The Fabaceae in Northeastern Mexico (Subfamilies Caesalpinioideae (Excluding Tribe Mimoseae), Cercidoideae, and Detarioideae).

As part of the Fabaceae project of northeastern Mexico and based on field work, collection of botanical samples over the past 37 years, and reviewing botanical materials in national and international herbaria, the diversity of legumes of the subfamilies Caesalpinioideae (excluding tribe Mimoseae), Cercidoideae, and Detarioideae in northeastern Mexico has been recorded. New nomenclatural changes in tribes and genera of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae found in the new scientific bibliography are included. The subfamily Caesalpinioideae (excluding the tribe Mimoseae) includes five tribes: tribe Caesalpinieae, with eight genera (Caesalpinia, Coulteria, Denisophytum, Erythrostemon, Guilandina, Hoffmannseggia, Haematoxylum, and Pomaria) and 21 species; tribe Cassieae with three genera (Cassia, Chamaecrita, and Senna) and 28 species; tribe Ceratonieae with one genus (Ceratonia) and 1 species; tribe Gleditsieae with one genus (Gleditsia) and 1 species. The subfamily Cercidoideae includes two genera (Bauhinia and Cercis) and eight species, and the subfamily Detarioideae includes only one genus and one species (Tamarindus indicus). The total flora of these three subfamilies comprises 18 genera and 63 species, including 56 native species and 7 exotic ones: Bauhinia variegata, Cassia fistula, Ceratonia siliqua, Delonix regia, Erythrostemon gilliesii, Senna alata, and Tamarindus indicus. Endemism includes a total of 22 species and nine infraspecific categories.

The radiation of nodulated Chamaecrista species from the rainforest into more diverse habitats has been accompanied by a reduction in growth form and a shift from fixation threads to symbiosomes.

All non-Mimosoid nodulated genera in the legume subfamily Caesalpinioideae confine their rhizobial symbionts within cell wall-bound 'fixation threads' (FTs). The exception is the large genus Chamaecrista in which shrubs and subshrubs house their rhizobial bacteroids more intimately within symbiosomes, whereas large trees have FTs. This study aimed to unravel the evolutionary relationships between Chamaecrista growth habit, habitat, nodule bacteroid type, and rhizobial genotype. The growth habit, bacteroid anatomy, and rhizobial symbionts of 30 nodulated Chamaecrista species native to different biomes in the Brazilian state of Bahia, a major centre of diversity for the genus, was plotted onto an ITS-trnL-F-derived phylogeny of Chamaecrista. The bacteroids from most of the Chamaecrista species examined were enclosed in symbiosomes (SYM-type nodules), but those in arborescent species in the section Apoucouita, at the base of the genus, were enclosed in cell wall material containing homogalacturonan (HG) and cellulose (FT-type nodules). Most symbionts were Bradyrhizobium genotypes grouped according to the growth habits of their hosts, but the tree, C. eitenorum, was nodulated by Paraburkholderia. Chamaecrista has a range of growth habits that allow it to occupy several different biomes and to co-evolve with a wide range of (mainly) bradyrhizobial symbionts. FTs represent a less intimate symbiosis linked with nodulation losses, so the evolution of SYM-type nodules by most Chamaecrista species may have (i) aided the genus-wide retention of nodulation, and (ii) assisted in its rapid speciation and radiation out of the rainforest into more diverse and challenging habitats.

Cross-species transcriptomes reveal species-specific and shared molecular adaptations for plants development on iron-rich rocky outcrops soils.

BACKGROUND: Canga is the Brazilian term for the savanna-like vegetation harboring several endemic species on iron-rich rocky outcrops, usually considered for mining activities. Parkia platycephala Benth. and Stryphnodendron pulcherrimum (Willd.) Hochr. naturally occur in the cangas of Serra dos Carajás (eastern Amazonia, Brazil) and the surrounding forest, indicating high phenotypic plasticity. The morphological and physiological mechanisms of the plants' establishment in the canga environment are well studied, but the molecular adaptative responses are still unknown. To understand these adaptative responses, we aimed to identify molecular mechanisms that allow the establishment of these plants in the canga environment. RESULTS: Plants were grown in canga and forest substrates collected in the Carajás Mineral Province. RNA was extracted from pooled leaf tissue, and RNA-seq paired-end reads were assembled into representative transcriptomes for P. platycephala and S. pulcherrimum containing 31,728 and 31,311 primary transcripts, respectively. We identified both species-specific and core molecular responses in plants grown in the canga substrate using differential expression analyses. In the species-specific analysis, we identified 1,112 and 838 differentially expressed genes for P. platycephala and S. pulcherrimum, respectively. Enrichment analyses showed that unique biological processes and metabolic pathways were affected for each species. Comparative differential expression analysis was based on shared single-copy orthologs. The overall pattern of ortholog expression was species-specific. Even so, we identified almost 300 altered genes between plants in canga and forest substrates with conserved responses in the two species. The genes were functionally associated with the response to light stimulus and the circadian rhythm pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Plants possess species-specific adaptative responses to cope with the substrates. Our results also suggest that plants adapted to both canga and forest environments can adjust the circadian rhythm in a substrate-dependent manner. The circadian clock gene modulation might be a central mechanism regulating the plants' development in the canga substrate in the studied legume species. The mechanism may be shared as a common mechanism to abiotic stress compensation in other native species.

Phytochemistry and poisoning in ruminants by Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae): A systematic review.

Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae) is a plant widely distributed in several regions of Brazil, occurring in the phytogeographic domains of Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga. Cases of serious poisoning in cattle, goats, and sheep in the country caused by the ingestion of beans of this species have been reported by several studies. The present work aimed to carry out a systematic review of cases of poisoning by E. contortisiliquum in ruminants and list the main chemical compounds isolated from this plant. For this, searches were performed in the Google Academic, PubMed®, ScienceDirect®, and SciELO databases. A total of 26 articles published in the last 20 years (2001-2021) were included. Studies on cases of natural and experimental poisoning indicate that this species mainly causes photosensitization, abortions, digestive problems, and acute ruminal lactic acidosis in animals that ingest the pods of the plant. The main chemical compounds that occur in the species belong to the triterpene saponins, monoterpene, phenylpropene, and triterpene classes. It is likely that triterpene saponins isolated from E. contortisiliquum are associated with reported cases of photosensitization in cattle. New studies must be conducted to assess the mechanisms of action of chemical compounds isolated from this species in in vivo systems.

Plastome evolution in the Caesalpinia group (Leguminosae) and its application in phylogenomics and populations genetics.

MAIN CONCLUSION: The chloroplast genomes of Caesalpinia group species are structurally conserved, but sequence level variation is useful for both phylogenomic and population genetic analyses. Variation in chloroplast genomes (plastomes) has been an important source of information in plant biology. The Caesalpinia group has been used as a model in studies correlating ecological and genomic variables, yet its intergeneric and infrageneric relationships are not fully solved, despite densely sampled phylogenies including nuclear and plastid loci by Sanger sequencing. Here, we present the de novo assembly and characterization of plastomes from 13 species from the Caesalpinia group belonging to eight genera. A comparative analysis was carried out with 13 other plastomes previously available, totalizing 26 plastomes and representing 15 of the 26 known Caesalpinia group genera. All plastomes showed a conserved quadripartite structure and gene repertoire, except for the loss of four ndh genes in Erythrostemon gilliesii. Thirty polymorphic regions were identified for inter- or intrageneric analyses. The 26 aligned plastomes were used for phylogenetic reconstruction, revealing a well-resolved topology, and dividing the Caesalpinia group into two fully supported clades. Sixteen microsatellite (cpSSR) loci were selected from Cenostigma microphyllum for primer development and at least two were cross-amplified in different Leguminosae subfamilies by in vitro or in silico approaches. Four loci were used to assess the genetic diversity of C. microphyllum in the Brazilian Caatinga. Our results demonstrate the structural conservation of plastomes in the Caesalpinia group, offering insights into its systematics and evolution, and provides new genomic tools for future phylogenetic, population genetics, and phylogeographic studies.

Queiroziella gen. nov., a new genus of jumping plant-lice (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) from Southern Brazil associated with Mimosa scabrella (Leguminosae).

Queiroziella gen. nov., a new genus of Psylloidea (Psyllidae, Ciriacreminae), is erected for five new species developing on the multipurpose tree Mimosa scabrella (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade): viz. Queiroziella erato sp. nov., Q. euterpe sp. nov., Q. melpomone sp. nov., Q. terpsichore sp. nov. and Q. thalia sp. nov. Another species from Paraguay, associated with an unidentified Mimosa species, is transferred to the new genus as Queiroziella borealis (Burckhardt, 1987), comb. nov., from Zonopelma (Aphalaroidinae). The new taxa are diagnosed, described and illustrated, and keys are provided for the identification of adults and immatures. Morphologically, Queiroziella resembles Heteropsylla which is also associated with mimosoid legumes and with which it may be closely related. As their host, the new species are restricted to Southern Brazil. Queiroziella euterpe, Q. melpomone and Q. terpsichore are reported from the states of Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo, Q. thalia from Paraná and São Paulo, and Q. erato from Paraná. No clear phenological patterns were found though it seems that high psyllid populations coincide with new flush of the host plants. Despite that the psyllids occur sometimes in very high numbers, no visible damage could be detected on host trees. On the other hand, the honeydew of the psyllids may provide a food source for honey-bees during non-flowering periods of Mimosa scabrella.

Seed germination and early seedling survival of the invasive species Prosopis juliflora (Fabaceae) depend on habitat and seed dispersal mode in the Caatinga dry forest.

BACKGROUND: Biological invasion is one of the main threats to tropical biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Prosopis juliflora (Sw) DC. (Fabales: Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae) was introduced in the Caatinga dry forest of Northeast Brazil at early 1940s and successfully spread across the region. As other invasive species, it may benefit from the soils and seed dispersal by livestock. Here we examine how seed dispersal ecology and soil conditions collectively affect seed germination, early seedling performance and consequently the P. juliflora invasive potential. METHODS: Seed germination, early seedling survival, life expectancy and soil attributes were examined in 10 plots located across three habitats (flooding plain, alluvial terrace and plateau) into a human-modified landscape of the Caatinga dry forest (a total of 12,000 seeds). Seeds were exposed to four seed dispersal methods: deposition on the soil surface, burial in the soil, passed through cattle (Boss taurus) digestive tracts and mixed with cattle manure and passed through mule (Equus africanus asinus × Equus ferus caballus) digestive tracts and mixed with mule manure. Seeds and seedlings were monitored through a year and their performance examined with expectancy tables. RESULTS: Soils differed among habitats, particularly its nutrient availability, texture and water with finely-textured and more fertile soils in the flooding plain. Total seed germination was relatively low (14.5%), with the highest score among seeds buried in the flooding plain (47.4 ± 25.3%). Seed dispersal by cattle and mule also positively impacted seed germination. Early seedling survival rate of P. juliflora was dramatically reduced with few seedlings still alive elapsed a year. Survival rate was highest in the first 30 days and declined between 30 and 60 days with stabilization at 70 days after germination in all seed treatments and habitats. However, survival and life expectancy were higher in the flooding plain at 75 days and lower in the plateau. Prosopis juliflora seedling survival and life expectancy were higher in the case seeds were mixed with cattle manure. SYNTHESIS: Prosopis juliflora seeds and seedlings are sensitive to water stress and habitat desiccation. Therefore, they benefit from the humid soils often present across human-disturbed flooding plains. This plant also benefits from seed deposition/dispersal by livestock in these landscapes, since cattle manure represents a nutrient-rich and humid substrate for both seeds and seedlings. The quality of the seed dispersal service varies among livestock species, but this key mutualism between exotic species is due to the arillate, hard-coated and palatable seeds. Prosopis juliflora traits allow this species to take multiple benefits from human presence and thus operating as a human commensal.

Bradyrhizobium frederickii sp. nov., a nitrogen-fixing lineage isolated from nodules of the caesalpinioid species Chamaecrista fasciculata and characterized by tolerance to high temperature in vitro.

The symbioses between legumes and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia make the greatest contribution to the global nitrogen input via the process of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Bradyrhizobium stands out as the main genus nodulating basal Caesalpinioideae. We performed a polyphasic study with 11 strains isolated from root nodules of Chamaecristafasciculata, an annual multi-functional native legume of the USA. In the 16S rRNA gene phylogeny the strains were clustered in the Bradyrhizobium japonicumsuperclade. The results of analysis of the intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) indicated less than 89.9 % similarity to other Bradyrhizobium species. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) with four housekeeping genes (glnII, gyrB, recA and rpoB) confirmed the new group, sharing less than 95.2 % nucleotide identity with other species. The MLSA with 10 housekeeping genes (atpD, dnaK, gap, glnII, gltA, gyrB, pnp, recA, rpoB and thrC) indicated Bradyrhizobium daqingense as the closest species. Noteworthy, high genetic diversity among the strains was confirmed in the analyses of ITS, MLSA and BOX-PCR. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were below the threshold of described Bradyrhizobium species, of 89.7 and 40 %, respectively. In the nifH and nodC phylogenies, the strains were grouped together, but with an indication of horizontal gene transfer, showing higher similarity to Bradyrhizobium arachidis and Bradyrhizobium forestalis. Other phenotypic, genotypic and symbiotic properties were evaluated, and the results altogether support the description of the CNPSo strains as representatives of the new species Bradyrhizobiumfrederickii sp. nov., with CNPSo 3426T (=USDA 10052T=U686T=CL 20T) as the type strain.

Bradyrhizobium niftali sp. nov., an effective nitrogen-fixing symbiont of partridge pea [Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene], a native caesalpinioid legume broadly distributed in the USA.

Information about the symbionts of legumes of the Caesalpinioideae subfamily is still limited, and we performed a polyphasic approach with three Bradyrhizobium strains-CNPSo 3448T, CNPSo 3394 and CNPSo 3442-isolated from Chamaecrista fasciculata, a native legume broadly distributed in the USA. In the phylogenetic analysis of both the 16S rRNA gene and the intergenic transcribed spacer, the CNPSo strains were clustered within the Bradyrhizobium japonicumsuperclade. Multilocus sequence analysis with six housekeeping genes-glnII, gyrB, recA, rpoB, atpD and dnaK-indicated that Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens is the closest species, with 83 % of nucleotide identity. In the genome analyses of CNPSo 3448T, average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization results confirmed higher similarity with B. diazoefficiens, with values estimated of 93.35 and 51.50 %, respectively, both below the threshold of the same species, confirming that the CNPSo strains represent a new lineage. BOX-PCR profiles indicated high intraspecific genetic diversity between the CNPSo strains. In the analyses of the symbiotic genes nodC and nifH the CNPSo strains were clustered with Bradyrhizobium arachidis, Bradyrhizobium forestalis, Bradyrhizobium cajani, Bradyrhizobium kavangense and Bradyrhizobium vignae, indicating a different phylogenetic history compared to the conserved core genes. Other physiological (C utilization, tolerance to antibiotics and abiotic stresses), chemical (fatty acid profile) and symbiotic (nodulation host range) properties were evaluated and are described. The data from our study support the description of the CNPSo strains as the novel species Bradyrhizobiumniftali sp. nov., with CNPSo 3448T (=USDA 10051T=U687T=CL 40T) designated as the type strain.

Leaf morphoanatomy of "mororó" (Bauhinia and Schnella, Fabaceae)

Abstract Bauhinia L. and Schnella (Raddi.) Wund. are popularly known in Brazil as "mororó". The leaves and stem bark are used in folk medicine for various purposes, especially against diabetes. Morphoanatomical studies of the leaves of Bauhinia cheilantha (Bong.) Steud., B. pentandra (Bong.) Steud., B. ungulata L. and Schnella outimouta (Aublet) Wund., tribe Cercidae, subtribe Bauhiniinae (Benth.) Walp., were carried out as subsidies to the quality control of their etnodrugs and their derivatives, as well as an additional support to their taxonomy. The morphological and anatomical studies employed traditional techniques of stereo- and light microscopy. All species showed bifoliate leaves, a dorsiventral mesophyll, epidermis with a papillose abaxial surface, anomocytic stomata at the level of the epidermis, and tector trichomes. Schnella outimouta showed leaf characters distinctive from the three species of Bauhinia: indument puberulous on the abaxial surface, leaves hypostomatic, midrib with two collateral bundles, and a cylindrical petiole. The species of Bauhinia have a sericeous-pubescent indument, amphistomatic leaves with boat-shaped glands, midrib with a single bundle, and a canaliculate petiole with lateral projections. Our results provide leaf morphological and anatomical parameters, useful to distinguish the four species studied, which support the quality control of its ethnodrugs.

Karyotype diversity and 2C DNA content in species of the Caesalpinia group.

BACKGROUND: The Leguminosae family is the third-largest family of angiosperms, and Caesalpinioideae is its second-largest subfamily. A great number of species (approximately 205) are found in the Caesalpinia group within this subfamily; together with these species' phenotypic plasticity and the similarities in their morphological descriptors, make this a complex group for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the karyotypic diversity and the 2C DNA content variation in 10 species of the Caesalpinia group, representing six genera: Paubrasilia, Caesalpinia, Cenostigma, Poincianella, Erythrostemon and Libidibia. The GC-rich heterochromatin and 45S rDNA sites (which are used as chromosome markers) were located to evaluate the karyotype diversity in the clade. The variation in the 2C DNA content was determined through flow cytometry. RESULTS: The fluorochrome banding indicated that the chromomycin A3+/4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole- blocks were exclusively in the terminal regions of the chromosomes, coinciding with 45S rDNA sites in all analyzed species. Physical mapping of the species (through fluorescence in situ hybridization) revealed variation in the size of the hybridization signals and in the number and distribution of the 45S rDNA sites. All hybridization sites were in the terminal regions of the chromosomes. In addition, all species had a hybridization site in the fourth chromosome pair. The 2C DNA content ranged from 1.54 pg in Erythrostemon calycina to 2.82 pg in the Paubrasilia echinata large-leaf variant. The Pa. echinata small-leaf variant was isolated from the other leaf variants through Scoot-Knott clustering. CONCLUSIONS: The chromosome diversity and the variation in the 2C DNA content reinforce that the actual taxonomy and clustering of the analyzed taxa requires more genera that were previously proposed. This fact indicates that taxonomy, phylogeny and cytoevolutionary inference related to the complex Caesalpinia group have to be done through integrative evaluation.

Uso de extratos de polissacarídicos da planta medicinal caesalpinea ferrea na estimulação do edema na pata de ratos / Use of polysaccharidic extracts from the Caesalpinia ferrea medicinal plant in edema stimulation in the rats paw

O sistema imune inato é capaz de promover respostas inflamatórias imediatas a lesões e atua como mecanismo inicial de defesa no corpo, estando seus defeitos associados a respostas exacerbadas, como na asma, ou a deficiências que levam a infecções graves,de aparecimento rápido. Assim, um melhor entendimento do processo inflamatório, bem como a utilização de moléculas modulatórias é de extrema importância. Polissacarídeos de plantas são reconhecidos por suas atividades antiviral, antitumoral, imunoestimulante, anti-inflamatória e anticoagulante. O extrato polissacarídico da casca de Caesalpinia ferrea(Caesalpinioideae), planta muito utilizada na medicina popular, possui efeito cicatrizante de feridas. O presente estudo avaliou a atividade inflamatória de extratos polissacarídicos obtidos da casca (EPC), vagens (EPV) e folhas (EPF) de Caesalpinia ferrea. A planta foi coletada em Custódio, município de Quixadá-CE, para extração dos polissacarídeos.Casca, vagens e folhas foram suspensas em metanol, ressuspensas em NaOH (0,1 M), neutralizadas com HCl (1 M) e avaliadas quanto aos teores de carboidrato e proteína. EPC, EPV e EPF foram testados em ratos Wistar fêmeas (150-250g) no modelo de edema de pata, induzido pela administração subcutânea (s.c.) intraplantar de dextrana (300 μg), carragenana (300 μg) ou dos extratos polissacarídicos (0,01, 0,1 e 1 mg/kg), e mensurado por plestismometria(0-8 horas). Os extratos polissacarídicos apresentaram elevado teor de carboidratos (EPC: 44%; EPV: 31%; EPF: 44%) e atividade edematogênica, com maior eficácia na dose de 1 mg/kg: EPC(0,75±0,05 mL vs. salina: 0,45±0,04 mL); EPV (0,46±0,06 mL; vs salina: 0,16±0,02 mL); EPF (0,3±0,01 mL; salina: 0,18±0,02 mL).

The innate system is able to promote immediate inflammatory response to injuries, acting as an initial defense mechanism, being its failing associated to exacerbated response as asthma or to deficiencies, that lead to rapid serious infection. Thus, the better understanding of this process as well as the use of modulatory molecules is extremely important. Plant polysaccharides are recognized for its antiviral, antitumor, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. Polysaccharide extract obtained from Caesalpinia ferreabarks, a plant widely is used in folk medicine for wound healing, among others. This effect had been confirmed for the polysaccharide extract obtained from it barks. The present study evaluated the inflammatory activity of polyssaccharide extracts obtained from barks (PEB), pods (PEP) and leaves (PEL) of Caesalpinia ferrea. The plant was collected at Custódio, Quixadá-CE for obtention of the polyssaccharide extracts. Barks, pods and leaves were suspended in methanol, re-suspended in 0.1 M NaOH, neutralized with 1 M HCl and evaluated for carbohydrate and protein content. PEB, PEP and PEL were tested in female Wistar rats (150-250g) in the model of paw edema induced by subcutaneous (s.c.) intraplantar administration of dextran (300 μg), carrageenan (300 μg) or polyssaccharide extracts (0.01, 0.1 e 1 mg/kg) and measured by plesthysmometry (0 -8h). C. ferrea polyssaccharide extracts presented high content of carbohydrate (PEB: 44%; PEP: 31%; PEL: 44%) and edematogenic activity, with maximal efficacy at 1 mg/kg: PEB (0.75±0.05 mL vs. saline: 0.45±0.04 mL); PEP (0.46±0.06 mL; vs saline: 0.16±0.02 mL); PEL (0.3±0.01 mL; saline: 0.18±0.02 mL).

Uso de extratos de polissacarídicos da planta medicinal caesalpinea ferrea na estimulação do edema na pata de ratos / Use of polysaccharidic extracts from the Caesalpinia ferrea medicinal plant in edema stimulation in the rats paw

O sistema imune inato é capaz de promover respostas inflamatórias imediatas a lesões e atua como mecanismo inicial de defesa no corpo, estando seus defeitos associados a respostas exacerbadas, como na asma, ou a deficiências que levam a infecções graves,de aparecimento rápido. Assim, um melhor entendimento do processo inflamatório, bem como a utilização de moléculas modulatórias é de extrema importância. Polissacarídeos de plantas são reconhecidos por suas atividades antiviral, antitumoral, imunoestimulante, anti-inflamatória e anticoagulante. O extrato polissacarídico da casca de Caesalpinia ferrea(Caesalpinioideae), planta muito utilizada na medicina popular, possui efeito cicatrizante de feridas. O presente estudo avaliou a atividade inflamatória de extratos polissacarídicos obtidos da casca (EPC), vagens (EPV) e folhas (EPF) de Caesalpinia ferrea. A planta foi coletada em Custódio, município de Quixadá-CE, para extração dos polissacarídeos.Casca, vagens e folhas foram suspensas em metanol, ressuspensas em NaOH (0,1 M), neutralizadas com HCl (1 M) e avaliadas quanto aos teores de carboidrato e proteína. EPC, EPV e EPF foram testados em ratos Wistar fêmeas (150-250g) no modelo de edema de pata, induzido pela administração subcutânea (s.c.) intraplantar de dextrana (300 μg), carragenana (300 μg) ou dos extratos polissacarídicos (0,01, 0,1 e 1 mg/kg), e mensurado por plestismometria(0-8 horas). Os extratos polissacarídicos apresentaram elevado teor de carboidratos (EPC: 44%; EPV: 31%; EPF: 44%) e atividade edematogênica, com maior eficácia na dose de 1 mg/kg: EPC(0,75±0,05 mL vs. salina: 0,45±0,04 mL); EPV (0,46±0,06 mL; vs salina: 0,16±0,02 mL); EPF (0,3±0,01 mL; salina: 0,18±0,02 mL).(AU)

The innate system is able to promote immediate inflammatory response to injuries, acting as an initial defense mechanism, being its failing associated to exacerbated response as asthma or to deficiencies, that lead to rapid serious infection. Thus, the better understanding of this process as well as the use of modulatory molecules is extremely important. Plant polysaccharides are recognized for its antiviral, antitumor, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. Polysaccharide extract obtained from Caesalpinia ferreabarks, a plant widely is used in folk medicine for wound healing, among others. This effect had been confirmed for the polysaccharide extract obtained from it barks. The present study evaluated the inflammatory activity of polyssaccharide extracts obtained from barks (PEB), pods (PEP) and leaves (PEL) of Caesalpinia ferrea. The plant was collected at Custódio, Quixadá-CE for obtention of the polyssaccharide extracts. Barks, pods and leaves were suspended in methanol, re-suspended in 0.1 M NaOH, neutralized with 1 M HCl and evaluated for carbohydrate and protein content. PEB, PEP and PEL were tested in female Wistar rats (150-250g) in the model of paw edema induced by subcutaneous (s.c.) intraplantar administration of dextran (300 μg), carrageenan (300 μg) or polyssaccharide extracts (0.01, 0.1 e 1 mg/kg) and measured by plesthysmometry (0 -8h). C. ferrea polyssaccharide extracts presented high content of carbohydrate (PEB: 44%; PEP: 31%; PEL: 44%) and edematogenic activity, with maximal efficacy at 1 mg/kg: PEB (0.75±0.05 mL vs. saline: 0.45±0.04 mL); PEP (0.46±0.06 mL; vs saline: 0.16±0.02 mL); PEL (0.3±0.01 mL; saline: 0.18±0.02 mL).(AU)

New Boletaceae taxa from Guyana: Binderoboletus segoi gen. and sp. nov., Guyanaporus albipodus gen. and sp. nov., Singerocomus rubriflavus gen. and sp. nov., and a new combination for Xerocomus inundabilis.

Binderoboletus segoi gen. and sp. nov., Guyanaporus albipodus gen. and sp. nov. and Singerocomus rubriflavus gen. and sp. nov. (Boletaceae, Boletales, Basidiomycota) are described from the Pakaraima Mountains and adjacent lowlands of Guyana. Xerocomus inundabilis, originally described from the central Brazilian Amazon and based solely on the type collection, is redescribed from numerous collections from Guyana and transferred into Singerocomus. These boletes occur in Neotropical forests dominated by ectomycorrhizal trees in the genera Dicymbe (Fabaceae subfam. Caesalpinioideae), Aldina (Fabaceae subfam. Papilionoideae) and Pakaraimaea (Dipterocarpaceae). Three of the species were repeatedly found in a multiyear sporocarp survey in Dicymbe corymbosa-monodominant forest. Macromorphological, micromorphological, habitat and multilocus DNA sequence data are provided for each species. A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on a large taxon set across the Boletaceae justifies erection of the new genera.

New sequestrate fungi from Guyana: Jimtrappea guyanensis gen. sp. nov., Castellanea pakaraimophila gen. sp. nov., and Costatisporus cyanescens gen. sp. nov. (Boletaceae, Boletales).

Jimtrappea guyanensis gen. sp. nov., Castellanea pakaraimophila gen. sp. nov., and Costatisporus cyanescens gen. sp. nov. are described as new to science. These sequestrate, hypogeous fungi were collected in Guyana under closed canopy tropical forests in association with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) host tree genera Dicymbe (Fabaceae subfam. Caesalpinioideae), Aldina (Fabaceae subfam. Papilionoideae), and Pakaraimaea (Dipterocarpaceae). Molecular data place these fungi in Boletaceae (Boletales, Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) and inform their relationships to other known epigeous and sequestrate taxa within that family. Macro- and micromorphological characters, habitat, and multi-locus DNA sequence data are provided for each new taxon. Unique morphological features and a molecular phylogenetic analysis of 185 taxa across the order Boletales justify the recognition of the three new genera.

Morfología polínica de especies del género Senna (Fabaceae) del Sureste del Iberá, Corrientes, Argentina / Pollen morphology of species of genus Senna (Fabales: Fabaceae) in Southeast Ibera, Corrientes, Argentina

The system of Ibera lake and marshes in the Province of Corrientes, covers an area of approximately12 000km², and is considered one of the most important wetlands in Latin America. Given the wide diversity oftropical communities in this area, it is important to generate new information about the different species of this ecosystem, through pollen morphology, as lake sediments favor the pollen grains conservation. With the aim to promote future research on systematics, vegetation history and melissopalynology of this region, this study attempted to describe the pollen morphology of the well represented genus Senna. For this, we conducted 5-8 days collection trips in Southeast Ibera, on a monthly basis between 2009 and 2011. Based on the plants collected, the literature review and databases from the herbarium of the Botanical Institute of Northeast Argentina, we developed a list of species for the Province of Corrientes. For the pollen morphology, we manually took at least three flower buds per flower in the sampled sites, and for those species not sampled in the field, samples were obtained from the IBONE herbarium. Palynological material preparation was carried out by a modified tech nique of Erdtman acetolysis. The palynological descriptions considered the polar and equatorial diameter, exine thickness, openings and sculptural elements. Our results showed that Senna genus is euripalynic, composed of 3-colporate pollen grains, small to medium size, radiosymmetric, isopolar, oblates-spheroidals to prolates, subcircular field, subtriangular to triangular and long colpis. We described for the first time, the pollen morphology of 17 species of the genus Senna for this area, and recognized two groups considering endoapertures: lalongates and circular. The list of species belonging to the genus Senna presented here could be considered in restoration and recovery plans. A major constraint for the correct interpretation of the environmental changes impacts in vegetation, whether of climatic and/or anthropogenic origin, is the knowledge of pollen morphology of tropical species. A palynological database is of high value for the interpretation and determination of plant species.

El sistema de esteros y lagunas del Iberá, en la provincia de Corrientes abarcan aproximadamente 12 000km² de superficie y es considerado uno de los humedales más importantes de Latinoamérica. Dada la gran diversidad de las comunidades tropicales en esta área, es importante generar nueva información sobre las diferentes especies de este ecosistema, a través de la morfología del polen, ya que los sedimentos lacustres constituyen un medio ácido, pobre en oxígeno y favorable a la conservación de granos de polen que se depositan en su superficie. Con el objetivo de promover futuras investigaciones sobre la sistemática, historia de la vegetación y melisopalinología de esta región, el estudio trató de describir la morfología polínica del género Senna, que se halla bien representado en la zona. Se elaboró un listado de especies pertenecientes a la Provincia de Corrientes. Este listado se realizó mediante recolectas botánicas realizadas en el Sureste del Iberá, durante 5 a 8 días de cada mes entre 2009 y 2011, adicionalmente, se consultó literatura especializada y bases de datos de herbario del Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste Argentino. En cuanto al estudio morfológico del polen, se tomaron manualmente los botones florales de ejemplares en la zona de estudio. Para aquellas especies que no pudieron ser muestreadas en campo, se precisó de la toma de botones florales del herbario del IBONE. La preparación del material palinológico se llevó a cabo por la técnica modificada de acetólisis de Erdtman. Las descripciones palinológicas consideran el diámetro polar y ecuatorial, grosor de la exina, aberturas y elementos esculturales. Los resultados muestran que el género Senna es euripolínico, compuesto de granos 3-colporados pequeños a medianos, radiosimétricos, isopolares, oblatos-esferoidales a prolatos, ámbito subcircular, subtriangular a triangular; colpos largos. Aquí, se describen por primera vez para la zona, la morfología polínica de 17 especies del género Senna, del sureste del sistema Iberá, reconociéndose dos grupos teniendo en cuenta endoaperturas: lalongadas y circulares. El listado de especies pertenecientes al género Senna presentado en este trabajo debe ser considerado en las actividades de restauración y recuperación de los diferentes tipos de vegetación. Una limitación importante para la correcta interpretación del impacto de las variaciones ambientales en la vegetación, ya sean climáticas y/o antropogénicas, es el conocimiento de la morfología polínica de las especies tropicales, por lo tanto, se debe contar con una base de datos palinológica a nivel morfológico que ayude a la interpretación y determinación de especies vegetales.

Intoxicação espontânea por Senna obtusifolia em bovinos no Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense / Spontaneous poisoning by Senna obtusifolia in cattle of the southern Pantanal

Descreve-se um surto de intoxicação por Senna obtusifolia em bovinos no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, na região do Pantanal. Em um lote de 313 novilhas, 165 adoeceram e morreram (coeficientes de morbidade de 52,7% e de letalidade de 100%). Os bovinos permaneceram no piquete infestado pela planta por 37 dias. Os sinais clínicos consistiram em relutância em movimentar-se, andar trôpego (incoordenação), decúbito esternal permanente, diminuição do tônus de língua, estado comportamental em alerta, mioglobinúria caracterizada por urina castanho-escuro e fezes ressecadas com ou sem muco (ocasionalmente diarreicas com estrias de sangue). As principais alterações macroscópicas observadas nos 12 bovinos necropsiados estavam nos músculos esqueléticos dos membros pélvicos e foram caracterizadas por graus variáveis de palidez nos grupos musculares. Histologicamente, a lesão mais relevante encontrada foi degeneração e necrose segmentar multifocal nos músculos estriados esqueléticos (miopatia degenerativa tóxica multifocal polifásica). O diagnóstico da intoxicação baseou-se na epidemiologia (massa de forragem e de planta tóxica, análise da lotação do piquete e análise da precipitação pluviométrica), no quadro clínico dos animais e nos achados de necropsia e histopatologia.

Senna sp. poisoning in livestock has been reported in several occasions in Brazil usually from southern Brazil and involving S. occidentalis as the culprit. The objective of this study is to report the occurrence of an outbreak of S. obtusifolia poisoning in cattle in the Pantanal Region of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. In a herd of 313 heifers, 165 were affected and died (morbidity rate of 52.7% and lethality rate of 100%). The 313 heifers remained in the paddock infested by S. obtusifolia for 37 days. Clinical signs consisted of reluctance to move, incoordination, permanent sternal recumbency, decrease in the tonus of the tongue, alertness, myoglobinuria characterized by dark brown urine, and dry stools with or without mucus; or occasionally diarrhea with streaks of blood. The main gross findings in 12 necropsied cattle were in the skeletal muscles of the hind limbs, and were characterized by varying degrees of paleness of muscle groups. Histologically, the most relevant lesion was segmental multifocal degeneration and necrosis in striated skeletal muscles (multifocal lypolyphasic toxic degenerative myopathy). The epidemiological, clinical and pathological data allowed to conclude for the diagnosis of poisoning by S. obtusifolia in this outbreak.

Intoxicação espontânea por Senna obtusifolia em bovinos no Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense / Spontaneous poisoning by Senna obtusifolia in cattle of the southern Pantanal

Descreve-se um surto de intoxicação por Senna obtusifolia em bovinos no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, na região do Pantanal. Em um lote de 313 novilhas, 165 adoeceram e morreram (coeficientes de morbidade de 52,7% e de letalidade de 100%). Os bovinos permaneceram no piquete infestado pela planta por 37 dias. Os sinais clínicos consistiram em relutância em movimentar-se, andar trôpego (incoordenação), decúbito esternal permanente, diminuição do tônus de língua, estado comportamental em alerta, mioglobinúria caracterizada por urina castanho-escuro e fezes ressecadas com ou sem muco (ocasionalmente diarreicas com estrias de sangue). As principais alterações macroscópicas observadas nos 12 bovinos necropsiados estavam nos músculos esqueléticos dos membros pélvicos e foram caracterizadas por graus variáveis de palidez nos grupos musculares. Histologicamente, a lesão mais relevante encontrada foi degeneração e necrose segmentar multifocal nos músculos estriados esqueléticos (miopatia degenerativa tóxica multifocal polifásica). O diagnóstico da intoxicação baseou-se na epidemiologia (massa de forragem e de planta tóxica, análise da lotação do piquete e análise da precipitação pluviométrica), no quadro clínico dos animais e nos achados de necropsia e histopatologia.(AU)

Senna sp. poisoning in livestock has been reported in several occasions in Brazil usually from southern Brazil and involving S. occidentalis as the culprit. The objective of this study is to report the occurrence of an outbreak of S. obtusifolia poisoning in cattle in the Pantanal Region of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. In a herd of 313 heifers, 165 were affected and died (morbidity rate of 52.7% and lethality rate of 100%). The 313 heifers remained in the paddock infested by S. obtusifolia for 37 days. Clinical signs consisted of reluctance to move, incoordination, permanent sternal recumbency, decrease in the tonus of the tongue, alertness, myoglobinuria characterized by dark brown urine, and dry stools with or without mucus; or occasionally diarrhea with streaks of blood. The main gross findings in 12 necropsied cattle were in the skeletal muscles of the hind limbs, and were characterized by varying degrees of paleness of muscle groups. Histologically, the most relevant lesion was segmental multifocal degeneration and necrosis in striated skeletal muscles (multifocal lypolyphasic toxic degenerative myopathy). The epidemiological, clinical and pathological data allowed to conclude for the diagnosis of poisoning by S. obtusifolia in this outbreak.(AU)

Floral polymorphism in Chamaecrista flexuosa (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae): a possible case of atypical enantiostyly?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Reciprocal herkogamy, including enantiostyly and heterostyly, involves reciprocity in the relative positions of the sexual elements within the flower. Such systems result in morphologically and, since pollen is deposited on and captured from different parts of the pollinator, functionally distinct floral forms. Deviations from the basic pattern may modify the functionality of these mechanisms. For heterostylous species, such deviations are generally related to environmental disturbances, pollination services and/or reduced numbers of one floral morph. Deviations for enantiostylous species have not yet been reported. This study aims to investigate enantiostyly in Chamaecrista flexuosa, in particular the presence of deviations from the standard form, in an area of coastal vegetation in north-east Brazil. METHODS: Observations and investigations of floral biology, the reproductive system, pollinator behaviour, floral morphology and morphometry were performed. KEY RESULTS: In C. flexuosa flowers, anthers of different size but similar function are grouped. The flowers were self-compatible and set fruits after every treatment, except in the spontaneous self-pollination experiment, thereby indicating their dependence on pollen vectors. The flowers were pollinated by bees, especially Xylocopa cearensis and X. grisencens. Pollen is deposited and captured from the ventral portion of the pollinator's body. Variations in the spatial arrangement of floral elements allowed for the identification of floral morphs based on both morphological and functional criteria. Using morphological criteria, morphologically right (MR) and morphologically left (ML) floral morphs were identified. Three floral morphs were identified using functional criteria: functionally right (FR), functionally central (FC) and functionally left (FL). Combinations of morphologically and functionally defined morphs did not occur in equal proportions. There was a reduced frequency of the MR-FR combination. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the occurrence of an atypical enantiostyly in C. flexuosa. This seems to improve reproductive success by increasing the efficiency of pollen deposition and capture.

Anatomia dos órgãos vegetativos de Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Caesalpinioideae-Fabaceae): espécie de uso medicinal em Caetité-BA / Anatomy of vegetative organs of Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae): a species of medicinal use in Caetité-Bahia State, Brazil

Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae) apresenta grande valor na medicina popular em Caetité. A casca, entrecasca do caule e a resina, são utilizadas no tratamento de diversos males. Neste estudo são apresentadas a caracterização anatômica e histoquímica dos órgãos vegetativos. Amostras foram coletadas e processadas segundo técnicas usuais em anatomia vegetal e histoquímica. Todos os órgãos apresentam, em visão transversal, epiderme unisseriada e cavidades secretoras. Cutícula espessa ocorre em todos os órgãos aéreos. A raiz é tetrarca. Colênquima lacunar foi encontrado no caule. Bainha de fibras esclerenquimáticas envolve os feixes vasculares dos órgãos aéreos. Células pétreas ocorrem no pecíolo. Tricomas tectores ocorrem em ambas as faces da folha. A folha é hipoestomática com estômatos paracíticos e o mesofilo é dorsiventral. Cristais de oxalato de cálcio ocorrem no caule, pecíolo e lâmina foliar. Compostos fenólicos ocorrem na raiz, pecíolo e nervura central da folha. Grãos de amido ocorrem na raiz, caule e pecíolo. Lipídios ocorrem em todos os órgãos. Acredita-se que compostos fenólicos e cavidades secretoras de resina podem justificar a utilidade medicinal da espécie pela população de Caetité.

Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae) shows a great value in folk medicine in Caetité. Its bark, stem-bark and resin are used to treat various ailments. In this study, the anatomical and histochemical characterization of vegetative organs is reported. Samples were collected and processed according to usual techniques of plant anatomy and histochemistry. All organs have, by cross-sectional view, uniseriate epidermis and secretory cavities. Thick cuticle occurs in all aerial organs. The root is tetrarch. Lacunar collenchyma was found in the stem. Sclerenchymatic sheath of fibers surrounds the vascular bundles of the aerial organs. Stone cells occur in the petiole. Trichomes occur on both sides of the leaves. The leaf is hypostomatic with paracytic stomata and the mesophyll is dorsiventral. Calcium oxalate crystals occur in the stem, petiole and leaf blade. Phenolic compounds occur in the root, petiole and midrib of the leaf. Starch grains occur in the root, stem and petiole. Lipids occur in all organs. It is believed that phenolic compounds and resin secretory cavities may justify the use of medicinal species by the population of Caetité.