bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracranial teratomas in children: the role and timing of surgical removal
Authors: Noudel Rémy , Vinchon Mathieu , Dhellemmes Patrick , Litré Claude Fabien , Rousseaux Pascal
Published: October 2008

Object

In this study, the authors report their experience with the surgical treatment of intracranial teratomas with an emphasis on the indications for delayed resection after oncological treatment.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 14 children with intracranial teratomas. The mean age at diagnosis was 10.5 years (range 2 days–18 years), and 11 patients were male. The final histological analysis revealed pure mature teratoma in 5 cases, mixed teratoma with germinoma in 3 cases, and nongerminomatous malignant germ cell tumor in 6 cases. Thirteen patients underwent tumor resection, and these patients were divided into 2 subgroups according to the timing of surgery. In Group A, 10 patients underwent resection as the primary treatment because no tumor markers were detected in 4 patients, a teratomatous component was revealed on biopsy sampling in 3 patients, and a large tumor volume in 3 patients. In Group B, 3 patients underwent removal of residual pure mature teratoma after oncological treatment.

Results

Seven of the 8 patients (87.5%) with pure mature teratomas or with mixed teratoma and germinoma are currently alive (mean follow-up of 9 years); the eighth patient died of postoperative meningitis. Two of the 6 patients (33%) with mixed nongerminomatous malignant germ cell tumors died of tumor progression regardless of the timing of surgery.

Conclusions

The results of this study support the belief that microsurgical removal is the only effective treatment for intracranial teratomas. Surgery may be performed as the primary therapy when there is evidence of a noninvasive teratoma, and as a secondary therapy if there is only a partial response to neoadjuvant therapy or if progression is observed in mixed malignant germ cell tumors.
Long-term survival in a child with a central nervous system medulloepithelioma
Authors: Moftakhar Parham , Fan Xuemo , Hurvitz Carole H. , Black Keith L. , Danielpour Moise
Published: October 2008

Central nervous system medulloepitheliomas are extremely rare and malignant (World Health Organization Grade IV) primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) that arise in childhood. Unlike other PNETs, medulloepitheliomas have a dismal prognosis, with only 2 reported cases in the literature in which the patient survived beyond 5 years after treatment. The authors report on the third known case of a child who survived longer than 5 years. A review of all the published cases of medulloepithelioma is also presented, and alternative treatment strategies for PNET tumors, including high-dose chemotherapy with stem-cell rescue, are discussed.
Response of growth, yield attributes and yield to the application of KNap and NAA in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)
Authors: Ullah Md Jafar , Fattah Quazi Abdul , Hossain Feroza
Published: October 2008

Six concentrations each of KNap and NAA along with a control were tested on cowpea cv. Bari Falon- 2. Results showed that irrespective of treatment differences, dry matter of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) increased during 60 to 105 DAS. Concentrations above 50 ppm NAA increased plant height. The dry matter and yield increased with the increasing of the concentrations of KNap and NAA up to 1250 and 50 ppm, respectively. No significant differences of dry matter accumulation, grain yield and almost all the yield attributes were observed in between 1250 ppm KNap and 50 ppm NAA. The highest values of dry matter/plant (54.52 g), pod length (13.15 cm), number of pods/plant (10.29), number of seeds/pod (10.61), 1000 seed weight (122 g), seed yield/plant (15.51 g), seed yield/ha (1630 kg) and harvest index (37.32 %) were obtained due to application of 1250 ppm KNap. Yield attributes had significantly positive correlation amongst them. Â  Key words: Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, Plant height, Dry matter, Yield DOI = 10.3329/bjb.v36i2.1500 Bangladesh J. Bot. 36(2): 127-132, 2007 (December)
A Short History of Brucellosis: Special Emphasis in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MS , Uddin MJ , Park Jin-ho , Chae Joon-seok , Rahman MB , Islam MA
Published: October 2008

Brucellosis is an important disease caused by gram- negative bacteria Brucella that are pathogenic for a wide variety of animals and human. The disease is also called âMalta fever', âMediterranean fever or undulant fever'. The main domestic animals that are affected are cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs (Moore and Schnurrenberger, 1981; Young, 1995; OIE, 2000). The principal manifestations of animal brucellosis are reproductive failure, i.e, abortion and birth of unthrifty offspring in females, and orchitis and epididymitis in males. Brucellosis in human being is usually characteristics by influenza like clinical disease, which may be severe and may be followed by chronic intermittent relapses (Hugh-Jones, 2000). The genus Brucella has six recognized species on the basis of host specificity. Among all six species of Brucella, the greatest economic impact results from bovine brucellosis caused by B. abortus. Brucellosis in cattle is usually caused by biovars of B. abortus. In some countries, particularly in southern Europe and Western Asia, where cattle are kept in close association with sheep or goats, infection can also be caused by B. melitensis (OIE, 2000). doi:10.3329/bjvm.v4i1.1517 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (1): 01-06
Gastrointestinal Helminths Infection in Different Types of Poultry
Authors: Rabbi AKMA , Islam A , Majumder S , Anisuzzaman A , Rahman MH
Published: October 2008

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites and the gross pathological lesions produced by them in different types of poultry were studied from March 2005 to March 2006, in the Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. In this study, 240 viscera of three types of poultry such as broiler, layer and backyard indigenous chickens were collected from local markets of Mymensingh district. During routine examination, total six species of helminth parasites were recorded, of which three species were nematodes such as Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum and Capillaria annulata; two species were cestodes such as Raillietina tetragona and Amoebotaenia sphenoides and only one species was belonged to trematode such as Catatropis verrucosa. Prevalence of different species of gastrointestinal helminths was highest in backyard poultry (100%) followed by layer (48.75%) and broiler (3.75%) which was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Backyard poultry was significantly (p < 0.05) 168.21 and 4106.67 times more susceptible to helminth infection than layer and broiler respectively. But layer was 24.41 times more susceptible to helminth infection than broiler. In backyard poultry, all six species of helminth parasites were found. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) variation in the prevalence of the recovered parasites from backyard poultry were observed such as the prevalence of R. tetragona (100%) was the highest followed by that of A. galli (87.50%) and H. gallinarum (80%). From the odds ratio of the recovered parasites, it was observed that chance of developing R. tetragona (odds ratio 189.73) in backyard poultry was the highest followed by A. galli (odds ratio 7.51) and H. gallinarum (odds ratio 4.04). In case of layer, only A. galli and R. tetragona were recorded, of which, prevalence of A. galli was the highest (43.75%). In broiler, only A. galli (3.75%) was found. Gross pathological lesions were found only in backyard poultry. Pathological changes were detected in case of A. sphenoides and H. gallinarum infection. In A. sphenoides infection petechial hemorrhages were observed in the mucosa of the duodenum. On the other hand, tiny, white, circumscribed nodules of about 2-3 mm of diameter were found in the caecal mucosa in case of H. gallinarum infection. Results of the present study suggest that the backyard poultry is at the high risk of helminth infection. However, layers are also vulnerable to parasitic infection. So regular deworming is essential both in backyard poultry and layer birds to obtain better production from them. Key words: Gastrointestinal helminths, prevalence, pathology, broiler, layer, backyard poultry doi:10.3329/bjvm.v4i1.1519 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (1): 13-18
Prevalence and Clinico-Pathological Effects of Ectoparasites in Backyard Poultry
Authors: Shanta IS , Begum N , Anisuzzaman A , Bari ASM , Karim MJ
Published: October 2008

To study the prevalence of ectoparasites and their clinicopathological effects on backyard poultry, 300 poultry of both sexes and different ages were examined in different areas of Patuakhali district from July 2005 to May 2006. Of them 86.67% were infested with one or more species of ectoparasites. Six species of lice such as Menacanthus stramineus (74%), Menopon gallinae (63%), Lipeurus caponis (48%), Cuclotogaster heterographus (25%), Goniodes gigas (18%), and Goniocotes gallinae (14%), two species of mites namely Dermanyssus gallinae (57%), Knemidocoptes mutans, (43%) and one species of fly, Simulium sp. (3.7%) were identified. Among these, M. stramineus was the most common. Aged above 5 months, 100% poultry were infested with ectoparasites but cocks and broody hens were severely infested. In broody hens, prevalence of D. gallinae was the highest (97.3%). K. mutans (43%) was mostly found in adult poultry aged above two years. The affected birds were emaciated with rough plumage, dandruff, and petechial haemorrhages on the highly infested skin. Small ulcerative lesions were common in Dermanyssus gallinae infestation in which the engorged, red parasites stacked tightly. In K. mutans infestation, legs were rough, swollen with scaly appearance, which was from tibiotarsal joint downwards to the joint of the toes. Some of the severely affected birds showed lameness but no malformation was observed. Histopathologically, scaly leg was characterized by hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. In tissue sections, the mites were observed as transverse or cross section in the deeper parts of the stratum corneum or the superficial layers of the stratum malpighii of the skin and rarely go deeper. In some area of skin, there were losses of epithelium. In advanced cases, there was secondary pyogenic infection; characterized by severe pus cell infiltration in the dermis. The present study suggests that ectoparasitic infestation is very common in the backyard poultry of Bangladesh and they are associated with the production of some clinicopathological effects variable degree. Key words: Prevalence, clinico-pathological effects, ectoparasites, backyard poultry doi:10.3329/bjvm.v4i1.1520 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (1) : 19-26
Gross Anatomy of The Aortic Valve of Indigenous Cattle (Bos indicus) of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MN , Khan MZI , Khan SR , Haque MA
Published: October 2008

The present research work was carried out to study the gross anatomy of the aortic heart valve of indigenous cattle (Bos indicus) for future bioprosthetic use in human in the Department of Anatomy and Histology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from January to December 2004. A total of 32 (thirty two) aortic heart valves of cattle were fixed in 10% formalin for the present study. The components of the aortic valve studied were the aortic leaflets, sinuses, interleaflet (in between the cusps) triangles, aortic root, annulus and ossa cordis. In the present study, the aortic valve leaflets or cusps of the cattle heart were semilunar in shape and three in number e.g. right coronary, left coronary and noncoronary cusp. Each leaflet of the valve had a central lamina fibrosa at their free margin. The lamina fibrosa was most of the thickened part of the cusps in the mid point of the lunula, which forms the fibrous nodules, or corpus arantii of each leaflet. When the valve was closed, the three nodules meet centrally. The leaflets were thicker than those of the pulmonary valve and were attached to the ventricular myocardium by aortic annulus.The aortic root of bovine heart contained the three cusps, sinotubular junction, vulsalva's sinuses, commissures and interleaflet triangles. The left and right coronary arteries were emerged from the left and the right coronary ostium located in the aortic or vulsalva's sinuses of aortic valve respectively. The annulus in the cattle heart had three arches, e.g. anterior arch, left arch and right arch. The findings of the present research work revealed the similarities of the anatomical structures of the aortic valve cusps of the cattle heart as compared with other animals and human being. The variation was only the presence of ossa cordis in cattle species in the present study. Key words: Gross anatomy, aortic valve, heart, indigenous cattle doi:10.3329/bjvm.v4i1.1522 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (1): 31-37
Antibacterial Activity of the Crude Ethanolic Extract of Xylocarpus granatum Stem Barks
Authors: Alam MA , Sarder M , Awal MA , Sikder MMH , Daulla KA
Published: October 2008

Antimicrobial effect of the crude organic extract of Xylocarpus granatum stem barks was studied in the Department of Pharmacology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh, during the period from October to December 2003. Disc diffusion method has been adopted in this study and petri dishes (120 mm in diameter) containing nutrient agar medium seeded with the test organism was used for antimicrobial screening. Test materials diffuse from the discs to the surrounding medium of the plate. The plates are then kept in an incubator (37Âº) for 18 hours to allow the growth of the microorganisms. The antibacterial activity of the test agent is determined by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition in term of millimeter. Antimicrobial screening showed that the crude ethanol extract and other partially extracted fraction of the barks of Xylocarpus granatum possess antimicrobial activity against most of the test organisms depending upon the nature of their active ingredients in the extract and capacity of diffusion into the agar medium. Among the test organisms, the extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella boydii, and Proteus spp. and moderate activity against Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, and no activity against Shigella dysentery, Enterococci, Salmonella typhi. Key words : Antibacterial activity, Xylocarpus granatum, kanamycin, disc diffusion doi:10.3329/bjvm.v4i1.1529 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (1): 69-72 Â
Terminal Continuation (TC) RNA Amplification Enables Expression Profiling Using Minute RNA Input Obtained from Mouse Brain
Authors: Alldred Melissa J. , Che Shaoli , Ginsberg Stephen D.
Published: October 2008

A novel methodology named terminal continuation (TC) RNA amplification has been developed to amplify RNA from minute amounts of starting material. Utility of the TC RNA amplification method is demonstrated with two new modifications including obviating the need for second strand synthesis, and purifying the amplification template using column filtration prior to in vitro transcription (IVT). Using four low concentrations of RNA extracted from mouse brain (1, 10, 25 and 50 ng), one round TC RNA amplification was compared to one round amplified antisense RNA (aRNA) in conjunction with column filtration and drop dialysis purification. The TC RNA amplification without second strand synthesis performed extremely well on customdesigned cDNA array platforms, and column filtration was found to provide higher positive detection of individual clones when hybridization signal intensity was subtracted from corresponding negative control hybridization signal levels. Results indicate that TC RNA amplification without second strand synthesis, in conjunction with column filtration, is an excellent method for RNA amplification from extremely small amounts of input RNA from mouse brain and postmortem human brain, and is compatible with microaspiration strategies and subsequent microarray analysis.
Bioactive Pentacyclic Triterpenes from the Stems of Combretum laxum
Authors: Bisoli Eder , Garcez Walmir  Silva , Hamerski Lidilhone , Tieppo Caroline , Garcez Fernanda  Rodrigues
Published: October 2008

Two new triterpene glucosides, β-D-glucopyranosyl 2α,3β,24-trihydroxyolean- 12-en-28-oate and β-D-glucopyranosyl 2α,3β,23,24-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oate, in addition to nine known compounds belonging to three different triterpene classes (oleanane-, ursane- and lupane-type) have been isolated from the stems of a specimen of Combretum laxum growing in the “Pantanal” of the central-western region of Brazil. Among the known triterpenes, β-D-glucopyranosyl 2α,3β,6β-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oate is reported for the first time in the Combretaceae, while bellericoside and asiatic acid are described for the first time in the genus Combretum. The structures of the isolated compounds have been established on the basis of spectral techniques (1D-, 2D-NMR and MS). Their in vitro antifungal activities against standard strains of Candida albicans, C. krusei and Cryptococcus neoformans were also evaluated in this work.
Influence of Spray-dried Hydroxyapatite-5-Fluorouracil Granules on Cell Lines Derived from Tissues of Mesenchymal Origin
Authors: Scharnweber Tim , Santos Catarina , Franke Ralf-Peter , Almeida Maria Margarida , Costa Maria Elisabete V.
Published: October 2008

In our previous work we described the preparation and characterization of spray dried hydroxyapatite micro granules loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). These loaded particles are used as a model drug delivery system (DDS). In this study we examined the in vitro response of two cell lines derived from different tissues to 5-FU loaded granules (LG). Both cell lines, either L929 cells of a mouse fibroblast lineage or cells originating from a rat osteosarcoma (ROS 17/2.8) showed a dose dependent decrease in cell proliferation in response to 5-FU-, either dissolved in the culture medium or loaded onto particles. The response of the two cell lines to loaded and nonloaded particles was different. The effect of LG and of a corresponding concentration of free 5-FU was practically the same for the ROS 17/2.8 cells indicating that ROS 17/2.8 cells were not affected by the carrier material. In contrast, L929 cells showed a slight decrease in cell proliferation also in the presence of granules not loaded with 5-FU. This is thought to be attributed to the inhibition of mitogenesis by phosphocitrates, already demonstrated in fibroblasts. In summary, we found that the loaded 5-FU kept its effectivity after the spray drying process and that the response towards the granules varied with cell type. This is the first step towards a tissue specific DDS.
Effect of External Vibration on PZT Impedance Signature
Authors: Yang Yaowen , Miao Aiwei
Published: October 2008

Piezoelectric ceramic Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) transducers, working on the principle of electromechanical impedance (EMI), are increasingly applied for structural health monitoring (SHM) in aerospace, civil and mechanical engineering. The PZT transducers are usually surface bonded to or embedded in a structure and subjected to actuation so as to interrogate the structure at the desired frequency range. The interrogation results in the electromechanical admittance (inverse of EMI) signatures which can be used to estimate the structural health or integrity according to the changes of the signatures. In the existing EMI method, the monitored structure is only excited by the PZT transducers for the interrogating of EMI signature, while the vibration of the structure caused by the external excitations other than the PZT actuation is not considered. However, many structures work under vibrations in practice. To monitor such structures, issues related to the effects of vibration on the EMI signature need to be addressed because these effects may lead to misinterpretation of the structural health. This paper develops an EMI model for beam structures, which takes into account the effect of beam vibration caused by the external excitations. An experimental study is carried out to verify the theoretical model. A lab size specimen with different external excitations is tested and the effect of vibration on EMI signature is discussed.
Dilleniaceae Novae Neotropicae, V. The genus Doliocarpus in Colombia
Authors: Aymard Gerardo A.
Published: October 2008

Sixteen species of the genus Doliocarpus (Dilleniaceae) are currently known from Colombia. Two species (D. foreroi and D. lopez-palacii) are described and illustrated. Descriptions of the genus and all the species and keys to the genera of Dilleniaceae and species of Doliocarpus are included. Information about the ecology and geographical distribution of each species is provided.
Ulex parviflorus sensu lato (Genisteae, Leguminosae) from Central Portugal
Authors: Espíritu Santo María Dalila , Cubas Paloma , Lousá Mario F. , Pardo Cristina , Costa J. Carlos
Published: October 2008

A group of gorses growing in Central Portugal has been traditionally identified as Ulex parviflorus Pourret sensu lato. The study of these plants reveáls important differences in morphological characters such as size, ramification, colour and indumentum of shoots, the type, disposition and indumentum of primary and secondary spines, and the dimensions, shape and indumentum of the calyx. Based on these morphological characteristics, as well as chromosome number, ecological requirements and geographic distribution, the plants are now ascribed to the following taxa: U. airensis sp. nov., U. australis subsp. welwitschianus stat. & comb. nov., U. eriocladus C. Vicioso and U. jussiaei Webb
Floristic catalog and keys for identification of species of Cyperaceae from the States of Pemambuco and Paraiba (Northeastern Brazil)
Authors: Luceño Modesto , Alves Marccus Vinicius , Mendes Ana Paula
Published: October 2008

The present work presents the results of our studies of the family Cyperaceae in the northeastern Brazilian States of Pernambuco and Paraiba. The introduction includes a historical synopsis of previous work and summarizes the main types of vegetation found in the región. Keys for identification of the 22 genera and 127 species which comprise the catalogue are included. The species are enumerated for each genus, along with synonyms which have been employed in the región, material examined, frequency, habitat, general geographic distribution, and taxonomic observations where appropriate. More than half of the species are new records for Pernambuco and Paraiba. Two species are reported as new to science. Fuirena lainzii Luceño & M. Alves (1996) and Scleria pernambucana Luceño & M. Alves (1997). Two species are first reports from the American continent, Pycreus pumilus (L.) Nees and P. pelophilus (Ridley) C.B. Clarke, and two are first repoits for Brazil, Kyllinga nemoralis (J.R. Forster & G. Forster) Dandy ex Hutchinson & Daziel and Scleria mexicana (Liebm.) Boeck. Six genera and 10 species are new citations for the northeastem región of Brazil. A lectotype for Cyperus grossianus T.M. Ped. is chosen. Additionally, new localities are given for regional endemisms considered for be rare; other findings represent disjunctions of considerable biogeographical importance.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on the genus Ononis L. (Leguminosae) in the Iberian Península and Balearic Islands
Authors: Devesa Alcaraz Juan Antonio , López González Ginés
Published: October 2008

Ononis reuteri Boiss, is considered to be a good species, clearly different from O. aragonensis Asso, and hs presence in North África is confirmed. O. Hispanica L. f. is regarded as a nomen ambiguum, which should not be used. The classification of the O. natrix L. group is discussed and a new species of this group, O. talaverae Devesa & G. López, is described. O. crispa L., to the Balearic Islands endemic, is excluded from the Iberian Península flora. O. tridentate L. is typified. O. saxicola Boiss. & Reut. is considered to be merely a subspecies of O. pusilla L. The new combinations O. tridentata susbp. angustifolia (Lange) Devesa & G. López and O. pusilla var. calycina (Rouy) Devesa & G. López, are proposed.
Allium oporinanthum (Alliaceae), a new species from the NW Mediterranean área.
Authors: Brullo Salvatore , Pavone Pietro , Salmeri Cristina
Published: October 2008

A new species Allium oporinanthum is described from some localities of the NW Mediterranean área. The new species belongs to A. sect. Codonoprasum and is usually localized on limestone in shady rocky places. It is an autumnal species with a tetraploid chromosome number (2n = 32). Its old origin and its taxonomic relationships are examined too.
Rhynchospora dilectissimi-patris (sect. Pauciflorae Kükenth., subsect. Plumoso-setosae Kükenth.), sp. nov., and some notes on its allies.
Authors: Luceño Modesto
Published: October 2008

In the present paper a new species of the genus Rhynchospora (sect. Pauciflorae, subsect. Plumoso- setosae) is described, and R. trichochaeta C.B. Clarke is lectotypified. In addition. new localities for R. subplumosa and R. trichochaeta are shown. Finally, a key of the species included in the subsection is presented.
Type material from the Sessé and Mociño collection in the Madrid Royal Botanic Gardens
Authors: Sutherland Cirilo Nelson
Published: October 2008

Trie study of the collection of Sessé and Mociño at MA, allowed the discovery of specimens which may be considered as type material of the plants published both in Flora mexicana, eds. 1 and 2,'va.La Naturaleza, joumal of the Sociedad Mexicana de Historia Natural, and Plantae novae Hispaniae, eds. 1 and 2, published by the Ministerio de Fomento de México between 1887 and 1894.
Myxomycetes from the bark of the evergreen oak Quercus ilex
Authors: Wrigley de Basanta Diana
Published: October 2008

The results of 81 moist chamber cultures of bark from living Quercus ilex trees are reponed. A total of 37 taxa are cited, extending the number of species found on this substrate to 55. The presence of Licea deplanata on the Iberian Península is confirmed. Seven new records are included for the province of Madrid. Some data are contributed on species frequency and incubation times.
Limonium carvalhoi (Plumbaginaceae), a new endemic species from the Balearic Islands
Authors: Rosselló Josep A. , Sáez Llorenç , Carvalho Áurea C.
Published: October 2008

Limonium carvalhoi Rosselló & L. Sáez is described from a single salt marsh locality in southwest Majorca. Morphologically, L. carvalhoi is close to L. inexpectans, L. migjornense and L. magallufianum, all Balearic endemics. The new species has an apomictic breeding system and shows a single pollen/stigma combination (B/papillate type). Chromosome number ranges from 2n = 24 to 2n = 26. Based on the occurrence of a long metacentric chromosome in all cells examined, it is suggested that the original chromosome complement is 2n = 26, the other chromosome numbers being derived by descending aneuploidy.
Carduncellus cuatrecasasii G. López (Compositae-Cardueae) and a new and peculiar way of fruits dispersión
Authors: López González Ginés
Published: October 2008

Carduncellus cuatrecasasii G. López is a endemic species of South Iberian Península (Spain): Andalucía (Córdoba, Granada, Jaén and Málaga provinces) and Extremadura (Badajoz province). Considered for a time to be only a variety or subspecies under C. araneosus Boiss. & Reut., is in fact a quite isolated species of Carduncellus showing not only a consistent set of morphologically different characters in comparison with other European ones but also a peculiar and apparently not described mechanism of cypselas dispersion: the persistent setae in the receptacle are very short and weak, the long, rigid and inconsistently deciduous pappus develop an outer series of flexuous reflexed bristles connecting it with the next ones and all the fruits are dispersed together by the wind in the form of a spherical rolling mass, the individual fruits being relaxed occasionally when this mass stick with some obstacle.
Ethnobotany of the genus Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae) by Afrobrasilian communities
Authors: De Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino , De Holanda C. Andrade Laise
Published: October 2008

The genus Ocimum L. includes around 12 species round in Brazil, including some cultivated species. This paper gives details of the traditional uses of Ocimum by the Afrobrasilian people, with information on the common uses of plants by Africans. The information was derived fan specimens deposited in herbaria, ethnobotanical survey and literature review. The transpon of African species and their uses in Brazil is discussed. Two routes are presented, discussed and mapped: the European routes, transporting plants to Brazil; and the slave route from África to Brazil which also transponed traditional uses and knowledge. This study is based on four species used in Afrobrazilian ceremonies: O. americanum L., O. basilicum L., O. minimum L. and O. gratissimum L. Morphological, botanical and economic data are included, and a key to identify the species found in Brazil is also provided.
The taxonomic status of Scilla beirana Samp. (Hyacinthaceae)
Authors: Almeida da Silva Rubim M. , Caldas Francisco B. , Roselló Josep A.
Published: October 2008

Populations of Scilla beirana Samp. were sampled in NW Portugal and compared with its relatives S. ramburei Boiss, and S. peruviana L. Leaf and scape anatomy, morphology, chromosome number and idiogram were identical in S. beirana and S. ramburei, but differed from S. peruviana. Diagnostic characters previously used to discriminate S. beirana (width of leaves and flower number) showed continuous, but not clinal, variation, and failed to provide a clear-cut basis for identification and no other morphological attributes were found to separate the taxa. All available evidence suggests that S. beirana should be put into synonymy with S. ramburei, as was earlier suggested by COUTINHO (1935).
Grimmia arcuatifolia and G. leibergii (Musci, Grimmiaceae), two neglected species from Northwestern North America
Authors: Muñoz Jesús
Published: October 2008

Grimmia arcuatifolia and G. leibergii are recognized as distinct species. Each is known from restricted áreas in northwestern North America. Grimmia alternuata and G. procera are synonyms of G. arcuatifolia
Is Limonium cavanillesii Erben (Plumbaginaceae) really an extant species?
Authors: Sáez Llorenç , Rosello Josep A.
Published: October 2008

A new triploid apomictic species (Limonium perplexum) is described from a single coastal locality of E Spain. The new species has been previously confused with L cavanillesii Erben, which is only known from few herbarium specimens and it is believed to be extinct. Overall morphology, chromosome number, and the pollen/stigma combination suggest that L perplexum belongs to the L. duriusculum complex. Based on morphological grounds it is suggested that L. cavanillesii Erben could have been originated through a crossing between L perplexum and L dufourii.
Two new species of Acalypha L. (Euphorbiaceae) from Venezuela
Authors: Cardiel José María
Published: October 2008

Two new species of the genus Acalypha L. are described and illustrated, A. longipetiolata and A. venezuelica. Comments on the differences between these and related species are included.
Palaeobotanical study of the vallesian (Neogene) outcrop of Salanca ravine (la Cerdaña, Lérida, Spain). Palaeoecological aspects
Authors: Barrón Eduardo
Published: October 2008

An integral palaeobotanical study (macro- and microflora) has been done of the Salanca ravine outcrop. This place is located in the región of la Cerdaña (Lérida province, Spain), which constitutes an Upper Miocene lacustrine basin from Eastern Pyrenees. The sediments of the Salanca ravine outcrop consist of diatomites and grey mudstones. They have been interpreted as being deposited in distal lacustrine zones. In a palynological study, 79 taxa have been identified. They belong to the divisions Pteridophyta, Pinophyta and Magnoliophyta. The recorded assemblages allow us to reconstruct the vegetation of la Cerdaña during the Vallesian, though the problem of overrepresented taxa exists. The macrofloristic study has revealed the presence of 36 taxa through foliar remanís and winged seeds. The recorded assemblage presents plant remains of the divisions Pinophyta and Magnoliophyta. The best represented remains are leaves of dicotyledonous angiosperms because of their wind transport. The high percentage of angiosperm foliar remains in the sediments of the Salanca ravine outcrop revealed calm water conditions in the neogene lake. The palaeoclimatology deduced from the palynological study and the physiognomic study of macroflora indicates that températe conditions existed in which mixed mesophitíc forest developed where the families Pinaceae, Betulaceae and Fagaceae dominated.
The American plants in Charles de l'Écluse's works: first records in Juan de Castañeda's letters
Authors: Ramón-Laca Menéndez de Luarca Luis
Published: October 2008

The Flemish botanist Charles de l'Écluse's works contain abundant references to American plants, for example the avocado (Persea americana Mill.), the sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.], the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and the tobáceo (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Although some of these plants were observed by L'Écluse himself during his expedition to the Iberian Península between 1564 and 1565, the majority of the American plants quoted in his works are related with shipments received from several agents around Europe. In the case of Spain, L'Écluse obtained seeds from Seville thanks to the help of Simón de Tovar and Juan de Castañeda. The latter offers in his letters important innovations: Annona cherimola Mill., Indigofera añil LJI. tinctoria L., Annona muricata L., Mammea americana L.. Annona reticulata L., Dioscorea sp., Aloysia citrodora Palau or Manihot spj M. esculenta Crantz. In most of the cases the mention of these plants represente the first record of cultivation in the Old World. A percentage of this material was used by L'Écluse in his Exoticorum libri decem, published in Antwerp in l605.
Bernabé Antonio de Salcedo: some clarifications of his botanical activity
Authors: Lainz S.J. Manuel
Published: October 2008

I transcribe here an interesting arricie originally published in 1807. Although we referred to it a long time ago, apparently no one seems to have read it. Likewise, I copy or summarize other hardly known, unpublished documents. Finally, I deliver some opinions on a better known paper, but of scant interest. All of which hope will clarify the activities of this estimable botanist, true pioneer of the Cantabrian flora.
The edible plants in a meridional Yungas área (Argentina)
Authors: Hilgert Norma Inés
Published: October 2008

The use of 91 plants species in the diet of rural communities, located in mountain cloud f orests (Yungas) of the Eastern Valley s of Quebrada de Humahuaca (Salta province, Argentina) is analyzed. Native and exotic species, scientific and common ñames, paris of the plants employed, methods of collection and application, área of origin and/or geographical distribution are considered. Comments on the commercial relationships of the región are also included. The way of cooking some typical dishes are commented in the appendix.
The Remnant Communities of Gomortega keule (Gomortegaceae, Magnoliopsida) in Central Chile
Authors: San Martín Acevedo José , Sánchez Álvarez Ana
Published: October 2008

Some inventories were made in fourteen localities of Chilean températe forest with presence of Gomortega keule. All of them are situated on the west side of the Coastal Range in Central Chile. This species, the only member of the Gomortegaceae and an endemic to this área of Chile, is endangered because of habitat occupation by plantations of exotic species. In this paper, the floristic composition and ecology of these communities are described. The information about the distribution of this species is also updated.
The role of crown architecture for light harvesting and carbon gain in extreme light environments assessed with a structurally realistic 3-D model
Authors: Valladares Fernando , Pearcy Robert W.
Published: October 2008

Main results from different studies of crown architecture adaptation to extreme light environments are presented. Light capture and carbon gain by plants from low (forest understory) and high (open Mediterranean-type ecosystems) light environments were simulated with a 3-D model (YPLANT), which was developed specifically to analyse the structural features that determine light interception and photosynthesis at the whole plant level. Distantly related taxa with contrasting architectures exhibited similar efficiencies of light interception (functional convergence). Between habitats large differences in architecture existed depending on whether light capture must be maximised or whether excess photon flux density must be avoided. These differences are realised both at the species level and within a species because of plastic adjustments of crown architecture to the external light environment. Realistic, 3-D architectural models are indispensable tools in this kind of comparative studies due to the intrinsic complexity of plant architecture. Their efficient development requires a fluid exchange of ideas between botanists, ecologists and plant modellers.
Competition, mortality, and development of spatial patterns in two Cantabrian populations of Fagus sylvatica L. (Fagaceae)
Authors: Rozas Vicente , Fernández Prieto José Antonio
Published: October 2008

In this paper the spatial patterns of size and mortality of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) were analy sed in two deciduous forest plots of Northern Spain. ¿i general terms, radial growth of F. sylvatica yields a direct relationship with size and an inverse relation with intraspecific competition while tree mortality seems be related to intraspecific competition. In the overall even-aged population, a lack of a recognisable structure in tree-size distribution, a small-scale regularity of survivors, and a regular pattern of dominant trees was noticed. This is a consequence of intense intraspecific competition at local level. In the old-growth plot, the wide repulsión between small and large beeches yields a specific spatial structure in tree-size distribution, showing even-sized groups of trees in different stages. Mortality in this plot occurs mainly within the dense group of small trees, which produces a broad regular pattern among the live beech trees. The random spatial pattern of dominant beeches seems to be characteristic of old-growth forests and could be a consequence of either self-thinning processes or exogenous factors.
Orobanchaceae in the “Flora iberica” area: new taxa, excluded taxa, and typification
Authors: Foley Michael J.Y.
Published: October 2008

Two new Orobanche taxa are described: O. austrohispanica MJ.Y. Foley, and O. crinita Viv. var. occidentalis MJ.Y. Foley. Thirty-one species or subspecies of Orobanche and one species of Cistanche have been confirmed as being present within the Flora iberica área but some others previously recorded appear to have been so erroneously. In addition, Lathraea phelypaea L. {Cistanche phelypaea (L.) Cout.] and nine species of Orobanche (O. caryophyllacea Sm., O. cernua Loefl., O. elatior Sutton, O. gracilis Sm., O. ramose L., O. reticulate Wallr., O. rosmarina Beck, O. schultzii Mutel y O. variegata Wallr.) are typified.
The genus Acacia (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae) in the State of Oaxaca, México
Authors: Rico Arce María de Lourdes
Published: October 2008

This is a contribution to the knowledge of the genus Acacia in Oaxaca; a study based on herbarium specimens from more than 12 institutions. This includes 35 different species, of which 4 are endemic to the Rio Balsas Basin in Oaxaca State. Descriptions of the genus, species, identification keys and distribution maps are given. Some of the species are illustrated.
Contribution to the study of pteridophytes of the Serra do Urubú, Maraial municipality, Pernambuco state, Northeastern Brazil (Marattiaceae-Vittariaceae)
Authors: Carneiro Leao Barros Iva , Pietrobom-Silva Márcio Roberto , Baracho George Sydney , Alves de Siqueira Jose , Gomes dos Santos Vaneicia , Matos Moura Alfredo
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a study of the pteridophytes of six families collected in one of the few remaining fragments of atlantic forest in Pernambuco, NE Brazil. 22 species of 13 genera are recorded most of which live on the ground in shady hollows. The specimens are deposited in the EAN, IPA, UFP and PEUFR herbaria.
Pteridophytes of the Okavango Delta, Botswana (Southern Africa)
Authors: Vega Hernández Efrén , Caudales Rodulio
Published: October 2008

The Okavango Delta in Botswana constitutes one of the larger inland deltas in the world. Fifteen species of fern were found in this ecological system integrated into 10 genera and 9 families. Included in this report are descriptions of each family, genus and species. Also given are artificial keys to the genera, as well as keys for genera and species within the family when necessary. A documented distribution and ecological notes for each species also appears.
Androecium ontogeny in Normania triphylla (Lowe) Lowe (Solaneae Solanaceae)
Authors: Carrizo García Carolina
Published: October 2008

The androecium ontogeny in Normania triphylla (Lowe) Lowe is described. The most peculiar features (e.g. early definition of zygomorphy, sinuous anthers, dorsal connectival appendages in the anthers, and lateral dehiscence line with an apical curve) are analyzed and discussed, as well as the differences between the androecium of Normania Lowe and Solanum L. The remarkable singularity of the androecium in Normania is emphasized.
Anatomy, Morphology, and Cladistic Analysis of Monsonia L. (Geraniaceae).
Authors: Aldasoro Juan Jose , Navarro Carmen , Vargas Pablo , Aedo Carlos
Published: October 2008

Phylogenetip relationships among the 25 species of the old-world genus Monsonia are explored by means of a cladistic analysis. After a detailed revision, 20 morphological and anatomical characters were selected, including some new ones from nectaries, androecium, and mericarps. Phylogenetic analysis yielded 9 most parsimonious trees. The strict consensus tree showed two major clades: one is formed by the 9 species of Monsonia sect. Monsonia, characterised by plumose awns, plus Sarcocaulon; and a second with the 16 species of Monsonia sect. Olopetalum which share the type of mericarp detaching, consistency of columella and the thick mericarp walls. Consequently, some doubts about the monophyly of Monsonia exists. However, the current infrageneric classification of Monsonia is supported after transferring M. longipes and M. speciosa to sect. Olopetalum. Several characters of the mericarp are related to zoochory, which seems to be a derived syndrome in Monsonia, as in the other Geraniaceae.
Gramineae of José Arechavaleta (1838-1912), from Uruguay, in the Real Colegio Alfonso XII, San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Madrid, Spain)
Authors: Carrasco María A. , Muñoz Garmendia Félix , Perea Domingo
Published: October 2008

The Royal Monastery of El Escorial was built in the xvi century by king Felipe U. In the part intended to be a college and seminary, the Real Colegio Alfonso XII was established in 1885. In this place, the treasures that had been accumulated for fíve hundred years, that carne from acquisitions, collections and donations, are stored. In this paper we present a small collection, of undeniable historical valué. It contains 186 Gramineae that were sent as a present to María Cristina, the Regent Queen of Spain, by the President of Uruguay on the occasion of the World Exhibition of Barcelona in 1888. The plants are part of the herbarium of the Flora Uruguaya of José Arechavaleta y Balparda [Santurce (España), 1838-Montevideo (Uruguay), 1912]. Some of the plants are annotated by Arechavaleta as new species, and some belong from the loc. clas. All this material is identified by Arechavaleta and J. Hackel.
Detection and identification of phytoplasma DNA in symptomatic mushrooms of the genus Ramaria (O. Gomphales)
Authors: Martín María P. , Daniëls Pablo P. , Torres Ester , Tellería M. Teresa
Published: October 2008

Using polymerase chain reaction assays with specific primers for amplifying phytoplasma 16S rDNA, the presence of phytoplasmas in Ramaria basidiomes with abnormal development has been detected for the first time in fungi. Phytoplasmas have not been detected in asymptomatic basidiomes. Sequence analyses based on parsimony and maximum likelihood place the phytoplasma in the Stolbur group.
Thorea violacea Bory de Saint-Vincent (Thoreaceae, Rhodophyceae) in a saline spring from Marjal Pego-Oliva, Valencia Community. A new record of Spanish algal flora
Authors: Egidos Ana Isabel , Aboal Marina
Published: October 2008

Thorea violacea Bory de Saint-Vincent is reported for the first time for Spanish continental algal flora in a saline spring from "Marjal" of Oliva-Pego (Valencia Community). Morphological and ecological data of the material collected are presented.
More documents and notes concerning the history of Spanish Natural Sciences
Authors: Laínz S.J. Manuel
Published: October 2008

To end my recent and modest contributions to the history of Spanish Natural Sciences in the 20th Century, I refer, basically, to the epistolary correspondence of Navás to C. (and I.) Bolívar I could gather. It is of not little interest, notwithstanding its reduced amount.
Renealmia alpinia (Rottb.) Maas (Zingiberaceae): an edible plant from Sierra Norte de Puebla (México)
Authors: Macía Manuel J.
Published: October 2008

The edible fruits of Renealmia alpinia are highly valued in the Sierra Norte de Puebla (México) where they are managed at a household level. The plant is wild in the región, although a rare species. The aril of the fruit is the edible part. After harvesting, the aril is extracted fresh and processed for local consumption. Sometimes the fruits are commercialized in tradicional markets. Only 19% of the total weight of the fruits is used for food.
Chorological analysis of the endemic Flora of the Serranía of Perijá, Colombia
Authors: Rivera Díaz Orlando , Fernández-Alonso José Luis
Published: October 2008

A commented sy nopsis of the endemic taxa of Colombian slope of the Serranía of Perijá is presented, after the revisión of the collections of vascular plants deposited in the Colombian National Herbarium (COL) and an additional analysis of their distribution range. A total of 69 endemic taxa was located in the Massif of Perijá; we found 54 taxa for the Colombian slope (48 species, 5 subspecies and 1 variety) belonging to 16 families and 41 genera, and they represent 3.6% of the total vascular plants registered for the Colombian slope (1510 taxa). The richest families in endemic species are: Asteraceae (18 taxa), Acanthaceae (8 taxa), Labiatae (6 taxa) and Scrophulariaceae (4 taxa); most of the genera (70.7%) have neotropical affinities. The Paramo zone hold 46% of the endemic taxa. With reference to the biotypes, the herbaceous and shruby plants are the most diverse making up 46% and 41 % of all endemic taxa. Additionally, we reported 15 taxa that formerly were considered endemic either of the Colombian side of Perijá or Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and now are present in both áreas.