XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb): Penta-Atomic Planar Tetracoordinate Si/Ge/Sn/Pb Clusters with 20 Valence Electrons.

Planar tetracoordinate silicon, germanium, tin, and lead (ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb) species are scarce and exotic. Here, we report a series of penta-atomic ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters with 20 valence electrons (VEs). Ternary XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters possess beautiful fan-shaped structures, with a Bi-B-B-Bi chain surrounding the central X core. The unbiased density functional theory (DFT) searches and high-level CCSD(T) calculations reveal that these ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb species are the global minima on their potential energy surfaces. Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) simulations indicate that XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters are robust. Bonding analyses indicate that 20 VEs are perfect for the ptX XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb): two lone pairs of Bi atoms; one 5c-2e π, and three σ bonds (two Bi-X 2c-2e and one B-X-B 3c-2e bonds) between the ligands and X atom; three 2c-2e σ bonds and one delocalized 4c-2e π bond between the ligands. The ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters possess 2π/2σ double aromaticity, according to the (4n + 2) Hückel rule.

Utilising massive open online courses to enhance global learning dissemination in cleft lip and palate: a case report of penta helix collaboration.

BACKGROUND: Educating and raising awareness in cleft lip and palate future generations is one vital effort to ensure the improvement of cleft care and research in the future. This study reported the overview in organising and evaluating the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in Cleft Lip and Palate as the alternative way for students' capacity building outside their study program whilst also earning credits towards their studies. METHODS: Smile Train cleft charity generously donated recorded lectures from cleft experts around the world in which each of the experts agreed to provide one-hour live discussion sessions. The learning activities ranging from lectures, pre- and post-course evaluation, forum, live discussion sessions, virtual visits to Indonesian Cleft Centre, self-reflection assignments and final project. A survey was released to the participants to collect their feedback. RESULTS: The course mainly attracted dental students, and several allied health professional students. In total, 414 out of 717 participants registered for this MOOC managed to finish the course and received a certificate of completion which was run between August-October 2021. In general, participants positively received the course. CONCLUSIONS: The MOOC model and its objective of disseminating widespread information across geographical boundaries to enhance learning about cleft lip and palate treatment was achieved. This report serves as an example for other educational institutions and stakeholders who plan to use online educational engagement platforms to provide high-quality education and capacity building to participants in lower-middle income countries.

In silico and in vivo study of anti-inflammatory activity of Morinda longissima (Rubiaceae) extract and phytochemicals for treatment of inflammation-mediated diseases.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditionally, the plant Morinda longissima Y.Z.Ruan (Rubiaceae) is used by ethnic people in Vietnam for the treatment of liver diseases and hepatitis. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was designed to assess the efficacy of the 95% ethanolic extract of Morinda longissima roots (MLE) in experimental immune inflammation. The phytochemical variation of root extract and the chemical structures of natural compounds were also investigated using HPLC-DAD-HR-MS analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different doses (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg b.w.) of MLE were chosen to determine anti-inflammatory activity. The mice were given orally extracts and monitored their behavior and mortality for 14 days to evaluate acute toxicity. The volume of the paw and the histopathological evaluation were carried out. The polyphenolic phytoconstituents of MLE extract were identified using LC/MS analysis. The anti-inflammatory efficacy in silico and molecular docking simulations of these natural products were evaluated based on their cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and 2 inhibitory effects. RESULTS: This investigation showed the 95% ethanolic extract of Morinda longissima roots was found non-toxic up to 2000 mg/kg dose level in an acute study, neither showed mortality nor treatment-related signs of toxicity in mice. Eight anthraquinones and anthraquinone glycosides of Morinda longissima roots were identified by HPLC-DAD-HR-MS analysis. In the in vivo experiments, MLE was found to possess powerful anti-inflammatory activities in comparison with diclofenac sodium. The highest anti-inflammatory activity of MLE in mice was observed at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight. The in silico analysis showed that seven out the eight anthraquinones and anthraquinone glycosides possess a selectivity index RCOX-2/COX-1 lower than 1, indicating that these compounds are selective against the COX-2 enzyme in the following the order: rubiadin-3-methyl ether < morindone morindone-6-methyl ether < morindone-5-methyl ether < damnacanthol < rubiadin < damnacanthol-3-O-ß-primeveroside. The natural compounds with the best selectivity against the COX-2 enzyme are quercetin (9), rubiadin-3-methyl ether (7), and morindone (4), with RCOX2/COX1 ratios of 0.02, 0.03, and 0.19, respectively. When combined with the COX-2 protein in the MD research, quercetin and rubiadin-3-methyl ether greatly stabilized the backbone proteins and ligands. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the anthraquinones and ethanolic extract of Morinda longissima roots may help fight COX-2 inflammation. To develop novel treatments for inflammatory disorders linked to this one, these chemicals should be investigated more in the future.

Investigating the longstanding mystery of stigma length differences between morphs of distylous plants.

Longer stigmas in short-styled morphs of distylous plants have been considered an adaptive characteristic that increases intermorph pollen deposition. The greater pollen deposition in short-styled stigmas may be a by-product of their longer length, making deposition effectiveness comparison between morphs unfeasible. Thus, investigating which morph has the relatively most efficient stigma (i.e., pollen deposition per unit length) can boost our understanding of the adaptive significance of longer stigmas. Here, we compared pollen deposition between morphs relative to stigma length and assessed whether short-styled stigmas are more, less, or equally effective in receiving pollen grains per unit length. We reviewed the literature to characterize the extent of sigma length differences between morphs using the two most speciose distylous genera as model systems: Palicourea and Psychotria (Rubiaceae). Then, we conducted a between-morph comparison of raw and relative pollen depositions in a Palicourea rigida population. We confirmed that short-styled stigmas were longer than long-styled stigmas in both Palicourea (194.31% longer) and Psychotria (52.59% longer) flowers. Furthermore, in the focal Pal. rigida, although short-styled stigmas were 268.04% longer and received 97.04% more pollen grains than long-styled stigmas, the relative pollen deposition had a reverse pattern, with short-styled stigmas being two-times less efficient in receiving pollen. Our results indicate that the longer length of the short-styled stigmas may have a compensatory effect, increasing the chances of pollen grains reaching the stigma and probably maintaining disassortative intermorph pollination in distylous plants.

Betulinic and ursolic acids from Nauclea latifolia roots mediate their antimalarial activities through docking with PfEMP-1 and PfPKG proteins.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapies target the PfEMP-1 and PfPKG proteins in Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria, in an effort to prevent the disease's high fatality rate. This work identified the phytochemical components of Nauclea latifolia roots and docked the chemical compounds against target proteins, and examined the in vivo antiplasmodial effect of the roots on Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. METHODS: Standard protocols were followed for the collection of the plant's roots, cleaning, and drying of the roots, extraction and fraction preparation, assessment of the in vivo antiplasmodial activity, retrieval of the PfEMP-1 and PfPKG proteins, GCMS, ADME, and docking studies, chromatographic techniques were employed to separate the residual fraction's components, and the Swis-ADME program made it possible to estimate the drug's likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. The Auto Dock Vina 4.2 tool was utilized for molecular docking analysis. RESULTS: The residual fraction showed the best therapeutic response when compared favorably to amodiaquine (80.5%) and artesunate (85.1%). It also considerably reduced the number of parasites, with the % growth inhibition of the parasite at 42.8% (D2) and 83.4% (D5). Following purification, 25 compounds were isolated and characterized with GCMS. Based on their low molecular weights, non-permeation of the blood-brain barrier, non-inhibition of metabolizing enzymes, and non-violation of Lipinski's criteria, betulinic and ursolic acids were superior to chloroquine as the best phytochemicals. Hence, they are lead compounds. CONCLUSION: In addition to identifying the bioactive compounds, ADME, and docking data of the lead compounds as candidates for rational drug design processes as observed against Plasmodium falciparum target proteins (PfEMP-1 and PfPKG), which are implicated in the pathogenesis of malaria, the study has validated that the residual fraction of N. latifolia roots has the best antiplasmodial therapeutic index.

Previously undescribed tetrahydroanthraquinones from Prismatomeris tetrandra (roxb.) K. Schum with antitumor cell proliferation activities.

To find structurally previously undescribed compounds with pharmacological effects from Prismatomeris tetrandra (Roxb.) K. Schum (Rubiaceae), thirteen undescribed tetrahydroanthraquinones (1⎼13) named prisconnatanones J⎼V and seven known anthraquinones (14⎼20) were isolated and characterized. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses, and their absolute configurations were established by modified Mosher's method and ECD calculations. The antitumor cell proliferative activities of prisconnatanones J⎼V were determined. Among them, prisconnatanones J possessed high antitumor cell proliferation in HGC27 cells (IC50, 0.792 µM) by blocking HGC27 cells in the S phase and significantly inducing apoptosis in HGC27 cells. Prisconnatanone J has no cytotoxicity to normal gastric cells line (GES-1) at 10 µM and showed a considerable selectivity for HGC27 cells. Prisconnatanone J can potentially inhibit tumor cell proliferation and should be further investigated.

GC-MS analysis, molecular docking, and pharmacokinetic studies of Multidentia crassa extracts' compounds for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in dentistry.

Plant extracts have been useful for oral health or dentistry. However, only a few evidence-based justifications exist. This study evaluated Multidentia crassa (Hiern) Bridson & Verdc, one of the oral health-used plants in Malawi. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) identified the extracts' compounds. The pharmacokinetics of the identified compounds were studied using pkCSM and SwissADME, and molecular docking studies were used to identify potential drug candidates for oral health by predicting the binding affinity of the compounds to cyclooxygenases, interleukin-1 beta receptors, odontoblast cold sensor proteins, and purinergic receptor P2X3. FT-IR analysis showed characteristic peaks of phenols, carboxylic acids, alkenes, alkyl halides, amines, esters, ethers, aromatics, and lipids. GC-MS results showed the presence of 58 bioactive phytocompounds, some of which have various pharmacological activities relevant to oral health. Molecular docking further validated stigmastan-3,5-diene's potency for analgesic and anti-inflammatory purposes. Based on a literature review, this is the first report on the bioactive compounds of M. crassa extracts showing analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This study's results can lead to new herbal and conventional medicines. Therefore, we recommend in vivo and in vitro studies to elucidate the pharmacological effects of the plant extracts.

Block Sequence Effects on the Self-Assembly Behaviors of Polypeptide-Based Penta-Block Copolymer Hydrogels.

Peptide-based hydrogels have great potential for applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and so on. We systematically synthesize, characterize, and investigate the self-assembly behaviors of a series of polypeptide-based penta-block copolymers by varying block sequences and lengths. The copolymers contain hydrophobic blocks of poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) (PBG, Bx) and two kinds of hydrophilic blocks, poly(l-lysine) (PLL, Ky) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, EG34), where x and y are the number of repeating units of each block, where PBG and PLL blocks have unique functions for nerve regeneration and cell adhesion. It shows that a sufficient length of the middle hydrophilic segment capped with hydrophobic end PBG blocks is required. They first self-assemble into flower-like micelles and sequentially form transparent hydrogels (as low as 2.3 wt %) with increased polymer concentration. The hydrogels contain a microscale porous structure, a desired property for tissue engineering to facilitate the access of nutrient flow for cell growth and drug delivery systems with high efficiency of drug storage. We hypothesize that the structure of Bx-Ky-EG34-Ky-Bx agglomerates is beyond micron size (transparent), while that of Ky-Bx-EG34-Bx-Ky is on the submicron scale (opaque). We establish a working strategy to synthesize a polypeptide-based block copolymer with a wide window of sol-gel transition. The study offers insight into rational polypeptide hydrogel design with specific morphology, exploring the novel materials as potential candidates for neural tissue engineering.

Two new indole alkaloids from Nauclea officinalis and their evaluation for cytotoxic activities.

Two new indole alkaloids, naucleamide H (1) and (±)-19-O-butylangustoline (8), along with seven known alkaloids, 3,14-dihydroangustine (2), (-)-naucleofficine D (3a), (+)-naucleofficine D (3b), nauclefine (4), angustidine (5),19-O-ethylangustoline (6) and angustine (7) were isolated from the water extract of Nauclea officinalis. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic analysis. Among them, the cytotoxicity of 1, 2, 6 and 8 were evaluated against six human cancer cell lines (HepG-2, SKOV3, HeLa, SGC 7901, MCF-7 and KB) in vitro for the first time with 5-fluorouracil as a positive control drug. The new compound 1 had a strong inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HepG-2 with an IC50 value of 19.59 µg/mL. The new compound 8 had a strong inhibitory effect on HepG-2, SKOV3, HeLa, MCF-7 and KB, IC50 value was 5.530, 23.11, 31.30, 32.42 and 37.26 µg/mL, respectively.

The genus Canthium: A comprehensive summary on its traditional use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities.

Canthium Lam. is a genus of flowering plants of the Rubiaceae family with about 80-102 species mainly distributed in Asia, tropical and subtropical Africa. The genus is closely related to Keetia E. Phillips and Psydrax Gaertn. and plants of this genus are used in folk medicine for the treatment of diarrhea, worms, leucorrhoea, constipation, snake bites, diabetes, hypertension, venereal diseases, and malaria. The present review covers a period of 52 years of biological and chemical investigations into the genus Canthium and has resulted in the isolation of about 96 secondary metabolites and several reported biological properties. For the Rubiaceae family, iridoids were reported as being the chemotaxonomic markers of this genus (∼25%). Other reported classes of compounds include alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, cyanogenic glycosides, coumarins, sugar alcohols, lignans, triterpenoids, and benzoquinones. The main reported pharmacological properties of most species of this genus include antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective and antimicrobial activities with the latter being the most prominent. Considering the diversity of compounds reported from plants of this genus and their wide range of biological activities, it is considered to be worthy to further investigate them for the discovery of potentially new and cost effective drugs.

Two new anthraquinone derivatives from Saprosma crassipes H. S. Lo.

Two new anthraquinone derivatives sapranquinones A and B (1 and 2) together with two known biogenetically related anthraquinone derivatives (3 and 4) were isolated from the stems of Saprosma crassipes H. S. Lo. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using comprehensive spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for their antibacterial activities and compounds 1 and 3 had a broad spectrum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus albus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus tetragenus, and Micrococcus luteus with MIC values ranging from 1.25 to 5 µg/mL.

Phytochemical and Nutraceutical Screening of Ethanol and Ethyl Acetate Phases of Romanian Galium verum Herba (Rubiaceae).

Galium species are used worldwide for their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. Although this plant has demonstrated its antitumor properties on various types of cancer, its biological activity on cutaneous melanoma has not been established so far. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the phytochemical profile of two extracts of G. verum L. herba (ethanolic and ethyl acetate) as well as the biological profile (antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor effects) on human skin cancer. The extracts showed similar FT-IR phenolic profiles (high chlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, and rutin), with high antioxidant capacity (EC50 of ethyl acetate phase (0.074 ± 0.01 mg/mL) > ethanol phase (0.136 ± 0.03 mg/mL)). Both extracts showed antimicrobial activity, especially against Gram-positive Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus bacilli strains, the ethyl acetate phase being more active. Regarding the in vitro antitumor test, the results revealed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect against A375 melanoma cell lines, more pronounced in the case of the ethyl acetate phase. In addition, the ethyl acetate phase stimulated the proliferation of human keratinocytes (HaCaT), while this effect was not evident in the case of the ethanolic phase at 24 h post-stimulation. Consequently, G. verum l. could be considered a promising phytocompound for the antitumor approach of cutaneous melanoma.

A chromosome-level genome assembly of the Knoxia roxburghii (Rubiaceae).

Knoxia roxburghii is a well-known medicinal plant that is widely distributed in southern China and Southeast Asia. Its dried roots, known as hongdaji in traditional Chinese medicine, are used to treat a range of diseases, including cancers, carbuncles, and ascites. In this study, we report a de novo chromosome-level genome sequence for this diploid plant, which has a length of approximately 446.30 Mb with a contig N50 size of 42.26 Mb and scaffold N50 size of 44.38 Mb. Approximately 99.78% of the assembled sequences were anchored to 10 pseudochromosomes and 3 gapless assembled chromosomes were included in this assembly. A total of 24,507 genes were annotated, along with 68.92% of repetitive elements. Overall, our results will facilitate further active component biosynthesis for K. roxburghii and provide insights for future functional genomic studies and DNA-informed breeding.

Allelic frequencies of 22 short tandem repeats loci and tri-allelic patterns of Penta D and TPOX identified in Gabonese population.

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are repeating DNA sequences used in forensic human identity testing and the diagnosis of aneuploidies. Many STRs like Penta D and TPOX are used routinely for paternity tests, but these tests are not widely used in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study we recruited individuals from Gabonese families seeking a paternity test. After DNA extraction from buccal swabs, we genotyped samples using a panel of 22 STRs. A total of 115 unrelated subjects from 39 families were included. Allele frequencies of the 22 STR loci were determined in unrelated Gabonese subjects. The most polymorphic loci were D21S11 (16 alleles) and FGA (17 alleles), while D3S1358 and TH01 loci were less polymorphic, with five alleles each. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed for TPOX, D3S1358, CSFPO and D7S820 loci. We reported tri-allelic patterns that indicate aneuploidies at a combined frequency of 4% (4/115) with 3% for Penta D (1/35) and 3% for TPOX (3/102). Furthermore, we identified a new tri-allelic genotype 5-8-16 for the Penta D locus located on chromosome 21 in a healthy subject. In addition, we observed three tri-allelic variants of TPOX, located on chromosome 2, in healthy subjects, namely 8-10-11, 8-9-10, and 8-8-10. Our study revealed unsuspected polymorphic variations in Penta D and TPOX for the first time in Gabon, raising several questions about chromosomal disorders. Further population genetics studies are needed in Gabon to better characterize these variations, both qualitatively and quantitative.

The extract of Sclerocarya birrea, Nauclea latifolia, and Piper longum mixture ameliorates diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction.

Diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction is linked to chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, cholinergic dysfunction, and neuronal degeneration. We investigated the antidiabetic and neuroprotective activity of a mixture of Sclerocarya birrea, Nauclea latifolia, and Piper longum (SNP) in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rat model-induced memory impairment. Fructose (10%) and streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) were used to induce T2D in male Wistar rats. Diabetic animals received distilled water, metformin (200 mg/kg), or SNP mixture (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg). HPLC-MS profiling of the mixture was performed. Behavioral testing was conducted using the Y-maze, NORT, and Morris water mazes to assess learning and memory. Biochemical markers were evaluated, including carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative/nitrative stress, pro-inflammatory markers, and acetylcholinesterase activity. Histopathological examination of the pancreas and hippocampus was also performed. Fructose/STZ administration resulted in T2D, impaired short- and long-term memory, significantly increased oxidative/nitrative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), hippocampal neuronal loss and degeneration in CA1 and CA3 subfields, and neuronal vacuolation in DG. SNP mixture at 150 and 300 mg/kg significantly improved blood glucose and memory function in diabetic rats. The mixture reduced oxidative/nitrative stress and increased endogenous antioxidant levels. It also reduced serum IL-1ß, INF-γ and TNF-α levels and ameliorated AChE activity. Histologically, SNP protected hippocampus neurons against T2D-induced neuronal necrosis and degeneration. We conclude that the aqueous extract of SNP mixture has antidiabetic and neuroprotective activities thanks to active metabolites identified in the plant mixture, which consequently normalized blood glucose, protected hippocampus neurons, and improved memory function in diabetic rats.

Toxicological effects of aqueous extract of Genipa americana L. leaves on adult zebrafish (Danio rerio): Chemical profile, histopathological effects and lack of genotoxicity.

Genipa americana is a native plant of Brazil with potential applications in folk medicine. Whereas most of the phytochemical and pharmacological studies on this plant have focused on its fruits, the crude extracts of its leaves contain chemical metabolites that may have toxicity to organisms, which have yet to be investigated. This study aimed to determine the main groups of secondary metabolites in the aqueous extract of the leaves of G. americana by phytochemistry and qualitative HPLC, and to evaluate the possible toxicological effects and histopathological changes caused by this extract in zebrafish (Danio rerio) adults, through micronucleus test, nuclear abnormalities and histopathological analyses of gills and liver. While three metabolites of high intensity (phenolic compounds, flavonoids and triterpenes) were found in the phytochemical evaluation, the HPLC showed results compatible with flavonoids and iridoids, all belonging to common classes for this species and the Rubiaceae family. The acute toxicity test did not induce mortality or genotoxicity in zebrafish, but after exposure for 96 h, it was possible to observe injuries to the fish gill tissue, such as lamellar fusion, vasodilation and telangiectasia; in the liver, necrosis was visualized at 40 mg/L, and at higher concentrations (80 and 100 mg/L) induced sinusoidal widening was identified. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the toxic potential of this plant for aquatic species.

Long-and short-billed hummingbirds as pollinators of Palicourea demissa, a distylous treelet of Neotropical cloud forests.

Distyly has been interpreted as a mechanism that promotes cross-pollination between floral morphs. According to this hypothesis, pollen from anthers positioned at different heights could adhere to different body parts of the pollinator that would correspond to those points where stigmas of compatible morph contact the animal. In this regard, hummingbird species with different bill sizes may play different roles as pollinators of each morph. If pollinators mobilize more legitimate pollen towards one of the two morphs, gender specialization may occur. This work aimed to assess experimentally the role of long- and short-billed hummingbirds as pollinators of short-style (SS) and long-style (LS) flowers of Palicourea demissa, a distylous, hummingbird-pollinated treelet in Venezuelan cloud forests. Flowers were emasculated and exposed to a single visit of the hummingbird Coeligena torquata (long-billed), Heliangelus spencei (short-billed) or Adelomyia melanogenys (short-billed). Later, stigmas were removed, and pollen load counted under a microscope to calculate the probability of legitimate- and illegitimate-pollen transfer by hummingbirds. The probability analyses of pollen transference showed that short-billed hummingbirds have higher pollination probabilities from SS-anthers to LS- and SS-stigmas, and from LS-anther to LS-stigmas than from LS-anther to SS-stigmas. In contrast, long-billed hummingbirds have higher probabilities of pollen transference from LS-anthers to SS-stigmas than in other directions. A deeper view of the sexual expression of each morph in P. demissa will depend on future studies that determine possible morpho-differences in the biological function of male and female floral structures, and the role played by less frequent floral visitors as mediators of legitimate pollination between floral morphs.

The Nighttime Fragrance of Guettarda scabra (Rubiaceae): Flower Scent and Its Implications for Moth Pollination.

Floral scent is crucial for attracting pollinators, especially in plants that bloom at night. However, chemical profiles of flowers from nocturnal plants with varied floral morphs are poorly documented, limiting our understanding of their pollination ecology. We investigated the floral scent in Guettarda scabra (L.) Vent. (Rubiaceae), a night-blooming species with short- and long-styled floral morphs, found in the threatened pine rocklands in south Florida, US. By using dynamic headspace sampling and GC-MS analysis, we characterized the chemical profiles of the floral scent in both morphs. Neutral red staining was also employed to determine the specific floral regions responsible for scent emission in G. scabra. The results revealed that G. scabra's fragrance consists entirely of benzenoid and terpenoid compounds, with benzeneacetaldehyde and (E)-ß-ocimene as dominant components. There were no differences in the chemical profiles between the long- and short-styled flowers. Staining assays indicated that the corolla lobes, anthers, and stigma were the primary sources of the scent. These findings indicate that G. scabra's floral scent is consistent with that of night-blooming plants pollinated by nocturnal hawkmoths, providing important insights into its chemical ecology and pollinator attraction. This study demonstrates how floral scent chemistry can validate predictions based on flower morphology in hawkmoth-pollinated plants.

Authentication and discrimination of new Brazilian Canephora coffees with geographical indication using a miniaturized near-infrared spectrometer.

New Brazilian Canephora coffees (Conilon and Robusta) of high added value from specific origins have been protected by geographical indication to guarantee their origin and quality. Recently, benchtop near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics has demonstrated its usefulness to discriminate them. It was the first study, however, and therefore the possibility exists to develop a new portable NIR method for this purpose. This work assessed a miniaturized NIR as a cheaper spectrometer to discriminate and authenticate new Brazilian Canephora coffees with certified geographical origins and to differentiate them from specialty Arabica. Discriminant chemometric and class modeling techniques have been applied and have obtained good predictive ability on external test sets. In addition, models with similar classification purpose were compared with those obtained in previous research carried out with benchtop NIR for the same samples, obtaining comparable results. In this context, the portable method was used as a laboratory technique and has the advantage of being cheaper than benchtop NIR spectrometer. Furthermore, it brings a high possibility to be implemented in small coffee cooperatives, industries or control agencies in the future that do not have high economic resources.

Identification of sources of male sterility in the Colombian Coffee Collection for the genetic improvement of Coffea arabica L.

In coffee (Coffea arabica L.), male sterility is a prerequisite for the exploitation of heterosis since it provides an efficient and reliable method for the production of hybrid seeds. Given its relevance, the objective of this study was to identify male-sterile genotypes within the Colombian Coffee Collection that can be used in genetic improvement. For this purpose, Ethiopian germplasm and progenies derived from hybrids between C. arabica x C. canephora were explored between 2017 and 2021. In the first stage, genotypes without visual presence of pollen were preselected in the field, followed by selection through staining and verification of male sterility and female fertility through directed crosses (directed, reciprocal and selfing). In this stage, 9,753 trees were explored, preselecting 2.4% due to visual absence of pollen. The staining of structures allowed us to confirm the lack or sporadic production of pollen in 23 individuals of Ethiopian origin. The results of the directed crosses led to the identification of 11 male-sterile and 12 partially male-sterile genotypes belonging to 15 accessions. In all cases, the individuals were characterized by the presence of anthers but with an absence or low content of pollen, which is why the male sterility is possibly of the sporogenic type. The female receptivity values were between 2.9% and 72.6%, being higher than 30% in five genotypes. These genotypes are a valuable tool for the genetic improvement of C. arabica with the potential to facilitate the use of heterosis and to allow a deeper understanding the development of male gametophytes in the species.