Glabrous Surface Research Articles

Aspidistra leipingensis (Asparagaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China

Aspidistra leipingensis, a new species of Asparagaceae from Guangxi, southern China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to A. punctatoides, but can be distinguished by its shorter leaf blade and petiole, longer perianth tube, stamens inserted in the lower part of the perianth tube, stigma hemispherical shape, upper surface convex and glabrous. Colour plate and line drawing of the new species are provided.

Ophiorrhizaliuyanii (Rubiaceae), a new species from south-western China and northern Vietnam.

Ophiorrhizaliuyanii, a new species from south-western China and northern Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterised by the glabrous surfaces on almost all plant parts, congested inflorescences and broad-ovate to ovate bracts 9-22 × 4-11 mm. It morphologically differs from the closest species, O.baviensis, mainly in most plant parts being glabrous, bracts broad-ovate to ovate, apex acute or sometimes obtuse, corollas inside with a ring of white hairs at the middle and anthers inserted near the middle in long-styled flowers. According to IUCN Categories and Criteria, O.liuyanii is assessed as Least Concern (LC).

Description of Ornithodoros (Pavlovskyella) tartakovskyi using scanning electron microscopy, with notes on the morphology of Pavlovskyella sensu stricto and Theriodoros subgenera

Accumulation of DNA sequence data and its use in systematics of the family Argasidae reveals new incongruencies between genera and subgenera, since several groups defined by classical taxonomy appear to be paraphyletic, which is the case of the subgenus Pavlovskyella. In order to identify morphological characters unique to one of the monophyletic groupings within Pavlovskyella and improve its system, we describe all active stages of Ornithodoros (Pavlovskyella) tartakovskyi, a species with an incomplete original description. Larvae, nymphs, males and females from Iran were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The larva of O. (P.) tartakovskyi lacks dorsal plate, posteromedian seta, postcoxal setae and a spinose area in palpal article I; the dorsal surface has 13 pairs of setae and the hypostome has two short rows of denticles in the apex only. The first nymphal instar (N1) has a micromammillated body with faint dorsal and ventral disks. The second nymphal instar (N2) shows mammillated body with an incipient hood, and dorsal disks outlined as in subsequent instars. Both N1 and N2 have a small patch of glabrous surface in the anterior margin of preanal groove, absent in posterior stages. Third nymphal instar (N3) has a small hood and lack cheeks, which are incipient in the fourth nymphal instar (N4). The four nymphal instars (N1–N4) have blunt hypostomes, striated capitula, non-mammillated legs, and 3 humps on tarsi I. Females and males of O. (P.) tartakovskyi have mammillated bodies, small cheeks not covering the capitulum, the anteromedian disk is placed anteriorly to anterior central disks, and a posterior median file of disks is merged with the median disk. We describe all postembryonic stages of O. (P.) tartakovskyi providing morphological characters that define Pavlovskyella sensu stricto and Theriodoros, a sister subgenus that includes similarly shaped species.

Sparassis fanjingshanensis, a new species of Sparassidaceae from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in China

Sparassis fanjingshanensis is described as a new species of Sparassidaceae based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses in this study. It was found in Abies fanjingshanensis community of the massy dwarf forest to Fanjing Mountain, China, and this is the only site of its occurrence known to date. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU) and partial gene coding RNA polymerase subunit II (rpb2) indicated that Sparassis fanjingshanensis belonged to the genus Sparassis and it formed a novel monophyletic clade next to Sparassis subalpina. Sparassis fanjingshanensis can be distinctly distinguished by its large basidiomata and light-gray to light-khaki flabellae that is compactly arranged, entire, broadly spathulate, slightly contorted, surface glabrous, top margin undulate, smooth, stem with concentric ring ornamentation (similar to the annual rings of a tree). In total, up to now, four taxa have been found in East Asia: Sparassis cystidiosa f. labelliformis, Sparassis fanjingshanensis, Sparassis labelliformis and Sparassis subalpine.

Aspidistra longzhouensis (Asparagaceae), a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China

Aspidistra longzhouensis, a new species of Asparagaceae from Guangxi, southern China, is described and illustrated here. It is morphologically similar to A. patentiloba Y. Wan & X. H. Lu, but the new species is differentiated by its smaller leaf, flower completely pure white, stigma upper surface glabrous and with 4 radial lines, bifurcate lines at center. The new species is currently known only from the Karst areas in southwest Guangxi. Colour plates of the similar species are provided for comparison.

Insect galls of Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil)

The Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (PARNASO) is an integral protection conservation unit inserted in the domain of the Atlantic forest. This Park was investigated monthly from September to December/2021 and from March to May/2022 for insect galls. Host plants were identified and their exsiccates were deposited in the herbarium (R) of the Museu Nacional. Insects obtained by gall dissection and rearing were deposited in the Entomological Collection of Museu Nacional (MNRJ). The conservational status of the host plants and their origin were verified in the site Flora e Funga do Brasil (2023). New records of host plants in Brazil are presented based on comparison with literature data. PARNASO hosts a great richness of galls (290 gall morphotypes on 43 plant families). Myrtaceae, Melastomataceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Rubiaceae, Mikania Willd. (Asteraceae), Miconia Ruiz & Pav. (Melastomataceae), and Eugenia L. (Myrtaceae), and Guapira opposita (Nyctaginaceae) were the botanical taxa with the highest number of gall morphotypes, all of them were previously indicated as super hosts in inventories in forest formations of the Atlantic forest, except Rubiaceae. PARNASO includes 148 gall-inducing species native to Brazil, being 69 endemic; among the last 23 are exclusive to the Atlantic forest. Eight gall-inducing species are endangered and four are near threathned. Most galls were found on leaves. The most frequent gall characters were: globoid shape, green color, and glabrous surface. Most galls were induced by Cecidomyiidae (Diptera), however galls of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, and Hymenoptera wera also found. These are the known patterns in Brazil. The secondary fauna was reported in 62 gall morphotypes and included parasitoids (Hymenoptera), successors (Collembola, Hemiptera and Thysanoptera), cecidophagous (Lepidoptera), and predators (spiders). Parasitoids were the most frequent. Seven gall midge species are recorded for the first time in this Park.

Effect of processing temperature on nanolignin quality during ultrafine friction grinding

Nanoparticles are a new frontier to valorize underutilized and abundant lignin generated by biorefineries. Typical chemical processes to synthesize lignin micro- and nano-particles (LMNPs) use large quantity of organic solvents and therefore, could adversely impact the environment. Hence, we have employed an eco-friendly mechanical approach, i.e., ultrafine friction grinding (UFG), to produce “green” LMNPs with controlled size and micromorphology. Specifically, we investigated the effect of processing temperature, at 0, 25 and 70 °C, on lignin nanosizing. Our results showed that low temperature (0 °C) significantly favored the size reduction of lignin where we achieved a median particle size of ∼100 nm after 12 grinding passes. At 70 °C, LMNPs reached a size equilibrium of ∼160 nm within four passes but did not decrease in size upon subsequent grinding. Moreover, analysis of the LMNPs by SEM showed that samples produced at 0 °C mostly had irregular flat shapes with sharp angles, such as stars and polyhedrons, with a glabrous surface, whereas, samples produced at 25 and 70 °C featured spheres and rods with nanoscopic pores on the surface. Physico-chemical properties of LMNPs, such as molecular weight and thermal degradation, did not change significantly compared to the original lignin, however, samples generated at 0 °C exhibited significantly fewer inter-unit linkages than those generated at 70 °C. Our study thus shows that varying the grinding temperature facilitates the customization of LMNP micromorphology. Furthermore, the proposed method for LMNP manufacturing is simple and eco-friendly, and presents a viable approach for lignin valorization.

Therapeutic Application of Bhallatak (Semicarpus Anacardium) Oil on Kadar W.S.R. to Corn – A Case Report

Kadar has simple pathology but difficult to cure. Kadar is one such disorder that gives more trouble to the patient & intervenes with routine work. Especially if it is on foot, pain is unbearable. Acharya Shushruta describes ‘Kadar’ under “Kshudra-roga”. In modern sciences it can be compared with corn. A Corn is formed due to repeated injuries and friction to the sole. It is a specially-shaped callus of dead skin that occurs on thin or glabrous surface of toe. It might be cause due to thorn prick, sand particles, unhygienic foot wear etc. Treatment for corn in modern sciences include anti-inflammatory, NSAID drugs, salicylic acid, corn cap, and at the end small surgery. There is no satisfactory and permanent modern medicine treatment for corn, doctors end up doing excision as small surgery still it has high recurrence tendency. Agnikarma (Thermal Cauterization) a unique para surgical procedure in Ayurveda practices, where specific degree of heat is given to a predetermined site of a body part with specialized instrument1 . The treatment is done usually on OPD basis. Acharya Shushruta advices cure for kadar, Utkrutya (excision/scrapping) followed by Sneha Dagdha (Agnikarma2 . But as per this case report, fresh Bhallatak (Semecarpus anacardium) oil’s therapeutic application without providing external heat gives better results than thermal cauterization/Agnikarma by other mediums. Therapeutic Application of oil from freshly cut Bhallatak nut seems to be the best treatment to prevent recurrences of Kadar. Its application procedure is painless and doesn’t burn moreover gives early relief, avoiding recurrence of corn

Thesiummuasyae (Santalaceae), a new species from the limestone fynbos of the Overberg, South Africa.

Thesiummuasyae, a new species of the family Santalaceae, is described and illustrated. This species has unique morphological and ecological characters, differentiating it from other closely related species of the genus, such as T.karooicum. These characters include plants forming compact shrubs to about 30 cm tall with glabrous surfaces; leaves recurved, to about 4 cm long, terete to triangular, apiculate; flowers placed in lax spikes or borne solitary; and style up to about 2.5 mm long. Ecologically, T.muasyae is endemic to the limestone fynbos in the Overberg, Bredasdorp District, South Africa. Molecular phylogenetic evidence places this species in Subgenus FriseaSectionBarbata, as closest sister to T.hispidulum + T.karooicum. A preliminary conservation Red List assessment suggests that T.muasyae is Critically Endangered, based on its population size, area of occupancy and extent of occurrence.

Cheilanthes ecuadorensis: A New Species of Cheilanthes s. s. (Pteridaceae) from Northern South America

Abstract— Ongoing research on the taxonomically complex genus Cheilanthes (Pteridaceae; Cheilanthoideae) has resulted in the identification of a new species from Loja Province in Ecuador, Cheilanthes ecuadorensis, described and illustrated herein. Originally collected in 1988 and identified as C. cf. rufopunctata, C. ecuadorensis is clearly distinct from that species in having pubescent adaxial blade surfaces and narrow, poorly-differentiated false indusia (rather than the glabrous adaxial surfaces and wide false indusia of C. rufopunctata). Among the South American species currently included in Cheilanthes, C. ecuadorensis is superficially most similar to C. pilosa. However, our molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that C. ecuadorensis is sister to C. micropteris, the morphologically disparate generitype of Cheilanthes. Here we examine the phylogenetic relationships, morphology, cytogenetics, and geography of these four South American Cheilanthes species in a study that, once again, highlights the importance of herbaria in the process of new species discovery.

<p><strong><em>Beilschmiedia osacola</em> (Lauraceae) a new species from the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica</strong></p>

We describe and illustrate a new species of Beilschmiedia, from the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. It is distinguished by its small flowers, which are turbinate to campanulate, with six fertile stamens and pubescent ovary, in addition it has alternate leaves along the twigs, with the lower leaf surface glabrous and not glaucous. In the field, it can be recognized by its stature, a very large tree, with the bark reddish, and peeling in large plates. Among described congeners it is superficially similar to B. hexanthera, from French Guiana, which also has six fertile stamens, and staminodes of whorl III columnar, but differs in having a pubescent ovary and larger, more branched inflorescences.

<p><strong><em>Begonia microinduta </em></strong><strong>(Begoniaceae) a new species from the Atlantic Coastal Forest in the state of São Paulo, Brazil</strong></p>

Begonia microinduta, a new species of Begonia sect. Pritzelia from the Atlantic Coastal Forest of Brazil is described and illustrated with detailed field photographs. This species is similar to B. windischii and B. lorenzii by having three tepals on pistillate flowers, staminate flowers with pilose dorsal surface, short peduncled inflorescences, very short inflorescence ramification and persistent floral bracts. It differs from B. windischii in its petiole indumentum, which is covered with short microscopic trichomes throughout (vs. sparsely pilose in the upper third with villous trichomes, with a trichome necklace at the base of the petiole and in the apex) and differs from B. lorenzii by having microscopic (vs. villous) trichomes, glabrous (vs. pubescent) adaxial leaf surface and glabrous (vs. pubescent) fruits.

<p><strong><em>Begonia erythrobracteata </em></strong><strong>(Begoniaceae) a new species from the Atlantic Coastal Forest in the state of São Paulo, Brazil</strong></p>

Begonia erythrobracteata (Begoniaceae) is a new, narrow endemic from the Atlantic Coastal Forest of Brazil. This species is closely related to Begonia olsoniae and B. fimbritepala and shares their rupicolous habit and transversely ovate leaf blades with a cordate base. It differs to B. fimbritepala in its petioles, which are densely squamulose along their entire length (vs. with simple trichomes) and B. olsoniae by its glabrous (vs. pilose) adaxial leaf surface. B. erythrobracteata is described and illustrated with detailed field photographs, and a provisional IUCN Red List Assessment is provided.

A new species of freshwater crab of the genus Badistemon Yeo amp; Ng, 2007 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae: Potamiscinae) from Manipur State, India, with the reassignment of Potamiscus pealianus (Wood-mason, 1871).

A new species of potamid crab of the genus Badistemon Yeo Ng, 2007, is described from Kamjong district of Manipur, India. Badistemon fulvum n. sp., can be distinguished from congeners by a distinct combination of carapace and gonopod characters: carapace subquadrate, convex, dorsal surface glabrous, cervical groove superficial, anterolateral margin longer than posterolateral margin; cornea relatively large; sixth male pleonal somite trapezoidal in shape, male telson broader than long; terminal segment of male first gonopod relatively long, outwardly bent, sub cylindrical with low and short dorsal flap, tip pointed, groove for male second gonopod terminal. Holotype and paratypes of Potamiscus pealianus (Wood-mason, 1871) are re-examined, and the species is here referred to Badistemon as carapace morphology and male gonopods characters are found congeneric with the genus. A key for all the three species of Badistemon are provided.

<p><strong><em>Begonia tadungensis </em></strong><strong>(<em>Begonia </em>sect. <em>Platycentrum</em>), a new species from southern Vietnam</strong></p>

We here describe and illustrate Begonia tadungensis (B. sect. Platycentrum), a new species from southern Vietnam. The new species is most similar to B. albopunctata in having broadly ovate leaves, three free styles, 4-loculed ovary, and berry-like fruits with a beaked apex, but differs mainly in having a glabrous abaxial leaf surface (not densely red pubescent), and fruits with gray puberlous hairs (not white papillose). It is also similar to B. pendens in its broadly ovate leaves and monoecious breeding system, but differs in having 6 tepals in the pistillate flowers (not 5) and 4-loculed ovaries (not 3-loculed). Information on ecology, conservation status, and a further comparison of characters with these two similar species is also provided.

Classification of Tactile and Motor Velocity-Evoked Hemodynamic Response in Primary Somatosensory and Motor Cortices as Measured by Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an emerging technique in studying cerebral hemodynamics; however, consensus on the analysis methods and the clinical applications has yet to be established. In this study, we demonstrate the results of a pilot fNIRS study of cerebral hemodynamic response (HR) evoked by pneumotactile and sensorimotor stimuli on the dominant hand. Our goal is to find the optimal stimulus parameters to maximally evoke HR in the primary somatosensory and motor cortices. We use a pulsatile pneumatic array of 14 tactile cells that were attached to the glabrous surface of the dominant hand, with a patterned stimulus that resembles saltation at three distinct traverse velocities [10, 25, and 45 cm/s]. NIRS optodes (16 sources; 20 detectors) are bilaterally and symmetrically placed over the pre-and post-central gyri (M1 and S1). Our objective is to identify the extent to which cerebral HR can encode the velocity of the somatosensory and/or motor stimuli. We use common spatial pattern for feature extraction and regularized-discriminant analysis for classifying the fNIRS time series into velocity classes. The classification results demonstrate discriminatory features of the fNIRS signal from each distinct stimulus velocity. The results are inconclusive regarding the velocity which evokes the highest intensity of hemodynamic response.

<p><strong>A new species of <em>Bauhinia</em> from coastal areas in Northeastern Brazil</strong></p>

Bauhinia includes about 150 species distributed across the tropics. Most Neotropical species belong to Bauhinia ser. Cansenia that includes unarmed trees and shrubs, mostly from areas under seasonally dry climate. A new species of this series is described here from the northeastern Brazilian states of Bahia and Sergipe. Bauhinia corifolia occurs in open vegetation on sandy soils of Restinga vegetation at the Atlantic coastal forests. It is morphologically similar to B. acuruana by sharing the entire and ovate leaflet with a retuse to emarginate apex and a cordate base, but differing by its tall shrub to treelet habit, larger leaves with a glabrous and glossy upper surface, shorter bracts, and longer flowers. We provide description, illustration and distribution map for the new species.

An OPD base Agni Karma (An Ayurvedic therapeutic burn) intervention in Plantar Corn: A case study

A Corn is a specially-shaped callus of dead skin that occurs on the thin or glabrous surface of the toe. It presses upon the adjacent tissues and causes severe pain when pressed due to pressure on the nerves. Plantar corns are recalcitrant to the medical line of treatment and being very painful need surgical intervention. Surgery is rarely indicated since the rate of recurrences is as high as with conservative therapy The management of Kadara is aimed at the removal of the hyperkeratosis lesion by Snigdha Agni Karma along with Shastra Karma. Here, we demonstrated an OPD base simple and effective ancient technique in corns as described in Samhita which found to be very beneficial.

The Grouping of Species Saurauia Willd. in West Sumatera Based on Morphometric Analysis and Pollination System

Saurauia Willd. is a genus of perennial plant or bush which usually found in highland forest or as rheophyte in rocky areas along the river bed. There are 12 species of this genus found in West Sumatera. The purpose of this research is to analyze the grouping of Saurauia species based on morphometric analysis and determine the pollination system based on pollen-ovule (P/O) ratio. The research has been conducted since September 2014 until December 2015 by using the self-collected specimen and Herbarium ANDA specimen. Morphometric analysis was applied to all 12 species which consist of 21 morphological characters and pollen–ovule (P/O) ratio was applied to 10 species. The results of this research are: generally the euclidian distance is ranged 7.35-14.73. The shortest one is S. cerea and S. laxa which d point is 7.35 and the longest one is S. cerea and Saurauia sp. which the d point is 14.73. Saurauia sp. is closely related with S. leprosa and S. bracteosa which are belonged to same sub cluster and having the same character which are glabrous leaf surface, acuminate apex and 5 similar sepals. Pollen-ovule (P/O) ratio determined the pollination system of Saurauia is xenogami.

Insect galls on Myrtaceae: richness and distribution in brazilian restingas

Abstract: Inventories in Brazilian restingas have been indicating that Myrtaceae are the plant family with the greatest richness of insect galls. A compilation of published data plus new records was elaborated with the aim of stablishing the number of gall morphotypes on this family in this physiognomy of the Atlantic Forest, producing a list of galled species, pointing out the predominant gall features, evaluating the taxonomical knowledge of the gallers, listing the associated fauna, and based on host plant endemisms and monophagy proposing the endemism of some galling species. Myrtaceae harbor 111 morphotypes of insect gall (about 75% induced by Cecidomyiidae, Diptera) on 25 host plant species, 15 endemic. Eugenia L. highlights as the plant genus with the highest number of galled species and gall richness. Leaves are the most galled organ. There is a predominance of globoid and fusiform shapes, green color, glabrous surface and a single internal chamber. The taxonomical data on gallers is deficient as many records have been presented at supraspecific levels. The associated fauna is rich and includes parasitoids, inquilines and predators. Twelve species of Cecidomyiidae, a single species of Curculionidae (Coleoptera) and one species of Eriococcidae (Hemiptera) have been associated exclusively with endemic hosts and then are proposed in the present study as endemic too. The geographical distribution of many galls and respective gallers are restricted to the State of Rio de Janeiro, where most inventories have been carried out. For the first time, Eugeniamyia dispar, previously known from a rural area of Rio Grande do Sul and restinga areas of São Paulo, is recorded in the State of Rio de Janeiro.