Detailed Anatomical Investigation Research Articles

Anatomical Study of Shorea robusta Gaertn.

Shorea robusta, commonly known as Sal, is one of the multipurpose timber trees in Nepal. This study aims to carry out detailed anatomical investigation of the wood and leaf anatomical traits of Sal. The wood and leaf samples of Sal were collected from Rupandehi district, Nepal. Wood of Sal was found to be diffuse-porous and the vessels were mostly solitary or paired and sometimes in a short radial multiple. Non-septate, vasicentric fibres forming solid tracts connected the vessels and rays; vasicentric parenchyma with lozenge aliform to aliform confluent arrangement; moderately broad, multiseriate rays and the presence of prismatic crystals in rays were the characteristic feature of the wood. Leaves were hypostomatic and the stomata were cyclocytic with four or more subsidiary cells surrounding the guard cells. Stellate, glandular trichomes were present in upper epidermis, while unicellular, simple, glandular, tufted trichomes were present in the lower epidermis. The increase in global trade has resulted in over-exploitation of forest resources, and hence in the present context, the identification and traceability of wood is highly crucial. The outcomes of this study are supposed to help in the identification of wood of Sal through their anatomical study.

Redescription and anatomical investigation of Schroederichthys maculatus Springer, 1966 and S. saurisqualus Soto, 2001 with comments on their systematics (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhiniformes: Atelomycteridae)

Schroederichthys maculatus and S. saurisqualus together with S. tenuis present an elongated postpelvic trunk region and are usually referred as the neotenic species group of the genus Schroederichthys. The original morphological description of the two former species was mainly focused on external morphology and detailed information on anatomical structures such as neurocranium and teeth are lacking. This study aims, therefore, to present further information on external morphology, teeth and dermal denticles and to reappraise and illustrate skeletal structures of Schroederichthys maculatus and S. saurisqualus. Ethanol-preserved specimens of both species were measured and dissected for the examination of internal anatomical structures, such as neurocranium, teeth, dermal denticles and visceral arches. Three new tooth measurements are proposed herein. Neurocranial measurements, disposition of orbital foramina and tooth characters vary among neotenic species of Schroederichthys and should be included in future cladistic analyses. A detailed anatomical investigation of S. bivius and S. chilensis is also recommended in order to shed light on the interrelationships within the genus.

Using X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography to Three-Dimensionally Visualize the Foregut of the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis).

Simple SummaryThe foregut of the glassy-winged sharpshooter is difficult to dissect and observe in three dimensions with SEM or TEM. We describe an X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT)-based method for studying the GWSS foregut including the precibarium and the cibarium, with high resolution. MicroCT imaging showed great promise for the study of the tissues and structures of small insects.Dissecting the heads of small insects belonging to the order Hemiptera for detailed anatomical investigation with light or scanning electron microscopy is difficult, time-consuming, and destructive, often resulting in sample preparation artifacts. Nevertheless, the structural details of these insects often hold critical information regarding their interactions with bacterial pathogens. For example, the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) is an efficient vector of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of Pierce’s disease in grape vines, but the foregut of this species is exceptionally difficult to dissect. Here, we describe a simple, non-destructive method to investigate the structure of the anterior gut of GWSS using high-resolution micro-computed X-ray tomography (microCT). The use of microCT eliminates the need for destructive dissection and reveals the morphology of small insects in three dimensions, allowing the user to virtually dissect the sample. The use of microCT imaging is a promising and powerful tool in the entomological sciences for studying the structures of vector insects, especially for difficult-to-dissect regions such as the foregut.

Anatomical, Palynological and Biochemical Studies on Gundelia dersim Vitek, Yüce & Ergin (Asteraceae) an Endemic of Turkey

The Asteraceae family is the largest in the plant kingdom in the world. Gundelia is a genus that belongs to this family and is commonly referred to as the kenger name in Anatolia. Gundelia dersim is also an endemic species defined from Eastern Anatolia. In this study, anatomical, palynological and biochemical properties of G. dersim were discussed. When the anatomical structure of G. dersim was examined, it was seen that the mesophyll type, in which the midrib of the leaf was developed, was unifacial. There are too many sclerenchymatic cells in the vascular bundles. In addition, laticifer elements were seen on the stem and leaf. Also, it was observed that the pollen of the species is in echinate ornamentation and pollen grains are radial symmetrical, isopolar, tricolporate. Following biochemical analysis, pigment analysis, total carbohydrate and lipid peroxidation were performed. The chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content of the species in both stem and leaf were analyzed, and the most chlorophyll content was found in the leaf. With this research, for the first time, a detailed anatomical investigation was conducted on the genus Gundelia, and it is a current view with the first consideration of the anatomical, palynological and biochemical aspects of G. dersim.

Phytopharmacognostical and Chromatographic Evaluation of Leaves of Launaea procumbens

Launaea procumbens leaves are galactagogue, diuretic, antifungal, anorexic, anti-arthritic and hepatoprotective according to Ayurvedic texts as well as modern research. Launaea species, particularly L. pinnatifida, is mentioned as one of the sources of Gojihva, regarding which there is controversy with respect to its true botanical identity. However, no detailed anatomical, phytochemical or chromatographic investigation is available for leaf of L. procumbens which can differentiate it from L. pinnatifida. The aim of this work is to develop standardization parameters of L. procumbens leaves by performing its pharmacognostical evaluation, preliminary phytochemical screening, HPTLC and GC-MS fingerprints. Pharmacognostic investigation of the leaves was performed by its morphological study, qualitative and quantitative microscopy as well as powder microscopy. Extraction of leaves was done by maceration using methanol. This extract was used for preliminary phytochemical screening and chemoprofiling by GC-MS, as well as for developing its HPTLC fingerprint. A mobile phase system was developed by pilot TLC, following which an HPTLC fingerprint was performed using the solvent system chloroform: methanol: ethyl acetate (3:7:6). Diagnostic microscopic characters identified in powder include unicellular covering trichome, xylem vessels, anomocytic stomata, and prisms of calcium oxalate crystal. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phytoconstituents classes like phenolics, anthraquinones, saponin glycosides, carbohydrates, sterols, triterpenoids and flavonoids. HPTLC fingerprinting detected 6 peaks with Rf 0.25, 0.37, 0.41, 0.50, 0.65, 0.78 at 254nm and 4 peaks with Rf 0.32, 0.37, 0.50, 0.66 at 366nm. GC-MS fingerprint revealed presence of propanoic acid anhydride, valeric anhydride, 2- Pyrrolidine acetic acid, phthalan, 5- (Hydroxy methyl)-2-(dimethoxy methyl) furan, vanillin, methyl β-l-Arabino pyranoside, 1,6-anhydro-β-D-Gluco pyranose and 6-Methyl-2-Heptanone, 6-(3,5-dimethyl-2-furanyl). Present study will be very useful for herbal industry in differentiating Launaea procumbens from other species of the genus Launaea, particularly L. pinnatifida (Gojihva) as well as for authentication, standardization and detection of adulteration in the leaf formulations of Launaea procumbens.

Strengthening Structures in the Petiole-Lamina Junction of Peltate Leaves.

Peltate- or umbrella- shaped leaves are characterised by a petiole more or less centrally attached to the lamina on the abaxial side. The transition from the petiole to lamina in peltate leaves resembles a significant and abrupt geometrical change from a beam to a plate in a very compact shape. Since these leaves have not been subject of many studies, the distribution of that specific leaf morphology in the plant kingdom was investigated. Furthermore, the connection between the petiole and lamina of several peltate species was studied anatomically and morphologically, focusing on the reinforcing fibre strands. We found peltate leaves in 357 species representing 25 orders, 40 families and 99 genera. The majority are herbaceous perennials growing in shady, humid to wet habitats mainly distributed in the subtropical–tropical zones. Detailed anatomical investigation of 41 species revealed several distinct principles of how the transition zone between the petiole and lamina is organised. In-depth analysis of these different types accompanied by finite element-modelling could serve as inspiration for supporting structures in lightweight construction.

Heritability of Anatomical Characteristics in Cherry Interspecific Hybrids

The aim of this study was to assess the stem anatomical structure of divergent cherry germplasm and estimate genetic variation and heritability as well as hybrid enhancement for anatomical traits of cherry interspecific hybrids. Plant material included 18 cherry genotypes representing seven species and species hybrids. Analyses included detailed anatomical investigations of 1- and 2-year-old stems’ macro and micro cross-sectional characteristics, theoretical hydraulic conductance calculations, as well as estimations of genotypic and phenotypic variances, coefficients of variation, broad sense heritability, hybrid enhancement, and potence ratio. Average vessel lumen areas and percentages of vessels belonging to different size classes exhibited moderate to high heritability (more than 60%). In contrast, macro-anatomical characteristics—cambial-induced secondary thickening and production of secondary wood (xylem) and secondary cortex (phloem), appeared to be more environmentally sensitive. The high heritability of xylem vessel properties and low heritability of cross-sectional traits, along with previous knowledge regarding cambial-induced secondary thickening observed in the same germplasm, could be used to inform parentage choice for rootstock breeding crosses. The results support the hypothesis that xylem vessel size is primarily under genetic control and exhibits different degrees of dominance—partial (very close to better parent), full, and overdominance. It is presumed that the MSU rootstocks ‘Cass’ and ‘Clare’, followed by ‘Benzie’ and ‘Lake’ would have the greatest size-controlling effect on grafted cherry varieties, while Prunus maackii, the P. maackii × ‘Montmorency’ hybrid , and ‘Montmorency’ × ‘Colt’ hybrid would act as invigorating rootstocks. Our findings suggest that future hybrids between Prunus cerasus and Prunus fruticosa, the ‘weaker’ parental species characterized by smaller vessels, would result in rootstock candidates with better size-controlling effect, while crossings between P. fruticosa and Prunus mahaleb should have well-balanced vessel lumen areas and cambial activity, which is a prerequisite for successful adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

Anatomical characteristics of fossil wood collected from the Manchar Formation (Miocene), Thano Bula Khan, Sindh, Pakistan

The characterization of petrified wood provides valuable information about paleoclimatology and geological history and helps to reconstruct the past forest flora of different parts of the earth. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of fossil wood of the Miocene age collected from the Manchar Formation exposed at Thano Bula Khan, Sindh, Pakistan. In order to carry out a detailed anatomical investigation, three-dimensional sections were prepared using a petrotome. The microscopic analysis allowed us to study vessel size and arrangement, wood parenchyma, fibers, and xylem rays. Based on the comparison between recent and fossil wood, we concluded that the investigated characters are comparable with those of the genus Atalantia Corrêa of the Rutaceae family. Therefore, it was named as Atalantioxylon thanobolensis sp. nov. with reference to the location of Thano Bula Khan from which the fossil wood was collected.

‘Polynesians’ in the Brazilian hinterland? Sociohistorical perspectives on skulls, genomics, identity, and nationhood

In 1876, Brazilian physical anthropologists De Lacerda and Peixoto published findings of detailed anatomical and osteometric investigation of the new human skull collection of Rio de Janeiro’s Museu Nacional. They argued not only that the Indigenous ‘Botocudo’ in Brazil might be autochthonous to the New World, but also that they shared analogic proximity to other geographically very distant human groups – the New Caledonians and Australians – equally attributed limited cranial capacity and resultant inferior intellect. Described by Blumenbach and Morton, ‘Botocudo’ skulls were highly valued scientific specimens in 19th-century physical anthropology. A recent genomic study has again related ‘the Botocudo’ to Indigenous populations from the other side of the world by identifying ‘Polynesian ancestry’ in two of 14 Botocudo skulls held at the Museu Nacional. This article places the production of scientific knowledge in multidisciplinary, multiregional historical perspectives. We contextualize modern narratives in the biological sciences relating ‘Botocudo’ skulls and other cranial material from lowland South America to Polynesia, Melanesia, and Australia. With disturbing irony, such studies often unthinkingly reinscribe essentialized historic racial categories such as ‘the Botocudos’, ‘the Polynesians’, and ‘the Australo-Melanesians’. We conclude that the fertile alliance of intersecting sciences that is revolutionizing understandings of deep human pasts must be informed by sensitivity to the deep histories of terms, classification schemes, and the disciplines themselves.

A Design for the Dual Skin Paddle Circumflex Scapular Artery Perforator Flap for the Reconstruction of Complex Soft-Tissue Defects in Children

The main drawbacks of the use of the circumflex scapular artery perforator (CSAP) flap for complex soft-tissue defect repair are the limitation of skin paddle size, which can be harvested to allow precise wound coverage and primary closure of the donor site. We developed a variant of the dual skin paddle CSAP flap to extend its applications and minimize donor-site morbidity when reconstructing complex soft-tissue defects in children. A detailed anatomical investigation of circumflex scapular artery (CSA) branches was conducted using a standardized injection of lead oxide in 25 fresh cadavers. Dual skin paddle CSAP flaps were harvested for the reconstruction of complex defects in the extremities in 16 children. Three types of dual skin paddle CSAP flap were used in this study: transverse chain-shaped, oblique chain-shaped, and trefoil-shaped flaps. Three CSA branching patterns with superior branch diameters were observed: 34% of CSAs were of the transverse branch dominant type, 54% were of the descending branch dominant type, and 12% were of the codominant type. Sixteen dual skin paddle CSAP flaps were elevated successfully; they were of the transverse chain-shaped type in 2 cases, the oblique chain-shaped type in 9 cases, and the trefoil-shaped type in 5 cases. All flaps survived postoperatively. Primary closure of the donor site was achieved in all cases. The CSA system is an appropriate source for harvesting dual skin paddle CASP flap. Use of this flap for the reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects in the extremities in children is an alternative approach that reduces morbidity and improves the cosmetic outcome at the donor site.

Anatomy of the cavernous muscles of the kangaroo penis highlights marsupial-placental dichotomy.

The mammalian penis is a complex hydraulic organ of cavernous (spongy) tissue supported by both smooth and skeletal muscle structures. In placental mammals, the paired ‎Musculus ischiocavernosi anchor the corpora cavernosa to the pelvis (at the ischium), and the paired M.bulbospongiosi converge as they envelop the base of the corpus spongiosum. Male marsupials have a dramatically different anatomy, however, in which both sets of paired muscles remain separate, have a bulbous, globular shape and do not have any direct connection to the pelvis. Here we provide the first detailed anatomical investigation of the muscles of the penis in the western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) incorporating dissection, histology, vascular casting and computed tomography. The M.ischiocavernosus and M.bulbospongiosus form massive, multipennate bodies of skeletal muscle surrounding the paired roots of the corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum, respectively. Bilateral vascular supply is via both the artery of the penis and the ventral perineal artery. Histological examination reveals cavernous tissues with substantial smooth muscle supported by fibroelastic trabeculae, surrounded by the thick collagenous tunica albuginea. The M.ischiocavernosus and M.bulbospongiosus are known to function during erection of the penis and ejaculation via muscular contraction increasing blood pressure within cavernous vascular tissues. The thick muscular anatomy of the kangaroo would be well suited to this function. The absence of any connection to the bony pelvis in marsupials suggests the possibility of different mechanisms of action of these muscles with regard to reduction of venous return, eversion from the cloaca, or movements such as penile flips, which have been described in some placental mammals. This highlights a greater diversity in form and function in the evolution of the mammalian penis than has been previously considered.

Anatomical Error of Pierre Marie's "Zone Lenticulaire".

In a series of papers which appeared in 1906, Pierre Marie advanced a new concept of aphasiology against the classical view based on functional localization of cerebral cortex. He denied the role of Broca's area in language function and proposed as the center for articulation "zone lenticulaire," the lesion of which causes anarthria. But his illustration of "zone lenticulaire" which appears repeatedly in his papers dealing with aphasia, is anatomically incorrect since the most important portions of Broca's area, opercular part and triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus are missing in his illustration. The detailed anatomical investigation of Marie's illustrations reveals that he repeated the same errors in identifying rolandic and frontal opercula. But the similar mistake of identifying these opercula is also seen in Dejerine's "Anatomie des Centres Nerveux."

Fertile Prototaxites taiti: a basal ascomycete with inoperculate, polysporous asci lacking croziers.

The affinities of Prototaxites have been debated ever since its fossils, some attaining tree-trunk proportions, were discovered in Canadian Lower Devonian rocks in 1859. Putative assignations include conifers, red and brown algae, liverworts and fungi (some lichenised). Detailed anatomical investigation led to the reconstruction of the type species, P. logani, as a giant sporophore (basidioma) of an agaricomycete (= holobasidiomycete), but evidence for its reproduction remained elusive. Tissues associated with P. taiti in the Rhynie chert plus charcoalified fragments from southern Britain are investigated here to describe the reproductive characters and hence affinities of Prototaxites Thin sections and peels (Pragian Rhynie chert, Aberdeenshire) were examined using light and confocal microscopy; Přídolí and Lochkovian charcoalified samples (Welsh Borderland) were liberated from the rock and examined with scanning electron microscopy. Prototaxites taiti possessed a superficial hymenium comprising an epihymenial layer, delicate septate paraphyses, inoperculate polysporic asci lacking croziers and a subhymenial layer composed predominantly of thin-walled hyphae and occasional larger hyphae. Prototaxites taiti combines features of extant Taphrinomycotina (Neolectomycetes lacking croziers) and Pezizomycotina (epihymenial layer secreted by paraphyses) but is not an ancestor of the latter. Brief consideration is given to its nutrition and potential position in the phylogeny of the Ascomycota.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'The Rhynie cherts: our earliest terrestrial ecosystem revisited'.

Unfertilized ovary pushes wheat flower open for cross-pollination.

Bread wheat is strongly autogamous; however, an opportunity for outcrossing occurs when self-pollination fails and florets open. The first phase of floret opening at anthesis is short and induced by lodicule turgidity. Some wheat florets re-open post-anthesis for several days, known as the 'second opening', for which the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We performed detailed physiological, anatomical, and histological investigations to understand the biological basis of the flower opening process. Wheat florets were observed open when the ovary was unfertilized. Unfertilized ovaries significantly increased in radial size post-anthesis, pushing the lemma and palea apart to open the florets. The absence of fertile pollen was not directly linked to this, but anther filament elongation coincided with initiation of ovary swelling. The pericarp of unfertilized ovaries did not undergo degeneration as normally seen in developing grains, instead pericarp cells remained intact and enlarged, leading to increased ovary radial size. This is a novel role for the ovary pericarp in wheat flower opening, and the knowledge is useful for facilitating cross-pollination in hybrid breeding. Ovary swelling may represent a survival mechanism in autogamous cereals such as wheat and barley, ensuring seed set in the absence of self-fertilization and increasing genetic diversity through cross-pollination.

Morphological basis for a tonotopic design of an insect ear.

The tonotopically organized hearing organs of bushcrickets provide the opportunity for a detailed correlation of morphological and structural properties within hearing organs that are needed to establish tonotopic gradients. In the present study of a tonotopic insect hearing organ, we combine mechanical measurements of sound-induced hearing organ motion and detailed anatomical investigations to explore the anatomical basis of tonotopy. We compare mechanical data of frequency responses along the auditory organ to several anatomical parameters. Low frequency responses are related to larger organ and cap cell size in the proximal part of the hearing organ while in the distal part of the organ, small organ and cap cell size is related to high-frequency representation. However, the correlation between organ and cap cell size with continuous frequency representation along the organ is not very tight. Instead, the height of the organ and the corresponding length of the sensory dendrites are best correlated to tonotopic frequency representation. The sensory dendrite contains a ciliary root with a pronounced cross-banding of electron-dense material that should be important for the stiffness of the dendrite. The geometry of surrounding structures like the hemolymph channel and the acoustic trachea as well as the extension of the tectorial membrane are not correlated to the tonotopy. We provide evidence that tonotopy in the bushcricket hearing organ may depend on the size of ciliary structures. In particular, the ciliary root of the sensory cells is a likely cellular basis of tonotopy.

The twisted structure of the Achilles tendon unraveled: A detailed quantitative and qualitative anatomical investigation.

The Achilles tendon (AT) consists of fibers originating from the soleus muscle (SOL), which lies deep, and the medial (GM) and lateral (GL) heads of the gastrocnemius muscle, which lie superficial. As the fibers descend toward the insertion of the AT, the individual subtendons twist around each other. The aim of this study was to investigate the twisted structure of the AT and its individual subtendons. Specimens of the AT, with preserved calcaneal bone and a fragment of the triceps surae muscle, were obtained from 53 fresh-frozen, male cadavers (n=106 lower limbs). The angle of torsion of each of the AT's subtendons was measured using a specially designed and 3D-printed tool. The mean distance between the most distal fibers of the triceps surae muscle and the superior border of the calcaneal bone was 60.77±14.15mm. The largest component of the AT at the level of its insertion into the calcaneal bone is the subtendon from the GL (44.43%), followed by the subtendon from SOL (27.89%), and the subtendon from GM (27.68%). The fibers originating from the GM rotate on average 28.17±15.15°, while the fibers originating from the GL and SOL twist 135.98±33.58° and 128.58±29.63°, respectively. The torsion of superficial fibers (GM) comprising the AT is significantly lower than that of deeper fibers (GL and SOL). The cross-sectional area of the AT is smaller at the level of the musculo-tendinous junction than at the level of its insertion. This study illustrates the three types of the AT with differently twisting subtendons, as well as a generalized model of the AT. Types of AT torsion may potentially alter the biomechanical properties of the tendon, thus possibly influencing the pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to the development of various tendinopathies.

Computed Tomographic Angiography-Based Planning of Bipedicled DIEP Flaps with Intraflap Crossover Anastomosis: An Anatomical and Clinical Study.

When using deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps in breast reconstruction, harvesting bipedicled flaps can be a valuable option in cases requiring the transfer of a large portion of harvested flaps. Connecting the bilateral deep inferior epigastric arteries (DIEAs) by intraflap crossover anastomosis is one of the most popular methods of constructing bipedicled DIEP flaps. Planning the primary and secondary pedicle configurations for reliable intraflap crossover anastomosis is crucial. To achieve this, detailed anatomical DIEA information might be helpful. However, meticulous planning of bipedicled DIEP flaps based on computed tomographic angiography has not been reported. Detailed anatomical investigation of DIEA branches was conducted using computed tomographic angiographs of 100 hemiabdomens. Thirty-eight prospectively collected patients who underwent breast reconstruction using bipedicled DIEP flaps with intraflap crossover under computed tomographic angiography-based planning were reviewed. Three intramuscular DIEA branching patterns with distinct branch point topography, branch diameters, and superior continuations cranial to sizable perforators were observed. In the prospective clinical study, a primary pedicle with a recipient branch for intraflap crossover anastomosis could be specified preoperatively using computed tomographic angiography-based anatomical data of the pedicles, including size of DIEA branches or their superior continuation and size of perforators. In all cases, the bipedicle configuration was easily achieved as planned on computed tomographic angiography, and secure perfusion of the entire flap was achieved. The authors' results suggest that computed tomographic angiography provides detailed anatomical DIEA information, and comprehensive analysis of these data allows precise planning of bipedicle configurations with intraflap crossover anastomosis in DIEP flaps. Therapeutic, IV.

Cell differentiation and tissue formation in the unique fruits of devil's claws (Martyniaceae).

• Premise of the study: Martyniaceae are characterized by capsules with two upwardly curved, horn-shaped extensions representing morphologically specialized epizoochorous fruits. Because the capsules are assumed to cling to hooves and ankles of large mammals, fiber arrangement and tissue combinations within the endocarp ensuring proper attachment to the vector's feet during transport are of particular interest. In this first detailed anatomical investigation, the functional adaptation of the fruits and their implications for the specific dispersal mode are provided. The peculiar fiber arrangement may also be of interest for future biomimetic composite materials.• Methods: Endocarp anatomy and details of tissue differentiation were examined in fruits of Ibicella lutea and Proboscidea louisianica subsp. fragrans combining light microscopy, SEM, and x-ray microtomography analysis.• Key results: While tips of the extensions are predominantly reinforced by longitudinally oriented fibers, in the middle segment these fibers are densely packed in individual bundles entwined and separated by transversely elongated cells. Within the capsule wall, the fiber bundles are embedded in a dense mesh of transversely oriented fibers that circularly reinforce and protect the loculus. This fibrous pericarp tissue develops within few days by localized cell divisions and intrusive growth of primarily isodiametric parenchyma cells in the pistil.• Conclusions: The study allows insight into a unique and complex example of functionally driven cell growth and tissue formation. Long-horned fruits of Martyniaceae obviously are highly specialized to epizoochorous dispersal, pointing to primary vector-related seed dispersal. The highly ordered arrangement of fibers results in a great mechanical firmness.

Evaluation of developmental responses of two crop plants exposed to silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles

The increasing applications of different nanomaterials in the myriad of nano-enabled products and their potential for leaching have raised considerable environmental, health and safety (EHS) concerns. As systematic studies investigating potential anomalies in the morphology and anatomy of crop plants are scarce, herein we report on the developmental responses of two agriculturally significant crop plants, maize (Zea mays L.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.), upon in vitro exposure to nanoparticles of citrate-coated silver (Citrate–nAg) and zinc oxide (nZnO). Analyses involve histology of the primary root morphology and anatomy using light microscopy, metal biouptake, moisture content, rate of germination, and root elongation. Comparative toxicity profiles of the ionic salts (AgNO3 and ZnSO4) are developed. Notably, we uncover structural changes in maize primary root cells upon exposure to Citrate–nAg, nZnO, AgNO3, and ZnSO4, possibly due to metal biouptake, suggesting potential for functional impairments in the plant growth and development. Citrate–nAg exposure results in lower Ag biouptake compared to AgNO3 treatment in maize. Microscopic evidence reveals ‘tunneling-like effect’ with nZnO treatment, while exposure to AgNO3 leads to cell erosion in maize root apical meristem. In maize, a significant change in metaxylem count is evident with Citrate–nAg, AgNO3, and ZnSO4 treatment, but not with nZnO treatment (p>0.1). In both maize and cabbage, measures of germination and root elongation reveal lower nanoparticle toxicity compared to free ions. As moisture data do not support osmotically-induced water stress hypothesis for explaining toxicity, we discuss other proximate mechanisms including the potential role of growth hormones and transcription factors. These findings highlight previously overlooked, anatomically significant effects of metal nanoparticles, and recommend considering detailed anatomical investigations in tandem with the standard developmental phytotoxicity assays (germination and root elongation) as the latter ones appear less sensitive for screening plant responses to nanomaterial insults.

Auditory cortex of the marmoset monkey – complex responses to tones and vocalizations under opiate anaesthesia in core and belt areas

Many anaesthetics commonly used in auditory research severely depress cortical responses, particularly in the supragranular layers of the primary auditory cortex and in non-primary areas. This is particularly true when stimuli other than simple tones are presented. Although awake preparations allow better preservation of the neuronal responses, there is an inherent limitation to this approach whenever the physiological data need to be combined with histological reconstruction or anatomical tracing. Here we tested the efficacy of an opiate-based anaesthetic regime to study physiological responses in the primary auditory cortex and middle lateral belt area. Adult marmosets were anaesthetized using a combination of sufentanil (8 μg/kg/h, i.v.) and N2 O (70%). Unit activity was recorded throughout the cortical layers, in response to auditory stimuli presented binaurally. Stimuli consisted of a battery of tones presented at different intensities, as well as two marmoset calls ('Tsik' and 'Twitter'). In addition to robust monotonic and non-monotonic responses to tones, we found that the neuronal activity reflected various aspects of the calls, including 'on' and 'off' components, and temporal fluctuations. Both phasic and tonic activities, as well as excitatory and inhibitory components, were observed. Furthermore, a late component (100-250 ms post-offset) was apparent. Our results indicate that the sufentanil/N2 O combination allows better preservation of response patterns in both the core and belt auditory cortex, in comparison with anaesthetics usually employed in auditory physiology. This anaesthetic regime holds promise in enabling the physiological study of complex auditory responses in acute preparations, combined with detailed anatomical and histological investigation.