Fragments Of Epidermis Research Articles

Plant remains preserved in products of metal corrosion: source of evidence on ancient plant materials and environment from burial contexts

By-products of metal corrosion, when coming into contact with organic matter, have the capacity to preserve it from decay. A pilot study was conducted aiming to explore the potential and limitations of plant remains preserved in by-products of metal corrosion for archaeobotanical research. The organic remains considered come from the surface/immediate proximity of the metal funerary artefacts of two ancient cemeteries—Varna and Messambria, Eastern Bulgaria. Metal corrosion by-products were observed and sampled, under a low magnification stereo microscope. Subsequently, the plant macrofossils recognised were analysed under reflected light and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, pollen was extracted from the metal corrosion by-products, using standard acetolysis. The analyses from the graves of both cemeteries allowed identification of textiles and plant fibres, as well as wood (Cornus sp., Pinus sp., Viburnum sp.). At Varna cemetery epidermis fragments of Juncus sp. were recognized, while at Messambria necropolis fruits of almond were found. The pollen analysis from Varna points to use of flowers in the ritual (Daphne tetrads were recorded) and shows a notably open landscape with 77% non-arboreal pollen (NAP). The palynological analysis from the Messambria necropolis revealed the use of flowers in the burial ritual indicated by clusters of Vitis, Cistus and Rosaceae pollen. The surrounding vegetation was dominated by open oak woodland and open habitats (43% NAP) with a strong presence of anthropogenic indicators. The outcome of the study proved to be promising for reconstructing details of the burial rituals including associated plant materials, as well as the surrounding plant habitats during the functioning of the cemeteries.

Autumn diet of European Hare (Lepus europaeus) in the Naszály hills

The European Hare (Lepus europaeus) is an important but declining game species in most of Europe and the availability of food is an important limiting factor. We investigated the Autumn diet of hares in a small orchard farm in Northern Hungary to determine what proportion of their food was composed of fruits and protein rich fabaceous plants with the expectation that fabaceous plants would be more important in the diet. European Hare faecal pellets were collected on a single day, the entire study area was systematically searched for pellets. Additionally, reference samples were made of fruit and fabaceous plants collected on the study site the same day. The diet was investigated using microhistological analysis of the epidermis fragments found in the European Hare pellets. The diet was separated into four categories: seeds, fruits, fabaceous plants and other. It was also investigated if the number of pellets taken from different droppings used for the analysis would have a significant impact on the results. The distribution was tested using the Chi2 test and was found to be insignificant, the results suggest for a study area of such small size the number of pellets used to investigate the diet is not important. European hare did not consume high amounts of fruit and fabaceous plants, each only accounted for less than five percent of their diet and fabaceous plants were not consumed in a significantly higher amount compared to fruits on this farm area.

Morphological, physicochemical, and phytochemical characterization of Camellia dormoyana (Pierre) Sealy from Vietnam

Abstract. Luan DT, Chen TV, Nguyen DD, Truong QC, Thang KH, Nhi NTT, Giang VNL, Sang NX, Triet NT. 2022. Morphological, physicochemical, and phytochemical characterization of Camellia dormoyana (Pierre) Sealy from Vietnam. Biodiversitas 23: 5869-5883. Camellia dormoyana (Pierre) Sealy has been used as a flavor, beverage, and folk medicine. Micromorphological features, physicochemical, and phytochemical aspects of C. Dormoyana have not been reported. Thus, further research is necessary to accurately verify the plants and determine their quality and safety for raw materials. This study aimed to characterize morphological, physicochemical, and phytochemical aspects of C. dormoyana from Vietnam. The results present that the species is easily distinguished macromorphologically by the superior ovary, 5-or 6-carpellate, glabrous, and styles glabrous, 5-or 6-parted, and uniformly fused. Micromorphologically, the structure of leaves and stems have similarities between the investigated species in the genus Camellia. Cork-wart, anisotricytic stoma, and stomatal clusters were found in the lower epidermis surface of leaves. The common presence of calcium oxalate crystals and sclereid cells was observed in the stem and the petiole. All epidermis fragments, parenchymal fragments, starch granules, calcium oxalate crystals, sclereid cells, spiral vessels, and red-brown oleoresin masses are standard components present in leaf powder. The physicochemical parameters of leaf powders all meet acceptable standards. The phytochemical compositions of the leaf extract contain lipids, carotenoids, essential oil, reducing compounds, amino acids, triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids.

Empirical Rule of Fruit Rind Fragmentation in Muskmelon Netting

The suberized netting tissue on the surface of muskmelons is a remnant of the rind fragmentation caused by the mechanical imbalance between the expanding flesh meat and the solidified epidermis during growth. The appearance of this netting pattern is an important indicator for assessing the quality of muskmelons; however, very few quantitative studies have been conducted on the geometry of the netting. This study statistically analyzed the areas of fine epidermis fragments surrounded by the net using image analysis and explored a common rule governing the probability distribution of the fragment area. We found that the fragment area distribution follows a universal law by the modified Bessel function, which is consistent with the theoretical argument for the fracture behavior of brittle materials.

A new method to determine the diet of pygmy hippopotamus in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire

AbstractDiet determination of endangered species is an essential element in defining successful conservation strategies and optimising captive breeding programmes. In this study, we developed a new diet identification system, derived from standard faecal analysis, to determine the diet of an elusive and endangered herbivore, the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis). We collected faecal samples from 10 free‐ranging individuals covering a combined home range area of about 50 km2 in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. In subsequent laboratory analyses, we extracted a large number of leaf epidermis fragments from spatially separated faecal samples and compared them with a reference plant database. Using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) of epidermis fragments combined with direct visual inspection, we identified the most frequently consumed plant species, which revealed that pygmy hippopotami qualified as intermediate feeders. Their diet was based on at least seven species of monocotyledonae, dicotyledonae and fern groups, with a preference for a small number of other plant species. We evaluate the merit of our method and discuss our findings for developing effective conservation and captive breeding strategies in an endangered species with a wild population of less than 2500 adult individuals.

KARAKTERISASI SIMPLISIA SKRINING FITOKIMIA DAN UJI TOKSISITAS EKSTRAK ETANOL HERBA BINTARO (Cerbera manghas L.) TERHADAP Artemia salina Leach

The use of anticancer chemotherapy with chemicals has not given optimal results because the drug does not work specifically, in addition to attacking cancer cells it also damages normal cells. Bintaro (Cerbera mangha L.) is a wild plant that contains secondary metabolites which have been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic applications. Several studies have stated that Bintaro has activities as aanti cancer. The purpose of this researchto know the characteristics of Bintaro herb simplicia (Cerbera manghas L.) which can be determined using the procedures listed in the Materia Medika Indonesia book, knowing the class of secondary metabolites contained in the ethanol extract of bintaro herbs (Cerbera manghas L.), andknowing the level of toxicity of the ethanol extract of the herb bintaro (Cerbera manghas L.). The method used in this research is experimental with the post-test only controlled group design. The results of the characterization on the organoleptic test of Bintaro herb simplicia, namely the leaves are dark brown, the taste is slightly bitter then bitter, the stems are dark brown and shrinking, the smell is distinctive and tasteless, and the flowers are dark brown, characteristic odor and tasteless, after being ground to a powder. dark brown. The results of the microscopic test, the leaf herb simplicia samples obtained fragments, namely diasitic type stomata, spiral vessel fragments and upper epidermis fragments with palisade cells. As for the stem herbs, there were tissue fragments of sclerenchyma fibers, vessel fragments, parenchymal fragments with clumps of brown secretions. Sclereid fragments were found in the floral herb samples.6%, for determination of water-soluble extract content obtained = 20.06%, ethanol soluble extract content = 2.18%, total ash content = 12.62%, acid insoluble ash content = 6.11%. positive bintaro herbs contain compounds of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins and saponins. From the calculation of the LC50 value, it can be concluded that the entanol extract of the Bintaro herb is included in the very toxic category with a value ofLC50 < 30 g/mlthat is9.35g/mL.

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb

The present study was conducted to investigate the Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. (Family: Saxifragaceae) for pharmacognostic study including macroscopical and microscopical observations, leaf surface features, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fluorescence characters. The macroscopy revealed that rhizome was brown in color, hard in fracture, pleasant in odor and astringent in taste. Leaf was cordate, green in color and indistinct in taste and odour, while microscopy of rhizome and leaf showed typical dicot histological differentiation. Leaf was amphistomatic having anomocytic stomata on both the epidermises. The quantitative leaf study showed that the stomatal numbers of upper and lower epidermises were (20± 0.7) and (24.2 ± 2.7) (average ± SEM), while stomatal index was (15.6 ± 2.6) and (27.4 ± 3.9) respectively. Vein islet and vein termination number was (20.6 ± 4.09 and 26.6 ± 5.01), while palisade ratio remained (12.3 ± 3.71). SEM of the powder showed non-glandular trichomes, spiral vessels, parenchymatous tissues and fragments of epidermis with anomocytic stomata. Fluorescence study indicates different shadows of colors like brown, black, greenish, yellowish, red, brown, dark black, pink etc. that revealed the presence of different fluorescent chemical compounds. The current research was done for the first time on Bergenia and might be beneficial for its accurate identification, standardization and will give a base for its pharmacognistic applications. Keywords: Bergenia ciliata; Pharmacognostic evaluation; Quantitative leaf microscopy; SEM; Fluorescence study http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60081

Pharmacognostic specifications and quantification of oleanolic acid and lupeol in Mollugo oppositifolia Linn.

Background: Mollugo oppositifolia, is one of the plants commonly used as, ‘Parpata’ by Ayurvedic practitioners. It is indicated as a bitter tonic, antiseptic and febrifuge. Aim: To generate and ensemble data of physical parameters for ascertaining the identification and to develop validated HPTLC method for quantification of oleanolic acid and lupeol in M. oppositifolia. Materials and Methods: M. oppositifolia was studied for establishing pharmacognostic standards including macro and microscopical characters, physico-chemical analysis and quantification of oleanolic acid and lupeol by HPTLC method. Results: It is an annual, prostrate herb with linear-lanceolate leaf and white coloured flower. Microscopically root can be characterized by crescent shaped phloem associated with continuous or discontinuous rings of xylem; stem by epidermis bearing multi-cellular simple and glandular trichomes, and sclerenchymatous pericycle; and leaf by continuous band of a palisade cells and rosettes and prisms of calcium oxalate throughout parenchyma. Powdered drug can be typified by multi-cellular trichomes, fragments of epidermis of leaf in surface view, epidermis of corolla and entire or broken seeds. Saponins and flavanoids were found be the major components. HPTLC method was developed for quantification of oleanolic acid and lupeol using precoated silica gel plates as a stationary phase, and toluene: methanol (9.4: 0.6) as a mobile phase and scanning the plate at 545 nm. The amount of oleanolic acid and lupeol were found to be 0.027-0.029% w/w and 0.015-0.016% w/w respectively. Conclusion: The quality parameters and HPTLC method developed would serve as useful gauge in standardization of Mollugo oppositifolia.

Modulation Possibilities of the Tissue Wettability, Marker of the Physical Modifications Produced by Senescence versus Photo Senescence at Tegument Level

We used an experimental model involving white Westar rats (young and old) who were subjected to precise doses of ultraviolet radiation (UV). The experiment aims to examine the influence of epidermis potential protection factors in photo senescence versus senescence. We have studied the in vivo effect of some natural polyphones extracted from black grapes seeds and zinc aspartate and in vitro effect of AED (deuterium depleted water). The substances were administered by intragastric gavages, at two days intervals for two weeks prior to UV irradiation and during the entire period of the experiment (28 days). In the end, we determined the degree of hydrophilicity of the skin, in vitro, by measuring the contact angle value, which was inversely proportional to the hydrophilicity of the tissue (the angle formed at the contact between a liquid and a solid surface). Using this method we found a large variability depending on the hydrophilicity of the epidermis (abdomen and back), the age of the animal and UV/non UV irradiation. The maintenance of the epidermis fragments in AED (for 6 hours) increased significantly the tissue wet ability degree both in the young rats subject to UV and in the senescent ones subject to UV (photo senescence).

Resource partitioning among African savanna herbivores in North Cameroon: the importance of diet composition, food quality and body mass

Abstract:The relationship between herbivore diet quality, and diet composition (the range of food plants consumed) and body mass on resource partitioning of herbivores remains the subject of an ongoing scientific debate. In this study we investigated the importance of diet composition and diet quality on resource partitioning among eight species of savanna herbivore in north Cameroon, with different body mass. Dung samples of four to seven wild herbivore and one domesticated species were collected in the field during the dry and wet period. Diet composition was based on microhistological examination of herbivore droppings, epidermis fragments were identified to genus or family level. In addition, the quality of the faecal droppings was determined in terms of phosphorus, nitrogen and fibre concentrations. The results showed that there was no significant correlation between body mass and (differences in) diet composition for wet and dry season. When all species are considered, only significant relationships are found by the Spearman rank correlation analyses during the wet season between body mass and phosphorus and nitrogen, but this relationship did not exist during the dry season. When the analyses focuses on ruminants only (thus leaving out hippo), none of the relationships between body mass and diet quality was significant in either season. During the dry season the proportion of graminoids ranged between 10% (small unidentified herbivore species) to 90% (hippopotamus), during the wet season this proportion ranged from 60% (zebu) to 90% (hippopotamus). All species but zebu had more graminoids in their dung during wet season compared with dry season. However all species but hartebeest had more graminoids old stems in their dung during the dry season, compared with the wet season. The niche breadth for food categories consumed by kob (0.300), hippo (0.090), hartebeest (0.350), roan (0.510) and zebu (0.300) was much greater in the dry season than in the wet season for kob (0.120), hippo (0.020), hartebeest (0.190), roan (0.090) and zebu (0.200). When looking at grass taxa consumed, the niche breadth of kob (0.220), hartebeest (0.140), and roan (0.250) was also greater in the dry season when compared with the wet season for kob (0.050), hartebeest (0.120) and roan (0.120). The opposite was found for zebu and hippo. Comparison of the species’ diet compositions with randomized data showed that dietary overlap between different herbivore species was much higher than what would be expected on the basis of chance, demonstrating surprisingly limited niche separation between species. This offers potential for competition, but it is more likely that the high niche overlap indicates absence of competition, due to low herbivore densities and abundant food resources, permitting species to share non-limiting resources. With increasing herbivore densities and subsequent increasing scarcity of resources, the relationship between diet quality and body mass in combination with increased niche separation is expected to become more visible.

The lens-regenerating competence in the outer cornea and epidermis of larval Xenopus laevis is related to pax6 expression.

After lentectomy, larval Xenopus laevis can regenerate a new lens by transdifferentiation of the outer cornea and pericorneal epidermis (lentogenic area). This process is promoted by retinal factor(s) accumulated into the vitreous chamber. To understand the molecular basis of the lens-regenerating competence (i.e. the capacity to respond to the retinal factor forming a new lens) in the outer cornea and epidermis, we analysed the expression of otx2, pax6, sox3, pitx3, prox1, betaB1-cry (genes all involved in lens development) by Real-time RT-PCR in the cornea and epidermis fragments dissected from donor larvae. The same fragments were also implanted into the vitreous chamber of host larvae to ascertain their lens-regenerating competence using specific anti-lens antibodies. The results demonstrate that there is a tight correlation between lens-regenerating competence and pax6 expression. In fact, (1) pax6 is the only one of the aforesaid genes to be expressed in the lentogenic area; (2) pax6 expression is absent in head epidermis outside the lentogenic area and in flank epidermis, both incapable of transdifferentiating into lens after implantation into the vitreous chamber; (3) in larvae that have undergone eye transplantation under the head or flank epidermis, pax6 re-expression was observed only in the head epidermis covering the transplanted eye. This is consistent with the fact that only the head epidermis reacquires the lens-regenerating competence after eye transplantation, forming a lens following implantation into the vitreous chamber; and (4) in larvae that have undergone removal of the eye, the epidermis covering the orbit maintained pax6 expression. This is consistent with the fact that after the eye enucleation the lentogenic area maintains the lens-regenerating competence, giving rise to a lens after implantation into the vitreous chamber. Moreover, we observed that misexpression of pax6 is sufficient to promote the acquisition of the lens-regenerating competence in flank epidermis. In fact, flank epidermis fragments dissected from pax6 RNA injected embryos could form lenses when implanted into the vitreous chamber. The data indicate for the first time that pax6 is a pivotal factor of lens-regenerating competence in the outer cornea and epidermis of larval X. laevis.

Evaluación de criterios de lectura microhistológica para la cuantificación de Sphaeralcea bonariensis (cav.), pl Lorentz en mezclas manuales

Sphaeralcea bonariensis (mallow) is a frequent component in goat diets in the semiarid silvopastoral systems of Santiago del Estero Province, Argentina. Quantification of mallow using the microhistological technique is difficult because trichomes often appear alone in the microscopic field of vision, detached from the epidermis. In an effort to better estimate the botanical composition of forage species in ruminant diets, four mixtures were prepared with different proportions of S. bonarieinsis, Tillandsia sp., Prosopis nigra and Sorghum halepensis. After collection, the botanical material was oven-dried, milled and prepared following the microhistological method, with 20 slides per mixture. Appearance frequency of species was determined microscopically to estimate the botanical composition of the mixtures. Readings were considered positive according to one of two criteria: 1) epidermis fragments only, and 2) epidermis fragments, or three or more detached hairs. A similarity index was used to compare the resulting values. The similarity index results were statistically analized (ANOVA) as a factorial experiment with a totally randomized design (4x2). The Anova between similarity index values showed significant differences between criterion x mixture. Criterion 1 was most accurate in quantifying mixtures with low (10 %) mallow content, and Criterion 2 was more effective in quantifying mixtures with more than 50% mallow. Proportions of 80 % mallow resulted in underestimation, independent of the estimation criterion applied.

Technical Notes on the Preparation of Leaf and Epidermis Specimens for Reference Collections and Archaeobotanical Investigations

Technical notes are provided for the preparation of reference specimens and archaeological specimens of leaves and epidermis fragments (including cuticles) for transmitted light microscopy. Equipment requirements, logistical considerations and processing steps are outlined and a method of clearing, staining and mounting is described and evaluated.

Technical Notes on the Preparation of Leaf and Epidermis Specimens for Reference Collections and Archaeobotanical Investigations

Technical notes are provided for the preparation of reference specimens and archaeological specimens of leaves and epidermis fragments (including cuticles) for transmitted light microscopy. Equipment requirements, logistical considerations and processing steps are outlined and a method of clearing, staining and mounting is described and evaluated.

Psoralens percutaneous permeation across the human whole skin and the epidermis in respect to their polarity (in vitro study)

8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) and 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen (TMP) are commonly used in PUVA therapy [psoralen (P) + ultraviolet light A (UVA) irradiation] to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis and vitiligo. In order to predict the choice of the suitable drug(s) for topical applications, with appropriate dosage, percutaneous permeation of the psoralens, in connection with their solubilities and partition coefficients in an octanol/water system, were investigated. The percutaneous penetration experiments were accomplished by the deposit of ethanolic psoralen solution onto human skin and epidermis fragments mounted on Franz® cells. Six cells were employed for each psoralen solution and for the whole skin layer as well as for the epidermis. The diffused psoralens in the receptor solution (1.4% of human serum albumin) were quantified by using high performance liquid chromatography. The solubilities and the partition coefficients (PC) were carried out in an octanol/water system, in triplicate by using spectrofluorimetry. The results demonstrated that cumulated permeated quantities (ng/cm 2) over 24 h, across the whole skin and the epidermis were in the following order for the three psoralens: 8-MOP > 5-MOP > TMP. The lipophilicity, expressed via the log PC, was as follows: 1.93 ± 0.01 (8-MOP), 2.00 ± 0.01 (5-MOP) and 3.14 ± 0.01 (TMP). It was inversely correlated with cumulated penetrated amounts over 24 h in both whole skin and epidermis. From these results, TMP could be predicted as the most convenient psoralen for topical applications, because of its weak penetrability. Considering the relationship between psoralens lipophilicity and permeation, only 5-MOP and 8-MOP could be used, topically or orally, especially in the case of generalised skin disorders.

Surgical pearl: use of a double razor blade to obtain stratum corneum specimens for potassium hydroxide examination.

For the laboratory diagnosis of fungal disease, fragments of epidermis are removed from skin lesions with a curette or a scalpel, placed on a glass slide, immersed in a drop of 10%: to 15%: potassium hydroxide, and examined for hyphae and spores. 1

Epidermoid spinal cord tumors and previous lumbar punctures

The clinical features of epidermoid tumor of the lumbar spine are described in two children, both of whom had had lumbar punctures 6 years before the onset of symptoms. It is likely that introduction of fragments of epidermis into the subarachnoid space during the spinal tap was instrumental in the production of the tumor. Such an occurrence may be more likely to take place when the stylet is omitted. A plea is made to use standard spinal tap needles with stylets when performing lumbar punctures in children of all ages. The clinical features of epidermoid tumor of the lumbar spine are described in two children, both of whom had had lumbar punctures 6 years before the onset of symptoms. It is likely that introduction of fragments of epidermis into the subarachnoid space during the spinal tap was instrumental in the production of the tumor. Such an occurrence may be more likely to take place when the stylet is omitted. A plea is made to use standard spinal tap needles with stylets when performing lumbar punctures in children of all ages.

Identification of grazed grasses using epidermal characters

Abstract The use of anatomical features of the abaxial epidermis of grasses is discussed for the identification of fragments of epidermis present in samples of rumen. The reliability of this technique, and the variation of the epidermal characters in two widely distributed species of grass, is given. A “Key” to identity certain genera of grasses occurring in Southern Africa, based on epidermal characters, is presented. The application of the technique to analyse rumen contents of .springbok and Merino sheep is shown.

Metoda ilościowego określania składu pożywienia gryzoni

Opracowano metodę ilościowego oznaczania składników roślinnych treści żołądkowej gryzoni. Sporządzano mieszaniny wysuszonych drobnych fragmentów części wegetatywnych i nasion kilku gatunków roślin w znanych proporcjach wagowych i rozcieńczano je dodając na mg mieszanki 0,04 ml wody. Po dokładnym wymieszaniu określano pod mikroskopem powierzchnię zajmowaną przez wszytkie fragmenty roślinne znajdujące sie w polu widzenia mikroskopu.

List of the Flowering Plants [from the Arctic Bed

These plants occurred in a layer of peaty sand. Small stems and twigs were not uncommon, and all belonged to the genera Betula and Salix . In most cases these stems were decorticated, and bore evidence of drifting. Most of the seeds and fruits in the list were quite uninjured, but the character of the layer and the assemblage of plants indicate that they were drifted by water to the place where they are now found. Several small pieces of charcoal 5 to 10 mm. square were also found in the general collection, but the carbonization may possibly be due to causes other than fire. A considerable portion of the material consisted of the leaves of Salix herbacea , felted together in lenticular masses. In addition to the plants enumerated in the above list, the washings contained many small petal-like objects. These have not been identified, but they are certainly not the petals of Dryas, Rubus chamœ morus , or Parnassia palustris . Several small brownish flakes were present: these consisted of much-compressed fragments of epidermis and other plant-débris, felted together. The appearance of this material rather suggest the dung of some big mammal. The presence of these plants at sea-level in the Lea Valley indicates a decided difference in climatic conditions from those of the present day. At no place in the world do such plants as Salix herbacea, Betula nana , and Potentilla sibbaldi grow in quantity at sea-level along the annual isotherm of 10° C. or the July isotherm of 17° C.