Dentate Margin Research Articles

Scrophularia anatolica (Scrophulariaceae): A new species from eastern Anatolia (Turkey)

Scrophularia anatolica sp. nov. (Scrophulariaceae) is described from Eastern Anatolia (Bingöl‒Turkey). The new species is related to S. erzincanica and S. lucida, but it differs from S. erzincanica by scarious bracts and bracteole margins, broad calyx lobes with scarious and dentate margins, and from S. lucida by life duration, plant length, staminode shape, calyx lobes ovate to orbicular, dentate scarious margin and stamens long exerted from corolla. Ecological data and conservation status of the new species are also presented. A distribution map of the new taxon and related species is provided.

First Report of Cytospora azerbaijanica Causing Cytospora Canker and Shoot Dieback on Peach (Prunus persica) in California, U.S.A.

Peaches (Prunus persica L.) are an important crop in the United States with California leading the nation in peach production, with approximately 505,000 tons valued at $378.3 million (USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2021, https://www.nass.usda.gov/). From April to July 2022, symptoms of branch and scaffold canker as well as shoot dieback were observed in three peach (cvs. Loadel, Late Ross and Starn) orchards located in San Joaquin County, California. Samples were collected from about 12 trees for each cultivar. Fast-growing, white, flat colonies were consistently isolated from active cankers on acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA) following the method described by (Lawrence et al. 2017). Pure fungal cultures were obtained by transferring single hyphal tips onto new APDA Petri plates. A total of 22 isolates were obtained. Each fungal isolate was recovered from a single diseased branch (40 to 55% recovery). All isolates in this study shared similar morphological characteristics. Fungal colonies were fast-growing with relatively even but slightly dentate margin, flat with white to off-white mycelium that turned vinaceous buff to pale greyish sepia (Rayner 1970) with age. Black, globose, ostiolated pycnidia, 0.8-(1.3)-2.2 mm diameter, with brownish surface hyphae formed on peach wood embedded in PDA after approximately three weeks and exudated buff-colored mucilage. Pycnidia were both solitary and aggregated and had multiple internal locules sharing invaginated walls. Conidiogenous cells were hyaline, smooth-walled, septate, tapering towards the apex, 13-(18.2)-25.1 × 0.8-(1.3)-1.9 µm (n = 40). Conidia were hyaline, allantoid, smooth, aseptate, 5.5-(6.3)-7.1 × 1.4-(1.9)-2.3 µm (n = 40). Genomic DNA was extracted and sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) using ITS5/ITS4 universal primers, translation elongation factor 1α gene (TEF) using primers EF1-728F/EF1-986R, second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) using primers RPB2-5F2/fRPB2-7cR, and actin gene region (ACT) using primers ACT-512F/ACT-783R were obtained and compared with sequences available in GenBank (Lawrence et al. 2018; Hanifeh et al. 2022). Isolates were identified as Cytospora azerbaijanica following DNA sequencing and morphological identification. Consensus sequences of the four genes of two representative isolates (SJC-66 and SJC-69) were deposited into GenBank database (ITS: OQ060581 and OQ060582; ACT: OQ082292, OQ082295; TEF: OQ082290 and OQ082293; RPB2: OQ082291 and OQ082294). The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) indicated that the sequenced RPB2 genes of isolates (SJC-66 and SJC-69) were at least 99% identical to that of Cytospora sp. strain shd47 (Accession: MW824360) covering at least 85% of the sequences. The actin genes from our isolates were at least 97.85% identical to that of Cytospora sp. strain shd47 (Accession: MZ014513), covering 100% of the sequences. The translation elongation factor gene from isolates (SJC-66 and SJC-69) was at least 96.4% identical to that of Cytospora sp. strain shd166 (Accession: OM372512), covering 100% of the query. Those top hit strains belong to C. azerbaijanica, recently reported by Hanifeh et al. (2022). Pathogenicity tests were performed by inoculating eight wounded, 2- to 3-year-old healthy branches on each of eight 7-year-old peach trees, cvs. Loadel, Late Ross and Starn, using 5-mm-diameter mycelium plugs collected from the margin of an actively growing fungal colony on APDA. Controls were mock-inoculated with sterile agar plugs. Inoculation sites were covered with petroleum jelly and wrapped with Parafilm to keep moisture. The experiment was performed twice. After four months, inoculation tests resulted in vascular discoloration (canker) above and below the inoculation sites (average necrosis length of 114.1 mm). Cytospora azerbaijanica was re-isolated from all infected branches (70 to 100% recovery) completing Koch's postulates. Controls remained symptomless and no fungi were isolated from the slightly discolored tissue. Cytospora species are destructive canker and dieback pathogens of numerous woody hosts worldwide. Recently, C. azerbaijanica was reported in causing canker disease of apple trees in Iran (Hanifeh et al. 2022). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. azerbaijanica causing canker and shoot dieback of peach trees in the United States and worldwide. These findings will aid towards a better understanding of genetic diversity and host range of C. azerbaijanica.

Asplenium atlanticum (Aspleniaceae), a new endemic fern from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Asplenium atlanticum (Aspleniaceae), a new species from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, is described and compared to similar species. It is morphologically related to Asplenium martianum, from which it differs by having deltoid to lanceolate laminae, ovate pinnules with an obtuse apex, elliptic and linear sori, and longer stem scales. It is also similar to Asplenium muellerianum, from which it differs by having longer stem scales, deltoid to lanceolate laminae, and pinnae with an obtuse to acute apex, and to Asplenium pseudonitidum, from which it differs by having shorter and dull petiole, laminae with dentate margins, and pinnules always with obtuse apex. Asplenium atlanticum is known from Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina states. The new species is illustrated, and an identification key to its closely related species is provided.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus successfully treated with camrelizumab: A case report and literature review*

Abstract An 83-year-old Chinese woman presented with a 3-month history of dysphagia. She also had a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, fundus hemorrhage, and cataract but no history of cutaneous, ocular, or other-site melanomas. Upper gastrointestinal tract angiography revealed gastritis and duodenal diverticulum; thus, an endoscopic review was recommended. Enhanced computed tomography of the chest and upper abdomen revealed the following: (1) Esophageal space-occupying lesions and mediastinal lymph node enlargement (considering the high possibility of esophageal cancer, further endoscopy was recommended) and (2) A small amount of right pleural effusion, with no significant lymph node infiltration or distant metastasis. Esophagoscopy identified a bulge mass blocking the esophagus from 23 to 30 cm from the incisors. The upper mass had a spherical clustering, while the lower mass significantly festered. Pathological biopsy samples were obtained from the esophagus 23 and 28 cm from the incisors. Tissue biopsy showed proliferation of large round tumor cells and melanocytes. Immunohistochemistry showed positive findings for HMB45 and MelanA; partially positive findings for S100, CK7, CK5/6, CAM5.2, LCA, P63, and TTF-1; and negative findings for Syn. The Ki-67 positivity index was approximately 60%. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with malignant esophageal melanoma with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. She was then treated with five cycles of camrelizumab therapy combined with chemotherapy from October 18, 2019, to May 5, 2020. Gastroscopy review following two courses of combination therapy revealed that the esophagus was 23-25 cm away from the incisors, and there were two continuous uplifted and beaded masses that had a smooth and black surface, with each of them having a length and diameter of approximately 1 cm. Melanosis of the mucosa around the lumen was observed at 40 cm from the incisors to the cardia; the dentate margin was clear; and the cardia had no stenosis. The patient then received five courses of combination therapy and became consistently stable after partial remission. No severe adverse events related to the immunotherapy were recorded. Camrelizumab may be a viable treatment option for patients with PMME. Additional evidence from future clinical trials and research is necessary to fully validate our findings.

Discovery of a second species in the genus Microlontha Petrovitz, 1967 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae)

A new species belonging to the poorly known genus Microlontha Petrovitz, 1967 is described from south-eastern Iran. Microlontha iranica Uliana Keith, new species is different from the only other species of the genus chiefly for the strongly dentate margin of the clypeus and the color pattern.

Cathaya vanderburghii, a misnomer for European Neogene fossil cones

AbstractSome fossil seed cones from the European Neogene identified to the genus Cathaya and published as a fossil‐species, Cathaya vanderburghii, are shown not to belong to Cathaya. In this paper, fossil C. vanderburghii is transferred to Nothotsuga and recombined as Nothotsuga vanderburghii comb. nov. An amended diagnosis and detailed description of N. vanderburghii are given. The fossil cones are characterised by ovoid to conical shape, rhombic to suborbicular and auriculate scales, and slightly exserted ligulate‐spathulate bracts with dentate margin and acute apex.

Ayenia albiflora, (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae) a new species from the Cerrado of Goiás, Central‐West Brazil

In this work, we describe a new species of Ayenia (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae). Ayenia albiflora sp. nov. is known from the Cerrado areas of southern Goiás, Central‐West Brazil. It can be distinguished from its relatives by its outlying white bisexual flowers and leaves with irregular dentate margin with obovate to subelliptic shape. A distribution map with known occurrence records, as well as comments on the ecology, morphological features and phenology of the species are provided. Moreover, we present an updated identification key of Ayenia species from Central‐West Brazil, distinguishing A. albiflora from its congeners.

Two axiidean ghost shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda) from India, Guyanacaris keralam sp. nov. (Axiidae) and Paragourretia galathea (K. Sakai, 2017) (Ctenochelidae).

Ghost shrimps collected from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone by the Fishery Oceanographic Research Vessel Sagar Sampada during two cruises in the eastern (105 metres depth) and southeastern Arabian Sea (101 and 326 metres depth) were studied. One male, identified as Guyanacaris keralam sp. nov. of the Axiidae, differs from its congeners in the unique armature of the rostrum, gastric region of carapace, pleonal pleural margins, dorsal margins of cheliped fingers, ventral margin of second pereopod merus, and lateral margins of telson; the presence of corneous spines on the propodi and dactyli of third and fourth pereopods, and the relative sizes of the ocular peduncles, antennular peduncle, scaphocerite and cheliped fingers. Guyanacaris K. Sakai, 2011 is re-diagnosed based on the presence of short supraocular spine and post-cervical carina on carapace, dentate margins of first two pleonal pleura, third to fifth pleura with angular to straight posterior margins, antennal scaphocerite with mesial spine at base, and presence of male first pleopod 1. Bruceaxius thailandensis K. Sakai, 2015 is tentatively retained in Bruceaxius K. Sakai, 2011, owing to absence of mesial spine at the base of scaphocerite, tuberculate upper margins of carpus, propodus and dactylus of major cheliped, and tri-segmented appendix masculina on male second pleopod. In addition, two males, diagnosed herein as Paragourretia galathea (K. Sakai, 2017) of the Ctenochelidae, differ from the holotype female only in the relative length of the terminal antennular article and the presence of a distomedian spinule on the telson, of all the features.

A new fern, Cladarastega burmanica gen. et sp. nov. (Dennstaedtiaceae: Polypodiales) in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

A new fern, Cladarastega burmanica gen. et sp. nov. (Dennstaedtiaceae: Polypodiales) is described from a fertile pinnule in Burmese amber. The new species has dentate margins with acute apices, furcated 1 and 2 forked free veins angled toward pinnule apex, elongate, multicellular and glandular hairs on the epidermis, epidermal peltate scales, sori roundish, apical and subapical on abaxial surface of fronds near vein endings and paraphyses. There are both inner and outer cup-shaped indusia. The inner indusium is initially solid but then disintegrates while still attached to the sorus. The sporangium is stalked with a vertical or slightly oblique annulus. The spores are tetrahedral trilete. Related topics discussed are phylogenetic studies on ages pertaining to the origin of the Dennstaedtiaceae in comparison to the age of the fossil, associations with competing angiosperms and insect herbivores of ferns.

First fossil record of Nothotsuga (Pinaceae) in China: implications for palaeobiogeography and palaeoecology

ABSTRACT Nothotsuga is a monotypic genus of Pinaceae endemic to southern China today. Molecular data indicate that Nothotsuga split from Tsuga during the Palaeogene with the earliest fossils from the upper Eocene of North Europe. However, Nothotsuga fossil has not been reported from China. Here, we describe several well-preserved seed cones from the upper Miocene of Tiantai County, Zhejiang Province, China. The fossil cones are characterised by ovate to elliptic shapes, rhombic to suborbicular and auriculate scales, and exserted subspathulate bracts with dentate margin and acute or acuminate apical cusp. These cones are ascribed to a new species Nothotsuga sinogaia sp. nov. based on detailed comparisons with all extant genera of Pinaceae. The present discovery indicate that Nothotsuga had a more northern distribution during the late Miocene and the increased annual range of monthly-mean temperature might have restricted its modern distribution to several scattered and fragmental areas in southern China.

A new anachoropterid fern from the Asselian (Cisuralian) Wuda Tuff Flora

A new anachoropterid fern Hansopteris uncinatus gen. et sp. nov. collected from the well-known Chinese “vegetational Pompeii” is recognized on the basis of both vegetative and fertile parts which are excellently preserved as adpressions, a few of which contain carbonized three-dimensional anatomy. Antepenultimate rachises average 3 mm in diameter and are covered by dense scales. Rachis anatomy conforms to the Anachoropteris clavata-type that is characterized by a horseshoe-shaped xylem trace with the lateral arms of its metaxylem being made up of larger tracheids than those in the medial part. Sterile fronds are tripinnately compound. Penultimate and ultimate pinnae are alternately arranged. Pinnules are sphenopterid with dentate margins. Hooked tendrils and aphlebiae are situated laterally and proximal to each penultimate rachis. On juvenile frond specimens, these structures are precocious, growing out before the laminate pinnae. The fertile frond is tripinnate with pinnules that are identical to their sterile equivalents. Round reproductive organs are about 1 mm in diameter and singly attached to each fertile pinnule. In situ spores are sub-triangular, trilete with labra and assignable to the dispersed miospore genus Leiotriletes (Naumova) Potonié et Kremp. Considering the overall preservation and the precocious hooked tendrils and aphlebiae, the growth habit of H. uncinatus is suggested to be a vine, although its stem is still unknown

New species of Lejeunea (Porellales: Lejeuneaceae) from Papua New Guinea

Three new species of Lejeunea (Lejeuneaceae) from Papua New Guinea are described and illustrated herein. They are L. heinarii, L. madangensis and L. marginedentata from Morobe, Madang and Sandaun (West Sepik) province, respectively. They were found growing as epiphytes on trees and inhabit the montane forests of the island. Lejeunea heinarii is characterized by the strongly inflated and inrolled leaf lobules, large reniform underleaves with retuse apices, and well-developed trigones with conspicuous intermediate thickenings (up to 4 per cell), while the distinguishing characters of L. madangensis are the 2-winged perianth keels, large reniform underleaves with cordate-auriculate bases, flat free margin of leaf lobules, and autoicy. Lejeunea marginedentata stood out among all its allies by the inflated perianths without keels, asymmetrical leaf lobes with strong arched dorsal margin and straight ventral margin, and the prominent dentate margin with acute teeth.

A REVIEW FROM HISTORICAL TO CURRENT-CELASTRUS PANICULATUS

Celastrus paniculatus is commonly known as “Malkangani”, widely distributed in the Maldives, Australia, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Nepal, Thailand as well as in the Pacific Islands and all over India mainly Maharashtra, Orissa and Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands on an altitude of 1800m. It climbs up to over 10m. The leaves are ovate or elliptic in shape with dentate margin. Seeds are ellipsoid or ovoid, yellowish-brown in color and grow inside the capsules. Celastrus paniculatus (Malkangni) is used in Ayurveda as a nervine tonic, tranquilizer and diuretic and in rheumatism, gout, leprosy and asthma. Different Parts of Celastrus paniculatus after extraction and fractionation give different active constituents such as sesquiterpene esters-malkanguinol, malkangunin, sesquiterpene alkaloids-celapanin, celapanigin, alkaloids-celastrine, paniculatine, fatty acids-oleic acid, palmittic acid, linoleic acid and stearic acid, crystalline substance tetracasanol and sterol. Different pharmacological activities are anti-rheumatic, anti-fungal, nootropic activity, antimalarial activity, anti spermatogenic effect, anti-anxiety and anti-atherosclerotic effect. In the present review, our target is to search, bring together and compile the data of Celastrus paniculatus, which have less side effects and very valuable for the treatment of rheumatism. Related information is procured from various scientific publications using online, seek out engines such as Google scholar, Pubmed and Science Direct. A total of 200 articles was reviewed out of which 55 articles are selected to review for the description of the plant, parts used, chemical constituents, traditional uses and for reported activities.

Pertya huangii (Asteraceae), a New Species from Yunnan, Southwest China

Pertya huangii Huan C. Wang & Q.P. Wang (Asteraceae) is described and illustrated as a new species endemic to Yunnan, southwest China. It belongs in Pertya sect. Pertya and is the westernmost species hitherto known for this section in China. Pertya huangii is most similar to P. hossei, but clearly differs from the latter by its terete, densely villous or sometimes glabrescent branchlets, abaxially villous leaves with a mucronate to acute apex and slightly dentate margin, leaf blades of long shoots being rounded at the base, and villose phyllaries.

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STANDARDIZATION OF PHYSALIS MINIMA L. LEAF

Objective: To evaluate the pharmacognostical and phytochemical parameters of Physalis minima leaf.
 Methods: The leaf of Physalis minima was examined for macroscopical, microscopical, physicochemical parameters and fluorescence analysis. Extracts obtained from the leaf was analyzed for phytochemical screening and estimation of total tannin, phenolic and flavonoid content following the standard procedure available in the literature.
 Results: Morphologically, the leaf was found to be ovate in shape, 5 to 8 cm long and up to 3 cm width with dentate margin, asymmetrical base, hairy surface, reticulate veins on each side of midrib, green in colour, characteristic odour and slight bitter in taste. Microscopic study has shown the important diagnostic characters of Solanaceae family which is characterized by presence of dorsiventral leaf with anomocytic stomata, grandular or uniseriate trichomes and cluster crystal of calcium oxalate. Physicochemical parameters like foreign organic matter (0.78%), loss on drying (8.23%), total ash (11.4%), acid insoluble ash (2.2%), water-soluble ash (6.1%), sulphated ash (2.4%) alcohol soluble extractive (10.4%), water-soluble extractive (9.5%), ether soluble extractive (1.8%) foaming index (below 100), swelling index (1), volatile oil and heavy metal content were quantified. Phytochemical analysis of different extracts of Physalis minima leaf has shown the presence of phytoconstituents viz. alkaloids, steroids, tannin, flavonoids, protein. Quantification of phytoconstituents was also reported like phenols (10.59±0.65 mg/gm equivalent to tannic acid), tannin (8.24±0.27 mg/gm equivalent to tannic acid) and flavonoids (87.17±0.87 mg/gm equivalent to rutin) respectively.
 Conclusion: This present study was provided the qualitative and quantitative standard of Physalis minima will help to prevent the possible steps of adulteration with other species of the same genus.

Bryoerythrophyllum sollmanianum (Pottiaceae), a new moss species from the Sino-Himalayan region

Bryoerythrophyllum sollmanianum J.A.Jiménez, M.J.Cano & Shevock is described and illustrated as a new species from the Sino-Himalayan region of China, Nepal and India. The species is corticolous, and easily distinguished from all its congeners in having stems with cluster of deciduous flagellate branchlets. Additionally, it is characterized by its lingulate leaves with apiculate apices, plane and regularly dentate margins above midleaf, costa ending below the apex, papillose basal cells that are not differentiated from the upper cells, and a rudimentary peristome. Its distinction from, and relationships with, similar species within the genus are discussed. Distribution of the new species is mapped.

Tricholepis khuzestanica sp. nov. (Asteraceae, Cardueae–Centaureinae) from Iran

Tricholepis khuzestanica Parishani (Asteraceae), a new species from Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran is described and illustrated. It differs from its closely allied species T. edmondsonii Rech. f. in having stems almost simple and ascending or arcuate‐ascending, larger, ovate leaves with dentate margins, much larger involucres, phyllaries with a purplish apica spine and longer flowers. The ecology, habitat and conservation status of the new species are also discussed. In addition, the geographic distribution of the new species and closely related species is presented and mapped.

Porella biedermanniisp. nov. (Marchantiophyta, Porellaceae) and Other New Records of Liverworts and Hornworts from Central Chile

Porella biedermannii from the Region del Maule in central Chile is described and illustrated. The species is characterized by ovate leaf lobes with curved inwards apices and dentate or appendiculate ventral base, obliquely inserted, oblong-ovate leaf lobules with distinctly reflexed apices and dentate margins, underleaves with distinctly reflexed apices and dentate margins, and stem surfaces covered with numerous filiform paraphyllia. The paper also reports 22 species of liverworts and two hornworts as new from the Region del Maule, and three liverwort species as new from Region Coquimbo of central Chile.

Pimpinella enguezekensis (Apiaceae), a new species from East Anatolia Region (Turkey)

The new species Pimpinella enguezekensis (Apiaceae) is described from Ağılbaşı village (Engüzek), Darende district in Malatya city (E of Turkey). It shows a unique combination of morphological characteristics concerning the size, shape and margins of leaves, the indumentum of petals and the morphology of fruits. It is related to Pimpinella species with entire leaves and yellow flower, such as P. flabellifolia, P. paucidentata, P. sintenisii and P. nephrophylla of section Reutera subsection Flabellifoliae. The new species is more closely related to P. flabellifolia, with which it shares some morphological similarities, but from which it is easily distinguished by its multi-stemmed habit, smaller rhomboid leaves with spiny dentate margins, glabrous petals, and smaller fruits lacking ribs. According to micromorphological studies, fruits of P. enguezekensis are glabrous and show reticulate striate surface. Furthermore, they also show remarkable anatomical differences with regard to fruits of P. flabellifolia, the commissure width in P. enguezekensis being more than twice smaller than in P. flabellifolia and the mericarp length/width ratio in P. enguezekensis being also smaller than in P. flabellifolia. An identification key of the yellow-flowered species with entire leaves is reported. Moreover, a distribution map for P. enguezekensis and other Turkish yellow-flowered related species is presented.

Christensonella ecallosa sp. nov. (Orchidaceae, Maxillariinae) from Guyana and Brazil

A new species of Christensonella (Orchidaceae, Maxillariinae) is described and illustrated based on herbarium material. The most important characters of Christensonella ecallosa Lipińska & Szlach. are the ovate lip, with transversely elliptic middle lobe, minutely dentate margins and very obscure lip callus, which forms an elevated thick pad near the base. Taking into account the habit, it may be misidentified as C. uncata, but they are clearly distinguished by the lip shape. The taxonomic affiliations of the new species are briefly discussed.