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Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is recognized as a valuable food crop due to its nutraceutical potential, rich pigment content, and medicinal properties. However, there is limited information on planting dates and suitable genotypes for roselle cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions. The objective of this field study was to investigate the influence of five planting dates (March, April, May, June, and July) on morphological and phytochemical characteristics of different roselle genotypes. Among genotypes, eight (Jiroft, Dalgan, Bampoor, Iranshahr, Nikshahr, Roodbar, Saravan, and Qaleganj) were Iranian landraces, and HA and HS-24 were originated from Ghana and Bangladesh, respectively. Planting date significantly influenced the number of branches, bolls and seeds per plant, sepal fresh weight, calyx and biomass yields, and harvest index in tested roselle landraces. The greatest morphological growth, fresh sepal weight (50.6 g plant−1) and calyx yield (1519 kg ha−1) were observed with the roselle planted in early May. Moreover, amounts of chlorophyll, flavonoids and antioxidant remained higher in roselle when planted between April–May. The number of branches/plant was found to be an important determinant of calyx yield (r = 0.707) in roselle. Dalgan resulted in the greatest growth and yields within a comparatively shorter period of time compared to other tested landraces. Both principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis also indicated that Dalgan landrace possessed most suitable morphological and phytochemical traits among tested landraces, and therefore, it could be planted adopted for extensive cultivation settings in the arid and semi-arid regions.

Background and aim Orange colored tubular calyx of the flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis contains an apocarotenoid crocin as a major ingredient, which is originally detected to be major colouring principle of saffron stigma. Saffron stigma exhibits good wound healing activity owing to the presence of crocin. The present study is aimed at isolation of crocetin, from tubular calyx of N. arbortristis and improve stability through entrapping in vesicles followed by evaluation of wound healing activity of the topical formulation thereof. Experimental procedure Crocetin was isolated by treating ethanolic extract of tubular calyx of N. arbor-tristis with sodium bicarbonate followed by regeneration of crocetin using hydrochloric acid. The phytosomes were prepared by lipid film hydration technique. The gel containing phytosomes equivalent to crocetin 1% w/w, was then evaluated for wound healing activity through applications on incision and excision wounds inflicted in Wister albino rats. Results Stability of crocetin was found to be increased due to entrapment into phytosomes. The studies revealed that both types of wounds upon treatment with gel containing crocetin phytosomes, indicated good wound healing potential, as the epithelization period was significantly (P Conclusion Crocetin from tubular calyx of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis indicated to be potential wound healing phytoconstituent.

Drought and low organic carbon content are two main problems for agriculture in arid and semiarid regions. Application of hydrogels and compost may decrease adverse effects of drought on plants. A factorial experiment with a randomized complete block design with three replicates was conducted to evaluate the effect of hydrogels and compost application on yield and growth parameters of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) under drought stress (DS). These factors manipulated with seven treatments of soil amendments with 0, 150 (H1) and 300 (H2) kg ha−1 hydrogel, 10 (C1) and 20 (C2) ton ha−1 compost, 150 kg ha−1 hydrogel + 10 ton ha−1 compost (H1C1), and 150 kg ha−1 hydrogel + 20 ton ha−1 compost (H1C2) upon three DS levels (D1: 25% depletion of available soil moisture (DASM) as no-stress condition, D2: 50% DASM as mild-stress and D3: 75% DASM as severe-stress treatment). Results showed that drought stress significantly decreased growth parameters and relative water content (RWC) while increased ion leakage (IL), antioxidant activity (AA), and total phenolic content (TPC). H1, H1C1, and H1C2 Treatments significantly increased chlorophyll content index (CCI), leaf area (LA), leaf water potential (LWP), RWC, AA, and TPC compared to control under mild and severe stress conditions. In addition, only H1C2 treatment significantly increased calyx yield (CY) under mild and severe drought conditions. Interaction between 150 kg.h−1 hydrogel and 20 ton ha−1 compost compared to the each treatment alone led to the highest SDW, LA, and CY amounts under severe DS treatment. The CCI showed a strong positive correlation with CY (R2 = 0.61, p = 0.01), while revealed a negative correlation with TPC (R2 = -0.72, p = 0.01) and AA (R2 = -0.68, p = 0.01). These results confirm that hydrogel and compost could be suitable for agricultural use under DS conditions. The amount of hydrogel and compost application is very important on plant performance under DS.

A new species, Lysimachia xuyongensis X.F.Gao & W.B.Ju, from China is described and illustrated. The new species morphologically resembles L. miyiensis, L. paridiformis var. stenophylla and L. phyllocephala var. polycephala, but it clearly differs by having stems prostrate at base, dense white multicellular hairs, leave 4, lower scalelike, leaf blades and calyx carrying sparsely reddish glandular punctation, pedicel less than 5 mm, corolla lobes without glandular and ovary glabrous.

Purpose We developed a Postural Drainage Lithotripsy System (PDLS) that uses the patient's computed tomography urography (CTU) data to reconstruct the three-dimensional figure of the renal pelvis, provides an individualized inversion and overturning angle and uses gravity to remove residual fragments (RFs). The purpose of this study was to investigate PDLS in the treatment of renal RFs. Methods A stone with a diameter of 4.0 mm was placed in the upper, middle, and lower calyx of the renal model. A total of 60 trials were applied to 20 renal models. The movement trajectory, passage rate, and postural drainage angle of calculi during the treatment of PDLS were observed. Results All of the stones in 60 trials were observed to move during treatment, and 53/60 (88%) were relocated successfully to the renal pelvis. The passage rate of the upper calyx was 14/20 (70%), that of the middle calyx was 20/20 (100%), and that of the lower calyx was 19/20 (95%). Conclusions PDLS can provide individualized inversion and reversal angles and remove stones from the renal model. More clinical trials are needed to verify the above view and evaluate its efficacy.

Astragalus dinawarii Bidarlord & F. Ghahrem. (Fabaceae) is described as a new species based on material collected on the Talesh Mountains, northwestern Iran. This species belongs to a large bifurcating section, Astragalus L. sect. Incani DC. Morphologically, it is close to A. bukanensis Maassoumi & Podlech, A. diversus Podlech & Maassoumi, and A. dilutuloides Maassoumi, F. Ghahrem. & Bagheri, sharing several densely hairy leaflets and stipitate legumes. This species is easily distinguished from similar species by a set of both vegetative and reproductive characters such as size, shape, number of leaflets, shorter calyx, and longer legume stipe. A detailed description and comparisons with similar taxa, color images, distribution and habitat, and conservation status of the new species are provided.

Endoparasitoid species devoid of symbiotic viruses inject secretions derived from their reproductive glands into their hosts during parasitism in order to avoid various immune responses of their hosts. Pimpla turionellae L. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is an endoparasitoid that lacks polydnaviruses, and its venom has previously been shown to paralyze the host Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and suppress its immune reactions to ensure the egg survival. The present study demonstrates that another female-injected factor calyx fluid extracted from the P. turionellae ovary is also responsible for the suppression of G. mellonella immunity. The total hemocyte counts of G. mellonella decrease after treatment with calyx fluid in a concentration-dependent manner. Significant reductions in cell viability are also observed at all calyx fluid doses both in vivo and in vitro. The analyses of the beads injected into the insects as encapsulation targets revealed that the number of encapsulated beads reduced significantly compared to controls post-calyx fluid injection. The injection of the highest calyx fluid dose (1 female equivalent calyx) is sufficient to completely inhibit the strong encapsulation and melanization reactions of the last instar larvae 24 h post-injection. These results demonstrate that P. turionellae calyx fluid is required to regulate host immunity for successful parasitization.

Background: Due to the anatomic characteristics of the lower calyx, lower polar stones are difficult to be removed through the ureter, retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) can be used to deal with lower polar stones, while mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy(mini-PCNL) is mainly used to deal RIRS failed to eliminate the stone. Aims and Objectives: Prospective comparison of mini-PCNL and retrograde intrarenal surgery outcomes in lower calyx managementwith respect to surgery duration, pain score (visual analog score), analgesic requirement, hemoglobin drop, and hospital stay. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study in 50 patients (25 cases of RIRS and 25 cases of MINIPERC) over 2 years who came to the urology departme with lower calyx stone of size up to 20mm. The selection of the management methods was primarily based on the patient’s preferences. Preoperatively, all patients underwent routine workup and CT KUB plain. The primary and secondary objective was stone clearance rates, retreatment rate, complications, surgical duration, pain score (visual analog score [VAS]), analgesic requirement, hemoglobin drop, and hospital stay. Results: Miniperc and RIRS had stone clearance rates of 100% and 96%, respectively. In the RIRS group, one patient required retreatment for 1month. Hospital stay, intraoperative and post-operative complications were non-significant between both groups. Operative duration (P=0.003) was lower in the Miniperc group. Hemoglobin drop (P

A new species of Rigiolepis (Ericaceae) from the island of Sulawesi, R. argentii Mustaqim & Ardi, is described. The new species is known from three locations, two in Sulawesi Selatan Province (Mount Sesean in Toraja Utara Regency and Eran Batu in Enrekang Regency) and one in Sulawesi Barat Province (Mamasa Regency). This species is similar to R. moultonii (Merr.) J.J. Sm., but differs by the persistent hairs on the abaxial surfaces of the leaves, the basal marginal glands in a shorter distance (1–2 mm) to from the petiole, bracteoles borne on the lower half of the pedicels, cup-shaped calyx tube, longer filaments (2 mm), and cupular fruits.

The genus Mimosa L. is well known for its high morphological variability and the presence of taxonomic complexes—groups of taxa that are not adequately circumscribed and are therefore in continuous revision. For this study, we analyzed flowers from 28 different taxa in Mimosa sect. Calothamnos Barneby and five vegetatively similar taxa from Mimosa sect. Mimosa. We observed three calyx shapes and four (glabrous or pubescent) calyx border types, as well as describe glandular trichomes on the calyx border for the first time in section Calothamnos. While the corolla exhibits only two shape types, trichomes on the corolla are much more diverse, as we found one simple and 11 branched trichome types in diverse orientations and dispositions. Given the taxonomic value of trichomes and profuse terminology in different families, we focused on the detailed description of their micromorphology, type, and shape, finding morphological differences between trichome types, which is an easy way to adequately compare them between even unrelated taxa. Our results using trichome types on the corolla are consistent with the original differentiation of sections Calothamnos and Mimosa. Flower micromorphology also provides characters to distinguish species, groups of species, and varieties within section Calothamnos and could be useful in a future taxonomic treatment of the section. We also found that some floral features, such as inflorescence color and stamen fusion, are associated with the characters used in this study.

Introduction An isolated calyx is a rare complication in which the renal calyx and pelvis are disconnected. The treatment is often complicated. Case presentation An 81‐year‐old man underwent robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (cT1bN0M0). Postoperatively, urine leakage was observed and did not improve with conservative measures. Retrograde pyelography and computed tomography revealed that urine leakage originated from the isolated calyx caused by infundibular stenosis. Endoscopic treatment via the transurethral approach was selected to preserve renal function. Ureteroscopy showed that the upper calyx was completely obstructed by the sutures. Therefore, we cut the suture thread using laser, and a ureteral stent was placed in the upper renal calyx. Fluid drainage immediately disappeared after the procedure, and the patient did not lose renal function. Conclusion Endoscopic management might be an option for isolated calyx after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy.

Bitter pit (BP) is one of the most relevant post-harvest disorders for apple industry worldwide, which is often related to calcium (Ca) deficiency at the calyx end of the fruit. Its occurrence takes place along with an imbalance with other minerals, such as potassium (K). Although the K/Ca ratio is considered a valuable indicator of BP, a high variability in the levels of these elements occurs within the fruit, between fruits of the same plant, and between plants and orchards. Prediction systems based on the content of elements in fruit have a high variability because they are determined in samples composed of various fruits. With X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, it is possible to characterize non-destructively the signal intensity for several mineral elements at a given position in individual fruit and thus, the complete signal of the mineral composition can be used to perform a predictive model to determine the incidence of bitter pit. Therefore, it was hypothesized that using a multivariate modeling approach, other elements beyond the K and Ca could be found that could improve the current clutter prediction capability. Two studies were carried out: on the first one an experiment was conducted to determine the K/Ca and the whole spectrum using XRF of a balanced sample of affected and non-affected ‘Granny Smith’ apples. On the second study apples of three cultivars (‘Granny Smith’, ‘Brookfield’ and ‘Fuji’), were harvested from two commercial orchards to evaluate the use of XRF to predict BP. With data from the first study a multivariate classification system was trained (balanced database of healthy and BP fruit, consisting in 176 from each group) and then the model was applied on the second study to fruit from two orchards with a history of BP. Results show that when dimensionality reduction was performed on the XRF spectra (1.5 - 8 KeV) of ‘Granny Smith’ apples, comparing fruit with and without BP, along with K and Ca, four other elements (i.e., Cl, Si, P, and S) were found to be deterministic. However, the PCA revealed that the classification between samples (BP vs. non-BP fruit) was not possible by univariate analysis (individual elements or the K/Ca ratio).Therefore, a multivariate classification approach was applied, and the classification measures (sensitivity, specificity, and balanced precision) of the PLS-DA models for all cultivars evaluated (‘Granny Smith’, ‘Fuji’ and ‘Brookfield’) on the full training samples and with both validation procedures (Venetian and Monte Carlo), ranged from 0.76 to 0.92. The results of this work indicate that using this technology at the individual fruit level is essential to understand the factors that determine this disorder and can improve BP prediction of intact fruit.

El poleo verde Clinopodium mexicanum es una especie nativa de México que tiene demanda en los mercados locales por sus propiedades medicinales. No se encontró información sobre su cultivo, por lo cual el objetivo del presente estudio fue elaborar un protocolo de germinación de su semilla que contribuya al conocimiento de esta especie para su manejo, cultivo, comercialización y conservación. Las muestras se recolectaron en dos poblaciones silvestres del estado de Querétaro, seleccionadas por la disponibilidad de plantas y accesibilidad al lugar. El cáliz persistente que contiene las núculas y las núculas se caracterizaron morfológicamente, y se evaluó porcentaje de viabilidad y de germinación. El experimento de germinación tuvo como factor la temperatura (T) con tres tratamientos: 28, 21 y 15 °C. La humedad del sustrato (100%), la humedad ambiental (30%) y el fotoperiodo (12:12 h luz/oscuridad) se mantuvieron constantes. Los resultados se analizaron con una prueba de t de Student, un modelo lineal generalizado y dos análisis para germinación (t10 y t50). El cáliz persistente midió en promedio 1.6 × 6.7 mm (anchura × longitud), y peso expresado como 436.5 cálices por gramo; cubierta estriada, con glándulas que presentaron tonalidades verdes y cafés. Las núculas midieron 0.8 × 1.6 mm (anchura × longitud) y peso expresado como 2686.5 núculas por gramo, ovaladas de color café a negro. Las núculas de color negro presentaron 100% de viabilidad y las cafés 33%. Las núculas presentaron mixocarpia. El tratamiento óptimo para la germinación fue incrementar temperatura a 28 °C. El 10% de las semillas germinó en 4.2 d, el 50% en 6.2 d, y el porcentaje máximo de germinación 93% se alcanzó en 12 d.

— We continue the taxonomic reevaluation of Aphyllon sect. Aphyllon by describing a widespread species throughout western North America previously recognized within a polyphyletic A. fasciculatum. To support our description and revised key, we analyzed fifteen continuous and discrete characters sampled from 186 herbarium specimens and iNaturalist observations representing the geographic and host ranges. Principal component and multiple correspondence analyses reveal clear variation in floral characters. Discriminant analyses show that three aspects of floral color, corolla lobe tip shape, the calyx cup to calyx lobe ratio, calyx lobe length, and degree of bend in the corolla tube are useful distinguishing features, but not diagnostic in every case.

The hard-end of pear fruit might be a disorder of the environmental abiotic stress, which is mainly caused by the reduced water intake of the fruit resulting from climate drought. To explore the factors that cause fruit hard-end, two rootstocks of Pyrus betulaefolia and P. bretschneideri with different root absorptive capacity of water and nutrients were used as base stock of ‘Whangkeumbae’ (P. pyrifolia) pear fruit. The results showed that the incidence of hard-end fruit in ‘Whangkeumbae’ pear trees using rootstock with lower rate of water absorptive increased, indicating that this physiological disorder was related with water deficiency. PpNAC187 was selected from RNA-Seq carried out on the calyx end of with and without the hard-end symptom of different rootstocks. The transgenic tobacco overexpressing PpNAC187 showed higher tolerance with drought and salt stress, which might suggest that PpNAC187 acts an important role during the hard-end occurring caused by drought or salt stress.

Ongoing research on the systematics of Drymonia (Gesneriaceae) resulted in the discovery of a new species, Drymonia mexicana Clavijo & J.L. Clark of the Gesneriaceae (tribe: Gesnerieae, subtribe: Columneinae). The new species is distinguished by the combination of narrow leaves with large corollas, glabrous leaves adaxially, calyx lobes ovate, and campanulate flowers with the tube slightly recurved ventrally and the limb purple. The new species is endemic to high elevation forests in the the Mexican state of Veracruz. The plant is commonly cultivated, but its introduction from Mexico to the horticultural community is unknown. Here, we describe and illustrate Drymonia mexicana Clavijo & J.L. Clark and present a key to identify the species of Drymonia native to Mexico.

An investigation of the type material of Miconia tetrazygioides indicates that this species, only known from the type gathering (Ekman H10684), is conspecific with the recently described M. cineana. The two differ vegetatively in no significant characters, showing only a slight difference in the range in variation of leaf width, shape, apex, and margin. The species has been poorly collected, with only a total of five gatherings known, and flowers have yet to be collected; it is endemic to the Massif de la Hotte, of Haiti, occurring in rak bwa from 930 to 1300 m. DNA nucleotide sequences indicate that the species is related to those of the M. decorticans clade, which have moderate-sized to large flowers with more or less constricted hypanthia/calyces. Traditionally, most species of the M. decorticans clade were included within Tetrazygia or Pachyanthus. In contrast the reproductive parts, e.g., calyx, hypanthium, ovary, and fruit, of M. tetrazygioides (incl. M. cineana) are quite small, and its hypanthia/calyces are not constricted, which is why it was originally circumscribed under Miconia rather than the other two mentioned genera.

Tropidogyne euthystyla, described here, is the fourth species of this fossil genus to have been reported from amber deposits in northern Myanmar. The species are alike in features of the calyx, the shape and venation of the inferior ovary, and the absence of petals. They differ in the number and form of the styles, the lobing of the epigynous disc, and whether the flowers are apparently bisexual or unisexual. In the one species for which several flowers are available for study, T. pentaptera, floral diameters vary from 3.5 to 5.0 mm. The present species, known only from a single flower, is the smallest in the genus, with a floral diameter of only 2 mm. It differs from the 3 previously described species in having 2 stout, erect styles bearing a terminal stigma, whereas the other species have 2 or 3 short or long, arching styles that are decurrently stigmatic along the adaxial surface.

Vaccinium exiguum from the ultramafic summit of Mt. Victoria, Palawan Island, Philippines is here described as a new species of Ericaceae. It closely resembles V. hamiguitanense but is distinct by having much shorter petioles and leaves, longer and glabrous calyx lobes with serrate lobe margins, a larger corolla with deeper sulcations, and longer stamens with spurs oriented laterally. Vaccinium exiguum represents the third Vaccinium species found on the Island of Palawan and 36th in the Philippines.

The Study was conducted to evaluate the effect of solid and liquid organic fertilizer on growth and yield of rosselle in 2016 cropping season at Institute of Agricultural Reserve Zaria, Samaru (11011’N 07038E and 686m) and Institute of Horticultural Research Farm Bagauda (12000’N 8031”Em 488m) in Northern Guinea Savannah and Sudan Savannah Ecological Zones of above sea level Nigeria. Treatments consisted of four levels of solid poultry manure (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0) tons/ha and five levels of liquid organic manure from Grand Total Organic Fertilizer Limited (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.9) litres/ha, which were factorially combined in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Data on growth parameter were collected on plant height (cm), plant dry weight (g), leaf Area index crop growth rate (CGR) Relative Growth Rate (RGR) and Net assimilation rate (NAR) while data on yield parameters like number of calyx per pant, 100 seed weight (g) and calyx yield per hectare kg/ha were collected. Results showed that plant height, plant dry weight(g), 100 seed weight(g) and calyx dry yield kg/ha had a significant increase with application of 2.0 litres/ha of liquid fertilizer than other rates. While application of solid poultry manure at 3.0ton/ha significantly increases plant height, net assimilation rate, leaf area index and calyx dry weight when compared with other rates. From the results obtained, the combination of 2.0 litres/ha liquid organic fertilizer and 3.0 ton/ha solid poultry manure produce the highest calyx yield at both location.

Diospyros is a large genus of woody flowering plants with a predominantly subtropical and tropical modern distribution. Fossils attributed to Diospyros are mainly leaf impressions from Cretaceous and Cenozoic strata across the Northern Hemisphere. However, it is difficult to assign such fossils to Diospyros because genus-diagnostic leaf characteristics remain to be identified. Unequivocal fossil records of Diospyros are few, including staminate flowers with in situ pollen from the late Eocene of South Australia and dispersed pollen from Cenozoic strata in the Northern Hemisphere. Here, we investigated dispersed pollen and calyx remains from Miocene deposits of Denmark using a combined scanning electron/light microscopy approach. Tricolporate, relatively large pollen with lalongate pori and longbow-shaped colpi and a distinctive micro/nanorugulate exine ornamentation together with persistent 4-lobed flower calyces allow unambiguous identification of the genus. Based on the large size of the calyx, we describe a new fossil-species of Diospyros. Further, a review of the fossil pollen record of Diospyros shows that, in addition to the Australian record, the genus was present in South China, western North America and Europe during the Eocene and in East and South Africa and Central Asia during the Oligo-Miocene. Although still scanty, the pollen record can contribute vital information for time calibrated molecular phylogenies to resolve conflicting biogeographic inferences. A thorough description of the historical biogeography of Diospyros is still in its infancy. While we initiate such a study here, development of a comprehensive picture will require further studies of dispersed pollen grains with high taxonomic resolution.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide a randomized controlled trial comparing the outcomes of different access sizes used in the solo ultrasonic-guided minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL). Methods: From January 2018 to December 2019, a total of 160 cases with single renal stones of Results: The demographic data were similar, and there were no significantly intergroup differences in stone-free rate, complications, and hospital stay time. The hemoglobin reduction was comparable and was 0.9 ± 0.6, 0.9 ± 0.7, 1.0 ± 0.5, and 1.1 ± 0.7 g/dL for the groups Fr16, Fr18, Fr20, and Fr22, respectively. The operative time was 53.4 ± 14.5, 48.5 ± 15.2, 42.8 ± 13.3, and 43.3 ± 13.1 min for the 4 groups, which decreased significantly from group Fr16 to Fr20, but there was no significant difference between Fr20 and Fr22 groups. Conclusions: The axis of target calyx is a reliable marker for establishment of percutaneous renal access under ultrasonic guidance. The surgical outcomes of different access sizes were comparable, but the operation time was significantly shortened with the increase of size. However, Fr22 was not more efficient than Fr20.

Introduction: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyces possess natural antioxidants that may provide therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Roselle calyx water extract against isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) induced liver and renal toxicities.Methods: Male Wistar rats (150-250 g) were designated into five groups: control group, INH-RIF group that was treated with INH-RIF at the toxic doses (50-100 mg/kg for 4 weeks, followed by 100-200 mg/kg for 2 weeks), and Roselle groups that were treated daily with Roselle extract at the doses 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg, respectively prior to INH-RIF administration. Blood samples were withdrawn weekly for 6 weeks before removing rats’ livers and kidneys for tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and histopathological analysis.Results: The results showed all rats in the INH-RIF group experienced marked elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, and tissue MDA levels compared to the controls (P

A new species of Inga (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae, Mimosoid clade), restricted to the Atlantic Forest of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, is described, illustrated, and compared in an inedited identification key to the species with stipitate extrafloral nectaries in the biome, Inga ciatiformis is similar to Inga cabelo and Inga platyptera. It differs from I. cabelo by having appressed-sericeous young branches, leaves with 1–3 pairs of leaflets, a terminal appendix 7–12 mm long, cyathiform extrafloral nectaries, bracts 9–13 mm long, linear, persistent, and a sparsely sericeous calyx (vs. hirsute-hispid young branches, leaves with 2–5 leaflets pairs, terminal appendix 2.5 mm long, capitate extrafloral nectaries, bracts 2 mm long, triangular, caducous, and a hirsute calyx). It differs from I. platyptera by having appressed-sericeous young branches, a cylindrical petiole and rachis, rachis rarely winged in the superior portion of the apical pair of leaflets, extrafloral nectaries always cyathiform, and linear bracts (vs. hispid young branches, winged petioles and rachises, extrafloral nectaries generally cupuliform, and lanceolate to ovate bracts).

This study investigated the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-induced fermentation on the antioxidant properties of Roselle calyx aqueous extract and determined the physicochemical changes of the fermented extract. Total phenolics, total flavonoid, ascorbic acid content, total monomeric anthocyanin content and DPPH radical scavenging activity of roselle aqueous extract were investigated before and after fermentation. Roselle calyx aqueous extract was fermented for period of 10 days. During fermentation, the extract was evaluated for pH, alcohol (%), titratable acidity (%) and total soluble solids (oBrix). Total soluble solids and pH significantly decreased at the end of the fermentation whereas titratable acidity and alcohol content significantly increased. Fermentation caused significant reduction in total monomeric anthocyanin content from an initial value of 3518±30.8 to 1075±28.2 CGE/100 g dry extract whereas significant increase was observed in total phenolic content from 195.75±76.01 to 455.5±1.41 mgGAE/100 g dry extract and ascorbic acid content from 1392±101 to 2028±108 mg AAE/100 g dry extract and total flavonoids increased from 193.0±74.25 to 291.5±4.95 mgQE/100 g dry extract but it was not significant. There was also a significant increase in 1-1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of roselle calyx aqueous extract from an initial value of 44.15% to final value of 71.10% after fermentation, leading to an increase in antioxidant activity. Therefore, the quantity of phenolic compounds increased with fermentation process. This study showed that roselle calyx aqueous extract fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a better antioxidant activity.

Hibiscus calyx presents high content of bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds responsible for antioxidant activity. The present study investigated how the tea infusion temperature (hot and cold) can change the phytochemical profile, antimicrobial activity, and stability of hibiscus tea. The results indicated the same phytochemical profile for cold (infusion during 2 h/25 °C) and hot (7 min/75 °C) tea by using FTIR and UPLC-MS/MS analyses. Hibiscus tea, hot or cold, showed antimicrobial activity against strains of Salmonella Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), obtaining values between 62.5 and 125.0 mg/ml. The hot infusion was more efficient for the bioactive compounds extraction, being 47% higher for total anthocyanins. After 48 h at 5 °C, the anthocyanin content had an average decrease of 30% (cold tea) and 48% (hot tea). Tea cream content increased to 15% (cold tea) and 37% (hot tea) after 72 h storage. Regarding the color, it was observed that after 48 h storage there was a clearing of the teas, and the L* coordinate increased from 21.03 to 24.93, and 20.72 to 24.90 for cold and hot tea, respectively. Our study indicates that hibiscus tea provides more antioxidants when prepared in the hot condition (7 min at 75 °C), and soon after cooled to 5 °C. Finally, it is recommended that hibiscus tea be consumed up to 24 h from preparation even when kept refrigerated.

In this research, the fruits and seeds' surface morphological features and their taxonomic significance were determined. Additionally, useful traits for delimitation of taxa of Rosa sericea complex were studied. In this research, three taxa of the complex R. sericea, R. omeiensis, and R. sikangensis have been studied. A total of 41 populations and 130 specimens of seeds, and 35 populations and 168 specimens of fruits from 10 different geographical regions of southwest China have been examined. The surface micro-morphological characters of the seeds have been studied through scanning electron microscopy to distinguish important characteristics of the complex taxa. Forty-four different qualitative and quantitative characteristics were observed. Principal component analysis was used to simplify and elucidate the relationship between the studied characters of different population based on the morphology of fruits and seeds' features. Moreover, the numerical taxonomic characters and their variation with elevation have been studied in these species. The most interesting characters observed on the surface of the seeds were stomata, and trichomes, for which density was more at the dorsal and ventral parts, while rarely present on the lateral parts. The fruits and seeds' surface morphology of the studied species was complicated and some variation in the characters, that is, persistent calyx shape, the shape of fruits and seeds, stomata shape, and trichomes size were found significant for delimitation of taxa in the complex. The purpose of this study is to identify the taxa of R. sericea complex based on fruits and seeds' morphological characters, and identification keys.

The flower of Hedychium coronarium possesses highly specialized floral organs: a synsepalous calyx, petaloid staminodes and a labellum. The formation of these organs is controlled by two gene categories: floral organ identity genes and organ boundary genes, which may function individually or jointly during flower development. Although the floral organogenesis of H. coronarium has been studied at the morphological level, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in particular organ morphologies that emerge in flower development still remain poorly understood. Here, we used comparative transcriptomics combined with Real-time quantitative PCR to investigate gene expression patterns of ABC-class genes in H. coronarium flowers, as well as the homolog of PETAL LOSS (HcPTL). Our studies found that stamen/petal identity or stamen fertility in H. coronarium was not necessarily correlated with the differential expression of HcAP3 and HcAG. We also found a novel spatio-temporal expression pattern for HcPTL mRNA, suggesting it may have evolved a lineage-specific role in the morphogenesis of the Hedychium flower. Our study provides a new transcriptome reference and a functional hypothesis regarding the role of a boundary gene in organ fusion that should be further addressed through phylogenetic analyzes of this gene, as well as functional studies.

This study investigated jasmonic acid (JA) elicitation of the callus of two roselle accessions: HS003 (orange-red calyx) and HS005 (dark-red calyx). The goal was to identify the optimal exposure period for production of total anthocyanin, phenolics, and flavonoids and for enhancing DPPH radical scavenging. Dark-red callus was cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.52 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 4.44 µM 6-benzyladenine, combined with 0 and 50 µM JA for treatment of HS003, and with 0 and 100 µM JA for treatment of HS005. Elicitation periods of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days were compared. Significant increases in both accumulation of bioactive compounds and enhancement of antioxidant activity were observed. In the case of HS003, the optimal exposure periods were 21 days for enhancement of total anthocyanin accumulation (1.48 ± 0.07 mg cyd-3-glu L−1, or 3.70 times that of the control) and 14 days for enhancement of total phenolic and flavonoid contents (114.72 ± 6.63 mg GAE g−1 dry extract and 106.15 ± 9.06 mg CE g−1 dry extract, or 6.89 and 18.59 times that of the control). In the case of HS005, elicitation with 100 µM JA for 28 days yielded the greatest increase in total anthocyanin (0.86 ± 0.06 mg cyd-3-glu L−1, or 6.61 times that of the control), phenolics (48.01 ± 2.47 mg GAE g−1 dry extract, or 3.37 times that of the control), and flavonoids (21.41 ± 1.89 mg CE g−1 dry extract, or 3.30 times that of the control). At all periods, and for both accessions, JA elicitation increased DPPH radical scavenging, compared with the control. Our results demonstrated that the dark-red callus of roselle accumulated greater amounts of bioactive compounds and exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity, following elicitation with JA for 14–21 days in the case of HS003 and 28 days in the case of HS005.

Background: Impairment of the normal progression of the cell cycle affects the growth and development of the daughter cells, which may result in cancer cell proliferation. Herein, we investigate the effect of flavonoid fractions of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyx on cell cycle progression in cervical cancer cells. Methods: Flavonoids (bound and free), lipids and aqueous fractions were extracted from a methanolic extract of H. sabdariffa calyx using ethyl acetate, diethyl ether and petroleum ether. Each of these fractions were used to treat HeLa cervical cancer cells and monitored using a flow cytometer. Results: The cells exposed to the extract and its fractions had higher percentages of inactive cells (no cell division) at the quiescent (G0) and gap one phases (G1) of the cell cycle in comparison to control cells. The highest values were obtained from cells treated with the bound and free flavonoid fractions. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that HeLa cervical cancer cell proliferation is significantly inhibited by H. sabdariffa flavonoid fractions. Daily consumption of beverages consisting of H. sabdariffa may therefore prevent the early stages of cervical cancer and inhibit the progression of the disease once it is established.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T15:01:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) US National Science Foundation A species previously treated in Staurogyne (S. nitida) is elevated to the category of a new genus of Acanthaceae, subfamily Nelsonioideae, based on morphological and molecular data. The sole species, Aymoreana nitida, occurs in the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil, from southern Bahia to northern Espirito Santo. Aymoreana differs from other genera of Nelsonioideae by the combination of the calyx with subequal segments, the slightly zygomorphic corolla, the four didynamous stamens, and the asymmetric gynoecium. Morphological information is accompanied by a molecular phylogenetic tree, ecological data, a preliminary conservation assessment, and Univ Fed Rural Rio de Janeiro UFRRJ, Inst Ciencias Biol & Saude, Dept Bot, BR 465,Km 7, BR-23890000 Seropedica, RJ, Brazil Calif Acad Sci, Bot, 55 Mus Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 USA Claremont Grad Univ, Rancho Santa Ana Bot Garden, 1500 North Coll Ave, Claremont, CA 91711 USA Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Biol Biol Vegetal, Inst Biociencias, Av 24 A,1515, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Biol Biol Vegetal, Inst Biociencias, Av 24 A,1515, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 00/05881-5 US National Science Foundation: DEB 1754845

—A new gesneriad species, Didymocarpus vickifunkiae is described here from the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The new species is morphologically similar to D. aureoglandulosus, but differs from it in having a corolla tube with indumentum, eglandular and ovate to oblanceolate bracteoles, slightly broader calyx lobes, and a bearded anther. We provide a detailed morphological description of the newly described species along with images and compare it with species that are morphologically similar to it. Here, we also lectotypify D. aureoglandulosus and provide a brief history on its collection and taxonomy. Finally, we provide a dichotomous identification key for all the Didymocarpus species from Mizoram, India.

Clerodendrum angustipetalum (Lamiaceae), an endemic species to Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, is described and illustrated as a species new to science. It is similar to C. nutans in having an elongate pendulous inflorescence, but essentially differs in the thicker leaf texture (subcoriaceous vs membranaceous), the calyx tube being almost twice as long and the corolla lobes being half as broad. In addition, the new species has longer calyx lobes, corolla lobes and stamens. The conservation status of this species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR, B2a + b(ii, iii)+C2ai+D) due to being known from a single locality with a small population of less than 50 individuals. A morphological comparison between similar species and an updated key to Clerodendrum species with pendulous inflorescences from southern Thailand is also presented.

Phlomoides liangwangshanensis, a new species of Lamiaceae from Liangwang Mountain in central Yunnan, southwest China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically most similar to P. franchetiana and P. ruptilis, but can be easily distinguished by its bracts 6–7 mm long, calyx teeth triangular and with spines 4–6 mm long, and without teeth-like sinuses between the teeth.

Reproduction in Passifloraceae Juss. ex Roussel can involve self-compatible and self-incompatible systems, where the participation of biotic pollinators is necessary. The behavior of pollinators can be influenced by chemical and morphological characteristics of flowers, and among the kind rewards offered to pollinators is nectar. This study analyzed the anatomy of the calyx tube and floral nectar of t species of Passiflora L., as it relates to different pollination syndromes. For anatomical studies, analyzes were performed using optical microscopy. The anatomy and morphology of the calyx tube demonstrated that plants with the same pollination syndrome possess similar anatomical and morphological characteristics, and these attributes may are adapted to the biotic pollinators. The ornithophily and chiropterophily probably evolved from melittophylous flowers in passionflowers, being more diversified in the subgenus Passiflora. Histological analysis identified the location of secretory tissue, such as the exudation of nectar by stomata, papillae or by the epidermis itself. A reproducao em Passifloraceae Juss. O ex Roussel envolve sistemas auto-compativeis ou auto-incompativeis, onde a participacao de polinizadores bioticos e necessaria. O comportamento dos polinizadores pode ser influenciado pelas caracteristicas quimicas e morfologicas das flores, e entre as recompensas oferecidas esta o nectar. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a anatomia do tubo de calice e nectar floral de especies de Passiflora L., com diferentes sindromes de polinizacao. Para os estudos anatomicos foi realizado analise em microscopia otica. A anatomia e morfologia do tubo calice demonstraram que plantas com a mesma sindrome de polinizacao possuem caracteristicas anatomicas e morfologicas semelhantes, atributos que podem ser adaptados aos polinizadores bioticos. Provavelmente a ornitofilia e quiropterofilia evoluiram de flores melitofilas, sendo mais diversificadas no subgenero Passiflora. A analise histologica identificou a localizacao do tecido secretor, com exsudacao do nectar pelos estomatos, papilas ou pela propria epiderme.

Geranium lucarinii, a new species from central Italy (Umbria), is described. This species is morphologically closely related to G. macrorrhizum, from which it differs in some features regarding indumentum, leaves and calyx. The morphology, ecology, and conservation status of the new species are examined, as well as G. kikianum is re-evaluated, and an analytical key for the species belonging to Geranium sect. Unguiculata is provided.

Fabaceae, presently a significant dominant taxon of the tropical vegetation of India, has been recognized as the most widespread and common component of Indian Cenozoic flora and known from numerous fossil woods, leaflets, pollen, and fruits. However, unfortunately no fossil legume flower has been reported from the Cenozoic sediments of India so far. Here, for the first time an extinct papilionoid flower is documented from the latest Neogene (Pliocene: Rajdanda Formation) sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau, eastern India. The fossil flower is characterized by a long ped-icel, five-lobed calyx, campanulate calyx tube with unequal calyx teeth, corolla with well-preserved standard and wing petal and is recognized as Neopapilionia indica Hazra, Hazra M and Khan gen. et sp. nov. The palaeoclimatic significance in terms of the present-day distribution of its modern analogue is also discussed.

Aeschynanthus rejieae from Panglima Sugala, one of the few remaining forested areas in Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, is illustrated and described as a new species. It resembles A. obconicus and A. ovatus by the ovate leaves and dense indumentum in the external calyx and corolla. However, A. rejieae is distinguished by having leaves that have persistent sparse pubescence, campanulate calyx with dense hirsute indumentum both internally and externally, and ovary with a glandular cilia. This species is named after Rejie Sahali-Generale, who initiated the biodiversity conservation in Panglima Sugala. This new discovery further highlights the urgent need to study and conserve the remaining forests of Tawi-Tawi.

Onobrychis avanakensis is described as a new species in sect. Onobrychis. The new species is restricted to the Alborz Mountains in the Qazvin province of Iran and distinguished from its closely related taxa in both morphological and molecular evidence based on nrDNA ITS sequences. O. avanakensis is well distinct from O. major and O. carduchorum by having different sizes of keel, wing and calyx. Based on the phylogenetic tree resulted from Bayesian inference, the new species is located in a separate branch. The distribution map and an illustration of the new species are provided.

Introduction. Calyx diverticulum is a rather rare pathology in pediatric practice. In the structure of cystic kidney malformations, it amounts up to 12-15%. In most cases, the disease is asymptomatic. To make a differential diagnostics and to define a technique for surgical treatment, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are used. Currently, puncture-sclerotic method and endosurgical (laparoscopic, retroperitoneoscopic) one can be successfully applied. The main purpose of this clinical observation is to illustrate that little-traumatic laparoscopic access to the kidney and plasma ablation of the diverticulum epithelial lining can be used to have successful outcomes.Material and methods. The authors describe a clinical case of renal cavities in a 12-year-old boy - calyx diverticulum of the right kidney and a cyst of the left kidney - which were successfully treated with a combined approach when puncture and laparoscopic corrections were used depending on lesion’s chracteriatics.Conclusion. A rational approach and substantiation of the applied surgical technique with plasma ablation of calyx diverticulum cavity allowed to obtain good results - cavity size was reduced and renal parenchyma was preserved what is important for future organ functioning.

Mouretia oblanceolata, discovered in central Vietnam, is described as a new species of the tribe Argostemmateae in the family Rubiaceae. The new species is most similar to Mouretia tonkinensis and M. vietnamensis but differs from them by the following traits: erect to sub-erect habit, abaxially glabrous, obcordate stipules, oblanceolate leaves, 12–16 pairs of lateral veins, terminal, umbrella-like, cymose inflorescences, deltoid calyx lobes, and revolute, deltoid to ovate corolla lobes. The formal description, including color illustrations and basic information of ecology, phenology and conservation status, and a key to all currently known species of the genus are provided here.

A new species of Hornschuchia (Bocageeae, Annonaceae) is described from seasonal semideciduous forests in the Brazilian state of Bahia. Hornschuchia mediterranea resembles H. lianarum in its solitary, internodal flowers with a deeply cup-shaped calyx. However, H. mediterranea has glabrous and shiny leaves, a sericeous calyx, and free petals that are white in bud, while H. lianarum has coarser and denser pubescence of the leaves and calyx, and connate petals that are orange-cream in bud.

Neonectria ditissima is a major cause of blossom-end rot (eye rot, calyx-end rot) as a pre-harvest fruit rot of apple in Northwestern Europe. Artificial inoculation of trees was undertaken at close intervals under natural conditions during flowering in order to obtain a higher-resolution definition of the most susceptible phenological stage of apple for blossom-end rot infections by N. ditissima. Similar trials were conducted for another blossom-end rot fungus, Botrytis pseudocinerea. Results for N. ditissima showed full bloom to be the most susceptible stage for infection in cultivar ‘Pinova’, whereas with cultivar ‘Nicoter’ the highest infection rates were obtained at full bloom to petal fall, reflecting temporal differences in flower development between one-year-old and older wood. Few infections were observed by inoculation at the beginning of flowering or about one week after petal fall when no petals were left on the flowers, and the fruit knots were enlarging. This finding shortens the time-span for infections as compared to previous knowledge. Floral inoculations with conidia of B. pseudocinerea were unsuccessful. Options to control blossom-end rot in integrated pest management include a timing of scab or powdery mildew fungicide sprays to full bloom, and canker pruning just ahead of flowering in orchards strongly affected by N. ditissima.

The challenge of antibiotics resistance and the fatality of its residues in human and animal health led to the ban of antibiotic growth promoters in animal diets. This has prompted the search for alternatives; especially through phytobiotic investigations. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of aqueous dried calyx extract of roselle plant on the haematological and serum biochemical responses of broiler chickens with the aim of establishing its optimal level as nutrient additive. The five varying concentration levels- 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 ml of 2 litres of calyx extract solution per litre of drinking water were treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Thirty broiler chickens were randomly assigned per treatment of three replicates each. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. The results revealed significant differences in the haematological parameters. However, the values of white 3 3 blood cells (WBC) (11400.00×10 /µl - 13466.67×10 /µl), lymphocyte (ranged between 48.33 and 61.33%), monocytes (2.00-3.67%), eosinophils (1.67-5.00%) and basophil (0.00 – 1.00%) were within the normal range for healthy chickens. Hence, roselle plant aqueous extract maintained the haematological content of the blood. The level of lymphocyte revealed adequate production of antibodies that prevented the occurrence of bacterial infection or allergic condition throughout experimental period. The influence of aqueous roselle plant on the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and albumin (ALB) indicated uncompromised liver function. Therefore, haematological and serum biochemistry parameters showed enhanced health and the wellbeing of the broiler chickens. The 5 ml and 10 ml levels of the extract of dried roselle calyx in drinking water were found to be similarly optimal in terms of lymphocyte levels. Levels above 10 ml could be detrimental to the health andwellbeing of the chickens. Key words: Blood constituents, Chicken health, Drinking water, Roselle calyx extract

The characterization was ensuring quality of traditional raw materials for drug preparations. Purification extract was a part of extract which released from compounds it was more effective for pharmacological activities. The effect ivity an antihypertensive was still very rarely proven by use of traditional ingredients, especially from purified rosella. The aim of the study is characterization and knowing of calyx purified extract of rosella which is suspected to have antihypertensive activity in vivo. The method was done by purifying, characterization, determined of quercetin , and antihypertensive activity . Positive control (captopril), negative (CMC Na 0,5%), test of 12,5 dan 25 mg/kg BB. Descriptive data analysis for characterization, linear regression analysis of quercetin and antihypertensive statistical testing. The results for characterization of 1.41% water content, specific gravity 0.63% w / v, drying losses 2.82% and 2.31%. Levels of quersetin of 7.02 ± 0.15. The activity as antihypertensive result decrease in blood pressure which is indicated by a significant difference between the positive control and the test group. The 25 mg / kg body weight ETKR dose is an effective dose in reducing blood pressure. The non-specific character of purified extract of rosella calyx, FHI and through oral administration of ETKR can reduce the blood pressure of test animals with an effective dose of 25mg / kgBB. This research still requires identification of bioactive compounds responsible for these activities.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS) calyx extracts have been well-documented for the treatment of hypertension, liver dysfunctions, and diabetes among others. An updated concise review of HS regarding phytoconstituents, and involved putative mechanisms of potential biological activities is presented. HS showed other food and other industrial applications, including the preparation of metallic nanoparticles. These activities were explained by the presence of a broad spectrum of valuable phytochemicals, including the red pigments anthocyanins, phenolic, and organic acids and polyphenolics (e.g., flavonoids and tannins). Most of the bioactivities were found to be associated with anthocyanins-rich extracts. Anthocyanins were found to have various mechanisms for the treatment of hypertension, including direct vasodilation and inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). However, leaves and seeds showed also other potential applications in food industry, owing to the significant amounts of phenolic antioxidant compounds. Therefore, valorization and optimization of bioactive constituents’ extraction from plant biowastes should be considered for maximizing the benefits of HS extracts.

Ardisia recurvisepala Julius & Utteridge sp. nov. (Primulaceae-Myrsinoideae), a member of Ardisia subgenus Crispardisia on account of the vascularized leaf marginal glands, is herein described and illustrated as new species. The new species can be easily recognized by the elliptic-oblong calyx lobes recurving at the apex, and is also characterized by the narrowly elliptic to narrowly oblong-elliptic leaf laminas with an attenuate-decurrent base and acuminate-caudate apex. Ardisia recurvisepala is known so far from a single locality in Perak and its conservation status is assessed as Vulnerable (VU). An updated key to Ardisia subgenus Crispardisia in Peninsular Malaysia is provided.