Anatomical Investigations Research Articles

Involvement of A13 dopaminergic neurons in prehensile movements but not reward in the rat

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-containing neurons of the dopamine (DA) cell group A13 are well positioned to impact known DA-related functions as their descending projections innervate target regions that regulate vigilance, sensory integration, and motor execution. Despite this connectivity, little is known regarding the functionality of A13-DA circuits. Using TH-specific loss-of-function methodology and techniques to monitor population activity in transgenic rats invivo, we investigated the contribution of A13-DA neurons in reward and movement-related actions. Our work demonstrates a role for A13-DA neurons in grasping and handling of objects but not reward. A13-DA neurons responded strongly when animals grab and manipulate food items, whereas their inactivation or degeneration prevented animals from successfully doing so-a deficit partially attributed to a reduction in grip strength. By contrast, there was no relation between A13-DA activity and food-seeking behavior when animals were tested on a reward-based task that did not include a reaching/grasping response. Motivation for food was unaffected, as goal-directed behavior for food items was in general intact following A13 neuronal inactivation/degeneration. An anatomical investigation confirmed that A13-DA neurons project to the superior colliculus (SC) and also demonstrated a novel A13-DA projection to the reticular formation (RF). These results establish a functional role for A13-DA neurons in prehensile actions that are uncoupled from the motivational factors that contribute to the initiation of forelimb movements and help position A13-DA circuits into the functional framework regarding centrally located DA populations and their ability to coordinate movement.

Can Miconia Ruiz & Pavón fruit anatomical characters have taxonomic usefulness in the genus?

Miconia Ruiz & Pavón is currently recognized as a single genus belonging to the Miconieae tribe, whose taxonomic position is in urgent need of new multidisciplinary studies, including the anatomical investigation of fruits and seeds. Our study investigated the structural ontogeny of fruits and seeds of six species of Miconia, from the floral phase. Flowers and developing fruits were obtained from specimens collected in a state park in Paraná, Brazil, and from herbarium specimens. The samples were sectioned in a rotation microtome and analyzed in a light microscope. All species bear berry-subtype pomaceous fruits that originate from inferior or semi-inferior ovaries. The pericarp is fleshy parenchymatous with sclereid idioblasts. The seeds come from anatropous ovules, are testal and exhibit variation in the position of the mechanical cell layer within the testa. Taxonomically consistent features were found, such as position of the ovary and carpel number (inferior or semi-inferior/3 or 4 carpels), exocarp indumentum, mesocarp structure (tissue region), pomaceous fruit with hypanthium totally or partially adnate to the ovary wall, type of seed (exotestal, exomesotestal and mesoendotestal) and sclereid composition of the mechanical layer.

Anatomical Study of Petiole and Leaf Parts of Gossipum Hirsutum L.in Erbil / Iraq

The plant Gossypium Hirsutum genotypes were grown in Qwshtapa district, Grdmala village, which is 30 kilometres from the centre of Erbil, Iraq. The cotton genotypes grown there included Coker 310, Lachata (Iraqi genotypes), Cafko, Dunn 1047, Montana, Stone Ville (USA genotypes), Bakhtegon, Khdorda, and Vanamin (Iranian genotypes). The anatomical investigation demonstrates distinct petioles, midribs, laminas, and margin outline shapes among the genotypes. They contain secretory tissues, cluster crystals, and tannins. While some genotypes lack the trichomes, others have; these genotypes are multicellular glandular and unicellular branching or unbranched nonglandula.

The Cerebellum and the Motor Cortex: Multiple Networks Controlling Multiple Aspects of Behavior.

The cerebellum and its thalamic projections to the primary motor cortex (M1) are well known to play an essential role in executing daily actions. Anatomic investigations in animals and postmortem humans have established the reciprocal connections between these regions; however, how these pathways can shape cortical activity in behavioral contexts and help promote recovery in neuropathological conditions remains not well understood. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive description of these pathways in animals and humans and discuss how novel noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) methods can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the cerebellar-M1 connections. In the first section, we focus on recent animal literature that details how information sent from the cerebellum and thalamus is integrated into an broad network of cortical motor neurons. We then discuss how NIBS approaches in humans can be used to reliably assess the connectivity between the cerebellum and M1. Moreover, we provide the latest perspectives on using advanced NIBS approaches to investigate and modulate multiple cerebellar-cortical networks involved in movement behavior and plasticity. Finally, we discuss how these emerging methods have been used in translation research to produce long-lasting modifications of cerebellar-thalamic-M1 to restore cortical activity and motor function in neurologic patients.

An Anatomical and Caryological Investigation On Monotypic Pallenis spinosa (L.) Cass. in Turkey

Pallenis spinosa (L.) Cass., which has an annual and herbacous life form, is represented by a single species (monotypic) in Turkey. There are 1-2 rows of epidermis cells in the root cross section of the taxon. Between the epidermis and the central cylinder is the cortex, which consists of parenchymatic cells. Root has a radial vasculer bundle. The cross-section of the stem has a round shape with single row and regular lined of cortex cell over the vascular bundle as a starch sheath. The sclerenchyma cells is cover the top of floem cells in the collateral vascular bundle. The leaves is a bifacial type. There are stomas and eglandular hairs both side of the leaves. Sclerenchyma cells are both side of vascular bundles in the leaves. We determined 2x = 2n = 10 chromosome number and made chromosome measurement and haploid idiogram of species.

Anatomical investigation, essential oil composition and antimicrobial activity of Salvia aytachii species from Turkey

ABSTRACT Salvia aytachii Vural & Adıgüzel species belong to the Lamiaceae family. It is an endemic plant and is locally known as ‘Ay Şalbası’. Salvia species are generally known as adaçayı in Anatolia. It has a wide variety of traditional uses concerning the digestive system. In this study, cross-sections were taken from the leaves and stem to determine the anatomical features of S. aytachii. The characteristic elements were determined with the help of a microscope. Chemical components of the essential oil were determined by Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) systems. A total of 79 compounds corresponding to 91.1% of S. aytachii essential oil were determined. Major compounds were identified as camphor (20.3%), 1,8-cineole (20.0%), camphene (6.0%), myrcene (5.6%), valeranone (5.5%,) borneol (5.0%) and α-pinene (4.3%). To evaluate in vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oil, broth microdilution method was used against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Escherichia coli NRRL B-3008, Bacillus cereus NRRL B-3711, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-4378 and Candida albicans ATCC 90,028. The results were found to be significant in terms of antimicrobial efficacy.

Re-establishment of Begonia corallina Carrière (Begoniaceae) based on morphoanatomical evidence

Begonia corallina Carrière (Begoniaceae) has recently been recognized as synonym of B. maculata Raddi. We show that it is readily distinguished from this species mainly by its coral-red inflorescence, flowers and immature fruits, broadly ovate outer tepals of the staminate flowers and cordiform capsules. Additionally, anatomical investigation highlights further differences, mainly between the leaf blades, such as glandular trichome distribution, palisade parenchyma and midrib thickness, number of vascular bundles on the midrib and sclereid distribution. Accordingly, based on the morphoanatomical differences described here, Begonia corallina Carrière is re-established at the rank of species, and we provide photographs and an emended description of this taxon.

Leaf morphology and anatomy of Schlechtendalia luzulifolia, a basal member of subfamily Barnadesioideae (Asteraceae)

Abstract Based on molecular phylogenetic studies, Barnadesioideae have been proposed to be the basal subfamily of Asteraceae. This is a complex of 10 genera and 87 species distributed primarily along the Andean mountains, Patagonia, and into southern Brazil and Uruguay. Phylogenetic analyses have recovered all genera as monophyletic groups and have provided insights to their inter-relationships. Four generic clades have been substantiated: (1) Chuquiraga, Doniophyton, and Duseniella; (2) Dasyphyllum; (3) Barnadesia and Huarpea; and (4) Archidasyphyllum, Arnaldoa, and Fulcaldea. The remaining genus, the monospecific Schlechtendalia, has been an outlier in the subfamily, with some previous analyses recovering it as basal for the entire subfamily, and others showing it as sister to Barnadesia and Huarpea (with weak support) as well as to other genera. Recent massive sampling of loci has confirmed Schlechtendalia as the sister genus for the subfamily. Schlechtendalia luzulifolia has morphology atypical for Asteraceae. The capitula are loose aggregations of florets, and the leaves are long and strap shaped, more reminiscent of monocots. Morphological and anatomical investigations of the leaves reveal long, laminar blades with parallelodromous vascularization. The vesture is often with ‘barnadesioid trichomes’, especially towards the base of the plant, plus additional uniseriate trichomes consisting of 3 to many cells, newly reported for the subfamily. Some glandular trichomes with 2-4 short cells also occur. The transverse anatomy of the leaves reveals a single epidermal layer on both surfaces, which also contain the stomata (the leaf being amphistomatic). The mesophyll is undifferentiated; the vascular traces are surrounded by sclerenchyma that not only encircles the traces but also extends towards the epidermis and connects with it. The morphology and anatomy of the leaves of Schlechtendalia are divergent in comparison with other genera of the subfamily. Chuquiraga, Doniophyton, and Huarpea have leaf adaptations for survival in xeric habitats, such as dense pubescence, grey surfaces, and revolute margins. Schlechtendalia, in contrast, is adapted to a more mesic environment, especially near the Atlantic Ocean and along the Uruguay and La Plata rivers. The leaves are oriented upright, which correlates with undifferentiated mesophyll and stomata on both epidermal layers. The stem is an underground rhizome, an adaptation that permits survival during seasonal drought in the austral summer in Uruguay and adjacent regions. It is hypothesized that Schlechtendalia may have become adapted to more mesic environments in the Miocene prior to the rise of the Andes and development of the modern arid environments, into which many of the other genera of the subfamily subsequently radiated.

Late Neanderthal “menu” from northern to southern Italy: freshwater and terrestrial animal resources

One of the unanswered questions in Palaeolithic studies is how Neanderthals adapted their subsistence strategies by changing their diet at such a late stage of their existence. Zooarchaeological and taphonomic studies are critical to determine anthropogenic behaviour and to accurately understand the strategies used to exploit different ecological niches. In this line of research, the present paper aims to provide a thorough assessment of the unpublished faunal assemblages from two Late Mousterian Italian sites: Riparo del Broion (northern Italy) and Roccia San Sebastiano cave (southern Italy). These two sites occupy two distant and different areas of Italy, however providing late Neanderthals coeval occupations dated between 50,000–44,000 cal BP.In this study we analysed more than 27,000 remains following a multidisciplinary approach that combines taxonomical, anatomical and taphonomic investigations. Moreover, an experimental study that supports the instrumental use of valve fragments of Anodonta sp. is also presented for Riparo del Broion. Strontium isotope analysis of cervid remains, the most exploited prey in both sites, provides useful information to explore selection of available animals, the mobility of human groups, and the composition of animal herds.In general, the characteristics of the territory of the two sites highlight the exploitation of different resources that could vary from almost specialized small game (Riparo del Broion) to selective ungulates (Roccia San Sebastiano) hunting strategies. At Riparo del Broion, the main exploitation of red deer was accompanied by beaver hunting, fishing, and shellfish gathering from freshwater lake environments. On the contrary, human groups at Roccia San Sebastiano cave hunted almost exclusively red deer, despite the sea was not far from the cave. The absence of shellfish and fish remains is remarkable. In addition, the transformation and use of diaphyseal bone flakes as retouchers at both sites and the presence of a probable “bone awl” at Roccia San Sebastiano, further confirm an extended capacity in the use of a large range of materials for different subsistence activities.Present results consist of the first zooarchaeological comparison of the Late Mousterian levels of Roccia San Sebastiano cave and Riparo del Broion. These allowed us to detail environments, and subsistence strategies of two Neanderthal groups that inhabited different ecological niches of the Italian territory and provide important data to disentangle possible changes in faunal exploitation strategies, butchering, processing, and cultural behaviours during the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Italy.

Force Generation in the Coiling Tendrils of Passiflora caerulea.

Tendrils of climbing plants coil along their length, thus forming a striking helical spring and generating tensional forces. It is found that, for tendrils of the passion flower Passiflora caerulea, the generated force lies in the range of 6-140 mN, which is sufficient to lash the plant tightly to its substrate. Further, it is revealed that the generated force strongly correlates with the water status of the plant. Based on a combination of in situ force measurements with anatomical investigations and dehydration-rehydration experiments on both entire tendril segments and isolated lignified tissues, a two-phasic mechanism for spring formation is proposed. First, during the free coiling phase, the center of the tendril begins to lignify unilaterally. At this stage, both the generated tension and the stability of the form of the spring still depend on turgor pressure. The unilateral contraction of a bilayer as being the possible driving force for the tendril coiling motion is discussed. Second, in a stabilization phase, the entire center of the coiled tendril lignifies, stiffening the spring and securing its function irrespective of its hydration status.

ANATOMICAL, PALYNOLOGICAL AND MICROMOPHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON ENDEMIC THYMUS BRACHYCHILUS JALAS (LAMIACEAE)

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the anatomical and palynological features of endemic Thymus brachychilus Jalas. Material and Method: The plant material was fixed in 70% alcohol for anatomical investigation. Cross sections of the stem, leaves, and leaf surface sections were stained with sartur solution, and the anatomical aspects were examined. The trichome architectures, mesophyll cells, stomatal index, and glandular and non-glandular trichomes features of leaves and stem have been investigated and compared with the other Thymus species anatomical findings. In addition, measurements of anatomical structures were made. Pollen, flower parts, epidermis and trichome structure of the leaves, were examined in SEM. Result and Discussion: This is the first anatomical, palynological and micromorphological study on Thymus brachychilus. The epidermis of leaf consists of a single row of elongated shaped cells and is covered with a thin cuticle. There are nonglandular and glandular trichomes in the upper and lower epidermis. Two different types of nonglandular trichomes were found. Stomata are diacytic, and the epidermis is amphistomatic. The mesophyll layer is dorsiventral. The stem cross-section is square. The outermost single-row, elongated, square or rectangular epidermis is covered with a thin cuticle. The pollen symmetry is isopolar, shape is suboblate. It has hexacolpate and bireticulate properties.

Anatomical and histological investigation of the area anterior to the anorectum passing through the levator hiatus

Objective: To document the anatomical structure of the area anterior to the anorectum passing through the levator hiatus between the levator ani slings bilaterally. Methods: Three male hemipelvises were examined at the Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University. (1) The anatomical assessment was performed in three ways; namely, by abdominal followed by perineal dissection, by examining serial cross-sections, and by examining median sagittal sections. (2) The series was stained with hematoxylin and eosin to enable identification of nerves, vessels, and smooth and striated muscles. Results: (1) It was found that the rectourethralis muscle is closest to the deep transverse perineal muscle where the longitudinal muscle of the rectum extends into the posteroinferior area of the membranous urethra. The communicating branches of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) were identified at the posterior edge of the rectourethralis muscle on both sides. The rectum was found to be fixed to the membranous urethra through the rectourethral muscle, contributing to the anorectal angle of the anterior rectal wall. (2) Serial cross-sections from the anal to the oral side were examined. At the level of the external anal sphincter, the longitudinal muscle of the rectum was found to extend caudally and divide into two muscle bundles on the oral side of the external anal sphincter. One of these muscle bundles angled dorsally and caudally, forming the conjoined longitudinal muscle, which was found to insert into the intersphincteric space (between the internal and external anal sphincters). The other muscle bundle angled ventrally and caudally, filling the gap between the external anal sphincter and the bulbocavernosus muscle, forming the perineal body. At the level of the superficial transverse perineal muscle, this small muscle bundle headed laterally and intertwined with the longitudinal muscle in the region of the perineal body. At the level of the rectourethralis and deep transverse perineal muscle, the external urethral sphincter was found to occupy an almost completely circular space along the membranous part of the urethra. The dorsal part of the external urethral sphincter was found to be thin at the point of attachment of the rectourethralis muscle, the ventral part of the longitudinal muscle of the rectum. We identified a venous plexus from the NVB located close to the oral and ventral side of the deep transverse perineal muscle. Many vascular branches from the NVB were found to be penetrating the longitudinal muscle and the ventral part of rectourethralis muscle at the level of the apex of the prostate. The rectourethral muscle was wrapped ventrally around the membranous urethra and apex of the prostate. The boundary between the longitudinal muscle and prostate gradually became more distinct, being located at the anterior end of the transabdominal dissection plane. (3) Histological examination showed that the dorsal part of the external urethral sphincter (striated muscle) is thin adjacent to the striated muscle fibers from the deep transverse perineal muscle and the NVB dorsally and close by. The rectourethral muscle was found to fill the space created by the internal anal sphincter, deep transverse perineal muscle, and both levator ani muscles. Many tortuous vessels and tiny nerve fibers from the NVB were identified penetrating the muscle fibers of the deep transverse perineal and rectourethral muscles. The structure of the superficial transverse perineal muscle was typical of striated muscle. These findings were reconstructed three-dimensionally. Conclusions: In intersphincteric resection or abdominoperineal resection for very low rectal cancer, the anterior dissection plane behind Denonvilliers' fascia disappears at the level of the apex of the prostate. The prostate and both NVBs should be used as landmarks during transanal dissection of the non-surgical plane. The rectourethralis muscle should be divided near the rectum side unless tumor involvement is suspected. The superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles, as well as their supplied vessels and nerve fibers from the NVB. In addition, the cutting direction should be adjusted according to the anorectal angle to minimize urethral injury.

Structural, histochemical, and phytochemical characterization of Mikania cordifolia (L. f.) Willd. (Asteraceae) in a coastal dune environment

Coastal dune is a habitat that presents determining and often limiting factors for plant development. Species of Asteraceae, such as Mikania cordifolia, are commonly found in this environment, including occupying frontal dunes, where winds, salinity, and soil represent severe environmental conditions. Asteraceae is recognized for its different secretory structures and for containing species with potential for bioprospecting. Mikania cordifolia is a species with a voluble habit, wide geographic distribution, and records of medicinal use. However, no studies in the literature cover the anatomical, histochemical, and chemical investigation of all vegetative organs of the mentioned species. In this sense, this study evaluated the anatomical organization of the vegetative organs of M. cordifolia, including secretory structures, as well as the chemical composition of the extract of each organ. For this, diaphanization, microtomy, histochemistry, and phytochemistry techniques were used. Our results showed that the vegetative organs have several adaptations to the coastal dunes environmental conditions, among them the presence of four types of secretory structures – secretory canals and cavities, trichomes and hydathodes. Histochemical analyzes indicated sesquiterpene lactones, pectic and phenolic compounds, lipophilic substances, flavonoids, coumarins, starch and tannins. Nuclear magnetic resonance analyzes showed kaurane diterpenes, steroids, fatty acids, phenolic derivatives, and methoxylated substances. Our results contribute to the understanding of the structure and phytochemistry of the genus Mikania, the adaptations of the species to the coastal dune environment, and the occurrence and distribution of secretory structures in the genus, promoting knowledge and justifying the conservation of the coastal dunes flora.

First reliable Miocene fossil winged fruits record of Engelhardia in Asia through anatomical investigation

Fossil genera with similar features to the winged fruits of the living Engelhardia Lesch. ex Blume (e.g., Palaeocarya G. Saporta) have been widely reported in Cenozoic fossil floras of the Northern Hemisphere. However, fossil winged fruits of Engelhardia with detailed anatomical structures have only been found in the upper Eocene of North America. This study reports the first Engelhardia fossil winged fruits with detailed anatomical structures in East Asia from the Miocene Erzitang Formation of Guangxi, South China. The anatomical and morphological features of the new fossils, including the unique structure of secondary septa, clearly distinguish them from other fossil genera and show unambiguously their attribution to the genus Engelhardia. This discovery suggests that Engelhardia had reached its modern distribution during the Miocene and the climate of the Guiping Basin in Guangxi during the Miocene was similar to that of present-day tropical and subtropical regions in Asia.

An anatomical investigation of the suboccipital- and inferior suboccipital triangles.

The suboccipital triangle (ST) is a clinically relevant landmark in the posterior aspect of the neck and is used to locate and mobilize the horizontal segment of the third part of the vertebral artery before it enters the cranium. Unfortunately, this space is not always a viable option for vertebral artery exposition, and consequently a novel triangle, the inferior suboccipital triangle (IST) has been defined. This alternative triangle will allow surgeons to locate the artery more proximally, where its course is more predictable. The purpose of this study was to better define the anatomy of both triangles by measuring their borders and calculating their areas. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Pretoria (reference number: 222/2021) and both triangles were subsequently dissected out on both the left and right sides of 33 formalin-fixed human adult cadavers. The borders of each triangle were measured using a digital calliper and the areas were calculated using Herons Formula. The average area of the ST is 969.82±153.15 mm2, while the average area of the IST is 307.48±41.31 mm2. No statistically significant differences in the findings were observed between the sides of the body, ancestry, or sex of the cadavers. Measurement and analysis of these triangles provided important anatomical information and speak to their clinical relevance as surgical landmarks with which to locate the vertebral artery. Of particular importance here is the IST, which allows for mobilisation of this artery more proximally, should the ST be occluded.

Anatomical, Histological, and Morphometrical Investigations of the Auditory Ossicles in Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus from Saint Kitts Island.

Otological studies rely on a lot of data drawn from animal studies. A lot of pathological or evolutionary questions may find answers in studies on primates, providing insights into the morphological, pathological, and physiological aspects of systematic biological studies. Our study on auditory ossicles moves from a pure morphological (macroscopic and microscopic) investigation of auditory ossicles to the morphometrical evaluation of several individuals as well as to some interpretative data regarding some functional aspects drawn from these investigations. Particularities from this perspective blend with metric data and point toward comparative elements that might also serve as an important reference in further morphologic and comparative studies.

Functional topography of the corpus callosum as revealed by fMRI and behavioural studies of control subjects and patients with callosal resection

The concept of a topographical map of the corpus callosum (CC), the main interhemispheric commissure, has emerged from human lesion studies and from anatomical tracing investigations in other mammals. Over the last few years, a rising number of researchers have been reporting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation in also the CC.This short review summarizes the functional and behavioral studies performed in groups of healthy subjects and in patients undergone to partial or total callosal resection, and it is focused on the work conducted by the authors. Functional data have been collected by diffusion tensor imaging and tractography (DTI and DTT) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), both techniques allowing to expand and refine our knowledge of the commissure. Neuropsychological test were also administered, and simple behavioral task, as imitation perspective and mental rotation ability, were analyzed. These researches added new insight on the topographic organization of the human CC. By combining DTT and fMRI it was possible to observe that the callosal crossing points of interhemispheric fibers connecting homologous primary sensory cortices, correspond to the CC sites where the fMRI activation elicited by peripheral stimulation was detected. In addition, CC activation during imitation and mental rotation performance was also reported.These studies demonstrated the presence of specific callosal fiber tracts that cross the commissure in the genu, body, and splenium, at sites showing fMRI activation, consistently with cortical activated areas. Altogether, these findings lend further support to the notion that the CC displays a functional topographic organization, also related to specific behavior.

Slavicekiagen. nov., a New Member of the Normapolles Complex from Late Cretaceous Sediments of the Czech Republic

Premise of research. The Klikov Formation in South Bohemia, Czech Republic, is well known as a rich source of Late Cretaceous mesofossils including numerous angiosperm reproductive structures. In this study, we restudy and reevaluate all flower and fruit specimens from this formation that were earlier referred to the species Vangerowia tricornuta Erw.Knobloch et Mai, and on the basis of a detailed morphological analysis, we describe and establish the new genus Slavicekia and the new species Slavicekia inaequalis.Methodology. Morphological and anatomical investigations of the fossil fruits were carried out using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray micro–computed tomography.Pivotal results. Flowers of Slavicekia exhibit a unique combination of floral characters. Flowers are structurally bisexual and epigynous. The perianth comprises five small tepals arranged in one whorl of two and one whorl of three tepals. The androecium consists of five stamens placed opposite to the tepals (i.e., also the stamens are arranged in two anisomerous whorls). Pollen grains are triangular-oblate and triaperturate. The gynoecium is tricarpellate-syncarpous with an ovary that contains two unequally sized locules, each producing one ovule, but only the one in the larger locule matures into a seed.Conclusions. The type of pollen is characteristic for Normapolles plants, and we therefore propose Slavicekia as a new member of the Normapolles complex in the order Fagales. In addition to the pollen features, other characters, including epigyny, a reduced perianth, and a single seed per fruit, link Slavicekia with the Normapolles complex and the order Fagales. On the basis of a comparison with other Normapolles fossils and extant taxa, we discuss the potential systematic affinities of Slavicekia within core Fagales.

The molecular phylogenetic position of Harpagocarpus (Polygonaceae) sheds new light on the infrageneric classification of Fagopyrum.

In the context of the molecular phylogeny of Polygonaceae, the phylogenetic positions of most genera and their relationships have been resolved. However, the monotypic genus Harpagocarpus has never been included in any published molecular phylogenetic studies. In the present study, we adopt a two-step approach to confirm the phylogenetic placement of Harpagocarpus using two datasets: (1) a concatenated dataset of three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions (matK, rbcL and trnL-F) for Polygonaceae and (2) a combined cpDNA dataset of five sequences (accD, matK, psbA-trnH, rbcL and trnL-F) for Fagopyrum. Our analyses confirm the previous hypothesis based on morphological, anatomical and palynological investigations that Harpagocarpus is congeneric with Fagopyrum and further reveal that H.snowdenii (≡ F.snowdenii) is sister to the woody buckwheat F.tibeticum. Within Fagopyrum, three highly supported clades were discovered and the first sectional classification was proposed to accommodate them: sect. Fagopyrum comprises the two domesticated common buckwheat (F.esculentum and F.tataricum) and their wild relatives (F.esculentumsubsp.ancestrale, F.homotropicum and F.dibotrys) which are characterised by having large corymbose inflorescences and achenes greatly exceeding the perianth; sect. Tibeticum, including F.snowdenii and F.tibeticum, is characterised by the achene having appurtenances along the ribs, greatly exceeding the perianth and the perianth accrescent in fruit; sect. Urophyllum contains all other species of which the achenes were completely enclosed in the perianth. This study is very helpful to understand the phylogeny of the Fagopyrum and sheds light on the future study of taxonomy, biogeography, diversification and character evolution of the genus.

Abstract No. 182 The Role of the Peripheral Nervous System on Tumor Progression: An Anatomic Investigation

Abstract No. 182 The Role of the Peripheral Nervous System on Tumor Progression: An Anatomic Investigation