketoconazol. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos episódios de infecção corneal foi causada por Candida albicans. As drogas antifúngicas testadas exibiram valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) para as leveduras isoladas: 0,125-0,5 µg/ml para anfotericina B; 0,125->64,0 µg/ml para fluconazol; 0,015-1,0 µg/ml para itraconazol e 0,015-0,125 µg/ml para ketoconazol. Apesar de todas as amostras terem sido suscetíveis aos azólicos, uma exibiu valor de concentração inibitória mínima significantemente maior do que a concentração inibitória mínima 90% de todas as amostras testadas. Rhodotorula rubra foi resistente a fluconazol e itraconazol. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da maioria das leveduras isoladas de infecções corneais serem usualmente suscetíveis a anfotericina B e azólicos, observa-se ampla variação de valores de concentração inibitória mínima obtidas com as diferentes drogas antifúngicas testadas. A identificação das cepas e a determinação do padrão de suscetibilidade devem ser consideradas antes da determinação da concentração das drogas a ser empregada em formulações antifúngicas tópicas com o objetivo de otimizar a resposta terapêutica às infecções oculares.

The Middle Triassic ammonoid genus Ceratites diversified spectacularly within the Germanic Muschelkalk Basin during the Anisian/Ladian (244–232 Mya). Previous studies have interpreted this diversification as a sequence of rapid, endemic radiations from a few immigrant taxa. Here we investigate the possibility that geological and sampling biases, rather than ecological and evolutionary processes, are responsible for this pattern. A new specimen-based dataset of Ceratites species-richness and abundance was assembled. This dataset was combined with 1:200 000 geological maps in a geodatabase to facilitate geospatial analyses. One set of analyses compared species richness per geological map with the number of occurrences and localities per map. Per-map change in the amount of rock available to sample for fossils was also included as a variable. Of these three variables, number of occurrences is the most strongly correlated with richness. Variation in the amount of rock is not a strong determinant of species-ri...

This study documents ammonoids with a precise stratigraphic control at the middle/late Anisian (Pelsonian/Illyrian) boundary from a new locality in eastern Lombardy-Giudicarie (Monte Guglielmo) and from classical sections in Giudicarie. These ammonoid faunas allow revising the taxonomic interpretation of Ceratites cimeganus Mojsisovics 1882 and of the genus Paraceratites Hyatt 1900. Ceratites cimeganus is here assigned to the North American genus Rieppelites Monnet & Bucher 2005. In eastern Lombardy-Giudicarie, R. cimeganus is diagnostic of a distinct biochronological unit (cimeganus Zone) bracketed between the older Bulogites zoldianus Zone and the younger Judicarites euryomphalus–Paraceratites trinodosus zones. The recognition of this cimeganus Zone significantly improves worldwide correlation since it is recognized in several other Tethyan basins (Dolomites, Northern Calcareous Alps) as well as in North America (Nevada). These new data allow a redefinition of the middle/late Anisian boundary in the western Tethys, which is here intercalated between the zoldianus and cimeganus zones. This limit is marked by a clear ammonoid turnover (e.g. disappearance of Acrochordiceras and Balatonites, appearance of Rieppelites). Finally, the presence of sections including the cimeganus Zone in eastern Lombardy-Giudicarie allow the establishment of local gaps in sedimentation, which may reflect the regional and important transgression of the pelagic Prezzo Limestone over the shallow water platform carbonates of a “Camorelli-Dosso dei Morti barrier”, as also underlined by the spatial distribution of brachiopod lumachellas.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a suscetibilidade, in vitro, de Staphylococcus coagulase negativa (SCoN), isolados da conjuntiva e córnea, à meticilina, às fluoroquinolonas e aos aminoglicosídeos. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas retrospectivamente 707 amostras oculares de SCoN quanto à suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos pelo teste de disco difusão, durante o período de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2003. RESULTADOS: Houve um aumento do número de SCoN em isolados da conjuntiva (n=57, ano de 2000 e n=153, ano de 2003) e da córnea (n=28, ano de 2000 e n=78, ano de 2003). A freqüência de SCoN resistentes à meticilina isolados da conjuntiva e da córnea, aumentou (1,8 a 19,6% e 14,3 a 29,3% respectivamente) durante o período avaliado. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante nos anos estudados, nos percentuais de SCoN resistentes às fluoroquinolonas, nas conjuntivas (ofloxacina: 1,8 a 7,8% e ciprofloxacina: 3,5 a 9,2%) e nas córneas (ofloxacina: 14,3 a 9,0% e ciprofloxacina:14,3 a 10,3%). Avaliando-se os resultados das amostras isoladas da conjuntiva, observou-se um aumento na resistência à tobramicina: 15,8 a 34,6%; e à gentamicina: 10,5 a 25,5%; mas não houve mudança no perfil de resistência das amostras da córnea à tobramicina: 28,6 a 26,9% e à gentamicina: 21,4 a 23,1%). CONCLUSÃO: Houve diminuição na suscetibilidade in vitro dos SCoN para meticilina, tobramicina e gentamicina. As fluoroquinolonas, representadas pela ofloxacina e ciprofloxacina, demonstraram ter um padrão estável de suscetibilidade in vitro. PURPOSE: To assess the in vitro susceptibility of conjunctival and corneal coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) to methicillin, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. METHODS: A total of 707 conjunctival and corneal CoNS disk diffusion test results were retrospectively analyzed, from January 2000 through December 2003. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2003, there was an increase in number of CoNS isolated from conjunctiva (n=57 to n=153) and cornea (n=28 to n=78). The frequency of conjunctival and corneal methicillin-resistant CoNS also increased (1.8 to 19.6% and 14.3 to 29.3%, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between fluoroquinolones-resistant CoNS percentages in conjunctiva (ofloxacin: 1.8 to 7.8% and ciprofloxacin: 3.5 to 9.2%) and cornea (ofloxacin: 14.3 to 9.0% and ciprofloxacin: 14.3 to 10.3%). Evaluating the results of the conjunctival samples, there was increased resistance to tobramycin (15.8 to 34.0%) and to gentamycin (10.5 to 25.5%). There was no change in resistance of corneal isolates to tobramycin (28.6 to 26.9%) and to gentamycin (21.4 to 23.1%). CONCLUSIONS: there was a decrease in in vitro CoNS susceptibility to methicillin, tobramycin and gentamycin. Fuoroquinolones represented by ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin demonstrated stable in vitro susceptibility.

Gelesen in der Akademie der Wissenschaften am 20. Januar 1848

Only few, probably more tolerant, genera of the stenohaline group of cephalopods have managed to get established in the Germanic Basin. These include Germanonautilus, Serpianites and Paraceratites as well as Ceratites which evolved from the latter in this new province. In Serpianites (Lower Muschelkalk/Upper Anisian and the early ceratites (Upper Muschelkalk/Upper Anisian) we observe an iterative reduction of sutural complexity. Radiation of ceratites from the ancestral Paraceratites (Progonoceratites) atavus atavus took place during the atavus and pulcher/robustus Zones of the Upper Anisian.

PURPOSE: To report the antifungal susceptibility profile of yeast isolates obtained from cases of keratitis. METHODS: Susceptibility testing of 15 yeast strains isolated from corneal infections to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole was performed using the NCCLS broth microdilution assay. RESULTS: Most episodes of eye infections were caused by Candida albicans. The antifungal drugs tested showed the following minimal inhibitory concentration values against yeast isolates: 0.125-0.5 µg/ml for amphotericin B; 0.125->64.0 µg/ml for fluconazole; 0.015-1.0 µg/ml for itraconazole and 0.015-0.125 µg/ml for ketoconazole. Despite the fact that all Candida isolates were judged to be susceptible to azoles, one isolate showed a minimal inhibitory concentration value significantly higher than a 90% minimal inhibitory concentration of all tested isolates. Rhodotorula rubra was resistant to fluconazole and itraconazole. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that most yeast isolates from corneal infections are usually susceptible to amphotericin B and azoles, they exhibit a wide range of minimal inhibitory concentration values for antifungal drugs. The identification of strains at species level and their susceptibility pattern to antifungal drugs should be considered before determining the concentration to be used in topical antifungal formulations in order to optimize therapeutic response in eye infections. OBJETIVO: Relatar resultados e avaliar a aplicabilidade do teste de suscetibilidade a antifúngicos de leveduras isoladas de infecções corneais oculares. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se teste de suscetibilidade pelo método de microdiluição em caldo, padronizado pelo NCCLS-EUA, em 15 amostras de leveduras de infecções corneanas a anfotericina B, fluconazol, itraconazol e ketoconazol. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos episódios de infecção corneal foi causada por Candida albicans. As drogas antifúngicas testadas exibiram valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) para as leveduras isoladas: 0,125-0,5 µg/ml para anfotericina B; 0,125->64,0 µg/ml para fluconazol; 0,015-1,0 µg/ml para itraconazol e 0,015-0,125 µg/ml para ketoconazol. Apesar de todas as amostras terem sido suscetíveis aos azólicos, uma exibiu valor de concentração inibitória mínima significantemente maior do que a concentração inibitória mínima 90% de todas as amostras testadas. Rhodotorula rubra foi resistente a fluconazol e itraconazol. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da maioria das leveduras isoladas de infecções corneais serem usualmente suscetíveis a anfotericina B e azólicos, observa-se ampla variação de valores de concentração inibitória mínima obtidas com as diferentes drogas antifúngicas testadas. A identificação das cepas e a determinação do padrão de suscetibilidade devem ser consideradas antes da determinação da concentração das drogas a ser empregada em formulações antifúngicas tópicas com o objetivo de otimizar a resposta terapêutica às infecções oculares.

Corneal sequestration is a disease unique to domestic cats, clinically characterized by chronicity; signs of ocular pain with the development of a dark brown to black, opaque, oval, paracentral or central corneal plaque. The purpose of this review article was to approach and discuss about the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of the corneal sequestrum. Seqüestro corneano é uma doença única dos gatos domésticos. Caracterizada clinicamente pela crônicidade, sinais de dor ocular, com desenvolvimento de placa marrom a enegrecida, opaca, de localização central ou paracentral. O propósito deste artigo de revisão é abordar e discutir questões sobre a etiologia, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento da enfermidade.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-14T10:45:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2001-06. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-14T11:37:23Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0103-84782001000300032.pdf: 86792 bytes, checksum: d77676cfa5038876ca200c41313a4aae (MD5) Seqüestro corneano é uma doença única dos gatos domésticos. Caracterizada clinicamente pela crônicidade, sinais de dor ocular, com desenvolvimento de placa marrom a enegrecida, opaca, de localização central ou paracentral. O propósito deste artigo de revisão é abordar e discutir questões sobre a etiologia, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento da enfermidade. Corneal sequestration is a disease unique to domestic cats, clinically characterized by chronicity; signs of ocular pain with the development of a dark brown to black, opaque, oval, paracentral or central corneal plaque. The purpose of this review article was to approach and discuss about the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of the corneal sequestrum. Universidade Estadual Paulista, Veterinary College Universidade Estadual Paulista, Veterinary College

Resume Des experiences realisees en laboratoire sur un modele en matiere plastique permettent d'interpreter la plupart des aspects que represente le remplissage sedimentaire des coquilles de ceratites et de nautiles du Muschelkalk superieur du bassin germanique. Dans la majorite des cas, les coquilles ont ete remplies par le sediment en position horizontale. L'exception concerne surtout les especes Ceratites nodosus nodosus ( Bruguiere , 1792), Acanthoceratites spinosus ( Philippi , 1901 ) sauf l'espece A. spinosus penndorfi (Rothe, 1955), Acanthoceratites evolutus ( Philippi, 1901 ) ainsi que les nautiles Germanonautilus bidorsatus ( Schlotheim , 1804). La forme evasee de leurs coquilles est responsable de leur remplissage sedimentaire en position verticale. En aucun cas, le remplissage des cephalopodes ne renseigne sur la profondeur du milieu de depot. En revanche, il constitue un bon indicateur de l'agitation regnant au contact du fond et des remaniements subis par le sediment.

SummaryCeratitic ammonoids from the Greville Formation in the Nelson Regional Syncline, South Island of New Zealand, were described as a new genus and species of the Ophiceratidae, Durvilleoceras woodmani, and dated as ‘late Middle Permian’ (Waterhouse, 1973). In fact, Durvilleoceras differs from all known Permian ammonoids in both conch form and sutural pattern, but closely resembles lower Triassic ceratites. Structural and sedimentologic complexities within the Nelson Syncline are such that stratigraphic interpretations are questionable, and the fauna of both the Greville and adjacent formations is sparse. Consequently, we consider that Durvilleoceras is best interpreted as a middle Scythian ceratite of the family Flemingitidae.

The Neolloydia conoidea complex (N. conoidea, N. grandiflora, N. ceratites, N. texensis, and N. matehualensis) is shown to consist of a single species, N. conoidea. Neolloydia conoidea is compared with Echinomastus spp. and with N. warnockii; the latter is more closely related to Echinomastus and should be included in that genus. Several members of the Cactinae are compared on the basis of 26 characters. These data show that Gymnocactus, Turbinicarpus, Rapicactus, and Normanbokea should be included in Neolloydia to create a larger, newly-defined genus containing the following 15 species: N. conoidea, N. subterranea, N. mandragora (comb. nov.), N. valdeziana (comb. nov.), N. pseudopectinata (comb. nov.), N. gielsdorfiana, N. viereckii, N. horripila, N. smithii (=G. beguinii), N. saueri, N. knuthiana, N. schmiedickeana (comb. nov.), N. lophophoroides (comb, nov.), N. pseudomacrochele (comb. nov.), and N. laui (comb. nov.). Thelocactus is a closely related but separate genus.

Describes Progonoceratites saraviensis n.sp. from the basal zone of the Ceratites limestone of the Triassic limestone complex of Lorraine, France, and discusses its paleogeographic and paleoecologic significance. The cephalopod is considered to have been a member of an abundant population which inhabited a marine bottom and which perished catastrophically. The thanatocoenosis constitutes further proof of the rhythmic character of sedimentation of the Triassic limestones.

An adult Ceratites semipartitus encrusted by epifaunal Placunopsis ostracina is described. The epizoans are orientated in relation to the slope of the substratum and according to their time of attachment to the ammonoid shell. Geometrical analysis of the orientation leads to the following conclusions: (1) During and after the growth of the last whorl, several, probably 4, swarms of larvae of Placunopsis settled upon the Ceratites specimen. (2) The dead body was for some time kept upright, the living chamber showing upwards. During this time, larvae of Placunopsis became attached again. (3) The ammonoid shell was then laid down, its left flank in contact with the sediment. In this position it was for the last time settled upon by Placunopsis which died whilst juvenile. Provided that the phases of attachment corresponded to annual spawning periods of Placunopsis, the last whorl of the Ceratites was formed with decreasing velocity of growth within about 4 years. Placunopsis became attached with its right valve, the posterior end of the body showing upwards, and the direction of growth being declined from the vertical by 65°. Placunopsis either preferred to settle within a distinct zone of the living chamber of the ammonoid close to the lowermost part of the shell or was able to grow up here only. Ceratites semipartitus was therefore probably nectonic. Both the host and the epizoan were influenced to their disadvantage by their fatal partnership. A relationship of this kind therefore should not be called a symbiosis.

A new genus of Triassic ammonite, Nairites Kiparisova and Zarian, and two new species, N. armenius and N. laevis, are described from collections made in coal seams in Lower Triassic beds exposed near Dzhermanis in the upper part of the Vedi river area, Armenia. The new genus Nairites differs from Noridiscites Spath by having a much narrower umbilicus, a higher whorl section, wider and shallower lobes and saddles, and a fairly long denticulated auxiliary lobe. N. armenius differs from N. laevis by having stronger ribbing, by the presence of tubercles on the flanks and by the presence of carinae (keels) on the margins of the truncated venter. Ralph W. Imlay

From the lichen, Siphula ceratites , two new metabolities, protosiphulin and oxysiphulin, were isolated besides the known compound, siphulin. The structures of the two new chromenones were proved by 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR spectral analysis in comparison with those of siphulin.

Ammonites are externally shelled cephalopods and range in geologic age from the Devonian to the Late Cretaceous. They comprise nine orders that may be informally grouped into the paleo-, meso-, and neoammonoidea. The paleoammonoidea consists of the Devonian-Permian goniatites, anarcestids, clymeniids, and prolecanitids. The mesoammonoidea or ceratites range from the Permian to the Triassic. The neoammonoidea consists of the phylloceratids, lytoceratids, ammonitids, and ancyloceratids and ranges from the Jurassic to the Cretaceous.

I DISCOVERED a large colony of the arctic lichen Siphula ceratites (Wg.) Fr. in April 1955 on the Coulin Forest of Wester Ross (lat. 57° 32′ N., long. 5° 22′ W.). The species is circumpolar, markedly disjunct and predominantly coastal in its distribution1. It has been recorded from western and northern Norway, Swedish and Finnish Lappmark, the Petsamo area, Novaya Zemlaya, Siberia, Japan, the Aleutian Islands, the Bering Strait region and the Himalaya but not hitherto from the British Isles.