Diversity and functional roles of floral glands in Malpighiaceae: insights in Lophopterys floribunda W.R. Anderson & C. Davis.

Lophopterys floribunda is a Neotropical species of Malpighiaceae endemic to Brazil, occurring in both the Amazon and Atlantic Forest. Instead of the typical bi-glandular sepals reported for Neotropical Malpighiaceae, this species presents a single, large gland on the lateral sepals. In addition, ant patrolling was observed at the apex of bracts and bracteoles during fieldwork. Thus, this work aimed to describe the sepalar gland of L. floribunda and other secretory structures in its flowers and inflorescence. Samples of bracts, bracteoles, sepals, petals, and anther were collected and submitted to usual anatomical techniques. Unexpected nectaries at the apex of bracts and bracteoles, not visible to the naked eye, were described and represent a new type of structure for the family due to both their position and size. Mutualistic ants consume the exudate produced by these tiny nectaries, and such structures enable a specific visitation pattern for Lophopterys. Typical epithelial elaiophores occur on the lateral sepals, formed by an invaginated epidermis, which predominantly produce lipid secretion. The petal marginal glands are anatomically similar to the standard type of colleter, which exude mucilaginous substances. The exudate produced by the petal marginal glands was considered to have an additional role of contributing to the maintenance of the closed bud during the beginning of development. The globose epidermal cells containing lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides observed in the connective may be responsible for the typical aroma emitted by these flowers. The diversity of secretory structures reported here has application in both systematic and ecological studies of Malpighiaceae.

Alterations in the root phenylpropanoid pathway and root-shoot vessel system as main determinants of the drought tolerance of a soybean genotype.

Climate change increases precipitation variability, particularly in savanna environments. We have used integrative strategies to understand the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance, which will be crucial for developing improved genotypes. The current study compares the molecular and physiological parameters between the drought-tolerant Embrapa 48 and the sensitive BR16 genotypes. We integrated the root-shoot system's transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome to understand drought tolerance. The results indicated that Embrapa 48 had a greater capacity for water absorption due to alterations in length and volume. Drought tolerance appears to be ABA-independent, and IAA levels in the leaves partially explain the higher root growth. Proteomic profiles revealed up-regulated proteins involved in glutamine biosynthesis and proteolysis, suggesting osmoprotection and explaining the larger root volume. Dysregulated proteins in the roots belong to the phenylpropanoid pathways. Additionally, PR-like proteins involved in the biosynthesis of phenolics may act to prevent oxidative stress and as a substrate for modifying cell walls. Thus, we concluded that alterations in the root-shoot conductive vessel system are critical in promoting drought tolerance. Moreover, photosynthetic parameters from reciprocal grafting experiments indicated that the root system is more essential than the shoots in the drought tolerance mechanism. Finally, we provided a comprehensive overview of the genetic, molecular, and physiological traits involved in drought tolerance mechanisms. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01307-7.

Unraveling the secretion mechanism of the curious nectaries in Gentianaceae.

Unusual nectaries were anatomically described as being usual traits for Gentianaceae. They are small, avascularized, and formed by 3 to 5 rosette cells with labyrinthine walls around one central cell. Such as nectaries have been reported for stems, petals, and sepals of different species of the family, however, there is no information on the mechanisms involved with the synthesis and release of secretion. Thus, this work aimed to unravel the mechanism of secretion and exudation of nectar for these curious nectaries using Calolisianthus speciosus as a model. Samples were processed according to standard methods for light and electron microscopy. Leaf and sepal nectaries were described, as were those of the apex of petals where ants were observed patrolling a darkened region. The enzymatic method was used for the detection of sugars, proteins, and amino acids in leaf and sepal exudates. The nectaries of petals of C. speciosus are similar to those of its leaves, sepals, and stem, although their activities are asynchronous. Polysaccharides were detected on the labyrinthine walls of rosette cells and protein in the opposite region of the cytoplasm. Labyrinthine walls increase the contact surface between rosette cells and the central cell, allowing for the transfer of secretion. After accumulation, the secretion is released to the subcuticular space of the central cell through disruption of the cuticle. The secretion and exudation of nectar were elucidated and involve distinct organelles.

Functional role and evolutionary contributions of floral gland morphoanatomy in the Paleotropical genus Acridocarpus (Malpighiaceae).

The stereotyped floral morphology of Neotropical Malpighiaceae species-zygomorphic and calyx with oil glands-is correlated with oil-bee pollination. In contrast, the floral trends of the Paleotropical lineages are actinomorphy and lack of calyx glands, probably due to the absence of oil-collecting bees. The Paleotropical genus Acridocarpus is an exception because of its zygomorphic, gland-bearing flowers. Glands throughout Acridocarpus inflorescences were morphoanatomically evaluated to verify the occurrence of patterns related to species and geographic distribution. Herbarium (25 species) and fresh samples of A. longifolius were processed according to standard anatomical techniques. To verify the presence of glucose and protein, strip tests were applied to the exudate. Fresh samples were fixed and submitted to histochemical tests. Based on the occurrence, number and placement of glands, three distribution patterns were recognized on the bracteole and ten on the calyx. Bract, bracteole and sepal glands have a typical nectary structure with a palisade-like epidermis and vascularized parenchyma. Glands were classified as short-stalked, sessile or immersed. Histochemical tests performed on bract and sepal glands of A. longifolius were positive for proteins, polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, and negative for oil compounds. Glucose and protein were detected in the exudate. These results allow us to recognize the glands in Acridocarpus inflorescences as nectaries. This comprehensive morphoanatomical study helps to clarify the correlation between patterns of floral morphology and secretion consumers, as well as to better understand floral evolution in Malpighiaceae across their dispersal events.

Taxonomic revision of Mcvaughia W.R.Anderson (Malpighiaceae): notes on vegetative and reproductive anatomy and the description of a new species.

A taxonomic revision of Mcvaughia is presented, including the description of a new species from the state of Piauí, Brazil, and notes on wood, secondary phloem, leaf, and floral morpho-anatomy. We present a key to the species, full morphological descriptions, a distribution map, and notes on distribution, ecology, etymology, and conservation status for each species.

Methacrylate: An alternative fixing agent for identifying the botanical origin of propolis.

PREMISE: A new technique was developed to identify the botanical origin of propolis, a resin-like material made by bees by mixing saliva and beeswax with plant buds and exudates, using methacrylate for permanent slide preparation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Propolis samples were fixed in methacrylate to produce permanent slides. The anatomical structures of the plant fragments in the methacrylated propolis were compared with propolis slides prepared using conventional techniques that consist of propolis sediment obtained during a series of solvent reactions, filtration, and centrifugations, which cost a similar amount to produce. The techniques resulted in qualitative differences between the slides obtained. The methacrylated propolis sections allowed the detailed observation and identification of plant anatomical structures that were obscured in samples prepared using the conventional procedure. This clarity enabled the detailed evaluation of valuable taxon-diagnostic characters in a permanent slide, which can also be used for histochemical tests. CONCLUSIONS: The methacrylated embedding of propolis is an affordable technique that could be implemented as a routine laboratory procedure. This new technique enables the efficient determination of the botanical origin of propolis.

Treatment of De Garengeot's hernia using De Oliveira's technic: A case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: The French surgeon Rene Jacques Croissant de Garengeot first described the finding of the Appendix inside a femoral hernia sac in 1731. The De Garengeot's hernia is a rare entity, comprehending only 0.5-5% of the femoral hernias. The pathogenesis of this entity is still controversial, and in the same way, there are different theories to explain the occurrence of appendicitis inside the De Garengeot's hernia. There is no standard technique in the treatment of this entity. PRESENTATION OF CASE: W.P.S., 84, female, admited for medical assistance due to claims of edema and flogistic signs in the right inguinal region, noted four days prior. There was no abdominal pain, discomfort, or other symptoms. The physical examination showed hard edema and bulging on the right inguinal region, colaborating for the hipotesis of incarcerated hernia. Patient was then submitted to inguinotomy and the vermiform Appendix was discovered inside the femoral hernia without signs of appendicitis. The case was conducted using the De Oliveira's technique to femoral hernia repair and Liechenstein for the inguinal hernia repair. DISCUSSION: The De Garengeot's hernia is a rare entity, comprehending only 0.5-5% of the femoral hernias(2), it represents an unusual finding and is, in the majority of cases, diagnosed intraoperatively. It's pathogenesis is yet matter of discution. There is no standard approach for this hernia, possibly by the few numbers and variability of presentation of cases described. CONCLUSION: This paper presents a case of a 84yo female with De Garengeot's hernia that was submitted to a correction using the De Oliveira's technic. A low cost technic with great results without use of polypropylene mesh.

Foliar secretory structures in Crotoneae (Euphorbiaceae): Diversity, anatomy, and evolutionary significance.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Phylogenetic and morphological studies have helped clarify the systematics of large and complex groups such as the tribe Crotoneae (Euphorbiaceae). However, very little is known about the diversity, structure, and function of anatomical features in this tribe. Crotoneae comprises the species-rich pantropical genus Croton and six small neotropical genera. Here we characterized the anatomy of leaf secretory structures in members of this tribe and explored their function and evolutionary significance. METHODS: Young and mature leaves of 26 species were studied using standard anatomical light microscopy techniques. Three sections of Croton and one representative of Brasiliocroton and Astraea were sampled. KEY RESULTS: We identified five types of secretory structures: laticifers, colleters, extrafloral nectaries, idioblasts, and secretory trichomes. Laticifers were present in all species studied except Croton alabamensis, which instead presented secretory parenchyma cells. Articulated laticifers are reported in Crotoneae for the first time. Colleters of the standard type were observed in the majority of the sampled taxa. Extrafloral nectaries were present in section Cleodora and in B. mamoninha, but absent in section Lamprocroton and Astraea lobata. Idioblasts were spread throughout the palisade and/or spongy parenchyma in most of the studied species. Secretory trichomes were restricted to Lamprocroton except for C. imbricatus. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high diversity of secretory structures, including novel ones, in one of the largest clades of Euphorbiaceae. Our results are promising for investigations on the anatomical and ecophysiological bases of species diversification within Euphorbiaceae.

Extrafloral nectaries in neotropical Gentianaceae: occurrence, distribution patterns, and anatomical characterization.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) are structures that secrete nectar and protect plants against herbivores and pathogens. In Gentianaceae, these structures have been described in species of Calolisianthus, Fagraea, and Anthocleista and are important morphological markers for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies. To establish a foundation for further studies, we investigated the occurrence, distribution patterns, and anatomy of EFNs on leaves of 27 species belonging to 13 genera and three tribes of neotropical Gentianaceae. • METHODS: Leaf samples were diaphanized, stained with basic fuchsin, and mounted in glycerinated gelatin. Cross sections were obtained from material embedded in methacrylate or paraffin, stained, and mounted in Permount. Polysaccharides were histochemically stained with periodic acid-Schiff stain. Samples were also examined with scanning electron microscopy. • KEY RESULTS: Unusual EFNs, visible only with light microscopy, were formed of modified epidermal cells. Each EFN consisted of 2-5 secretory cells encircling a central cell. The EFNs varied in size and in the shape and arrangement of the adjacent cells surrounding the secretory cells. EFNs occurred in all analyzed species as isolated units distributed throughout the leaf blade or as aggregates; aggregates were generally visible to the naked eye. Based on their occurrence as aggregates or isolated units and on their location on the leaf blade, six distribution patterns were identified. • CONCLUSIONS: This is the first comprehensive study of EFNs on the leaves of neotropical Gentianaceae. The data suggested that NEFs evolved from isolated units for NEFs in aggregates. The results represent a new source of data for future ecological, systematic, and phylogenetic studies in Gentianaceae.

Anatomy of vegetative organs of Scutellaria agrestis, a medicinal plant cultivated by riverine populations of the Brazilian Amazon

Scutellaria agrestis A. St. -Hil. ex Benth. , Lamiaceae (trevo-roxo) is cultivated for medicinal purposes by residents of the riverine communities in the State of Amazonas, Brazil. This study aimed to characterize the anatomy and to make histochemical analysis on vegetative organs of S. agrestis. Samples of the leaf, stem and root were collected from five plants cultivated by the communities located in the Solimões river, Amazon. These samples were fixed and prepared following standard techniques for scanning electron microscopy and for light microscopy. Histochemical tests were carried out on sections to detect the main classes of compounds present in the secretion. Numerous glandular trichomes are seen in both leaf and stem of S. agrestis. The leaves are amphi-hypostomatics and show dorsiventral mesophyll. Hydathodes are present at the tip of the marginal teeth. Anthocyanin pigments occur into the epidermal cells of the stem, petiole, and abaxial leaf surface. The petiole is concave-convex shaped and bears collateral vascular bundles. The stem showed square-shaped, evident endoderm, collateral vascular bundles and parenchymatous pith. The root displays a typical protostelic structure. Idioblasts containing mucilage and phenolic compounds occur in the cortex. These data are important, as they can be useful to identify this species, contributing to the quality control of the medicinal plant.

Anatomy and histochemistry of the vegetative organs of Cissus verticillata: a native medicinal plant of the Brazilian Amazon

The purpose of this paper was to carry out an anatomical and histochemical analysis of the vegetative organs of Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson & C.E. Jarvis, Vitaceae, to contribute for the attest the taxonomic identity of the medicinal plant. Samples from root, stem, leaf and tendril were cleared, dissociated and processed according to the usual methodology for observation under light and scanning electron microscopes. Histochemical tests were performed in order to identify polysaccharides, phenolic and lipid compounds. The C. verticillata root is typically protostelic, and the stem is eustelic with collateral bundles. The tendril presents structural organization similar to the stem, suggesting a common origin for both. The petiole has an epidermis with ornamented cuticle; the cortex is composed of collenchyma and parenchyma, and the vascular tissues are arranged in collateral bundles. The leaf blade is amphistomatic with non-glandular and glandular trichomes, and the mesophyll is dorsiventral. The identification of the idioblasts as secretion site of the phenolic compounds, mucilage and terpenoids as being responsible for the potential activity of the plant is of fundamental importance for future bioprospecting research on this species.

Chemical composition and histochemistry of Sphagneticola trilobata essential oil

Anatomical and histochemical investigations of Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski, Asteraceae, secretory structures in leaves and stems and the seasonal variation of essential oils were carried out. Histochemical techniques enabled the specific location of the essential oil accumulation in the internal (canals) and external structures (trichomes). Histochemical analysis showed that the secretory trichomes produced steroids. The highest yield was obtained from plants collected in winter, when it was registered low temperature and precipitation. The essential oil was characterized by high percentage of hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes, hydrocarbon monoterpenes and low levels of oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The major components were germacrene D (11.9-35.8%), α-phellandrene (1.4-28.5%), α-pinene (7.3-23.8%), E-caryophyllene (4.6-19.0%), bicyclogermacrene (6.0-17.0%), limonene (1.8-15.1%) and α-humulene (4.0-11.6%). The percentage of most of the individual constituents present in S. trilobata essential oil changed significantly during the months.

A maternidade prematura: o suporte emocional através da fé e religiosidade / Prematurely motherhood: the emotional support through faith and religiosity / Maternitad prematura: el apoyo emocional por la fe y religiosidad

Esse artigo objetivou desenvolver uma reflexão acerca do uso da espiritualidade/religiosidade pelas mães usuárias do Método Canguru numa maternidade conveniada ao Sistema Único de Saúde no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. A perspectiva metodológica aplicada nesse estudo foi a pesquisa qualitativa, do tipo descritiva. Os dados foram apreendidos a partir da observação participante, das conversas informais, das entrevistas semi-estruturadas e da história de vida das mães, coletados nos encontros do grupo "Mães em Oração", desenvolvido pela equipe de enfermagem nessa maternidade. A análise mostrou que as práticas espirituais e a religiosidade atuam não apenas como suporte nas situações enfrentadas pelas mães na UTIN, mas abre uma possibilidade para o diálogo acerca da espiritualidade no ambiente hospitalar. Essa prática, ainda muito distanciada dos contextos das ações em saúde, contribui na humanização do cuidado, estreitando o vínculo entre mãe, filho, família e equipe multidisciplinar.

This article aimed to develop reflection about the spirituality and religiosity use by mothers, users of Kangaroo Method in a Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde) maternity in Rio Grande do Norte State. The approach used was the qualitative research, using participant observation, informal chats, semi directed interviews, and mothers' life story as procedure to data collection. Data were collected through meetings in Mothers in prayer (Mães em Oração), group developed by nursing team in this maternity. As the result, the analysis showed that the spiritual practice and the religiosity were used as a support in difficult situations at Neonatal Intensive Therapy Unit, as well as allowed the possibility to speak about spirituality in this maternity. This practice, even unconnected with everyday health care, contributes to humanize health care assistance, tightening the bond among mother, child, family and multidisciplinary team as well.

Este trabajo desarrolla una reflexión acerca del uso de la espiritualidad/religiosidad de las madres usuarias del método "Canguru" en una maternidad vinculada al Sistema Único de Salud en el Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. El enfoque metodológico fue la investigación cualitativa a partir de la observación participante, de las conversaciones informales, de las encuestas semi-estructuradas y de la historia de vida de las madres, recogidas en los encuentros del grupo "Mães em Oração". La análisis demostró que las prácticas y la religiosidad actúen no apenas como apoyo en las situaciones enfrentadas por las madres en la UTIN, pero abre en posibilidad para el dialogo a cerca de la espiritualidad en el ambiente hospitalero. Esta práctica, aun distanciada de los contextos de las acciones en salud, contribuye en la humanización de la atención, promoviendo el vínculo entre madre, hijo, familia y equipo multidisciplinatorio.

Anatomical and histochemical characterization of extrafloral nectaries of Prockia crucis (Salicaceae).

Besides being vital tools in taxonomic evaluation, the anatomy of plant secretory structures and the chemical composition of their secretions may contribute to a more thorough understanding of the roles and functions of these secretory structures. Here we used standard techniques for plant anatomy and histochemistry to examine secretory structures on leaves at different stages of development of Prockia crucis, to evaluate the origin and development of the structures, and to identify the disaccharides and monosaccharides in the exudates. Fructose, glucose, and sucrose constituted up to 49.6% of the entire secretion. The glands were confirmed to be extrafloral nectaries (EFNs); this is the first report of their presence in the genus Prockia. These EFNs are globular, sessile glands, with a central concavity occurring on the basal and marginal regions of the leaf. The epidermis surrounding the concavity is secretory, forming a single-layered palisade that strongly reacts with periodic acid-Schiff's reagent (PAS) and xylidine Ponceau, indicators of total polysaccharides and total proteins, respectively, in the exudate. On the basis of the similarity of these glands to the salicoid teeth in Populus and Salix, we suggest that these three taxa are phylogenetically close.

Plant Origin of Green Propolis: Bee Behavior, Plant Anatomy and Chemistry.

Propolis, a honeybee product, has gained popularity as a food and alternative medicine. Its constituents have been shown to exert pharmacological effects, such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. Shoot apices of Baccharis dracunculifolia (alecrim plant, Asteraceae) have been pointed out as sources of resin for green propolis. The present work aimed (i) to observe the collecting behavior of bees, (ii) to test the efficacy of histological analysis in studies of propolis botanical origin and (iii) to compare the chemistries of alecrim apices, resin masses and green propolis. Bee behavior was observed, and resin and propolis were microscopically analyzed by inclusion in methacrylate. Ethanol extracts of shoot apices, resin and propolis were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Bees cut small fragments from alecrim apices, manipulate and place the resulting mass in the corbiculae. Fragments were detected in propolis and identified as alecrim vestiges by detection of alecrim structures. Prenylated and non-prenylated phenylpropanoids, terpenoids and compounds from other classes were identified. Compounds so far unreported for propolis were identified, including anthracene derivatives. Some compounds were found in propolis and resin mass, but not in shoot apices. Differences were detected between male and female apices and, among apices, resin and propolis. Alecrim apices are resin sources for green propolis. Chemical composition of alecrim apices seems to vary independently of season and phenology. Probably, green propolis composition is more complex and unpredictable than previously assumed.