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Premise: Apomixis in ferns is relatively common and obligatory. Sterile hybrids may restore fertility via apomixis at a cost of long‐term genetic stagnation. In this study, we outlined apomixis as a possible temporary phase leading to sexuality and analyzed factors relating to transitioning to and away from apomixis, such as unreduced and reduced spore formation in apomict and apo‐sex hybrid ferns. Methods: We analyzed the genome size of 15 fern species or hybrids ("taxa") via flow cytometry. The number of reduced and unreduced gametophytes was established as a proxy for viable spore formation of either type. We also calculated the spore abortion ratio (sign of reduced spores) in several taxa, including the apo‐sex hybrid Dryopteris × critica and its 16 apomictically formed offspring. Results: Four of 15 sampled taxa yielded offspring variable in genome size. Specifically, each variable taxon formed one viable reduced plant among 12–451 sampled gametophytes per taxon. Thus, haploid spore formation in the studied apomicts was very rare but possible. Spore abortion analyses indicated gradually decreasing abortion (haploid spore formation) over time. In Dryopteris × critica, abortion decreased from 93.8% to mean 89.5% in one generation. Conclusions: Our results support apomixis as a transitionary phase toward sexuality. Newly formed apomicts hybridize with sexual relatives and continue to form haploid spores early on. Thus, they may get the genomic content necessary for regular meiosis and restore sexuality. If the missing relative goes extinct, the lineage gets locked into apomixis as may be the case with the Dryopteris affinis complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypodium paleaceum Borkh. has appeared in the literature as a name not related to a well-defined species and its type specimen, a plant from Gärtner's garden, in Calw (Germany), does not exist anymore. Our study of Borkhausen's protologue leads us to think that it is likely to be a Dryopteris. A neotype, based on Dryopteris filix-mas, with material collected in 2023 in the same area in Germany where Gärtner's plant was believed to have been collected, is designated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Most drugs used in the treatment of helminthiasis in humans and animals have lost their efficacy due to the development of drug-resistance in helminths. Moreover, since anthelmintics, like many pharmaceuticals, are now recognized as hazardous contaminants of the environment, returning to medicinal plants and their products represents an environmentally friendly way to treat helminthiasis. The goal of the present study was to test the anthelminthic activity of methanol extracts of eight selected European ferns from the genera Dryopteris, Athyrium and Blechnum against the nematode Haemonchus contortus, a widespread parasite of small ruminants. Eggs and adults of H. contortus drug-susceptible strain ISE and drug-resistant strain WR were isolated from experimentally infected sheep. The efficacy of fern extracts was assayed using egg hatch test and adults viability test based on ATP-level measurement. Among the ferns tested, only Dryopteris aemula extract (0.2 mg/mL) inhibited eggs hatching by 25% in comparison to control. Athyrium distentifolium, Dryopteris aemula and Dryopteris cambrensis were effective against H. contortus adults. In concentration 0.1 mg/mL, A. distentifolium, D. aemula, D. cambrensis significantly decreased the viability of females from ISE and WR strains to 36.2%, 51.9%, 32.9% and to 35.3%, 27.0%, 23.3%, respectively in comparison to untreated controls. None of the extracts exhibited toxicity in precise cut slices from ovine liver. Polyphenol’s analysis identified quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid and protocatechuic acid as the major components of these anthelmintically active ferns.

Most drugs used in the treatment of helminthiasis in humans and animals have lost their efficacy due to the development of drug-resistance in helminths. Moreover, since anthelmintics, like many pharmaceuticals, are now recognized as hazardous contaminants of the environment, returning to medicinal plants and their products represents an environmentally friendly way to treat helminthiasis. The goal of the present study was to test the anthelminthic activity of methanol extracts of eight selected European ferns from the genera Dryopteris, Athyrium and Blechnum against the nematode Haemonchus contortus, a widespread parasite of small ruminants. Eggs and adults of H. contortus drug-susceptible strain ISE and drug-resistant strain WR were isolated from experimentally infected sheep. The efficacy of fern extracts was assayed using egg hatch test and adults viability test based on ATP-level measurement. Among the ferns tested, only Dryopteris aemula extract (0.2 mg/mL) inhibited eggs hatching by 25% in comparison to control. Athyrium distentifolium, Dryopteris aemula and Dryopteris cambrensis were effective against H. contortus adults. In concentration 0.1 mg/mL, A. distentifolium, D. aemula, D. cambrensis significantly decreased the viability of females from ISE and WR strains to 36.2%, 51.9%, 32.9% and to 35.3%, 27.0%, 23.3%, respectively in comparison to untreated controls. None of the extracts exhibited toxicity in precise cut slices from ovine liver. Polyphenol's analysis identified quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid and protocatechuic acid as the major components of these anthelmintically active ferns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. Polyploidy and hybridization are prevalent and widespread phenomena in plants. The genetic consequences of genome duplication are numerous, but we understand very little about the comparative ecology of polyploids. In particular, the ways in which hybrid and polyploid offspring differ in ecology relative to their parents and relatives are poorly known. Among angiosperms, the triploid bridge is hypothesized to accrue some marginal fitness benefit to parent species from mostly sterile hybrid offspring. Because of the complexities of the fern life cycle, involving two free-living life stages, the ability to backcross via a triploid bridge should be more limited. If the triploid sporophyte offspring provide no fitness benefit to parents via subsequent generations, this raises the question about whether triploids further compete with parents by occupying similar ecological niches. We investigated comparative ecophysiology across light and wetness gradients of five members of the hybrid wood fern complex, Dryopteris. Methodology. We selected two related triads. Each triad consisted of a triploid and its diploid and tetraploid progenitor species: the D. × triploidea (3n) triad, with the parents D. carthusiana (4n) and D. intermedia (2n), and the D. × bootii (3n) triad, with the parents D. cristata (4n) and D. intermedia (2n). We sampled the temperature and relative humidity, population abundance and relative frequency, photosynthetic parameters, and hydraulic conductivity of populations to examine the extent of shared ecological niche space. Pivotal results. We found that triploids varied in habitat space relative to their parents. In the case of the triploid D. × bootii , this taxon occupied habitats similar to those of its parents at similar abundances and frequencies. In the case of D. × triploidea , the hybrid occurred across a more diverse range of habitats, which was more similar to its diploid parent. In both triads, the triploid's photosynthetic rate was intermediate between those of its parents, and the majority of the photosynthetic parameters were similar to those of the parents. There were some differences in hydraulic conductivity: xylem-specific hydraulic conductivity of the triploid D. × bootii was significantly higher than that of its diploid parent. Conclusions. Our results show that related triploids, diploids, and tetraploids substantially overlap in morphological and physiological niche space. The high relative frequency of triploids in habitats and the lack of clear niche partitioning within triads suggest that in addition to not contributing to parental reproductive fitness, the triploids could also negatively impact their progenitors by potentially competing for space and light resources in similar ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of studies were undertaken in the territory of the "Syrovatka river basin of the Emerald Network of Ukraine (UA0000428 Syrovatka river basin). Based on the data gathered from field work surveys of the area, the characteristics of the habitats (C1.222, C1.224, C1.32, C1.33, C2.33+, С2.34, C3.4, C3.51, D5.2, E1.2, E2.2, E3.4, E5.4, F3.247, F9.1+G1.11, G1.21+G1.41, G1.A1, G1.7, G1.8, G1.A4) are presented according to the area covered and their ecological features. Phytosociological characteristics of habitats were given. As a result of the analysis of the distribution of certain species of sozophytes, a brief description of the status of the identified populations was presented. Populations of vascular plant species protected in Europe (Ostericum palustre, Iris hungarica), Ukraine (Epipactis helleborine, Lilium martagon, Platanthera bifolia), and at the regional level (Carpinus betulus, Campanula persicifolia, Calla palustris, Dryopteris cristata, Inula helenium, Utricularia vulgaris) have been studied in detail. The main threats to the existence of the natural complex of this area, which may appear in the situation of increasing economic impact are drainage and ploughing of floodplains, terracing, and afforestation of meadow-steppe slopes of the ravine. The typological characteristics of artificial and natural forest plantations of the territory were described based on the generalization of details gathered from information on their local management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperglycemia when sustained leads to diabetes which has become a chronic disorder having morbidity and mortality rate. This study investigated the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Dryoptersis dilatata (MEDd) on kidney injury caused on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups of six rats each. Group 1 received distilled water (10 ml/kg); Group 2 received STZ (60 mg/kg) only, Groups 3 and 4 received STZ followed by 400 and 800 mg/kg of MEDd, respectively, while Group 5 received STZ + Pioglitazone (10 mg/kg). After 2 weeks of treatment, rats were sacrificed and blood, spleen, liver, pancreas, and kidney were collected for biochemical analysis. Results: The results showed that MEDd extract caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in STZ-induced diabetic rats, oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde nitric oxide, and glutathione superoxide were ameliorated in organs such as the kidney and pancreas in diabetic rats after treatment with MEDd. Kidney markers (urea and creatinine) were ameliorated as well as reduction in organ weights in diabetic rats following treatment with MEDd. Conclusion: Therefore, it was observed from our study that MEDd has antidiabetic and nephron-protective capacity as it ameliorates in vivo adopted in lieu of nephropancreatic caused by STZ-induced diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional medicinal plants are a possible source of anti-malarial and anti-typhoid medications, and there is growing interest in the usage and development of herbal medicinal therapies for these ailments. The study aims to investigate the anti-malaria and anti-typhoid properties of Dryopteris dilataa leaves in silico. The plant leaves were extracted in ethanol and analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC--MS). The drug likeness and ADME predictions were done with OSIRIS property explorer and ADMETSAR webserver, while the molecular docking against dehydrogenase (Malaria target) and D-glutamate ligase enzyme (Typhoid Target) was done using Autodock Vina. The FT-IR results indicated the presence of -OH, CH3, C-H aromatic and C=O functional groups while the GC-MS revealed thirteen (13) potential medicinal compounds, nine (9) compounds showed good pharmacokinetic properties having high human intestinal absorption, less toxic and good overall drug score. The molecular docking study revealed that three compounds, 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10-Octahydro-12H-[1]benzothieno[2,3-d]pyrido[1,2- a]pyrimidin-12-one (-6.7 Kcal/mol), 4,7,9-Trihydroxy-2-methylnaphtho[2,3-b]furan-5,8-dione (- 6.0 Kcal/mol), and 1,2,3-Triazol, 2-(E-4,4-dicyano-3-N-methylanilino-1,3-butadien-1-yl)-4- (methoxycarbonyl) (-6.3 Kcal/mol), gave better score for binding affinity than the control antimalarial drug artesunate (-5.9 Kcal/mol). The typhoid docking also revealed the compounds, 4,7,9-trihydroxy-2-methylnaphtho[2,3-b]furan-5,8-dione (-8.6 Kcal/mol) and 1,2,3-Triazol, 2- (E-4,4-dicyano-3-N-methylanilino-1,3-butadien-1-yl)-4-(methoxycarbonyl)- (-8.3 Kcal/mol) had better binding affinity score than the reference anti-typhoid drug Ciprofloxacin (-8.1 Kcal/mol). The research justifies the local claims on the use of the plant and strengthens the relevance of these compounds as promising lead candidates for the treatment of Malaria and typhoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Apomixis and hybridization are two essential and complementary factors in the evolution of plants, including ferns. Hybridization combines characteristics from different species, while apomixis conserves features within a lineage. When combined, these two processes result in apo‐sex hybrids. The conditions leading to the formation of these hybrids are poorly understood in ferns. Methods: We cultivated spores from 66 fern samples (43 apomicts, 7 apo‐sex hybrids, and 16 sexuals), and measured their development in vitro over 16 weeks. We evaluated germination, lateral meristem formation rates, sexual expression, and production of sporophytes and then compared ontogenetic patterns among the three groups. Results: The three examined groups formed antheridia (male gametangia) but differed in overall gametophyte development. Sexual species created archegonia (female, 86% of viable samples), but no sporophytes. Apomicts rarely created nonfunctional archegonia (8%) but usually produced apogamous sporophytes (75%). Surprisingly, apomictic and sexual species showed similar development speed. The sexually reproducing parents of viable studied hybrids formed about twice as many meristic gametophytes as the apomictic parents (39% vs. 20%, respectively). Conclusions: We present the most thorough comparison of gametangial development of sexual and apomictic ferns, to date. Despite expectations, apomictic reproduction might not lead to earlier sporophyte formation. Apomicts produce functional sperm and thus can contribute this type of gamete to their hybrids. The development patterns found in the parents of hybrids indicate a possible increase of hybridization rates by antheridiogens. The apo‐sex hybrids always inherit the apomictic reproductive strategy and are thus capable of self‐perpetuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Few studies have explored competition in fern gametophyte populations. One limiting factor is the tedious measurement of gametophyte size as a proxy for biomass in these small plants. Here, an alternative approach of estimating the number of green pixels from photos was employed to measure the competitive interactions among apomictic and sexual Dryopteris gametophytes. Methods: We cultivated the gametophytes of two apomictic (diploid and triploid) and one sexual (tetraploid) Dryopteris species in monocultures and in two‐species mixtures in the ratios 1 : 1 and 1 : 3. The total gametophyte cover of each population originating from 20 spores was assessed using Easy Leaf Area. Assessments were performed weekly between weeks 4 and 10 of cultivation. Additionally, during week 5, the cover of each species in each mixture was estimated separately. Results: We identified a positive correlation between gametophyte size and ploidy level as well as sexual reproduction. The performance of the tested species in mixtures was dependent on the competitor species identity, indicating the importance of competition between gametophytes. Discussion: The methods outlined can be used for a rapid assessment of fern gametophyte cover in large gametophyte populations. Ploidy level and reproduction type seem to play a major role in the competitive abilities of fern gametophytes, but more research is needed on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Premise Few studies have explored competition in fern gametophyte populations. One limiting factor is the tedious measurement of gametophyte size as a proxy for biomass in these small plants. Here, an alternative approach of estimating the number of green pixels from photos was employed to measure the competitive interactions among apomictic and sexual Dryopteris gametophytes. Methods We cultivated the gametophytes of two apomictic (diploid and triploid) and one sexual (tetraploid) Dryopteris species in monocultures and in two‐species mixtures in the ratios 1 : 1 and 1 : 3. The total gametophyte cover of each population originating from 20 spores was assessed using Easy Leaf Area. Assessments were performed weekly between weeks 4 and 10 of cultivation. Additionally, during week 5, the cover of each species in each mixture was estimated separately. Results We identified a positive correlation between gametophyte size and ploidy level as well as sexual reproduction. The performance of the tested species in mixtures was dependent on the competitor species identity, indicating the importance of competition between gametophytes. Discussion The methods outlined can be used for a rapid assessment of fern gametophyte cover in large gametophyte populations. Ploidy level and reproduction type seem to play a major role in the competitive abilities of fern gametophytes, but more research is needed on this topic.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai., a commonly used herb, is known as "Guan Zhong" in China, "Oshida" in Japan and "Gwanjung" in Korea. It has long been used for parasitic infestation, hemorrhages and epidemic influenza., Aim of the Review: The present paper aims to provide an up-to-date review at the advancements of the investigations on the traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, toxicology and pharmacokinetics of D. crassirhizoma. Besides, possible trends, therapeutic potentials, and perspectives for future research of this plant are also briefly discussed., Materials and Methods: Relevant information on traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, toxicology and pharmacokinetics of D. crassirhizoma was collected through published materials and electronic databases, including the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Flora of China, Web of Science, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. 109 papers included in the article and we determined that no major information was missing after many checks. All authors participated in the review process for this article and all research paper are from authoritative published materials and electronic databases., Results: 130 chemical components, among which phloroglucinols are the predominant groups, have been isolated and identified from D. crassirhizoma. D. crassirhizoma with its bioactive compounds is possessed of extensive biological activities, including anti-parasite, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, bone protective, immunomodulatory, anti-platelet and anti-hyperuricemia activity. Besides, D. crassirhizoma has special toxicology and pharmacokinetics characterization., Conclusions: D. crassirhizoma is a traditional Chinese medicine having a long history of application. This review mainly summarized the different chemical components extract from D. crassirhizoma and various reported pharmacological effects. Besides, the toxicology and pharmacokinetics of D. crassirhizoma also be analysed in this review. However, the chemical components of D. crassirhizoma are understudied and require further research to expand its medicinal potential, and it is urgent to design a new extraction scheme, so that the active ingredients can be obtained at a lower cost., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Here we investigate the morphology of the spores of 12 native taxa of Dryopteridaceae that grow in Malakand division, Pakistan; most of these species not fully described before. This study intends to survey the taxonomic significance of spore morphological features and their variation useful for species identification in 7 species of Polystichum and 5 taxa of Dryopteris. The spores examinations were accomplished utilizing a light microscope (LM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The spores are monolete, medium‐sized, with variable shapes in both equatorial and polar views. The mean estimation of equatorial diameter ranging from 28.3 to 58.3 μm and the polar diameter varied from 27.6 to 45.8 μm. The exospore thickness ranges between 1.6 to 3.8 μm, and the thickness of perispore is 0.8–6.7 μm. The perispore is perforated, ornamentation elements occur in different ways in the studied taxa of Polystichum. In investigated Dryopteris taxa, rugate perispore type is found. Results of multivariate statistical analysis (UPGMA, and PCA) established on quantitative and qualitative morphological traits of spores demonstrate that the species form distinct groups, not reflecting any phylogenetic relationships. A key to the spores types is provided for species identification, which dependent on the diagnostic characters of spores. The results of this study indicate that variation of spore morphological traits; in particular, the ornamentation and perispore characteristics, which is surface texture, have diagnostic value at the species level. Our data will help in the identification of spores of the family Dryopteridaceae in palynological and taxonomic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis are forest ferns that live together frequently. Spore viability and speed in germination, together with gametophyte development are cues for the competitive success of ferns in a certain habitat. Monospecific and mixed spore cultures were established, and kept at 10o, 15o and 20oC, and at low light intensity, from 1.8 to 1.0 µmol m-2 s-1, the latter at 20 oC. Total germination percentages and time (T50), were registered in each case. In addition, gametophyte development and sexual expression was studied in both species. Final germination percentages were generally high, slightly higher in cultures with mixed spores. However, temperature clearly affected germination time that was shorter in Dryopteris at all tested temperatures. Cultures at low light intensities reached high germination percentages, decreasing markedly at 1 µmol m-2 s-1, notably in Athyrium. Sexual expression in mixed cultures, on soil at 20°C and 50 µmol m-2 s-1, was similar after three and six months. Athyrium showed high percentages of female gametophytes promoting sporophytic outcrossing, while Dryopteris showed a high number of apogamous sporophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The spore morphology and wall ultrastructure of Dryopteris filix-mas, D. patula and D. wallichiana from Argentina were studied using light microscope, scanning and transmission electron microscope. The study was carried out with herbarium material from Argentine institutions. Equatorial diameters, polar diameters and laesura length were measured. The spores are monoletes with a rugate ornamentation. The folds are short to long, inflate, irregular in shape and size, and varying from subglobose to elongate. The perispore surface is rugulate. The exospore of all the species analyzed is two-layered in section. Simple and branched channels are also present. The perispore is composed of two layers, the inner one forms the ornamentation and the outer covers all the outer and inner surfaces. Some abnormalities, such as globose, triangular or twisted spores were observed. The morphology and ultrastructure of the species are very similar. The differences observed are related to the length and thickness of the perispore folds. The characteristics of these spores would not provide relevant information to differentiate species or sections within the genus, but can provide information for phylogenetic studies as well as for alterations in the biological cycles.

Environmental context: Rare earth elements (REEs) are strategic metals and emerging contaminants for which plant-based remediation measures are needed. We screened a collection of hardy ferns and identified new accumulator species that preferentially transferred light REEs to their fronds. This study is an important step towards understanding the mechanisms of REE accumulation in plants. Rare earth elements (REEs) include the lanthanides plus yttrium and scandium, and can be split according to their atomic mass into light (LREEs) and heavy REEs (HREEs). The increasing demand for REEs is mainly driven by new technologies, and their current low recyclability has led them to become emerging contaminants. The identification of new REE accumulators may help in determining the REE transfer mechanisms and may result in interesting candidates for phytoremediation techniques. To that end, a collection of 49 hardy fern species, grown in REE-spiked substrate, were screened for their potential in REE accumulation. REE concentrations were very low in the fronds of all Polypodium species, whereas all Athyrium species highly accumulated REEs. The REE accumulation level was more variable among the different species of Dryopteris , Blechnum , Woodwardia , Cystopteris and Polystichum. However, whatever the species, LREEs were preferentially transferred to the fronds over HREEs. This conserved trait was independent of the availability of different REEs in the substrate and instead may arise from specific transfer systems in ferns for the two groups of REEs. Furthermore, REE accumulation was correlated to Ca and Al, which suggested the existence of common uptake pathways. Altogether, these results are of great interest for phytoremediation purposes since appropriate species can be chosen according to the area to be remediated, and they also provide new insights into a more in-depth characterisation of the underlying REE accumulation mechanisms in ferns. Environmental context. Rare earth elements (REEs) are strategic metals and emerging contaminants for which plant-based remediation measures are needed. We screened a collection of hardy ferns and identified new accumulator species that preferentially transferred light REEs to their fronds. This study is an important step towards understanding the mechanisms of REE accumulation in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Arachniodes is a notoriously known for its taxonomic difficulty and chaos. • A large global sampling (275 accessions vs. 2–17 accessions in earlier studies) is achieved. • Arachniodes s.s. is monophyletic and resolved into 12 major clades. • The New World Arachniodes is not monophyletic. • Arachniodes might contain 83 species worldwide. Abstract Arachniodes (Dryopteridaceae) is one of the most confusing and controversial fern genera in terms of its circumscription, nomenclature, and taxonomy. Estimates of species number range from 40 to 200. Previous molecular works included only 2–17 accessions representing 2–12 species of Arachniodes and allied genera, leaving most of the Asian species remain unsampled and the infragneric relationships unclear. In this study DNA sequences of seven plastid markers of 343 accessions representing ca. 68 species of Arachniodes (275 accessions), and 64 outgroup accessions from subfam. Dryopteridoideae and subfam. Polybotryoideae were used to infer a phylogeny with maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference, and maximum parsimony approaches. Our major results include: (1) Two species currently assigned in Arachniodes (A. macrostegia and A. ochropteroides are resolved outside of the core Arachniodes making the currently defined Arachniodes polyphyletic, confirming earlier findings; (2) Lithostegia , Leptorumohra , and Phanerophlebiopsis are indeed synonyms of Arachniodes ; (3) Leptorumohra is confirmed to be monophyletic, but Phanerophlebiopsis is polyphyletic; (4) The New World species of Arachniodes are confirmed to be not monophyletic with A. denticulata being nested within the Old World species, suggesting that this species is dispersed from the Old World; (5) Arachniodes s.s is resolved into 12 major clades, some of which are further divisable into recognizable subclades and groups, with A. mutica from Japan being resolved as the sister to the rest of the genus; (6) A number of systematic implications of the phylogeny have been suggested; and (7) the genus is estimated to contain ca. 83 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott is a traditional herbal medicine containing medicinal sterols and triterpenoids. Squalene synthase (SQS) is the first crucial enzyme in the biosynthesis pathway of sterols and triterpenoids. The full-length cDNA named DfSQS1 was isolated by RACE. It was predicted that DfSQS1 contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1239 bp coding 412 amino acid residues with molecular weight of 46.6 kDa. It had 18 potential phosphorylation sites, 1 potential N-glycosylation site and 2 transmembrane domains. In neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree, DfSQS1 was away from branch of gymnosperms and angiosperms. One hydrophobic domain at the C-terminal of DfSQS1 was deleted to express soluble recombinant enzyme. The truncated DfSQS1 (tDfSQS1) was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Then, tDfSQS1 was obtained and incubated with farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) to identify its enzymatic activity. The result demontrated that squalene, the product of enzyme catalyzed reaction, was detected by HPLC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the transcription level of DfSQS1 in D. fragrans was the highest in roots, followed by leaves and rhizomes. This work is the first report on cloning, characteration and expression of SQS from D. fragrans. It will be helpful to understand the regulatory role of SQS on the biosynthesis of triterpenoids in the fern. Highlights • We cloned a squalene synthase (SQS) gene from a fern, Dryopteris fragrans, and named DfSQS1. • The nucleotide sequence and protein sequence were analyzed with bioinformatics softwares. • The gene had the strongest expression level in the roots, followed by leaves and rhizomes. • Different length of expression vectors were constructed, and it was transmitted into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) to express protein. • However, the full-length ORF could not be expressed successfully. • Only truncated DfSQS1 was expressed and purified. • We characterised its enzyme activity by HPLC. • This is the first report of cloning, characteration and expression of squalene synthase from D. fragrans and the first squalene synthase gene in fern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites of plants that often have medical applications. The influences of different sample drying pretreatments on flavonoids and antioxidant activity of ferns have not studies. Dryopteris erythrosora leaves used to analyze flavonoid alterations resulting from drying pretreatments. The total flavonoid content of D. erythrosora leaves exposed to different pretreatments was significantly different. The total flavonoid content of samples initially air-dried in shade and then oven-dried at 75°C were the highest (7.6%), while samples initially dried at 75°C had the lowest content (2.17%). Antioxidant activities of D. erythrosora leaves with different pretreatments varied. Group B first air-dried in the shade and then oven-dried at 75°C and group C first air-dried in the sun and then oven-dried at 75°C, both showed relatively stronger antioxidant activity. The best pretreatment for preserving the flavonoids was to first dry the plant material in the shade and then complete the drying process in an oven at 75°C. It was tentatively identified 22 flavonoids among the four different pretreatments by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initiation and proliferation of leaf primordia, leaf expansion and maturation of a basket fern Dryopteris wallichiana are described based on two years of observation. The phenology of these events is strictly seasonal beginning with the onset of spring in the temperate Himalayan climate. Leaf primordia initiated during late summer often remain dormant but expand in the next growing season. Maturation of most of the leaves of a growing season is completed before the start of winter, but these withstand the winter cold. Leaves of the previous growing season remain erect on the rhizome for about 20 months after which they collapse. Significance of the presence of green and dry collapsed leaves on the rhizome is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the potential invasiveness of Dryopteris erythrosora (Dryopteridaceae) in North America. Topics discussed include a plant identification course at the University of North Georgia that discovered a large colony of D. erythrosora spreading aggressively down a moist embankment in Alpharetta, Georgia and stem count from population in Alpharetta.

We analyzed the endogenous phytohormones composition and dynamics in the fronds and rhizomes of perennial fern Dryopteris filix-mas using high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry. Samples were selected at the following phenological phases: an intensive growth (30.04), sori ripening (29.05), spores release (17.06), summer vegetation (10.07) and vegetation termination (21.10). It was shown that the content of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic (ABA) acids in fronds was higher that in rhizomes. Conjugated IAA accumulated in rhizome during spring vegetation at the phase of intensive growth. In contrast, the active form of ABA was dominant in fronds. During the development of sori, spores maturation and their falling, the quantity of free IAA and ABA in fronds increased. At the end of the vegetation the content of IAA and ABA reached its maximum with the predominance of conjugated IAA in fronds and rhizomes, and free ABA - in fronds. The maximum content of free gibberellic acid (GA3) was in fronds at the phase of active metabolism, whereas the higher level of conjugated form was in rhizomes in the autumn vegetation phase during the sporophyte transition to dormancy. The obtained results indicated that support of the auxin homeostasis during the transition from intensive growth to the formation and maturation of spores in sori and at the end of the vegetation involved conjugation mechanisms, and in the period of mass falling of mature spores - metabolic strategies of biosynthesis / catabolism. The dynamics and localization of GA3 showed that hormone was involved in the regulation of spores development and maturation. The character of the ABA accumulation indirectly confirmed the involvement of the hormone in the activation of protective adaptation processes in the autumn vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dryopteris and Polystichum are the 2 complex taxonomic genera of Dryopteridaceae. The comparative foliar epidermal anatomy of 12 species of both genera from Pakistan were studied using standard protocols of light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The objective of which was systematic comparison and investigation to elucidate the taxonomic importance of foliar micromorphology, which may be useful to taxonomists for identifying complex Dryopteridaceae taxa. Principal component analysis and UPGMA clustering analysis were performed to test the validity of leaf anatomical features as method of separating species and genera. The foliar epidermal anatomy described here is a good source of taxonomic characters in both groups that can help genera and species delimitation. This is the first report on leaf micromorphology in most of these species. Observation of foliar anatomy showed that stomata are only present on the abaxial surface; i.e., leaves of all species are hypostomatic. The shapes of epidermal cells in all studied species are irregular. The anticlinal walls are strongly lobed, irregular wavy and elongated wavy. However, substantial variation in epidermal cell size and other stomatal features were observed on both upper and lower surfaces in all investigated species. Two types of stomata were observed in all studied species. The presence of polocytic stomata in Dryopteris and staurocytic stomata in Polystichum are the important characters for the segregation of these genera. Elongate elliptic stomatal shape, narrow kidney shaped guard cells and broad elliptic shaped stomatal pores are diagnostic for all five species of Dryopteris selected. On the other hand, size and number of epidermal cells, lobes per cell, stomatal size, subsidiary cell size, stomatal pore size and stomatal index are the key features for species differentiation in Polystichum . An identification key was developed in order to apply the foliar anatomical characters in the discrimination of the species studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dryopteris fragrans (D. fragrans) is a potential medicinal fern distributed in volcanic magmatic rock areas under tough environmental condition. Sporangia are important organs for fern reproduction. This study was designed to characterize the transcriptome characteristics of the wild D. fragrans sporangia in three stages (stage A, B, and C) with the aim of uncovering its molecular mechanism of growth and development. Results: Using a HiSeq 4000, 79.81 Gb clean data (each sample is at least 7.95 GB) were obtained from nine samples, with three being supplied from each period, and assembled into 94,705 Unigenes, among which 44,006 Unigenes were annotated against public protein databases (NR, Swiss-Prot, KEGG, COG, KOG, GO, eggNOG and Pfam). Furthermore, we observed 7126 differentially expressed genes (DEG) (Fold Change > 4, FDR < 0.001), 349,885 SNP loci, and 10,584 SSRs. DEGs involved in DNA replication and homologous recombination were strongly expressed in stage A, and several DEGs involved in cutin, suberin and wax biosynthesis had undergone dramatic changes during development, which was consistent with morphological observations. DEGs responsible for secondary metabolism and plant hormone signal transduction changed clearly in the last two stages. DEGs homologous to those known genes associated with the development of reproductive organs of flowering plants have also been validated and discussed, such as AGL61, AGL62, ONAC010. In particular, a Unigene encoding TFL1, an important flower–development regulator in flowering plants, was identified and exhibited the highest expression level in stage B in D. fragrans sporangia. Conclusions: This study is the first report on global transcriptome analysis in the development of sporangia of wild D. fragrans. DEGs related to development and homologous to flower-seed development in flowering plants were discussed. All DEGs involved in DNA replication and homologous recombination were consistent with morphological observations of paraffin slices. The results of this study provide rare resources for further investigation of the D. fragrans sporangium development, stress resistance and secondary metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most abundant fern species in northeast United States forests are wintergreen. These ferns keep their fronds for one year before replacing them in the spring. The wintergreen fronds soften at their base in fall and survive the winter under snow, allowing vernal photosynthesis and providing an energetic benefit to the plant. This study addressed whether or not the softening of the stipe is critical to the evolutionary adaptiveness of the wintergreen leaf habit. I kept the fronds of 12 Dryopteris intermedia plants upright through the winter of 2015-2016 and left those of 12 other plants prostrate as controls. In the spring of 2016, a greater proportion of the frond surface area had frost damage on the upright fronds than on the control plants, and a greater proportion of the fronds were broken in the upright plants than in the control plants. The softening of the stipe was probably a critical step in the evolution of the wintergreen habit in D. intermedia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of five phytosociological relevés, the fern-meadow vegetation with Oreopteris limbosperma and Dryopteris cambrensis from the region around Oban, Argyll, West Scotland is described and compared with similar communities in the Netherlands and West Germany. It is concluded that these fern-meadows can be assigned to the Luzulo luzuloides-Thelypteridetum limbospermae, which in Central and continental West Europe is restricted to forest edges. In West Scotland this community is also common in open landscapes, due to the hyperatlantic climate. In comparison with the fern communities in the Netherlands and Germany, the Scottish examples are very rich in fern species, illustrating the optimal development of the community in West Argyll. Possible future development of this community in the Netherlands are discussed in the light of the increase in records of Oreopteris limbosperma and the ecological requirements of Dryopteris cambrensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dryopteris blanfordii (C.Hope) C.Chr. is a member of the Dryopteridaceae, growing in high altitude Picea or Abies forests (2900-3500 m) in China and India. Phylogenetic relationships between D. blanfordii subsp. nigrosquamosa and closely related species of Dryopteris were investigated using a combined analysis of multiple molecular data sets (the protein-coding region of rbcL and matK genes and intergenic spacers psbA-trnH, trnP-petG, rps4-trnS, trnL-trnF and rbcL-accD). An assumption about the position of D. blanfordii subsp. nigrosquamosa within Dryopteris was made by using the Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference approach and chloroplast marker sequences of Dryopteris species from GenBank. The results demonstrated that Asian taxa D. blanfordii subsp. nigrosquamosa and D. laeta as well as two American species D. arguta and D. marginalis belong to the same clade, all four of them being part of Dryopteris section Dryopteris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. Ferns are vital components of temperate and tropical ecosystems, but they have not been examined in the context of a central-peripheral hypothesis. Dryopteris fragrans is an ideal species to examine the genetic variation between central and peripheral populations because of its arctic north to temperate south distribution pattern. In addition to understanding colonization dynamics, our study also addresses the issue regarding the conservation value of peripheral plant populations. Methodology. We examined 82 individuals from 22 populations from northern Canada (N-CA) and the northeastern United States (NE-US), which represent central and peripheral populations of D. fragrans, respectively. Two-hundred two loci were resolved using inter-simple sequence repeat markers, allowing analyses of genetic diversity and population structure, insights into gene flow and mating system, and correlations of genetic diversity with geographical distance, population size, and air temperature. Pivotal results. Dryopteris fragrans exhibits high genetic diversity at the species level, with most of its genetic variation due to differences between populations. At the regional level, however, there is a sharp contrast in the patterns of genetic variation between N-CA and NE-US populations, with the latter exhibiting low genetic diversity, high population differentiation, low gene flow, and a predominantly inbreeding mating system. The NE-US populations also exhibit several unique loci that indicate that they are not merely a reduced representative of the overall genetic diversity of the species. Conclusions. Dryopteris fragrans in the NE-US are genetically distinct from those in N-CA, and this result may serve as justification for the species' conservation in the NE-US. Our results also indicate that D. fragrans in the NE-US may have originated from the Canadian populations through several instances of single-spore founding events facilitated by long-distance spore dispersal and self-fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dryopteris erythrosora (D.C. Eaton) Kuntze is a species of fern in the family of Dryopteridaceae, which is distributed throughout East Asia. The genus Dryopteris has been used as traditional medicine, especially to treat hepatitis and protect liver. However, only few studies of chemical constituents of D. erythrosora have been conducted so far. Objective: In this study, we investigated the phytochemical constituents of D. erythrosora. Materials and Methods: The 80% methanol extract of the aerial part of D. erythrosora was used for the isolation of phenolic compounds. The isolated compounds were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods including nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Results: The present phytochemical investigation on the aerial part of D. erythrosora led to the isolation of two new phenolic glycosides, 1 and 2, as well as nine known flavonoids including two flavones (3 and 4) and seven flavonols (5-11). Conclusion: In this study, two new phenolic glycosides together with nine known flavonoids were isolated from the aerial part of D. erythrosora. Among them, compounds 4, 8, and 11 were isolated for the first time in Dryopteridaceae family from the present investigation. These results helped us to enrich our understanding of the chemical constituents of D. erythrosora and to identify compounds 1 and 2 which could be potential chemotaxonomic markers for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the development of arbuscular fungi within thalli of Conocephalum conicum and Pellia endiviifolia was carried out on the banks of a stream ravine in the Beskid Wyspowy Mts. (Southern Poland). The links via arbuscular fungi were observed between liverworts and plants as Dryopteris carthusiana and Oxalis acetosella. Glomus tenuis, a fine endophyte, was the dominating mycorrhizal partner of all the plant species investigated. Arum-type of mycorrhiza was observed in Oxalis acetosella while in the fern and liverworts Paris-type was found. The role of plant roots in the establishment of liverworts thalli (source of fungal inoculum, important mechanical support on unstable sand banks) is considered.

Dryopteris crassirhizoma dryocrassin ABBA treatment was tested for its effectiveness in controlling Fusarium solani var . coeruleum growth in vitro and for prevention of postharvest dry rot of potato tubers and slices. Dryocrassin ABBA strongly inhibited mycelial growth, resulting in reductions in both mycelium dry weight and per cent spore germination of F. solani var. coeruleum at concentrations of 2.0, 0.5 and 0.1 mg/ ml. Scanning electron microscopy ( SEM) observations showed that treatment induced abnormal, tightly twisted morphological changes in hyphae. Moreover, in vivo experiments demonstrated that dryocrassin ABBA treatment at 2 mg/ ml effectively controlled dry rot of potato tubers inoculated with mycelial discs of F. solani var. coeruleum. After dryocrassin ABBA treatment, the content of soluble proteins, peroxidase ( POD) and superoxide dismutase ( SOD) activity increased, and malondialdehyde ( MDA) content remained the stable situation. In addition, the expression level of plant lipid-transfer proteins ( LTPs) genes - St LTPa1, St LTPa7, St LTPb1 and St LTPb3 - was upregulated. These results collectively demonstrate that dryocrassin ABBA can inhibit growth of Fusarium pathogens to induce disease resistance. On the other side, dryocrassin ABBA maybe induce potato defence responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion inhibition of aluminium in 1 M H 2 SO 4 by two different solvent extracts of Dryopteris cochleata leaves was studied using weight loss, electrochemical measurements, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Characterization of plant extract was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis have confirmed the molecular adsorption of the DCLME and DCLWE extracts on the aluminium surface. The methanol extract of D. cochleata leaves is a better inhibitor than water extract. Polarization studies showed that the extracts act as a mixed type inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most woodland ferns thrive under conditions of high air humidity, frequent precipitation and exposure to extended periods of leaf wetness, but it is not known how widespread foliar water uptake is in this plant group. In a tracer experiment with deuterated water (HO) applied to the leaf surface of five temperate woodland ferns ( Athyrium filix- femina, Dryopteris filix- mas, Polystichum aculeatum, Polystichum braunii and Asplenium scolopendrium), we tested (1) whether these species exhibit foliar water uptake and (2) whether the capability to absorb water through the leaf epidermis increases with the frequency of epidermal trichomes. All species had significantly higher abundances of H in tissue water, when extracted distant to the place of application, compared to the background level (0.052-0.504 vs. 0.015 at.%), evidencing uptake through the epidermis and leaf-internal translocation. A positive relation between trichome density and H incorporation was found only for the second-order pinnae but not for the more central frond sections. The results suggest that foliar water uptake may be widespread among temperate woodland ferns across different families and that leaf trichome structure probably influences this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferns reproduce through small and usually haploid spores. The general paradigm states that whereas species produce good shaped spores, hybrids are sterile and form aborted spores. Apomictic fern species represent an unusual case, and it is believed that they produce an unbalanced spore spectrum. Until now, no comprehensive comparison of sexual and apomictic taxa using extensive spore fitness data has been published. Based on a representative data set of 109 plants from 23 fern taxa, we accomplished the first robust analysis of spore fitness using spore abortion index (SAI), the ratio of aborted to all examined spores. One thousand spores were analyzed for each plant. Focusing mainly on two major European fern taxa ( Asplenium, Dryopteris), we compared this trait for different fern reproductive types (sexual/apomicts/hybrids) and ploidy levels (diploid versus polyploid). Our results confirmed the general assumption that shows higher SAI for apomictic taxa (18%) when compared to sexual taxa (3%). Furthermore, hybrids are characterized by having almost all spores aborted (99.8%) with the notable exception of pentaploid Dryopteris × critica (93.1%), the hybrid between sexual and apomictic taxa. We found no significant difference in SAI between sexual taxa of various ploidy levels or between sexual taxa of genera Dryopteris and Asplenium. Additionally, we carried out an optimization of the SAI method, outlying important guidelines for the use of this method in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performing proteomic studies on non-model organisms with little or no genomic information is still difficult. However, many specific processes and biochemical pathways occur only in species that are poorly characterized at the genomic level. For example, many plants can reproduce both sexually and asexually, the first one allowing the generation of new genotypes and the latter their fixation. Thus, both modes of reproduction are of great agronomic value. However, the molecular basis of asexual reproduction is not well understood in any plant. In ferns, it combines the production of unreduced spores (diplospory) and the formation of sporophytes from somatic cells (apogamy). To set the basis to study these processes, we performed transcriptomics by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and shotgun proteomics by tandem mass spectrometry in the apogamous fern D. affinis ssp. affinis. For protein identification we used the public viridiplantae database (VPDB) to identify orthologous proteins from other plant species and new transcriptomics data to generate a "species-specific transcriptome database" (SSTDB). In total 1,397 protein clusters with 5,865 unique peptide sequences were identified (13 decoy proteins out of 1,410, protFDR 0.93% on protein cluster level). We show that using the SSTDB for protein identification increases the number of identified peptides almost four times compared to using only the publically available VPDB. We identified homologs of proteins involved in reproduction of higher plants, including proteins with a potential role in apogamy. With the increasing availability of genomic data from non-model species, similar proteogenomics approaches will improve the sensitivity in protein identification for species only distantly related to models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For screening the active phloroglucinols on influenza virus (H5N1) from Dryopteris crassirhizoma NaKai, a database was established including twenty-three phloroglucinols that had been isolated from Dryopteris crassirhizoma. Their inhibitory effect on the neuraminidase (NA) of influenza virus H5N1 was screened by molecular docking. As a result, three candidates were selected. The rhizomes of D. crassirhizoma were subjected to isolation and purification processes to obtain the inhibitor candidates. Thirteen phloroglucinols were obtained, including three selected candidates and two new phloroglucinols. The five phloroglucinols were investigated for their inhibitory activity on NA in vitro. The results showed that dryocrassin ABBA and filixic acid ABA exhibited inhibitory effects on NA with IC50 as 18.59 ± 4.53 and 29.57 ± 2.48 μM, respectively, and the other three phloroglucinols showed moderate inhibitory activity. Moreover, the anti-influenza virus (H5N1) activity and cytotoxicity of dryocrassin ABBA and filixic acid ABA were tested on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells with the cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) method. The results confirmed that dryocrassin ABBA exhibited an inhibitory activity with low cytotoxicity (TC50 > 400 μM) against influenza virus (H5N1) which will have to be investigated in further detail. In conclusion, phloroglucinols from D. crassirhizoma were shown to have anti-influenza virus activity, and especially dryocrassin ABBA, one of the phloroglucinols, may have the potential to control influenza virus (H5N1) infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:: Our goal was to infer the phylogenetic relationships and historical biogeography of the genus Dryopteris with a focus on taxa in sub‐Saharan Africa and neighboring islands. In general, little is known about the relationships between African fern species and their congeners in other geographic regions, and our aim was to determine whether the sub‐Saharan African species of Dryopteris are monophyletic and evolved within Africa or arrived there via repeated dispersals into Africa from other regions. METHODS:: We obtained sequence data for five chloroplast markers from 214 species of Dryopteris and 18 outgroups. We performed phylogenetic and molecular dating analyses using a Bayesian relaxed clock method in BEAST with fossil and secondary calibration points and estimated ancestral ranges for the genus globally by comparing multiple models in BioGeoBEARS. KEY RESULTS:: We found that 22 of 27 accessions of sub‐Saharan African Dryopteris belong to a large clade of 31 accessions that also includes taxa from Indian and Atlantic Ocean islands. Additional accessions of taxa from our regions of interest have Asian, Hawaiian, European, or North American species as their closest relatives. CONCLUSIONS:: The majority of sub‐Saharan African Dryopteris species are descended from a shared common ancestor that dispersed to Africa from Asia approximately 10 Ma. There have been subsequent dispersal events from the African mainland to islands in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, including Madagascar. Several additional species are estimated to have descended from ancestors that reached Africa via separate events over the last roughly 20 million years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addressed the Dryopteridaceae taxa recorded in ferruginous formations of Serra dos Carajás, Pará state, bringing descriptions, illustrations, geographical distribution, and comments. In the study area four genera and four species were recorded: Ctenitis nigrovenia, Dryopteris huberi, Elaphoglossum glabellum and Polybotrya sorbifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the identification and isolation of phloroglucinol derivatives from dryopteris crassirhizoma using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-orbitrap mass spectrometry (HPLC-LTQ)-orbitrap mass spectrometry. Topics discussed include the antioxidant and anticancer activities of dryopteris crassirhizoma, the structures of the derivatives of phloroglucinol, and the potential compositions of dryopteris crassirhizoma for its antileukemic activity.

Quantitative evaluations of biomass accumulation after disturbances in forests are crucially important for elucidating and predicting forest carbon dynamics in order to understand the carbon sink/source activities. During early secondary succession, understory vegetation often affects sapling growth. However, reports on biomass recovery in naturally-regenerating sites are limited in Japan. Therefore, we traced annual or biennial changes in plant species, biomass, and net primary production (NPP) in a naturally regenerating site in Japan after windthrow and salvage-logging plantation for nine years. The catastrophic disturbance depleted the aboveground biomass (AGB) from 90.6 to 2.7 Mg·ha-1, changing understory dominant species from Dryopteris spp. to Rubus idaeus. The mean understory AGB recovered to 4.7 Mg·ha-1 in seven years with the dominant species changing to invasive Solidago gigantea. Subsequently, patches of deciduous trees (mainly Betula spp.) recovered whereas the understory AGB decreased. Mean understory NPP increased to 272 g·C·m-2·year-1 within seven years after the disturbance, but decreased thereafter to 189 g·C·m-2·year-1 . Total NPP stagnated despite increasing overstory NPP. The biomass accumulation is similar to that of naturally regenerating sites without increase of trees in boreal and temperate regions. Dense ground vegetation and low water and nutrient availability of the soil in the study site restrict the recovery of canopy-forming trees and eventually influence the biomass accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RESUMEN: Se describe un nuevo híbrido en Cantabria Dryopteris × orexpansa. Se presenta su citología y se estudian los caracteres morfológicos y micromorfológicos con el fin de establecer sus posibles parentales: D. oreades y D. expansa. Por otro lado se cita por primera vez en Cantabria, Dryopteris × deweveri.Se hacen algunas consideraciones sobre su distribución en la Península Ibérica y se proporciona información para su identificación. ABSTRACT: Dryopteris × oroexpansa, a new hybrid fern and Dryopteris × dewe-veri in Cantabria (N Spain). A new Dryopteris hybrid from Cantabria is described as D. orexpansa. We report on its cytology and on morphological and micromorphological characters that were studied in order to establish its putative parents: Dryopteris oreades and D. expansa. On the other hand, we record for fist time D. × deweveri from Cantabria (Spain). Some considerations do on his distribution in the Iberian Peninsula and information is provided for his identification.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are strategic metals strongly involved in low-carbon energy conversion. However, these emerging contaminants are increasingly disseminated into ecosystems, raising concern regarding their toxicity. REE-accumulating plants are crucial subjects to better understand REE transfer to the trophic chain but are also promising phytoremediation tools. In this analysis, we deciphered REE accumulation sites in the REE-accumulating fern Dryopteris erythrosora by synchrotron X-ray μfluorescence (μXRF). This technique allows a high-resolution and in situ analysis of fresh samples or frozen-hydrated cross sections of different organs of the plant. In the sporophyte, REEs were translocated from the roots to the fronds by the xylem sap and were stored within the xylem conductive system. The comparison of REE distribution and accumulation levels in the healthy and necrotic parts of the frond shed light on the differential mobility between light and heavy REEs. Furthermore, the comparison emphasized that necrotized areas were not the main REE-accumulating sites. Finally, the absence of cell-to-cell mobility of REEs in the gametophyte suggested the absence of REE-compatible transporters in photosynthetic tissues. These results provide valuable knowledge on the physiology of REE-accumulating ferns to understand the REE cycle in biological systems and the expansion of phytotechnologies for REE-enriched or REE-contaminated soils.

Introduction: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the extraction and identification of the potential phytochemicals from the Methanolic Extract of Dryopteris ramosa (MEDR) using GC-MS profiling for validating the traditional uses of MEDR its efficacy in inflammations by using in-vitro, in-vivo and in silico approaches in anti-inflammatory models., Methods: GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of a total of 59 phytochemical compounds. The human red blood cells (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay and heat-induced hemolysis method were used as in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extract. The in-vivo analysis was carried out through the Xylene-induced mice ear oedema method. It was found that MEDR at a concentration of 20 μg, 30 μg, and 40 μg showed 35.45%, 36.01%, and 36.33% protection to HRBC in a hypotonic solution, respectively. At the same time, standard Diclofenac at 30 μg showed 45.31% protection of HRBC in a hypotonic solution., Results: The extract showed inhibition of 25.32%, 26.53%, and 33.31% cell membrane lysis at heating at 20 μg, 30 μg, and 40 μg, respectively. In comparison, standard Diclofenac at 30 μg showed 50.49% inhibition of denaturation to heat. Methanolic extract of the plant exhibited momentous inhibition in xylene-induced ear oedema in mice treated with 30 μg extract were 47.2%, 63.4%, and 78.8%, while inhibition in mice ear oedema treated with 60 μg extract was 34.7%, 43.05%, 63.21% and reduction in ear thickness of standard drug were 57.3%, 59.54%, 60.42% recorded at the duration of 1, 4 and 24 hours of inflammation. Molecular docking and simulations were performed to validate the anti-inflammatory role of the phytochemicals that revealed five potential phytochemicals i.e. Stigmasterol,22,23dihydro, Heptadecane,8methyl, Pimaricacid, Germacrene and 1,3Cyclohexadiene,&#95;5(1,5dimethyl4hexenyl)-2methyl which revealed potential or significant inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL-6) in the docking analysis., Conclusion: The outcome of the study signifies that MEDR can offer a new prospect in the discovery of a harmonizing and alternative therapy for inflammatory disease conditions., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Se estudió la anatomía del rizoma y hoja de especies mexicanas de Dryopteris Adans. y se comparó con la información disponible para Dryopteridaceae y otras familias de helechos en busca de caracteres anatómicos con valor diagnóstico. La anatomía de rizoma, pecíolo y lámina es similar en las especies del complejo Dryopteris patula. Las células con pared engrosada, no lignificada y en forma de casquete o de "U" presentes alrededor de las meristelas corresponden a colénquima, a diferencia de lo informado para otras familias de helechos. Dryopteris wallichiana (Spreng.) Hyl. se distingue anatómicamente de las otras especies estudiadas por presentar un mayor número de capas de esclerénquima y de meristelas en el pecíolo, además de carecer de nidos de esclereidas en el rizoma. Dryopteris rossii y D. maxonii se caracterizan por la presencia de cristales en la periferia de los nidos en el rizoma. Las glándulas en la lámina están ausentes en D. maxonii y D. wallichianaAnatomy of six species of Dryopteris ferns (Dryopteridaceae) from Mexico. Rhizome and foliar anatomy of the Mexican Dryopteris Adans. species were studied and compared with other Dryopteridaceae and other fern families to identify anatomical features with diagnostic value. The anatomy of rhizome, stipe, and blade is similar in species of the Dryopteris patula complex. The cells with un-lignified, thickened wall, with cap or U-shape around the meristeles belong to the collenchyma, in contrast with other fern families. Dryopteris wallichiana (Spreng.) Hyl. is anatomically distinguished from the other studied species by having more layers of sclerenchyma and meristeles on the stipe, and by the lack of sclereid nests on the rhizome. Dryopteris rossii C. Chr. and D. maxonii Underw. & C. Chr. are characterized by the presence of crystals on the periphery of rhizome nests. D. maxonni and D. wallichiana lack blade glands. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (4): 1157-1169. Epub 2006 Dec. 15

We present the simple, eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using sunlight or green, red, blue, or white LED light together with Dryopteris crassirhizoma rhizome extract (DCRE) as the reducing and capping agent. The preliminary indication of AgNP production was a color change from yellowish green to brown after light exposure in the presence of DCRE. Optimization of parameters such as pH, inoculum dose, and metal ion concentration played an important role in achieving nanoparticle production in 30 min. The spectroscopic and morphological properties of AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy through the presence of a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band for AgNPs, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The FT-IR results indicated that the phytochemical present in DCRE was the probable reducing/capping agent involved in the synthesis of AgNPs, and light radiation enhanced nanoparticle production. HR-TEM revealed that the AgNPs were almost spherical with an average size of 5–60 nm under all light sources. XRD studies confirmed the face cubic center (fcc) unit cell structure of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs showed good antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study will bring a new insight in ecofriendly production of metal nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dryopteris subgenus Nothoperanema (Dryopteridaceae) includes sections Acrophorus, Diacalpe, Nothoperanema, and Peranema. Phylogenetic relationships among these sections and their relationship to sect. Dryopsis (genus Dryopteris subgenus Erythrovariae, Dryopteridaceae) are unclear. Additionally, previous phylogenetic work has not included Stenolepia, which has been suggested as an important relative of Peranema based on morphology. In this study, we examined phylogenetic relationships within subgenus Nothoperanema by including Stenolepia and utilizing six plastid regions (∼5,500 characters). Our inferred phylogeny revealed that sect. Dryopsis is not monophyletic. The Nothoperanema clade is highly supported, and includes sect. Acrophorus, sect. Diacalpe, sect. Nothoperanema, sect. Peranema, certain Dryopsis species, and Stenolepia. By re-examining diagnostic morphological characters, we establish and describe two new sections under subgenus Nothoperanema: sect. Shiehia and sect. Stenolepia. This revision accommodates new species transferred from sects. Dryopsis and Stenolepia, and makes subgenus Nothoperanema and each of its sections natural groups. Finally, we provide a table with morphological comparisons and a key to sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the records about four new Buckler fern (Dryopteris) species for the territory of the Republic of Macedonia and new data about the distribution of some rare Buckler fern species. Dryopteris is one of the most complex fern genera in Europe. Hybridization and apomixis among some of the species contribute to difficulties and uncertainties for identification of individual species. That, coupled with lack of research on ferns in Macedonia for the last 30 years, resulted in a low level of knowledge within this vascular plants’ group. The field research of the flora of Macedonia and thorough check of two herbaria (MKMEL and MKNH) in Skopje revealed presence of four new Buckler fern species in Macedonia: Dryopteris affinis subsp. jessenii, D. oreades, D. mindshelkensis and D. expansa. Additionlly, several other localities for rare species: D. borreri, D. dilatata and D. carthusiana were reported. Further research is needed to fill the remaining gaps, particularly in relation to identification of hybrids and more detailed study of the distribution pattern of rare Buckler fern species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we investigated effects of compound kaempferol 3-a-L-(4-O-acetyl)rhamnopyranoside-7-a-L-rhamnopyranoside (SA) isolated from Dryopteris crassirhizoma during immune-related gene expression in Ctenopharyngodon idella head kidney macrophages (CIHKM). The expression of immune-related genes (IL-1β, TNF-α, MyD88, and Mx1) were investigated using real-time PCR at 2 h, 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h after incubation with 1, 10, and 50 μg mL(-1) of SA. Furthermore, fish were injected intraperitoneally with 100 μL of SA, and immune parameters such as lysozyme activity, complement C3, SOD, phagocytic activity, and IgM level were examined at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after injection. The differential expression of cytokines was observed after exposure to SA. IL-1β genes displayed significant expression at 2 and 8 h after exposure to 1-10 μg mL(-1) of SA. SA also induced gene expression of cytokines such as MyD88, Mx1, and TNF-α. Furthermore, enhanced immune parameters in grass carp confirmed the immunomodulatory activity of SA. Interestingly, this compound has no toxic effect on CIHKM cells as tested by MTT assay. In addition, fish immunised with 10 μg mL(-1) of SA exhibited maximum resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. These results suggest that SA has the potential to stimulate immune responses in grass carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, antibacterial activity of four kinds of phloroglucinol derivatives extracted from Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott against S. aureus, S. epidermidis and P. acnes has been tested. Aspidin BB exerted the strongest antibacterial activity with minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) values ranging from 7.81 to 15.63 μg/mL. The time-kill assay indicated that aspidin BB could kill P. acnes completely at 2 MIC (MBC) within 4 h. By using AFM, we demonstrated extensive cell surface alterations of aspidin BB-treated P. acnes. SDS-PAGE of supernatant proteins and lipid peroxidation results showed that aspidin BB dose-dependently affected membrane permeability of P. acnes. DNA damage and protein degradation of P. acnes were also verified. SDS-PAGE of precipitated proteins revealed possible targets of aspidin BB, i.e., heat shock proteins (26 kDa) and lipase (33 kDa) which could all cause inflammation. Aspidin BB also seriously increased the inhibition rate of lipase activity from 10.20 to 65.20 % to possibly inhibit the inflammation. In conclusions, the effective constituents of D. fragrans (L.) Schott to treat acne might be phloroglucinol derivatives including aspidin BB, aspidin PB, aspidinol and dryofragin. Among this, aspidin BB inhibited the growth of P. acnes by disrupting their membrane, DNA and proteins and finally leaded to the cell death. The obtained data highlighted the potential of using aspidin BB as an alternative treatment for acne vulgaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium (U), cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), thorium (Th) and zinc (Zn) occur naturally in soil but their radioactive isotopes can also be released into the environment during the nuclear fuel cycle. The transfer of these elements was studied in three different trophic levels in experimental mesocosms containing downy birch ( Betula pubescens ), narrow buckler fern ( Dryopteris carthusiana ) and Scandinavian small-reed ( Calamagrostis purpurea ssp. Phragmitoides ) as producers, snails ( Arianta arbostorum ) as herbivores, and earthworms ( Lumbricus terrestris ) as decomposers. To determine more precisely whether the element uptake of snails is mainly via their food (birch leaves) or both via soil and food, a separate microcosm experiment was also performed. The element uptake of snails did not generally depend on the presence of soil, indicating that the main uptake route was food, except for U, where soil contact was important for uptake when soil U concentration was high. Transfer of elements from soil to plants was not linear, i.e. it was not correctly described by constant concentration ratios (CR) commonly applied in radioecological modeling. Similar nonlinear transfer was found for the invertebrate animals included in this study: elements other than U were taken up more efficiently when element concentration in soil or food was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]