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Purpose: Many students perceive plant anatomy as difficult due to the complexity of the material. Additionally, conventional teaching techniques often neglect the importance of information retention in the learning process. Therefore, this study examines the effects of Retention-Based Learning on students' learning outcomes compared to conventional learning without Retention-Based Learning. Methodology: A multiple-group time series research design was used to measure the effectiveness of Retention-Based Learning on students' learning outcomes including information retention, cognitive load, and learning achievement. Retention interventions in the Retention-Based Learning class included watching videos, identifying images and answering questions. The participants in this study were seventy-eight 10th-grade public high school students in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, divided into two research groups. Findings: This study found that students in the experimental group had better information retention in each lesson and a significantly higher ability to process information with less mental effort and lower cognitive load than the control group. Additionally, the experimental group showed significantly higher learning achievement than the control group. These findings demonstrate the importance of maintaining information retention to maximize learning outcomes in plant anatomy lessons. Significance: This study indicates that maintaining retention can be a simple and powerful learning approach to help high school teachers teach complex material. The study highlights the significance of maintaining student retention to improve learning performance.

An important educational goal is enabling students to learn scientific concepts. The scientific concepts learned in class are developed within students' cognitive structures. Despite the successful application of Semantic Network Analysis (SNA) to study these cognitive structures, there has been limited examination of students' concept networks based on their individual characteristics. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the differences in students' characteristics based on their cognitive levels, which influence their thinking and behavior. To analyze these differences, this study compares concept and connected concept networks, focusing on photosynthesis, a challenging life sciences topic. The study's results indicate that students could not clearly distinguish concepts by subtopic, but there were changes in the concept network after class. Although the types and number of concepts students knew were similar depending on their cognitive level, the concept network structure differed. Additionally, some students could not distinguish between similar concepts. Thus, teachers are advised to differentiate between similar concepts during instruction and address personal variables such as students' cognitive levels.

Field-Based Practicum (FBP) about Pterydophyta diversity material in Low plant botany learning is very important, even though the facts in the field show that FBP is still minimally carried out. This research aims to utilize the potential diversity of Pterydophyta in the Tuban-Lamongan Pantura area as a support for FBP about low plant botany learning. The type of research is descriptive exploratory with a transect method, which divides the research area into five plots. Data collection techniques involve observing abiotic parameters and fern morphology in each plot and counting the number of individuals of each species. Data analysis used the Shannon & Wiener index for diversity and qualitative descriptive analysis for morphology. The research results showed 19 species of ferns with 210 individuals divided into two classes, namely Polypodiopsida and Psyotopsida. The fern diversity index is in the medium category (H´=2.10). The diversity of ferns obtained shows that the Tuban-Lamongan Pantura area has a high potential to support FBP about low plant botany learning to provide insight and direct experience to students about the diversity of ferns in the surrounding environment.

This paper provides evidence gathered from two suites of non-formal science activities that were intended to increase engagement in science by culturally diverse groups. Both studies involved the delivery of science activities that were designed, implemented and evaluated to show culturally contextualised science. The activities were run in two very different contexts (urban and very rural areas) and were designed to be of relevance to two distinctive cultural groups (those with links to South Asia, and those being educated through the medium of Gaelic, an indigenous minority language in Scotland), while also actively engaging with those beyond the target group. The link between language identity and culture was incorporated into the design of both sets of activities as well as the qualitative evaluation. The latter considers how the participants' assessment of the interventions, implemented by writing or drawing on a blank postcard, was designed to provide unstructured responses and explores what the resulting data revealed about the impact of the interventions. The findings suggest that the set of activities that most strongly engaged participants on the value of diversity in the creation of scientific knowledge, as well as increasing their focus on the consequences of scientific activity, were those that facilitated a more exploratory approach to the subject matter. By contrast, activities that had to be done according to a standard scientific protocol produced growth in subject-specific knowledge. The present paper explores the principles of the inclusive pedagogies that informed the design of the activities and discusses how these were operationalised in two very contrasting cultural contexts. The key finding was that presenting science as social practice, rather than as being socially neutral, is key to promoting engagement, along with the benefits of explicitly demonstrating the relevance of science to participants' daily lives.

Environmental literacy related to the utilization of medicinal plants in the community provides a foundation for the younger generation to take an active role and form an attitude of care and responsibility for environmental sustainability. The current research aims to introduce the Inquiry-Etnobotany (IEb) learning model to enhance students' environmental literacy. The research design applied a pretest-posttest control group design to assess the effectiveness of the IEb model intervention, comparing it with the inquiry and discovery learning models. Upon analysis, notable differences emerged between the pre-test and post-test results across various learning models. Specifically, the IEb model exhibited a substantial difference, indicating significant progress in student outcomes. Similarly, the inquiry model showcased an improvement, while the discovery learning model displayed a slightly smaller change. Furthermore, the disparities between pre-test and post-test outcomes were evident across the different schools involved in the study. The IEb model has a significant impact on enhancing students' environmental literacy. However, the research results in each school also demonstrate that various learning models enhance students' understanding of environmental issues despite the different levels of effect.

Although formulating a broadly accepted definition of scientific literacy may be challenging, it is widely recognized that Nature of Science (NOS) is an essential component of it. There are different ways to define NOS. In some cases, NOS can be conceptualized through a number of general NOS aspects like for instance science's empirical basis or tentativeness. This approach in NOS teaching and learning is considered to be helpful for advancing students' understanding about NOS. Moreover, it has been suggested that history of science, and more specifically narratives informed by the history of science, can be very well used to explicitly and systematically highlight general NOS aspects. Thus, this paper reports on two "fiction talk stories" that we created considering the history of the super-organismic-plant-community concept and the critique against it. Our stories, "Inspiration cannot wait" and "Panta rhei," set focus on the creativity involved in scientists' work, the distinction between observation and inference, and the tentativeness of science. In this paper, we (a) discuss fiction talk stories as a type of narratives used in educational contexts, (b) highlight the historical background of "Inspiration cannot wait" and "Panta rhei" and present the narratives themselves, (c) discuss them in terms of their essential features and the strategies we considered, and (d) we make some final remarks.

This mixed-methods research study aimed to observe the changes in relational conceptual changes and achievement in photosynthesis and cellular respiration in 15 seventh-grade students using the variation theory of learning, a framework for contextual distinctions, and supports the Common Knowledge Construction Model (CKCM) for science education. The strategy used was prediction-observation-explanation, where students wrote and drew to express their macroscopic and sub-microscopic concepts, depicting any changes. Pre- and post-assessment tests were given to measure achievement in science. Through phenomenography analysis, five descriptive categories were generated for photosynthesis and nine for cellular respiration, revealing variations within and between students' ideas. Statistical tests showed significant improvements (p < 0.001) in photosynthesis and cellular respiration knowledge after implementing the CKCM learning sequence, with scores increasing from 37 to 77% and 33% to 72%, respectively. These findings suggest that inquiry-based learning based on relational conceptual change, guided by variation theory and an understanding of the nature of science, can lead to a deeper understanding of scientific explanations and improve overall science achievement.

In the early modern era, Spanish missionaries, cosmographers, chroniclers, and physicians wrote major studies on botany, ethnography, navigation, Indigenous languages, war, and history, aided by capable, though often reluctant, Indigenous informants. They penned this rich body of scholarship using iron gall ink -- a mixture of tannins, sulfates, and gum -- that facilitated the transmission of ideas in print and manuscript format, as well as the administration of the vast empire. Analysis of ink opens a window onto a laboratory of botanical knowledge that resulted from observation, practice, and artisanal innovation. The "potions lesson" assignment described in this article allows undergraduate and graduate students to make ink using recipes that circulated as marginal notes in notarial records and in grammar and writing manuals. The potions lesson experiment forms part of an assignment in the author's course offering, "Secrets of Nature in the Iberian World," a junior seminar that explores the way people in the early modern period negotiated their relationships with animals, climate, land, disease, plants, and water, and the way they framed their understandings of these categories. Students considered the roles of women and men who molded and shaped the environment to suit individual and collective needs across North, Central, and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia. The course centers on an experiential model with a focus on hands-on learning. In addition to readings and discussions, students engaged with the past through a series of activities in labs, special collections, and museums. This lesson formed part of a unit on plants that considered the relationship between colonialism and botanical knowledge. Because the assignment analyzes the sixteenth century at the height of Iberian exploration and because the composition of the ink circulated across Europe and subsequently the New World, one can easily adapt it to fit a range of classes. Student reflections on the assignment suggest that the experience of spending time outside the classroom greatly refreshed the learning environment. According to the author, the assignment enhances the teaching curriculum in the humanities by asking students to take an active role in the learning process.

For plant identification in school biology, many digital and analogue identification methods have been developed to make this demanding and little motivating process more student-orientated. In this experimental field study, we examine two empirically developed tools: the digital identification app "ID-Logics' and the paper-based key, generated by the online platform 'Eikes Baumschule'. In line with Self-Determination Theory (SDT), an evaluation study with 251 students was conducted to investigate the effect of both tools on students' intrinsic motivation. The results of the study were unexpected, as the different media regarding the SDT did not present themselves as projected: While both tools influence students' intrinsic motivation positively, each displays specific effects regarding enjoyment, perceived competence, and perceived autonomy. Taking these effects into account, each tool under investigation offers different advantages and disadvantages for plant identification in the field. The resulting opportunities and challenges, for plant identification, of both tools are discussed critically against the background of SDT, and future directions for research on intrinsic motivation in the context of species identification are mapped. Furthermore, this study shed light on the process of species identification and thus indicates recommendations for practical use in biology lessons.

Purpose: Design an innovative Flipped classroom's Delivery through virtual laboratory. Design/methodology/approach: The fundamental framework of the present investigation is a Participatory Action Research (PAR) design. By merging the impetus of "action." with the inclusiveness of "participation," PAR establishes a "network" for collaborative teaching or research. PAR is pertinent to our research because it facilitates the participation of infrastructures and individuals in formulating a critical community. This community encourages critical self-reflection, promotes accountability, redistributes authority, and cultivates confidence in research. PAR fosters constructive transformation in educational environments by utilizing participants' combined insights and experiences to establish a structure for substantive dialogue and proactive measures. Findings: As virtual laboratories are becoming essential in 21st-century science education, we found groundbreaking evidence that can support our novel approach to enhance the quality and equity in education. Our results show that virtual labs engage scientific goals and practices, develop scientific literacy, foster scientific inquiry and problem-solving, and promote metacognition. The effects of the virtual laboratory can develop high self-efficacy and positive attitudes among students. It improves students' laboratory performance, which we noted from laboratory activities, simulations, and long exam results. Originality/value: The study offers groundbreaking account to depict epistemic fluency aided by virtual laboratory.

Purpose: Our study focuses on providing empirical evidence regarding the optimization of podcasting in asynchronous learning. This action research aimed to innovate the delivery of asynchronous classes using differentiated podcasts. Design/methodology/approach: We utilized action research as the research design for the study. Participating in action research entails developing practical knowledge to improve educational practices through specific methods and critical perspectives (Sáez Bondía and Cortés Gracia, 2022). According to Burns (2007), action research involves deliberate interventions usually prompted by identified issues, mysteries or inquiries that individuals in the social setting seek to improve or change. Implementing changes to enhance individuals' actions and understanding within their context is the focus of action research (Kemmis, 2010). The study's approach is ideal for examining new practices and gaining enhanced theoretical insights (Altrichter et al., 2002). Engaging in action research helps enhance understanding and empowers us to impact and enhance practices through continuous reflection, exploration and action. Through this iterative process, we can continuously enhance our comprehension and make substantial strides toward fostering positive transformation. Findings: The study findings showed an apparent rise in student regulation and engagement and remarkable enhancements in learning outcomes, as demonstrated by differences in pre-test and final exam scores. These results highlight the actual effect of specialized podcasts on self-paced inducing students' self-efficacy in learning. Our research provides valuable insights on effectively incorporating podcasts into education, offering innovations and improvement of practice among educators and institutions adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the educational environment while catering to the diverse needs of the learners. This research is pioneering research catering to the various learning styles of asynchronous learning environments. Research limitations/implications: Although our current sample offered valuable insights, upcoming studies could gain from more extensive and more diverse participant groups to strengthen the reliability of our results and guarantee broader applicability across various demographics and contexts. Moreover, the length of our intervention may have been relatively brief, which could have limited our ability to evaluate the long-term impact of customized podcasts on learning results. Continued investigation into the long-term effects of these interventions could provide valuable insights into their effectiveness over time and help shape the creation of more lasting educational approaches. Practical implications: Innovation in asynchronous learning differentiated teaching attuned to the diverse learning styles of the students. Social implications: The study promotes equitable education, which eventually promotes learning outcomes of the students. Originality/value: We created differentiated podcasts tailored to the learning styles of the students. This research is pioneering research catering to the various learning styles of asynchronous learning environments.

Docent programs are in flux. Many institutions have rethought their programs to encourage more diverse voices: some have eliminated the docent role, while others have changed their structure and offered additional training. When The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens decided to invest in its docent program as part of an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant, they started with a self-study of 10 docent programs across the country. This article summarizes the key findings of that work, from which three major themes emerged: intentional investment, targeted approaches for diversification, and expanding non-traditional training approaches.

Learning resources are quite important for online learning while resource provision based on algorithms could not address learners' ubiquitous needs well. Moreover, the structure and content of resources are pre-defined which makes the "Structure" and "Content" coupled closely and could not easily adjust when learners' needs changed. To solve this problem, an automatic resource generation mechanism is needed. In this study, we summarize the main components of resource design and proposed a "Structure-Content Loosely Coupled" resource model (Learning Cell Model). The model separates the structure and content into independent yet connected parts by defining "Dynamic Structure" and "Container". Then, the automatic resource generation mechanism and its supporting system were designed based on the model and used in two 5th Grade classes. Results showed the mechanism and system could generate resources according to learners' needs accurately and improve learners' learning outcomes without increasing their cognitive load. Further, the learners had good attitude, technique acceptance, and satisfaction. Overall, the "Structure-Content Loosely Coupled" model and the proposed mechanism could be used creatively for more flexible and adaptive resource provision. They made the resource generation timely and automatic which helped teachers' resource design. The results are enlightening and foster further research in this field.

The study investigated the potency of ethnoscience instruction on the critical thinking ability of biology students. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design, with a total of 113 senior secondary school two (the equivalent of grade 11) students from two schools in educational district V of Lagos State, Nigeria. All students in the two sample schools used for the experimental and control groups took a pretest before treatment, a posttest at the end of the treatment phase. Test of Critical Thinking in Photosynthesis (TCTP) with a reliability of 0.76 was used for data collection. The ANCOVA output demonstrated a statistically significant difference in favor of the experimental group (F (1, 110) = 14.79; p < 0.05). Ethnoscience Instruction had no differential impact on students in the experimental group based on gender. We concluded that ethnoscience instruction is a viable culturally relevant tool for improving critical thinking skill in biology.

Photosynthesis is the predominant metabolic process for energy obtention in plants. Here we describe a case study where a set of anatomical, biochemical, and molecular characters are used to reconstruct the evolution of the C[subscript 4] photosynthetic pathway, within the evolutionary framework provided by the genus "Flaveria." Our main educational goal was to engage biology undergraduate students to solve a photosynthesis-related phylogenetic problem by stimulating them to assemble informative characters of diverse nature. This case study was successfully implemented as a seminar in a massive university introductory course, during the COVID19 lockdown. Using an online learning environment, most small groups achieved the Students Learning Outcomes, which were assessed through a questionnaire and an open-ended question. Individual performance was also evaluated through a specific exercise in the course's midterm test. Finally, students were surveyed for their perception about the seminar through a poll. We concluded that this seminar could be easily adopted to promote the learning of complex and interdisciplinary content like the C[subscript 4] photosynthetic pathway in undergraduate botanical education, even in a large online introductory course.

It is critical to develop students' science communication skills as they progress through their education. One way this goal can be accomplished is by integrating Flip into educational programs. Through Flip educators create prompts that students respond to in video form, which leads to deeper discussion on various topics. This brief will share an example of how Flip was used with high school students spending time at a botanical garden to not only promote science communication skills but to help engage them with plant life. In this activity students assume the role of "educator" by becoming an expert on a specific plant species and recording a video introducing others to that organism.

Researchers' notions of research quality depend on their field of research. Previous studies have shown that field-specific assessment criteria exist but could explain neither why these specific criteria and not others exist, nor how criteria are used in specific assessment situations. To give initial answers to these questions, formal assessment situations (reviews of publications) and informal assessment situations (seminar and conference discussions) in two specialties (plant biology and medieval history) were analysed through observations and qualitative content analysis. The empirical findings reveal a large variety of quality criteria used by researchers, which cannot be subsumed under conventional notions of originality, reliability, or validity. The identified field-specific quality criteria can be explained by differences between the two fields' research practices and between the epistemic properties of the two fields.

Arachis pintoi (Fabaceae) is a common relative of the cultivated peanut, and folds its four leaflets up to look like one at night. The adaptive significance of this behavior (foliar nyctinasty) is unknown. To test the hypothesis that leaflet folding alone can deter herbivores, a leaf preference experiment was performed on Chromacris trogon grasshoppers. Small oval cutouts were made from leaves of the grasshopper’s preferred food source, Iochroma arborescens (Solanaceae), and were combined with small pieces of tape and dry grass to construct artificial leaves resembling the day and night form of A. pintoi. In the experiment, groups of three grasshoppers were starved for 24 hours and then placed in petri dishes containing one closed and one open artificial leaf. After 30 six-hour trials, the average herbivory of open leaves was 12.3%, while closed leaves was 5.2% (p = 0.00145), indicating a significant preference for open leaves. This suggests that the folded configuration of A. pintoi leaves can be a defense against herbivory.

Purpose: To determine the prevalent microbiological profile of biliary atresia (BA) patients at the time of its occurrence by studying their intestinal flora. Methods: A total of 118 gut microbiota samples from three groups of 43 BA patients, 33 disease controls (DC) with other cholestatic diseases and 42 healthy controls (HC), were analyzed by deep mining of public data. Subsequently, a total of 23 fecal samples from three groups of clinically collected patients (11 BA, 6 DC and 6 HC) were sequenced for 16S rRNA gene amplification and analyzed for serum butyrate (BU) level by liquid chromatography. Results: Taxonomic analysis revealed significant differences in the composition of the intestinal microbiota between BA patients and controls, with a reduction in diversity and a higher abundance of Proteobacteria, Streptococcus and Lactobacillus in the BA group. Database and clinical data analyses concluded that Streptococcus/Bacteroides (AUC = 0.9035, 95% CI 0.8347–0.9722, P < 0.0001) or Streptococcus/Eggerthella (AUC = 0.8333, 95% CI 0.6340–1.000, P = 0.027) was the best microbiota to differentiate between BA and DC. Serum butyrate levels were low in the BA and DC groups and differed from the HC group (P = 0.01, P = 0.04). Butyrate levels in BA were negatively correlated with jaundice clearance and cholangitis, but not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study reveals changes in the composition of the gut microbiota in BA, especially the butyrate-producing microbiota, and suggests the potential for using gut microbiota as a noninvasive diagnostic benefit for BA. Low levels of serum butyrate in BA may indicate a poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of oxygen concentration in underground coal mines is an efficient method to prevent coal spontaneous combustion. The screening and development of efficient oxygen-consuming microbial flora is a fundamental prerequisite for the application of biotechnology in preventing coal spontaneous combustion. For the initial screening, activated sludge obtained from Qinglong Coal Mine in China was utilized as an inoculum source to cultivate a group of Aerobic microbiota (AMS) with a relatively stable community structure. Afterward, the community structure of AMS was analyzed using 16SrRNA gene sequencing technology. Subsequently, single-factor experiments were conducted to optimize culture conditions (carbon source concentration, pH, inoculum amount) based on the growth characteristics of dominant strains. Finally, the oxygen consumption characteristics of AMS were investigated using a range of indicators, including oxygen consumption rate, CO2 generation and growth concentration (OD) as measured by AMS. The results indicated that the growth activity of AMS was most robust when the carbon source concentration was 1%, pH was 7, and the inoculation amount was 10%, with an oxygen consumption rate of 94.83%. The experiment observed a significant increase in the concentration of CO2, which rose from 0.096% to 30.272%. This gas is the primary product of AMS. Interestingly, growth was possible in environments with O2 concentrations ranging from 5% to 29%, indicating that AMS is adaptable and can survive in environments with significant changes in O2 concentrations. In addition, the combined effect of reducing O2 concentration and inerting the mining zone made AMS more effective in suppressing spontaneous combustion of relict coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various roles of intestinal flora in the gut-brain axis response pathway have received enormous attention because of their unique position in intestinal flora-derived metabolites regulating hormones, inducing appetite, and modulating energy metabolism. Reward pathways in the brain play a crucial role in gut-brain communications, but the mechanisms have not been methodically understood. This review outlined the mechanisms by which leptin, ghrelin, and insulin are influenced by intestinal flora-derived metabolites to regulate appetite and body weight, focused on the significance of the paraventricular nucleus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex in food reward. The vagus nerve and mitochondria are essential pathways of the intestinal flora involved in the modulation of neurotransmitters, neural signaling, and neurotransmission in gut-brain communications. The dynamic response to nutrient intake and changes in the characteristics of feeding activity requires the participation of the vagus nerve to transmit messages to be completed. SCFAs, Bas, BCAAs, and induced hormones mediate the sensory information and reward signaling of the host in the complex regulatory mechanism of food selection, and the composition of the intestinal flora significantly impacts this process. Food reward in the process of obesity based on gut-brain communications expands new ideas for the prevention and treatment of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoid compounds exhibit a wide range of health benefits as plant-derived dietary components. Typically, co-consumed with the food matrix,they must be released from the matrix and converted into an absorbable form (bioaccessibility) before reaching the small intestine, where they are eventually absorbed and transferred into the bloodstream (bioavailability) to exert their biological activity. However, a large number of studies have revealed the biological functions of individual flavonoid compounds in different experimental models, ignoring the more complex but common relationships established in the diet. Besides, it has been appreciated that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the metabolism of flavonoids and food substrates, thereby having a significant impact on their interactions, but much progress still needs to be made in this area. Therefore, this review intends to comprehensively investigate the interactions between flavonoids and food matrices, including lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals, and their effects on the nutritional properties of food matrices and the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of flavonoid compounds. Furthermore, the health effects of the interaction of flavonoid compounds with the gut microbiome have also been discussed. HIGHLIGHTS: Flavonoids are able to bind to nutrients in the food matrix through covalent or non-covalent bonds. Flavonoids affect the digestion and absorption of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals in the food matrix (bioaccessibility). Lipids, proteins and carbohydrates may favorably affect the bioavailability of flavonoids. Improved intestinal flora may improve flavonoid bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising prevalence and detrimental impact of inflammatory diseases have spurred the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to tackle these conditions. Fuzi, lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of inflammatory diseases for a long time. This article provides a comprehensive review of the medicinal applications, anti-inflammatory constituents, analytical techniques for detecting anti-inflammatory components, molecular mechanisms, and anti-inflammatory effects of Fuzi and its formulas. The information on Fuzi was collected from a variety of resources including classical works on Chinese herbal medicine, scientific databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ACS, Web of Science, Science Direct, CNKI), TCMSP, NCBI, PubChem databases and others. About 122 compounds were isolated and identified from Fuzi, with alkaloids constituting the primary constituents that demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory activity. Specifically, among the identified compounds, there was one C-18 type, nineteen C-19 type, four C-20 type diterpenoid alkaloids, one other alkaloid, and 6 non-alkaloid constituents, all of which exhibited noteworthy anti-inflammatory and pain-alleviating properties in both in vivo and in vitro models of inflammation. These effects were mainly attributed to the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, TNF-α, NO, IL-Iβ, and IL-6, as well as the inhibition of MAPK, NF-κB or PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, which effectively suppressed the inflammatory response and alleviated pain. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects were also achieved through the regulation of TLR4 expression and its downstream factors, or by modulating the homeostasis of the gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Investigating phylogenetic beta diversity, and its turnover and nestedness components, can shed light on the evolutionary causes shaping the similarity (or dissimilarity) in composition between biological assemblages. Liverworts are important constituents of most terrestrial ecosystems worldwide but studies on phylogenetic beta diversity in liverworts are scarce. Here, we explore geographic patterns of phylogenetic beta diversity and its two components in liverworts across the world and evaluate the relative importance of dispersal limitation and environmental filtering processes in shaping beta diversity patterns at different spatial extents by relating phylogenetic beta diversity or phylogenetic turnover to geographic and climatic distances. Location: Global. Taxon: Liverworts. Methods: We conducted correlation and regression analyses to relate phylogenetic beta diversity and its two components (turnover and nestedness) to six variables representing current climate conditions and two variables representing historical (Quaternary) climate change, and to geographic and climatic distances at different spatial extents (global, continental, and regional). Results: We found that of the eight variables of current and historical climates considered, precipitation seasonality was the strongest determinant of phylogenetic beta diversity in liverworts. At the global extent, geographic and climatic distances explained similar amounts of the variation in phylogenetic turnover, whereas at the continental extent, climatic distance explained more variation than geographic distance in five of the seven continents, and at a regional extent (roughly a circle of 4000 km in diameter), geographic distances generally had a greater effect than climatic distance on phylogenetic turnover. Main Conclusions: We conclude that both dispersal limitation and environmental filtering played an important role in shaping phylogenetic structure of liverwort floras, but their relative importance varies at different spatial scales and among geographic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheilolejeunea sicilicula S. Fish & Glenny, a new species of liverwort from lowland indigenous forest reserves in Westland and Western Nelson provinces in South Island, New Zealand, is described and illustrated. In New Zealand it is superficially similar to C. campbelliensis (Steph.) R. M. Schust., C. novaezelandiae R. M. Schust. and C. albovirens (Hook.f. & Taylor) E. A. Hodgs, which are all small-leaved species with leaves that range from 195 to 500 µm long. Cheilolejeunea sicilicula differs from these species in having a curved second tooth, and in having elongated cells along the antical free margin of the lobule. Molecular phylogenetic analyses resolve C. sicilicula as a member of the tropical section Cyrtolejeunea which has five extant species and a Miocene fossil species. This section was previously unknown in New Zealand. The addition of Cheilolejeunea sicilicula to the New Zealand flora brings the number of accepted New Zealand Cheilolejeunea species to 12, six of which are endemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of plant science research in the Pacific Islands, particularly in relation to traditional crops. The agriculture sector in the Pacific Islands is crucial for food security and economic growth, but agricultural productivity has stagnated or declined in recent years. This has led to increased dependence on imported food and a decline in traditional crops. The article highlights the need for research on genetic resources, crop breeding, pest and disease control, and postharvest storage. It also emphasizes the importance of collaborations between Pacific Island researchers and those from New Zealand and Australia to address research priorities in the region. [Extracted from the article]

The new Checklist of hornworts (Anthocerotophyta) and liverworts (Marchantiophyta) of Slovenia within current political boundaries comprises 181 species, additional 4 subspecies and 2 varieties. Additional 5 species are denoted by a question mark since reports are considered questionable. An alphabetically arranged tabular presentation of genera, species and lower taxa shows their presence in the phytogeographical units of Slovenia. The records from the periods before and after 1958 are marked with different symbols. Each species also has a new Red List status in Slovenia. The checklist includes the data from the literature and Herbarium LJU. Annotations to selected species give a critical evaluation of the literature and herbarium data. A list of taxa that should be excluded from the flora of Slovenia, the synonyms and the used literature with floristic data not cited in this article are also added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three moss species are recorded for the first time in the Republic of North Macedonia. These are Brachytheciastrum dieckei, Kiaeria starkei and Orthotrichum schimperi. Details on records are given including distribution, georeferences and ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanical surveys carried out during the last 13 years throughout central and northern Tunisia (North Africa) allow to find first national and continental N-African records of non-native taxa belonging to Bignoniaceae. The genera Catalpa, Podranea, and Tecomaria are new for N-Africa (Catalpa is new for the whole Africa). Tecomaria capensis is here considered as a naturalized alien species, whereas Campsis radicans, Catalpa bignonioides, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Podranea brycei, P. ricasoliana, and Tecoma stans are casuals. Distribution in Tunisia, phenology, and original photographs are provided for each species. A diagnostic key for Tunisian Bignoniaceae is also given. Moreover, the name Tecoma ricasoliana (basionym of Podranea ricasoliana) is lectotypified on a specimen preserved at K (isolectotypes at FI), whereas the holotype indication of the name Bignonia capensis (basionym of Tecomaria capensis), made in Flora of Tropical East Africa, is here corrected according to the Art. 9.10 of Shenzhen Code (lectotype at UPS; isolectotype, here reported for the first time, at LD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between the environmental (ED) or habitat (HD) diversity of a landscape and its species richness (S) is of global interest. The standard linear relationship tested is that total S rises with an increase in variability of environmental properties. Findings: We recognize three basic S − ED patterns: convex, unimodal, and concave. These are shown to be based on three underlying species − area (S − A) curves: power, logarithmic, and sigmoid. From these, we find that the standard linear relationship lacks theoretical support. There are two sets of circumstances that can lead to a humped relationship: a particular type of S-A curve (logarithmic), and the operation of negative secondary effects as habitats become smaller and more isolated. The preponderance of positive linear and dearth of unimodal S − ED and S − HD relationships reported so far can be attributed to six causes. These include: only testing for linear relationships; limited data sets that exclude small, unique, or isolated habitats; regressions against non-causal variables; and/or use of biased data that have not been ground-truthed. Conclusions: Informed by the underlying S − A curves and the level of negative biotic effects at high ED, one can predict the numerous shapes of the S − ED curve. Hump-backed S − ED curves should apply widely in regions with species-rich biotas and where the environmental range is large and numerous isolated habitats are present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhubarb, the Rhei radix et rhizoma (Da huang) is a member of the Polygonaceae family, included in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and is mainly distributed in Gansu, Sichuan, Qinghai, northwestern Yunnan, and eastern Tibet. Rhei radix et rhizoma is one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicines, processed into drinkable tablets in different concoctions for clinical use. Phytochemical studies showed that more than 170 compounds were isolated and identified from Rhei radix et rhizoma, including anthraquinones/anthrones (major constituents), stilbenes, chromones, flavonoids, tannins, and other compounds, etc. Rhei radix et rhizoma is an herb with a long history of traditional use and many potential therapeutic benefits. It can play the role of diarrhea, clearing heat in response to different combinations and concoctions. It is mainly used for the treatment of constipation, gastrointestinal function impairment, and other diseases. In addition, Rhei radix et rhizoma has significant antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepato-renal protective, neuroprotective, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulatory activities. Its active constituents have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and hepato-kidney protective properties. Although it is primarily used for gastrointestinal disorders, it may also have wider applications in various inflammatory and liver disorders. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore its full potential and mechanism of action. This paper reviews the research progress of Rhei radix et rhizoma in terms of botany, traditional use, chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical studies. It aims to provide a scientific basis for in-depth research and development of Rhei radix et rhizome resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Meta-analysis reveals globally sourced commercial mycorrhizal inoculants fall short" discusses the potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in enhancing soil health and plant fitness. Despite the rapid growth of the commercial market for AM inoculants, global studies have revealed inconsistencies, including instances of crop mortality, unlabeled fertilizers, and nonviability. The study assessed 302 inoculant trials, revealing significant differences in effectiveness between research laboratory-grown fungi and commercial inoculants, with only one in nine commercial product trials demonstrating both beneficial crop growth and sufficient AM hyphal colonization. The findings suggest a need for improvement in the industry to produce viable, beneficial inoculants. [Extracted from the article]

The article "Stomata: custodians of leaf gaseous exchange" published in the Journal of Experimental Botany discusses the role of stomata in regulating gaseous exchange in plants. Stomata, surrounded by guard cells, modulate CO2 uptake for photosynthesis while minimizing water loss. The article explores the impact of stomatal conductance on photosynthesis, water use efficiency, and plant performance, emphasizing the potential for crop improvement through enhanced photosynthesis and water use efficiency. It also delves into the manipulation of stomatal anatomical features to improve water use efficiency and plant resilience to climate-induced stresses. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the use of CRISPR-mediated gene editing to generate transgene-free, gain-of-function alleles in plants by targeting repressive cis-regulatory elements (CRE) within native promoters. Wang et al. demonstrate the potential to achieve endogenous gene overexpression by deleting specific repressive motifs from rice and soybean promoters, resulting in increased protein content. The study emphasizes a systematic and rational approach to promoter engineering, highlighting the importance of targeting conserved repressive motifs across plant species for achieving desired phenotypes. The research provides insights into tissue-specific gene expression enhancement and offers a roadmap for implementing targeted promoter engineering strategies in plant science. [Extracted from the article]

The research article in the Israel Journal of Ecology & Evolution delves into neighborhood competition and spatial patterns of tree species in an evergreen broadleaved forest in Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, southern Vietnam. A 4-ha plot was established within the park, identifying 7,666 trees of sixty-six species, with the most abundant species showing aggregated distribution at small scales linked to life-history stages. The study uncovered instances of both symmetric and asymmetric competition, shedding light on the ecological processes influencing spatial distribution and competition among broadleaved tree species in the region. [Extracted from the article]

Water plays a vital role in the life cycle of plants, participating in various critical biochemical reactions during both non‐photosynthetic and photosynthetic processes. Direct visualization of the metabolic activities of water in plants with high spatiotemporal resolution is essential to reveal the functional utilization of water. Here, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is applied to monitor the metabolic processes of deuterated water (D2O) in model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana). The work shows that in plants uptaking D2O/water solution, proton‐transfer from water to organic metabolites results in the formation of C‐D bonds in newly synthesized biomolecules (lipid, protein, and polysaccharides, etc.) that allow high‐resolution detection with SRS. Reversible metabolic pathways of oil‐starch conversion between seed germination and seed development processes are verified. Spatial heterogeneity of metabolic activities along the vertical axis of plants (root, stem, and tip meristem), as well as the radial distributions of secondary growth on the horizontal cross‐sections are quantified. Furthermore, metabolic flow of protons from plants to animals is visualized in aphids feeding on A. thaliana. Collectively, SRS microscopy has potential to trace a broad range of matter flows in plants, such as carbon storage and nutrition metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article pays tribute to the late Professor Peter J. Lea, a renowned scientist and Emeritus Professor at Lancaster University. Professor Lea's research focused on nitrogen assimilation in plants, contributing significantly to crop improvement and nitrogen metabolism. He was also involved in various activities, such as serving as President of the Association of Applied Biologists and mentoring students and scientists. His impactful work and collaborations have left a lasting legacy in the field of plant science. [Extracted from the article]

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The document titled "PM 9/32 (1) Solanum carolinense" from the EPPO Bulletin describes the control procedures for monitoring, containing, and eradicating Solanum carolinense, a perennial herb native to North America. The species is considered a major agricultural problem due to its weedy attributes and negative impact on crop yield, livestock, and host to crop diseases and pests. The document outlines the importance of regional cooperation, surveillance, eradication, and containment measures to prevent the further spread of this pest. It also provides detailed information on monitoring, eradication, and containment strategies, including the use of herbicides, mechanical control, mowing, and cultural control methods. [Extracted from the article]

The document provides detailed information on Zizania latifolia, also known as Manchurian wild rice, including its taxonomy, geographical distribution, history of introduction and spread, morphology, biology, ecology, uses, impacts, control measures, and regulatory status. The plant is native to Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East, but has been introduced to various regions globally, including the EPPO region, New Zealand, North America, and Europe. Zizania latifolia is a perennial rhizomatous helophyte that grows in aquatic and riparian habitats, with high growth rates and the ability to form dense stands that can impact biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The document also highlights the challenges of controlling and eradicating Zizania latifolia due to its extensive root system and ability to grow from small rhizome fragments. [Extracted from the article]

Field teaching is an essential component of botany and ecology; however, field classes were among the most likely to be cancelled during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual alternatives that could be used to meet learning outcomes for botany (e.g. plant identification, surveying skills development) were largely unavailable at this time. To address this, a semi-immersive virtual botanical fieldtrip was developed using H5P. The resource consists of a 360 site tour, an interactive book with a series of interactive videos to mimic quadrat analysis and plant identification, and a plant identification guide to aid students in identifying species. Students responded largely positively to the resource, although they had a clear preference to undertake fieldwork in person in a more traditional manner. The resource is the first such virtual botanical fieldtrip and allows the retention of most learning outcomes for a traditional field class. This type of resource has considerable potential in a post-pandemic world to widen participation and let students experience ecosystems that they might otherwise not have the opportunity to investigate. The resource is available for use under a CC BY-NC-SA licence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the correlations between morphological variability and range dynamics in western Eurasian-Mediterranean flora through a fluctuating asymmetry (FA) perspective across ten climate scenarios. We investigate the potential distribution of Scilla L. and its thermopluviometric correlations, and compare them with other three genera analysed previously, for western Eurasia and northern Africa (Baldellia Parl., Jasione L., and Ononis L. (Viscosae and Natrix sections)), considering past (22 Kyr), present, and future conditions (2081-2100). By comparing "overlapped areas" (OAs) with "nonoverlapped areas" (NOAs), we found two distinct groups of responses among genera: Scilla show higher morphological variability in NOAs, while Baldellia concentrate variability in OAs (lower FAs). Jasione and Ononis represent intermediate responses (higher FAs). Notably, OAs predominate in the western and central Mediterranean basin, with significant NOA variability in the eastern region under restricted climatic conditions. Our study highlights correlations between morphological variability and range dynamics in western Eurasian and Mediterranean flora, emphasising the importance of considering the FA approach when examining responses to changing climate scenarios, discussed here in terms of the potential robustness and resilience of genera analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Cycads are a key lineage to understand the early evolution of seed plants and their response to past environmental changes. However, tracing the evolutionary trajectory of cycad species is challenging when the robust relationships at inter- or infrageneric level are not well resolved. Methods Here, using 2901 single-copy nuclear genes, we explored the species relationships and gene flow within the second largest genus of cycads, i.e. Zamia , based on phylotranscriptomic analyses of 90 % extant Zamia species. Based on a well-resolved phylogenetic framework, we performed gene flow analyses, molecular dating and biogeographical reconstruction to examine the spatiotemporal evolution of Zamia. We also performed ancestral state reconstruction of a total of 62 traits of the genus to comprehensively investigate its morphological evolution. Key Results Zamia comprises seven major clades corresponding to seven distinct distribution areas in the Americas, with at least three reticulation nodes revealed in this genus. Extant lineages of Zamia initially diversified around 18.4–32.6 (29.14) million years ago in Mega-Mexico, and then expanded eastward into the Caribbean and southward into Central and South America. Ancestral state reconstruction revealed homoplasy in most of the morphological characters. Conclusions This study revealed congruent phylogenetic relationships from comparative methods/datasets, with some conflicts being the result of incomplete lineage sorting and ancient/recent hybridization events. The strong association between the clades and the biogeographic areas suggested that ancient dispersal events shaped the modern distribution pattern, and regional climatic factors may have resulted in the following in situ diversification. Climate cooling starting during the mid-Miocene is associated with the global expansion of Zamia to tropical South America that has dramatically driven lineage diversification in the New World flora, as well as the extinction of cycad species in the nowadays cooler regions of both hemispheres, as indicated by the fossil records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we explored the distributions of grass genera in the Southern Cone (SC) of South America, applying several phylogenetic diversity (PD) metrics and randomization tests. Grasses appear to have been present in South America since their early evolution as tropical understory species more than 60 Ma. During the course of evolution, grasses have adapted to all terrestrial biomes and become one of the most successful plant families on earth. At present, the SC contains nearly all terrestrial biomes and a wide range of humid to arid ecoregions. Analyzing 126.514 point occurrences and four plastid markers for 148 genera (91% of the native grass genera), we found that tropical humid regions hold the highest PD, with no observed bias in branch lengths. These results indicate that niche conservatism dominates the diversity pattern of grasses in the SC. We found significantly low PD in the Dry Chaco and in the Patagonian Steppe, which suggest ecological filtering in both warm and cold arid regions. The Patagonian Steppe also holds significantly longer branches than expected by chance, as the native grass flora is mainly composed of distantly related Pooideae genera with a northern hemisphere origin. Short branches are found in the Uruguayan Savanna, suggesting that these grasslands could be a cradle for grass diversity within the SC. The dated phylogeny supported the current view of a relatively recent evolution of the family within the SC, with most diversification taking place from the middle Miocene and onwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel (CNGC), as a non-selective cation channel, plays a pivotal role in plant growth and stress response. A systematic analysis and identification of the BnCNGC gene family in Brassica napus is crucial for uncovering its biological functions and potential applications in plant science. In this study, we identified 61 BnCNGC members in the B. napus genome, which are phylogenetically similar to Arabidopsis and can be classified into Groups I-IV (with Group IV further subdivided into IV-a and IV-b). Collinearity analysis with other species provided insights into the evolution of BnCNGC. By homology modeling, we predicted the three-dimensional structure of BnCNGC proteins and analyzed cis-acting elements in their promoters, revealing diverse roles in hormone regulation, growth, and stress response. Notably, overexpression of BnCNGC57 (BnaC09g42460D) significantly increased seed size, possibly through regulating cell proliferation via the MAPK signaling pathway. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the BnCNGC gene family and highlight the potential regulatory role of BnCNGC57 in the seed development of B. napus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant propagules are crucial flora memory materials in restoration practice. Awakening flora memory from plant propagules (i.e. seeds, root fragments, rhizomes, corms, and tubers) in the translocated topsoil from a donor site is a rapid method for forest restoration on degraded sites globally. However, it remains unclear to what extent manageable measures, such as light reduction and watering, affect flora memory awakening. We employed a quadratic saturation D‐optimal design in a forest topsoil translocation experiment to quantify the effects of light reduction and watering on flora memory awakening. We used the cumulative number and richness of plantlets emerging from plant propagules to represent the extent of flora memory awakening. Our results show that any combinations of light reduction and watering significantly increased both the cumulative number and richness of plantlets across different life forms. Light reduction had a significantly more positive effect on flora memory awakening than watering. Different life forms exhibited different parabolic or positive linear relationships in responses to light reduction and watering. Light reduction of about 60% of the degraded site and watering of about 80% of the donor site resulted in the highest number and richness of plantlets. We concluded that light reduction and watering combinations were effective in kick‐starting the flora memory awakening in a semiarid subtropical forest after topsoil translocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In future cropping systems, a focus on belowground plant–soil interactions should exploit the synergy of plant responses to multiple soil factors to maximize the biological potential of roots. Key soil factors include root-zone heterogeneity arising from the physical, biological, and chemical properties varying in time and space. Optimizing the match between root functioning and soil properties is needed to achieve increased crop productivity and improved soil health. The integration of plant and soil sciences, and the application of holistic plant–soil solutions in the crop systems, will provide effective new approaches towards a more sustainable crop production. The Green Revolution transformed agriculture with high-yielding, stress-resistant varieties. However, the urgent need for more sustainable agricultural development presents new challenges: increasing crop yield, improving nutritional quality, and enhancing resource-use efficiency. Soil plays a vital role in crop-production systems and ecosystem services, providing water, nutrients, and physical anchorage for crop growth. Despite advancements in plant and soil sciences, our understanding of belowground plant–soil interactions, which impact both crop performance and soil health, remains limited. Here, we argue that a lack of understanding of these plant–soil interactions hinders sustainable crop production. We propose that targeted engineering of crops and soils can provide a fresh approach to achieve higher yields, more efficient sustainable crop production, and improved soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Capparis (Capparidaceae) comprises more than 250 species. C. spinosa L. is found in Mediterranean regions (Iran, Turkey, Italy, Algeria and Morocco). It is a medicinal herb due to the presence of several chemical compound in its roots, leaves, buds, fruits and seed. In folk medicine it is used as anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-hypertensive and antimicrobial, hence, traditionally used in diet. This is overview of botanical, chemical, pharmacological as well as genetic aspects of C. spinosa L. and explains the scientific basis and pharmacological uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits of the caryophyllalean family Montiaceae are recognized from the latest Cretaceous Deccan Intertrappean beds of central India. Although initially interpreted as the sporocarp of an aquatic fern, Kuprianovites Nambudiri & Thomas was subsequently demonstrated to belong to the group Centrospermeae. The name Kuprianovites deccanensis Nambudiri & Thomas takes priority over subsequent synonyms, Centrospermocarpon chitaleyae Sheikh & Kubalkar, Deccanocarpon arnoldii Paradkar, and Portulacaceocarpon bhuterensis Borkar, Nagrale, Meshram, Korpenwar, & DD Ramteke. We studied anatomically preserved specimens using successive acetate peels and micro–computed tomography scanning. The fruits are thin-walled trivalved globose capsules bearing 30 or more seeds in free-central placentation. The seeds are ellipsoidal and bear strongly curved embryos. Although formerly assigned to the Portulacaceae as that family was traditionally circumscribed, the fossil is excluded from the Portulaca clade (i.e., Portulaceaceae s.s.) and conforms instead to the Montiaceae by its valvate, rather than circumscissile, capsules and valves with undifferentiated cell layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]