Taxa Families Research Articles

Archaeological Areas as Habitat Islands: Plant Diversity of Epidaurus UNESCO World Heritage Site (Greece)

The Epidaurus UNESCO World Heritage site (EPD) is a famous archaeological area that is located in a small valley in the Peloponnese and receives more than 250,000 visitors annually. The study of the plant diversity of the site is in the framework of a continuous research project concerning archaeological areas of the Peloponnese and in the context of a project by the Ministry of Culture, Education and Religious Affairs of Greece that started during 2023 to study the biodiversity of the archaeological areas of Greece. The main aim of this study is the exploration and analysis of the plant species composition and diversity of the Epidaurus archaeological area, with an emphasis on endemic plants, on ruderal and alien taxa as well as on environmental and disturbance indicators and the cultural ecosystem services they provide. This study revealed a high species richness consisting of 446 plant taxa. Most of them are Mediterranean and widespread, ruderals and medium disturbance indicators, but there are also 12 Greek endemic taxa. The richest in the taxa families are Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae. Therophytes predominate in the total flora registered and hemicryptophytes predominate in the endemics. Comparisons of the EPD’s plant diversity with other archaeological areas of Greece and the Mediterranean revealed its richness and unique character. Management and protection in archaeological areas such as the Epidaurus must focus on the sustainable conservation of their relationship with their natural environment.

A two-sample mendelian randomization analysis investigates associations between gut microbiota and infertility

Observational studies have provided evidence of a correlation between alterations in gut microbiota composition and infertility. However, concrete proof supporting the causal relationship is still lacking. We performed a Mendelian randomization study to assess whether genetically gut microbiota composition influences the risk of infertility. The genetic data pertaining to gut microbiota were obtained from a genome-wide association study meta-analysis, which was conducted among 24 cohorts (18,340 participants) from the international MiBioGen consortium. By the primary method of assessing causality, we have identified 2 family taxa, 2 genus taxa, and 1 order taxa that were linked to a low risk of male infertility, while 1 genus taxa were associated with a high risk of male infertility. Furthermore, we have discovered 6 genus taxa, 1 phylum taxa, 1 class taxa, 1 order taxa, and 1 family taxa that were associated with a low risk of female infertility, while 1 genus taxa were linked to a high risk of female infertility. This study successfully confirmed that there was a causal link between gut microbiota and infertility. The identification of these specific strains through genetic prediction offers a valuable insight for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infertility.

Soil, senescence and exudate utilisation: characterisation of the\xa0Paragon var. spring bread wheat root microbiome

BackgroundConventional methods of agricultural pest control and crop fertilisation are unsustainable. To meet growing demand, we must find ecologically responsible means to control disease and promote crop yields. The root-associated microbiome can aid plants with disease suppression, abiotic stress relief, and nutrient bioavailability. The aim of the present work was to profile the community of bacteria, fungi, and archaea associated with the wheat rhizosphere and root endosphere in different conditions. We also aimed to use 13CO2 stable isotope probing (SIP) to identify microbes within the root compartments that were capable of utilising host-derived carbon.ResultsMetabarcoding revealed that community composition shifted significantly for bacteria, fungi, and archaea across compartments. This shift was most pronounced for bacteria and fungi, while we observed weaker selection on the ammonia oxidising archaea-dominated archaeal community. Across multiple soil types we found that soil inoculum was a significant driver of endosphere community composition, however, several bacterial families were identified as core enriched taxa in all soil conditions. The most abundant of these were Streptomycetaceae and Burkholderiaceae. Moreover, as the plants senesce, both families were reduced in abundance, indicating that input from the living plant was required to maintain their abundance in the endosphere. Stable isotope probing showed that bacterial taxa within the Burkholderiaceae family, among other core enriched taxa such as Pseudomonadaceae, were able to use root exudates, but Streptomycetaceae were not.ConclusionsThe consistent enrichment of Streptomycetaceae and Burkholderiaceae within the endosphere, and their reduced abundance after developmental senescence, indicated a significant role for these families within the wheat root microbiome. While Streptomycetaceae did not utilise root exudates in the rhizosphere, we provide evidence that Pseudomonadaceae and Burkholderiaceae family taxa are recruited to the wheat root community via root exudates. This deeper understanding crop microbiome formation will enable researchers to characterise these interactions further, and possibly contribute to ecologically responsible methods for yield improvement and biocontrol in the future.

Molecular Taxonomy of some Species of Genus Salvia L. (Lamiaceae) in Kurdistan Region, Iraq التصنیف الجزیئی لبعض انواع الجنس Salvia L. (العائلة الشفویة) فی اقلیم کردستان ، العراق

Genus Salvia, commonly known as sage, is the largest genus in the Lamiaceae family.A phylogenetic analysis was conducted using sequences that were studied. The current study was reached to the identification of Salvia L. taxa family (Lamiaceae) in Kurdistan Region,Iraq.The study concluded that the current diagnosis of (5) taxa in different areas of Iraq these taxa were (Salvia spinosa, Salvia palaestina, Salvia viridis, Salvia multicaulis and Salvia syriaca).The objectives of this study were to explore the phylogenetic relationships and molecular taxonomy of five genus species Salvia, I studied the neighbour-joining tree of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the genus Salvia. The outcomes demonstrated the running of the achieved nucleotide of the Salvia in Mega X to show the similarity with other species of Salvia. The result shows the similarity with these five species and the tree divided into four clades, which are (clade 1,2,3, and 4).Which clade 1 consists of (Salvia spinosa and Salvia palaestina). Then the relationship between Salvia spinosa with the Salvia palaestina is about 79% in the same group in clade1 and the relationship between them. This group is also a sister relative by 99% with the species of Salvia syriaca in the clade 2. The clade 3 and clade 4 consist of (Salvia viridis & Salvia multicaulis) respectively, and the similarity of these two clades with the clade 1 and 2 is 79%.They were grouped into a different trichotomy in the surface of leaves, stems, and flowers. Most species were different and occurred in separated clades. The phylogenetic relationships of Salvia L. taxa consider the first study in Iraq.

Abstract C042: Cultivating the gut microbiome by eating walnuts to slow cancer cachexia weight loss

Abstract Cancer disparities are associated with racial/ethnic minority groups. Due to socioeconomic status or geographical location, many of these groups consume low-quality diets that lack plant-derived foods. Diets lacking in fruits and vegetables are linked to tumor formation and progression. Once a tumor develops, more than 50% of cancer patients may experience cachexia, the involuntary loss of body weight that severely impacts cancer prognosis and therapy. Currently, no medical interventions can reverse cachexia, but alleviating this syndrome would lead to favorable outcomes during cancer treatment. Our lab focuses on diet as a potential therapy to slow the development of cachexia. Walnuts are known to slow tumor growth in genetically programmed mice. In a pilot study, walnuts were found to preserve weight during the tumor-bearing precachectic phase in rats. A possible area where the weight-preservative effects of walnuts may be observed is in the gut microbiome. Since our lab previously observed significant gut microbiota changes of the non-tumor-bearing rats on walnut diets, the aim of this investigation was to determine the impact of walnuts on the gut microbiome of tumor-bearing cachectic rats. We hypothesized that walnuts would significantly and favorably change the gut microbiome in cachectic tumor-bearing animals, providing a potential mechanism for the weight gain. To test our hypothesis, male Fischer 344 rats were placed on a walnut diet or control diet for three weeks. The control diet replaced the fat, protein, carbohydrate, and fiber contents of the walnut diet with corn oil, casein, corn starch, and alphacel fiber, respectively, allowing the presence of walnuts to be the only testing factor. The Ward colon carcinoma was then subcutaneously implanted on rats' left hind flank. The rats were kept on the walnut and/or control diet as tumor-driven cachexia developed. Fecal matter was collected from the rats upon sacrifice, and 16srDNA was sequenced to elucidate specific microbial communities. Rats on the walnut diet had the greatest weight preservation. Changes in the gut microbiome via the consumption of walnuts were evident through measures of diversity, relative abundance, and metabolic pathways at the family level. Compared to the control diet, the walnut diets led to a greater diversity and separation of the gut microbial communities. Walnut diets also significantly altered the relative abundances of Prevotellaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae (p-value < 0.05) at the family taxa level. Lastly, the functional metagenomic data revealed a greater prevalence of metabolic pathways for plant-pathogen interaction, flagellar assembly, bacterial chemotaxis, and ABC transports in rats on the walnut diet. In summary, we conclude that walnut consumption alters the gut microbial community, suggesting a potential mechanism by which walnuts may preserve weight. Increasing walnut consumption may be one way to preserve body weight in racial/ethnic minorities experiencing cancer cachexia. Citation Format: Hsiao-Man Chang. Cultivating the gut microbiome by eating walnuts to slow cancer cachexia weight loss [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr C042.

Type specimens of the taxa family Polygonaceae of in collections of M.G. Popov Herbarium (NSK).

Type specimens of the taxa family Polygonaceae of in collections of M.G. Popov Herbarium (NSK).

Diversidad y distribución de la macrofauna edáfica en dos sistemas de manejo de Moringa oleifera (Lam.): relación con las propiedades del suelo

Con el objetivo de determinar la relación entre diversidad y distribución vertical de la macrofauna edáfica, y propiedades físico-químicas del suelo, se llevó a cabo un estudio en predios de la Universidad Nacional Agraria. Los ensayos tuvieron una duración de 9 meses, en los que se implementaron prácticas de manejo agroecológico, y manejo convencional en ocho unidades experimentales con dimensiones de 15 m x 30 m, seleccionadas de manera aleatoria. La metodología de muestreo fue la desarrollada por el Programa Internacional Biología y Fertilidad del Suelo Tropical. Fueron levantados 12 monolitos de 25 cm x 25 cm por práctica de manejo, a una profundidad de 30 centímetros. Se realizó identificación taxonómica a nivel de Phylum, clase, orden y familia; así como de grupos funcionales detritívoros, ingenieros del suelo, herbívoros y depredadores. Fue registrada mayor densidad de macrofauna en el sistema de conversión agroecológica (7424 ind/m2) en comparación al sistema de manejo convencional (1984 ind/m2), con alta concentración de individuos (7488 ind/m2) en los primeros 20 centímetros del perfil; y densidad proporcional del 56.2% en la profundidad 0 a 10 centímetros. Taxonómicamente se determinó dominancia de la clase Insecta en ambos sistemas de manejo. La distribución de familias de la macrofauna edáfi ca fue diferente entre sistemas, con evidente influencia del rol por profundidad de muestreo. El grupo funcional ingenieros del suelo predominó en conversión agroecológica; mientras los detritívoros lo hicieron en manejo convencional. Fue determinada la infl uencia de la calidad de micro hábitat en las propiedades físico-químicas del suelo con el componente biológico; demostrándose efecto de las prácticas de manejo sobre la densidad, diversidad y distribución de la macrofauna edáfica.

Shedding Light on the Nightshades (Solanaceae) Used by the Ancient Maya: a Review of Existing Data, and New Archeobotanical (Macro- and Microbotanical) Evidence from Archeological Sites in Guatemala

Numerous taxa within the Solanaceae family are economically important today, and for New World taxa such as chilies and tomatoes, their histories are particularly well documented. What remains less clear, however, is the extent of nightshade used by the ancient Maya. This article reviews the ethnographic, ethnohistoric, and archeological evidence of some of the major taxa in this large family, as well as providing new archeobotanical evidence in the form of macro- and microbotanical remains from Maya sites in northwestern Peten, Guatemala. This new evidence sheds additional light on the Solanaceae used by the ancient Maya in both domestic and ritual contexts. The absence of certain taxa in this family in the archeobotanical record of this region does not necessarily imply that these were not used in the past. Instead, it indicates that systematic collection of samples needs to be implemented if archeologists are to fully characterize past plant use among the ancient Maya.

Microbial diversities (16S and 18S rRNA gene pyrosequencing) and environmental pathogens within drinking water biofilms grown on the common premise plumbing materials unplasticized polyvinylchloride and copper

Drinking water (DW) biofilm communities influence the survival of opportunistic pathogens, yet knowledge about the microbial composition of DW biofilms developed on common in-premise plumbing material is limited. Utilizing 16S and 18S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, this study characterized the microbial community structure within DW biofilms established on unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) and copper (Cu) surfaces and the impact of introducing Legionella pneumophila (Lp) and Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Mature (> 1 year old) biofilms were developed before inoculation with sterilized DW (control, Con), Lp, or Lp and A. polyphaga (LpAp). Comparison of uPVC and Cu biofilms indicated significant differences between bacterial (P = 0.001) and eukaryotic (P < 0.01) members attributable to the unique presence of several family taxa: Burkholderiaceae, Characeae, Epistylidae, Goniomonadaceae, Paramoebidae, Plasmodiophoridae, Plectidae, Sphenomonadidae, and Toxariaceae within uPVC biofilms; and Enterobacteriaceae, Erythrobacteraceae, Methylophilaceae, Acanthamoebidae, and Chlamydomonadaceae within Cu biofilms. Introduction of Lp alone or with A. polyphaga had no effect on bacterial community profiles (P > 0.05) but did affect eukaryotic members (uPVC, P < 0.01; Cu, P = 0.001). Thus, established DW biofilms host complex communities that may vary based on substratum matrix and maintain consistent bacterial communities despite introduction of Lp, an environmental pathogen.

Exploitation of Apiaceae family essential oils as potent biopesticides and rich source of phellandrenes

The chemical content and insecticidal activities of essential oils (EOs) derived from various Apiaceae (Umbeliferae) family taxa, including the most representative coastal (Malabaila aurea and Echinophora tenuifolia ssp. sibthorpiana), mountainous (Cachrys ferulacea and Chaerophyllum aromaticum) and cultivated (Anethum graveolens) specimens, were determined. The chemical analyses results herein showed that the EO of A. graveolens specimen contains a major component, particularly high amounts of α-phellandrene (59%) indicating that this widely cultivated plant may account as a novel-alternative industrial source for this molecule. The insecticide properties of the EOs studied – and their most abundant compounds – were evaluated against the Culex pipiens L. larvae of 3rd and early 4th instars. Results indicated that many of them display noteworthy toxicity, with the EO of A. graveolens being the most active, displaying an LC50 value of 52.74mgL−1. The EOs of E. tenuifolia ssp. sibthorpiana and C. aromaticum were also highly active exhibiting LC50 values near 60mgL−1. Among the tested oils, the EO of A. graveolens exhibits noteworthy potentials for use either as bioremediation cultivar in mosquito-thriving areas and/or the development of novel biocides for the control of mosquitoes.

Phylogenetic relations in the family pholidae (Perciformes: Zoarcoidei) based on genetic and morphological data

Molecular-genetic study of Pholidae of the suborder Zoarcoidei was first performed. Analysis of variation of genes of COI, cytochrome b, and 16S rRNA of mitochondrial DNA indicates different phylogenetic isolation of the family taxa. The groundlessness of separating subgenera (or genera) Enedrias and Allopholis and the rightfulness of including them in the composition of the genus Pholis are shown. Genetic close relation of the genera Pholis and Rhodymenichthys and their differences from the genus Apodichthys are established. The obtained results agree with the data of Makushok (1958) who separated in the composition of the family two subfamilies—Pholinae (with genera Pholis and Rhodymenichthys) and Apodichthyinae (with the genera Apodichthys, Xererpes, and Ulvicola). A key to species, genera, and subfamilies of gunnels of the northern part of the Pacific Ocean is provided.

A multimetric index based on benthic macroinvertebrates for evaluation of Atlantic Forest streams at Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

This study describes the application of a protocol for biological assessment of water quality at first to third order streams at Serra dos Orgaos, an area covered by Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Major impacts in the region are domestic effluents and deforestation. Our main objective is to establish biocriteria for the establishment of the Serra dos Orgaos Multimetric Index (SOMI) based on benthic macroinvertebrates. We used data from previous studies, sampled by experienced biologists, from 1999 through 2002. The benthic macroinvertebrate community was sampled in 12 reference sites and seven impaired sites in three river basins: Guapimirim, Macae and Grande, all from the same bioregion. From the 22 tested metrics, 6 were included in the SOMI (% Diptera, % Coleoptera, Family Taxa, EPT Taxa, BMWP-CETEC and % Shredders). Scores (5, 3 or 1) were developed for these metrics to allow for aggregation into the index. Seven intermediately impaired sites were used for evaluating the applicability of the multimetric index. We concluded that the SOMI is a robust easy-to-apply tool for biomonitoring programs in the Serra dos Orgaos region, south-east Brazil.

New Andean Species of Solanum Section Geminata (Solanaceae)

Three new Andean species of Solanum sect. Geminata are described: S. youngii from Peru and Ecuador, S. quebradense from Venezuela, and S. habrocaulon from Peru. Relationships within section Geminata are discussed, and the species are illustrated. Solanum is one of the largest genera of flowering plants, with approximately 2000 valid species. Section Geminata (G. Don) Walpers (s.1.) is one of the largest subdivisions of the nonspiny solanums, with some 145 species. Members of the section are distinguished from other nonspiny solanums by their shrubby habit, small white flowers in leaf-opposed inflorescences, and hard green fruits at maturity. Section Geminata itself is composed of several smaller monophyletic groupings and is probably related to the Solanum nitidum species group and section Holophylla (G. Don) Walpers (s. str.). A key distinguishing these groups can be found in Knapp (1989). Most of the members of section Geminata grow in the understory of primary forest and are rare plants of limited distribution. All but one of the species of section Geminata are found in the Neotropics, with the highest concentration in the Andes and their foothills. These foothill areas are particularly rich in taxa of families that are primarily understory shrubs (Gentry, 1982), and species diversity of Solanum sect. Geminata is extremely high in the Andes (Knapp, 1986). Solanum youngii S. Knapp, sp. nov. TYPE: Ecuador. Zamora-Chinchipe: Parque Nacional Podocarpus, Loja-Zamora road just E of pass, ca. 2800 m, 3?58'S, 79007'W, 15 Mar. 1989, Madsen 85888 (holotype, QCA; isotype, AAU). Figure 1A, B. Frutex; caules dense pubescentes trichomatibus dendriticis; sympodia difoliata, geminata; folia elliptica vel ovata valde bullata subtus dense dendritico-pubescentia; corolla alba; bacca globosa in pedicello erecto portata; semina complanata reniformia. Shrubs, 1.5-2 m tall; young stems and leaves densely pubescent with matted dendritic trichomes to 1.5 mm long, the trichomes drying a rich golden brown; stems thick, erect; bark of mature stems dark gray. Sympodial units difoliate, geminate, occasionally appearing unifoliate through loss of the minor leaf. Leaves elliptic to ovate, widest at or just below the middle, thick and fleshy, strongly bullate and corrugated when dry, with 5-6 pairs of primary veins, sparsely to moderately pubescent with dendritic trichomes adaxially, densely pubescent with dendritic trichomes 1-1.5 mm long abaxially, the trichomes denser along the veins, major leaves 717 x 4-9.5 cm, the apex acute, the base decurrent onto the petiole; petiole 1.2-2 cm long; minor leaves differing from the majors only in size, 4-8 X 2-4 cm; petiole ca. 1 cm long. Inflorescences opposite the leaves, simple, 0.5-7 cm long, 5-40flowered, but bearing only a few flowers at a time, densely pubescent with dendritic trichomes like those of the stems and leaves. Pedicel scars closely spaced, obscured by the dense pubescence of the inflorescence axis. Buds globose, later elliptic, strongly exserted from the calyx tube. Pedicels at anthesis erect to somewhat deflexed, thick and fleshy, 0.8-1 cm long, pubescent with trichomes like the rest of the inflorescence. Flowers with the calyx tube broadly conical, 1-1.5 mm long, the lobes triangular and irregularly splitting, 1-4 mm long, with a tuft of dendritic trichomes at the tips, otherwise sparsely pubescent; corolla white, waxy, 1.7-2 cm diam., lobed ca. 2/3 of the way to the base, the lobes planar at anthesis, tips of the lobes with a tuft of dendritic trichomes ca. 0.5 mm long, the margins papillose; anthers 5-6 x 1-2 mm, poricidal at the tips, the pores lengthening to slits with age; free portion of the filaments ca. 0.5 mm long, the filament tube ca. 0.5 mm; ovary glabrous; style 7-9 mm long, glabrous; stigma bilobed, the surface minutely papillose. Fruit a globose, green berry, 1-1.2 cm diam.; fruiting pedicels erect and woody, ca. 2 cm long, ca. 1.5 mm diam. at the base, ca. 2.5 mm diam. at the apex, 1-2 stone cells occasionally present in the pericarp. Seeds dark brown, flattened reniform, 2-3 x 1.5-2 mm, the margins incrassate and paler, the surfaces minutely pitted. NovoN 6: 28-32. 1996. This content downloaded from 40.77.167.104 on Sat, 09 Apr 2016 06:42:21 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms Volume 6, Number 1 1996 Knapp Solanum Section Geminata 29

Ultrastructural and phylogenetic assessment of wax glands in pit scales (Homoptera : Coccoidea)

TEM/SEM and computerized images of 5 wax glands for 3 type species of Coccoidea (Homoptera): Asterodiaspis variolosa (Asterolecaniidae), Cerococcus quercus (Cerococcidae) and Lecanodiaspis sardoa (Lecanodiaspididae) were studied. Their cuticular structures were compared with 142, 56, and 61 species in their respective families to determine relationships among pit scale taxa. Significant differences include: the morphology of the outer and inner ductule of the tubular duct gland, structure of the pores (8-shaped, multilocular and quinquelocular), and the absence or presence of cribriform plates and their structural variations. Three distinctive tubular duct shapes (asterform, ceroform and lecanoform) are common in pit scale species. Apomorphic characteristics of the asterform tubular ducts include an absence of the inner ductule and the progressive reduction of the outer ductule's diameter from the pore to its inner end. These characters easily separate asterolecaniids from the cerococcid-lecanodiaspidid lineage. The constricted lecanoform tubular ducts and the curved teeth on the rim at the inner end of the outer ductule in the ceroform tubular ducts are regarded as autapomorphic. The presence of 8-shaped pores is considered a plesiomorphic condition. Specific cuticular variations of the 8-shaped pores, characterizing familial taxa, include pores even with the surface in asterolecaniids, pores with raised walls in cerococcids, and bent pores in lecanodiaspidids. The dominant 8-shaped pore patterns in pit scales are those arranged in a marginal band in lecanodiaspidids, in a swirl-like pore pattern in the cerococcids, and in a marginal row in asterolecaniids. A divergent evolutionary trend is noted for the structure of the cribriform plate; they are with micro-orifices in cerococcids, but without micro-orifices in lecanodiaspidids. The former state is considered apomorphic. Cribriform plates arranged in clusters characterize the cerococcids, while plates in longitudinal rows characterize the lecanodiaspidids. These data confirm the concept that the pit scales constitute a paraphyletic group and the Asterolecaniidae, Cerococcidae and Lecanodiaspididae are monophyletic.

The Phylogenetic Status of the Ancyrocephalidae Bychowsky, 1937 (Monogenea: Dactylogyroidea)

Phylogenetic analysis of selected subfamily and family taxa within the Dactylogyroidea indicates that the Ancyrocephalidae Bychowsky, 1937, is unnatural. The family contains both poly- and paraphyletic features. The analysis supports the previous elevation of the Pseudomurraytrematinae to family status and suggests that revision of the Ancyrocephalidae is necessary. Two options for revision are provided; that of returning the taxon to subfamily status within the Dactylogyridae is preferred, requiring a change in status of the Heterotesiidae to a subfamily within the Dactylogyridae.