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The article explores the process of ovule abortion and its implications for the invasiveness and seed dispersal of Hyptis suaveolens Lamiaceae Poit species. The study examines the anthesis and dehiscence of anthers, stigma receptivity, path of pollen tubes under fluorescence microscope, pollen-ovule ratio, and time and duration of visits of insects on the flower. It evaluates the total number of pistils with ovule abortion and floral morphology.

Oroantral fistula (OAF), most commonly termed as oroantral communication, is the abnormal condition in which there is a communicating tract between the maxillary sinus and the oral cavity. Oro-antral communications and fistulas are complications frequently encountered by oral and maxillofacial surgeons as a complication most commonly during extraction of upper molar and premolar teeth (48%). Other causes include tuberosity fracture, dentoalveolar/periapical infections of molars, implant dislodgement into maxillary sinus, trauma (7.5%), presence of maxillary cysts or tumors (18.5%), osteoradionecrosis, flap necrosis, dehiscence following implant failure and sometimes as a complication of the Caldwell-Luc procedure. The aim of this article is to describe OAF, introduce the approach algorithm for the treatment of OAF; and review the fundamental surgical techniques using local flaps for fistula closure with their advantages and disadvantages. Databases of PubMed central register of randomised controlled trials were searched for related studies along with a complementary manual search for relevant journals. Data extraction and collection from the included studies was conducted by the primary author and reviewed by the second author. It can be concluded that long term treatment for oro antral fistulas are by the use of with resorbable PLGA-coated -TCP root analogs, hemostatic gauze and local flaps which have all proved to be effective and longer lasting without secondary infection and recurrence. The most effective from literature among the local flaps is the buccal sliding flap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Shedding (abscission) along with growth determine a plant's shape. • Similarities between abscission and dehiscence predict cell separation regulation. • Connections between abscission and linked processes clarify abscission. • PAD4 links abscission to senescence, pathogen defense, and drought tolerance. • A set of predictive rules regulating cell separation is presented. This review focuses on relationships between the abscission process (organ shedding) and other related processes like shattering, senescence, pathogen defense, and drought stress with emphasis on how the relationships might be exploited to advance their respective fields. Shared molecular components provide a means for cross-talk between processes as well as a means for knowledge transfer between fields. The review briefly covers how fundamental abscission molecular mechanisms can be used for crop improvement. We cover seed abscission and shattering in rice, cereals, and beans as well as abscission in Arabidopsis and tomato. The review provides a set of five guidelines that can be used to direct future cell separation research. Finally, we give our perspective on methods and technologies that are likely to advance the abscission field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary cell wall (SCW) thickening provides the mechanical force for anther dehiscence and plays an important role in the formation of xylem structure. We have previously reported that γMYB2 , a MYB coiled-coil protein, directly binds to the P1BS cis-element of the PLA 2 -γ promoter and acts as a co-activator of γMYB1 in controlling the expression of PLA 2 -γ. In this study, we analyzed morphological phenotypes of the constitutive overexpression (γMYB2 -OE) and knock-down (γMYB2 -KD) lines of γMYB2. We found that γMYB2 overexpression caused the collapse of the endothecium layer, thereby suppressing anther dehiscence and forming short infertile siliques. The γMYB2 -OE also showed less cellulose deposition in the xylem and had a longer primary stem than the wild-type, while γMYB2 -KD had greater cellulose accumulation and a shorter primary stem than the wild-type. We demonstrated that the male sterility and the longer primary stem in γMYB2 -OE were caused by reduced expression of SCW thickening-related genes. Our results suggest that γMYB2 acts as a negative regulator in controlling the SCW thickening in Arabidopsis. • γMYB2 -OE causes the collapse of the endothecium layer, suppressing anther dehiscence and forming short infertile siliques • The γMYB2 -OE shows less cellulose deposition in the xylem and has a longer primary stem than the wild type • γMYB2 acts as a negative regulator in controlling the SCW thickening in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient seed dispersal in flowering plants is enabled by the development of fruits, which can be either dehiscent or indehiscent. Dehiscent fruits open at maturity to shatter the seeds, while indehiscent fruits do not open and the seeds are dispersed in various ways. The diversity in fruit morphology and seed shattering mechanisms is enormous within the flowering plants. How these different fruit types develop and which molecular networks are driving fruit diversification is still largely unknown, despite progress in eudicot model species. The orchid family, known for its astonishing floral diversity, displays a huge variation in fruit dehiscence types, which have been poorly investigated. We undertook a combined approach to understand fruit morphology and dehiscence in different orchid species to get more insight into the molecular network that underlies orchid fruit development. We describe fruit development in detail for the epiphytic orchid species Erycina pusilla and compare it to two terrestrial orchid species: Cynorkis fastigiata and Epipactis helleborine. Our anatomical analysis provides further evidence for the split carpel model, which explains the presence of three fertile and three sterile valves in most orchid species. Interesting differences were observed in the lignification patterns of the dehiscence zones. While C. fastigiata and E. helleborine develop a lignified layer at the valve boundaries, E. pusilla fruits did not lignify at these boundaries, but formed a cuticle-like layer instead. We characterized orthologs of fruit-associated MADS-domain transcription factors and of the Arabidopsis dehiscence-related genes INDEHISCENT (IND)/HECATE 3 (HEC3), REPLUMLESS (RPL) and SPATULA (SPT)/ALCATRAZ (ALC) in E. pusilla , and found that the key players of the eudicot fruit regulatory network appear well-conserved in monocots. Protein-protein interaction studies revealed that MADS-domain complexes comprised of FRUITFULL (FUL), SEPALLATA (SEP) and AGAMOUS (AG) /SHATTERPROOF (SHP) orthologs can also be formed in E. pusilla , and that the expression of HEC3, RPL , and SPT can be associated with dehiscence zone development similar to Arabidopsis. Our expression analysis also indicates differences, however, which may underlie fruit divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low temperature, particularly during the reproductive stage in rice (Oryza sativa L.), leads to reduced fertility and yield and is a major constraint faced in temperate rice ecology. The floral trait anther dehiscence length has not been quantified in relation to low-temperature tolerance in rice. Two controlled-temperature glasshouse experiments evaluated 120 genotypes from BC1F6 recombinant inbred lines when exposed to low air temperature at the booting (young microspore) and flowering stages. Genotypic differences existed for spikelet sterility (SS) after low-temperature exposure at booting and flowering stages, and a significant positive correlation (R 2 = 0.22**) was found between SS of individual genotypes at booting and flowering stages. Number of dehisced anthers had the highest correlation with SS, and accounted for 58% and 44% of variation in SS with exposure to low temperature at booting and flowering, respectively. Anther dehiscence length and number of dehisced anthers were highly correlated (r = 0.90**). After low-temperature exposure at booting, pollen number in the anther as well as the pollen's capacity to germinate effectively further differentiated low-temperature-tolerant and -susceptible genotypes. Positive relationships (r = 0.56** and 0.46*) between SS in the glasshouse and in field experiments in 2015 and 2016 seasons, respectively, provided validation of the phenotypic glasshouse screening methods utilised for low-temperature tolerance in relation to target production environments. This repeatable phenotyping system in combination with improved understanding of underlying floral traits will lead to increased efficiency in breeding for low-temperature tolerance in rice. The importance of anther dehiscence contributing to low-temperature tolerance at the booting and flowering stage in rice was identified. Floral characteristics were examined in controlled temperature glasshouse experiments with strong negative relationships observed between spikelet sterility and anther dehiscence length and number of dehisced anthers. A repeatable phenotyping system was developed and in combination with increased understanding of floral traits will lead to increased efficiency in breeding for low-temperature tolerance in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Seed growth dynamics were followed across floral positions, cultivars and crop population plant densities. • Bi-linear functions provided good fits to seed dry weight/water concentration relationships. • Physiological maturity (PM) was reached at 45–46% seed water concentration (SWC). • The water concentration of whole pod was 70% at PM but decreased drastically before pod shattering. • At crop level, 46% SWC corresponded to 90% of the maximum simulated seed yield. Abstract Determining the optimum time for rapeseed harvest is challenging due to non-uniform seed maturity resulting from asynchronous flowering and pod dehiscence from sequential racemes. Identifying physiological maturity (PM) by visual methods is subjective and results can be affected by environmental conditions. PM can be determined using a quantitative model based on seed water concentration (SWC) as previously demonstrated for several other crops, although not yet developed for rapeseed crop. The objective of this work was to study the relationship between the dynamics of seed dry weight and water concentration in seven spring rapeseed cultivars grown at two contrasting densities (15 and 60 pl m−2) in three experiments at one location in Buenos Aires (Argentina). We evaluated the timing of PM on the basis of SWC in seeds located in the main raceme, second and fourth floral branches. The evolution of seed fresh and dry weight was followed bi-weekly from the beginning of flowering to harvest maturity. In Exp. 1, the grain-filling duration ranged from 39 to 57 days (700–1100 °C d) and the growth of seeds from floral branches finished 3–8 days later than those from the main raceme. Seed dry weight at PM ranged from 2.4 to 2.7 and from 3.0 to 3.2 mg for Lynx and Monty cultivars, respectively, without significant effects of floral position or plant density. Bi-linear functions were used to fit the relationship between relative seed dry weight (RSDW) and SWC relationships (R2 from 0.85 to 0.95). Across cultivars and floral positions, PM was attained when seeds exhibited 46.3 ± 0.7% SWC (R2 = 0.90, P < 0.001, n = 441). This model was validated against independent data from Exps. 2 and 3, successfully simulating the dynamics of relative seed dry weight based on fruit WC (r = 0.88; P < 0.001, n = 275). At PM, the water content (WC) of whole pod was about 70% and the pod shattering began after this point, when the WC of the pod dropped drastically. We conclude that under non-stressful conditions, PM in rapeseed occurs at 46% SWC. Swathing can be conducted from SWC < 46%, instead of the currently recommended 35%, advancing the harvest and leaving the land available for sowing the next crop, which would represent an advantage for double cropping in intensified agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field pea (Pisum sativum), a major grain legume crop, is autogamous and adapted to temperate climates. The objectives of this study were to investigate effects of high temperature stress on stamen chemical composition, anther dehiscence, pollen viability, pollen interactions with pistil and ovules, and ovule growth and viability. Two cultivars ("CDC Golden" and "CDC Sage") were exposed to 24/18°C (day/night) continually or to 35/18°C for 4 or 7 days. Heat stress altered stamen chemical composition, with lipid composition of "CDC Sage" being more stable compared with "CDC Golden." Heat stress reduced pollen viability and the proportion of ovules that received a pollen tube. After 4 days at 35°C, pollen viability in flower buds decreased in "CDC Golden," but not in "CDC Sage." After 7 days, partial to full failure of anthers to dehisce resulted in subnormal pollen loads on stigmas. Although growth (ovule size) of fertilized ovules was stimulated by 35°C, heat stress tended to decrease ovule viability. Pollen appears susceptible to stress, but not many grains are needed for successful fertilization. Ovule fertilization and embryos are less susceptible to heat, but further research is warranted to link the exact degree of resilience to stress intensity. Heat stress induced anther indehiscence and reduced pollen viability and the proportion of ovules that received a pollen tube in field pea. Heat stress also altered stamen chemical composition, with the lipid composition of "CDC Sage" being more stable than "CDC Golden," which may explain the greater robustness of pollen viability in "CDC Sage" to heat. Ovule viability is less susceptible to heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the influence of evolutionary history on species-specific phenological events of high-altitude plants and their sensitivity to the abiotic factors has gained importance mainly in the context of climate change. However, the majority of phenology studies across altitudinal gradient are carried out on flowering, whereas other reproductive phenology events are seldom considered. We tested the role of abiotic factors and evolutionary history on the reproductive phenology traits of high-altitude Rhododendron community which comprised of 10 locally aggregated species in Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Sikkim Himalaya. The study was carried out from 2013 to 2015 across an altitude gradient of 3400-4230 m a.s.l. We generated dated phylogenetic hypotheses to test for phylogenetic signal in reproductive phenology events, and its durations across 10 Rhododendron species and also among groups of species distributed at every 100 m altitude. Comparative phylogenetic methods were used to explore the relationship between phenology traits and abiotic variables such as daylength and temperature. The early phenology events such as budding, flowering, and initial fruiting, which occurred during the favorable month of the year, exhibited strong phylogenetic signal and were mainly associated with daylength and temperature. In contrast, the later events such as immature fruiting, mature fruiting, and fruit dehiscence, which occurred during the later months of the year, showed a weak phylogenetic signal and were mostly associated with daylength. With the increase in altitude, we found a decreasing trend of phylogenetic signal for the early phenology events and later events did not show a significant trend. Our results suggest that only early events are constrained by evolutionary history; thus, the closely related species share the similar timing of the early phenology events. Also, the role of shared evolutionary history in phenological trait sensitivity to the abiotic factors reduces from early to the late phenology events. This approach can be extended to other representative plant families of the Himalayan region to better understand the response of reproductive traits to abiotic factors in deep evolutionary time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Pod dehiscence leads to remarkable yield losses in soybean. • Anatomy and morphology of pod tissues as well as moisture content and the ambient relative humidity relate to the dehiscence mechanism. • Fiber cap cells or mesocarp cell structure plays a role in preventing dehiscence. • Pod wall and extent of sclerenchymatous dorsal bundle caps might be a valuable indicator. • Factors other than forces may modify the pod shattering response. Abstract Pod dehiscence or pod shattering is one of the major factors leading to remarkable yield losses in soybean. The anatomical and morphological configuration of pod tissues is related to the dehiscence mechanism. Soybean pod forms abscission layers at the binding sites of its margins and accumulates the force to dehisce pod walls on drying during and after maturation. Pod opening is governed not only by a consequence of the weakening of the dorsal and ventral dehiscence zones but also by the tension in the cells of the inner sclerenchyma layer as a result of dehydration. The lignified fiber cap cells in the suture and the cell structure of the mesocarp play a role in preventing separation of the two halves. For separation to occur, physical forces have to trigger the detachment of cells at the separation layer, in an interplay that involves weakening of cell adhesion and tensions provided by the surrounding tissues or external agents. Pod dehiscence in soybean has a minimal relationship with the pod thickness-to-width ratio, while the thickness of the pod wall and extent of sclerenchymatous dorsal bundle caps might be appropriate indicators. There is also a critical pod moisture content for shattering. Moisture content of pods and environmental relative humidity are closely correlated with the degree of pod dehiscence. Intrinsic factors may modify the pod shattering response. Further analyses of pod tissues, particularly chemical structure and cell wall degrading enzymes of the pod wall will help to fully understand pod dehiscence in soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durian ( Durio zibethinus ) is a climacteric fruit. Biochemical changes take place in the durian pulp while the husk is dehiscent during fruit ripening. Fruit development of durian cv. Monthong showed a sigmoid curve and reached a maturity stage week 16 after anthesis, while fruit dehiscence started a week after harvest, was hastened by ethephon treatment, and delayed by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). 1-MCP treatment delayed dehiscence for 5 days from day 7 to day 12 compared with control fruit at 25 °C. Two ethylene receptors ( DzETR1 and DzETR2 ), a CTR1-like protein ( DzCTR1 ) and two ethylene insensitive-like proteins ( DzEIL1 and DzEIL2 ) in the pulp and husk shared high homology to Theobroma cacao . The transcript levels of DzETR2, DzCTR1 and DzEIL2 slightly decreased during fruit development (week 2 to week 10), while DzETR2 transcript level showed the highest expression. The gene expression of DzETR2 in the dehiscence zone, increased at day 12 after harvest, while gene expression of DzETR1, DzCTR1 and DzEIL2 slightly increased after harvest. All genes were reduced in expression with 1-MCP treatment. After that, an increase in expression was found at day 9, followed by a gradual decrease until day 12. These results suggest that DzETR2 plays a role in fruit development and dehiscence of ripening durian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In wild habitats, fruit dehiscence is a critical strategy for seed dispersal; however, in cultivated crops it is one of the major sources of yield loss. Therefore, indehiscence of fruits, pods, etc., was likely to be one of the first traits strongly selected in crop domestication. Even with the historical selection against dehiscence in early domesticates, it is a trait still targeted in many breeding programs, particularly in minor or underutilized crops. Here, we review dehiscence in pulse (grain legume) crops, which are of growing importance as a source of protein in human and livestock diets, and which have received less attention than cereal crops and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We specifically focus on the (i) history of indehiscence in domestication across legumes, (ii) structures and the mechanisms involved in shattering, (iii) the molecular pathways underlying this important trait, (iv) an overview of the extent of crop losses due to shattering, and the effects of environmental factors on shattering, and, (v) efforts to reduce shattering in crops. While our focus is mainly pulse crops, we also included comparisons to crucifers and cereals because there is extensive research on shattering in these taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common marmoset, originally from Northeastern Brazil, has been introduced into several Brazilian states as a result of illegal traffic. Despite the long history of introduction, few studies have described the diet of this primate in regions where it is exotic and none have evaluated its role as a seed disperser. The importance of fruits in the diet of Callithrix jacchus and its potential as a seed disperser were investigated in the Tijuca National Park (TNP, 3.593 ha), southeastern Brazil, where the species is exotic. Data were collected from September 2013 to January 2015, through focal observations. A sampling effort of 361 h of observation resulted in 60 independent feeding records. Fruits were the most often consumed item, comprising 48.3% of the observed feeding records, followed by gum (30%), invertebrates (18.3%) and lichens (3.3%). Seeds from four out of 13 species were swallowed and seeds from seven additional species were found intact in collected feces. These results show C. jacchus' potential to act as a seed disperser for some plant species, and that should be considered for managing this primate in TNP, where other callitrichids are absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Superiorly based posterior pharyngeal flap is performed via rotation of tissues of the posterior pharyngeal wall anteriorly and anchoring it to the soft palate. Unfortunately, bad healing of the donor site defect might be a considerable cause of morbidity of the surgery. With some modifications of flap elevation we could achieve better surgical outcomes. The aim of this study was to present the new modification of the conventional maneuver and its surgical/functional outcomes.Subjects and methods: The study design is a case series. 17 patients underwent the de-mucosalized superiorly based pharyngeal flap for the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency. A wide laterally based (mucosa-only) flap was elevated off the submucosa of the posterior pharyngeal wall and then a superiorly based posterior pharyngeal flap (bared of its covering mucosa) was elevated and sutured to the palate. The mucosal flap was draped over the bed and sutured.Results: No significant complications as airway problems, infection and bleeding were reported. Also, the postoperative pain was tolerable and there were no reports of neck rigidity with early ambulation; VAS showed significant improvement. No patients showed flap dehiscence or palatal fistula. Speech assessment showed improvement.Conclusion: The modified de-mucosalized, superiorly based pharyngeal flap technique ensured self-mucosal draping of the bed, thus it would enhance primary healing and decrease postoperative pain with the resultant early ambulation. We believe that the new modified technique could correct VPI, in addition to the improvement of patients’ comfort and decrease the morbidity of the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Seed dispersal by animals is a complex phenomenon, characterized by multiple mechanisms and variable outcomes. Most researchers approach this complexity by analysing context‐dependency in seed dispersal and investigating extrinsic factors that might influence interactions between plants and seed dispersers. Intrinsic traits of seed dispersers provide an alternative way of making sense of the enormous variation in seed fates. I review causes of intraspecific variability in frugivorous and granivorous animals, discuss their effects on seed dispersal, and outline likely consequences for plant populations and communities. Sources of individual variation in seed‐dispersing animals include sexual dimorphism, changes associated with growth and ageing, individual specialization, and animal personalities. Sexual dimorphism of seed‐dispersing animals influences seed fate through diverse mechanisms that range from effects caused by sex‐specific differences in body size, to influences of male versus female cognitive functions. These differences affect the type of seed treatment (e.g. dispersal versus predation), the number of dispersed seeds, distance of seed dispersal, and likelihood that seeds are left in favourable sites for seeds or seedlings. The best‐documented consequences of individual differences associated with growth and ageing involve quantity of dispersed seeds and the quality of seed treatment in the mouth and gut. Individual specialization on different resources affects the number of dispersed plant species, and therefore the connectivity and architecture of seed‐dispersal networks. Animal personalities might play an important role in shaping interactions between plants and dispersers of their seeds, yet their potential in this regard remains overlooked. In general, intraspecific variation in seed‐dispersing animals often influences plants through effects of these individual differences on the movement ecology of the dispersers. Two conditions are necessary for individual variation to exert a strong influence on seed dispersal. First, the individual differences in traits should translate into differences in crucial characteristics of seed dispersal. Second, individual variation is more likely to be important when the proportions of particular types of individuals fluctuate strongly in a population or vary across space; when proportions are static, it is less likely that intraspecific differences will be responsible for changes in the dynamics and outcomes of plant–animal interactions. In conclusion, focusing on variation among foraging animals rather than on species averages might bring new, mechanistic insights to the phenomenon of seed dispersal. While this shift in perspective is unlikely to replace the traditional approach (based on the assumption that all important variation occurs among species), it provides a complementary alternative to decipher the enormous variation observed in animal‐mediated seed dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: For hundreds of millions of years, large vertebrates (megafauna) have inhabited most of the ecosystems on our planet. During the late Quaternary, notably during the Late Pleistocene and the early Holocene, Earth experienced a rapid extinction of large, terrestrial vertebrates. While much attention has been paid to understanding the causes of this massive megafauna extinction, less attention has been given to understanding the impacts of loss of megafauna on other organisms with whom they interacted. In this review, we discuss how the loss of megafauna disrupted and reshaped ecological interactions, and explore the ecological consequences of the ongoing decline of large vertebrates. Numerous late Quaternary extinct species of predators, parasites, commensals and mutualistic partners were associated with megafauna and were probably lost due to their strict dependence upon them (co‐extinctions). Moreover, many extant species have megafauna‐adapted traits that provided evolutionary benefits under past megafauna‐rich conditions, but are now of no or limited use (anachronisms). Morphological evolution and behavioural changes allowed some of these species partially to overcome the absence of megafauna. Although the extinction of megafauna led to a number of co‐extinction events, several species that likely co‐evolved with megafauna established new interactions with humans and their domestic animals. Species that were highly specialized in interactions with megafauna, such as large predators, specialized parasites, and large commensalists (e.g. scavengers, dung beetles), and could not adapt to new hosts or prey were more likely to die out. Partners that were less megafauna dependent persisted because of behavioural plasticity or by shifting their dependency to humans via domestication, facilitation or pathogen spill‐over, or through interactions with domestic megafauna. We argue that the ongoing extinction of the extant megafauna in the Anthropocene will catalyse another wave of co‐extinctions due to the enormous diversity of key ecological interactions and functional roles provided by the megafauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on floral biology of black pepper cultivars that cover anther dehiscence, pollen viability and stigma receptivity was carried out with the aim to improve the efficiency of intervarietal hybridisation in black pepper breeding work. In this study, 10 black pepper cultivars were used, namely 'Semongok Aman', 'Kuching', 'Semongok Emas', 'Semongok Perak', 'Semongok 1', 'Nyerigai', 'India', 'Lampung Daun Lebar', 'Sarikei' and 'Yong Petai'. The results show that anthesis in the 10 black pepper cultivars occurred between 10.25 pm and 10.50 pm. In the pollen viability study, results suggest that pollen are more viable between five and 10 hours after anther dehisced. However, there are variations among the cultivars for the optimum viable stage. For stigma receptivity, the results show that stigmas at Stage 2 (elongation and spreading of stigmata) and Stage 3 (complete emergence and wide spreading of stigmata) had better receptivity than Stage 1 (first appearance of stigmata). There was no difference in stigma receptivity stages among the 10 cultivars. This study thus, shows the most suitable time for intervarietal hybridisation via artificial pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Seed dispersal and mycorrhizal associations are key mutualisms for the functioning and regeneration of plant communities; however, these processes have seldom been explored together. We hypothesised that obligatory mycorrhizal plants will be less likely to have long‐distance dispersal (LDD) syndromes since the probability of finding suitable mycorrhizal partners is likely to decrease with distance to the mother plant. We contrasted the mycorrhizal status and LDD syndromes for 1960 European plant species, using phylogenetically corrected log‐linear models. Contrary to our expectation, having specialised structures for LDD is more frequent in obligate mycorrhizal plants than in non‐mycorrhizal plants, revealing that lack of compatible mutualists does not constrain investment in LDD structures in the European Flora. Ectomycorrhizal plants associated with wind‐dispersing fungi are also more likely to have specialised structures for wind dispersal. Habitat specificity and narrower niche of non‐mycorrhizal plants might explain the smaller investment in specialised structures for seed dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: This study elucidates the influence ofindehiscentmutations on rapeseed silique shatter resistance. A phenotype with enlarged replum-valve joint area and altered cell dimensions in the dehiscence zone is described.Abstract: Silique shattering is a major factor reducing the yield stability of oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Attempts to improve shatter resistance often include the use of mutations in target genes identified from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). A variety of phenotyping methods assessing the level of shatter resistance were previously described. However, a comparative and comprehensive evaluation of the methods has not yet been undertaken. We verified the increase of shatter resistance in indehiscent double knock-down mutants obtained by TILLING with a systematic approach comparing three independent phenotyping methods. A positive correlation of silique length and shatter resistance was observed and accounted for in the analyses. Microscopic studies ruled out the influence of different lignification patterns. Instead, we propose a model to explain increased shattering resistance of indehiscent rapeseed mutants by altered cell shapes and sizes within the contact surfaces of replum and valves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parah (Elateriospermum tapos Blume) is a native species of southern Thailand, and is a dominant tree in Khao Nan National Park. There have been few studies of Parah seeds or of seedling establishment. Biotic and abiotic environmental factors interact with seeds and may affect the future of tree populations. This is the first study to determine the factors affecting seeds and seedlings of Parah trees in Khao Nan National Park, Thailand, during 2014 - 2016. We tested 3 factors: (1) parental tree diameter at breast height (DBH), (2) altitude, and (3) distance from the main road. We studied seeds collected from trees, seeds harvested by humans, seed predation, seeds left on the forest floor, and rotten seeds. We measured seed weight, seed size, seedling height, and seedling root collar diameter (RCD). Our results showed that the number of seeds and seedlings per tree, seed weight, seed size, seed harvesting, seed predation, seeds left on the forest floor, rotten seeds, and seedling height varied between the years of study. There was no difference in seeds harvested by humans from 2014 - 2016. The number of seeds per tree and seeds harvested by humans were positively associated with parental tree DBH in 2015 and 2016. The number of seeds left on the forest floor was positively associated with parental tree DBH, and distance from the main road, but was negatively associated with altitude, in 2015, and there was no association in 2016. The number of seeds predated by frugivores was positively associated with altitude in 2016. The number of seedlings per tree was positively associated with distance from the main road. Seedling height was positively associated with distance from the main road, and negatively associated with tree DBH in 2015 and altitude in both years. We found significant results which led to the conclusion that seed production and seeds harvested by humans were positively associated with parental tree size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to find out how granular pouches and dehiscence pores develop as well as what tissues are involved in their development. The granular pouches are two groups of cells on the abaxial side of the stamens of three of the ten species examined. They vary slightly in shape and position and the way in which they develop. In all three the cell contents become granular, then the walls break down and finally disappear living the granules free. Polarized light, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy have shown these granules to be crystals. Although one test for crystal composition was positive for calcium oxalate, two others were not. Poricidal dehiscence in nine of the species is accomplished by resorption and/or collapse tissues. Resorption tissue alone occurs in two species, both in one, and six species have only collapse tissue. Cells of both tissues are initially meristematic. Resorption tissue develops crystals and breaks down in the same way as granular pouches. Cells of collapse tissue vacuolate, flatten and disappear without formation of crystals. In only one species a well-developed endothecium appears to function as in most angiosperms. Granular pouches have not been reported for any other family. Poricidal dehiscence is present in a few other families as are tissues similar to resorption and collapse tissues. It is suggested that 1) the endothecium may have gradually been replaced by resorption tissue and this by collapse tissue; 2) granular pouches may be portions of obsolete resorption tissue. Characteristics of Enkianthus campanulatus stamens support the designation of a new subfamily (Enkianthoideae). It might appear that the unusual characteristics of ericaceous stamens could be related to pollination mechanisms, but confirmatory studies are practically nil in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following defaunation, the loss of interactions with mutualists such as pollinators or seed dispersers may be compensated through increased interactions with remaining mutualists, ameliorating the negative cascading impacts on biodiversity. Alternatively, remaining mutualists may respond to altered competition by reducing the breadth or intensity of their interactions, exacerbating negative impacts on biodiversity. Despite the importance of these responses for our understanding of the dynamics of mutualistic networks and their response to global change, the mechanism and magnitude of interaction compensation within real mutualistic networks remains largely unknown. We examined differences in mutualistic interactions between frugivores and fruiting plants in two island ecosystems possessing an intact or disrupted seed dispersal network. We determined how changes in the abundance and behavior of remaining seed dispersers either increased mutualistic interactions (contributing to 'interaction compensation') or decreased interactions (causing an 'interaction deficit') in the disrupted network. We found a 'rich-get-richer' response in the disrupted network, where remaining frugivores favored the plant species with highest interaction frequency, a dynamic that worsened the interaction deficit among plant species with low interaction frequency. Only one of five plant species experienced compensation and the other four had significant interaction deficits, with interaction frequencies 56-95% lower in the disrupted network. These results do not provide support for the strong compensating mechanisms assumed in theoretical network models, suggesting that existing network models underestimate the prevalence of cascading mutualism disruption after defaunation. This work supports a mutualist biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship, highlighting the importance of mutualist diversity for sustaining diverse and resilient ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male-sterile lines are very important for selective breeding, and anther dehiscence defect is an effective way to generate male-sterile lines. Although several bHLH-family proteins in Arabidopsis have been characterized, little is known about the role of bHLH-family proteins in cotton. Here, we isolated a novel bHLH protein from cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum ), named GhBEE1-Like . Protein domain analysis showed that GhBEE1-Like contained a basic domain and an HLH domain. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that GhBEE1-Like was a nuclear-localized protein. Expression pattern analysis showed GhBEE1-Like was highly expressed in floral organs, and its expression was induced by the active brassinosteroid (BR) substance 24-epi-BL. GhBEE1-Like overexpression in Arabidopsis resulted in two types of transgenic lines, one with normal anther dehiscence and the other with defective anther dehiscence. Semi-qRT-PCR and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that GhBEE1-Like transcript levels acted as a check-point determining how anther dehiscence proceeds in these transgenic lines; regulated transcript levels result in normal anther dehiscence, whereas uncontrolled transcript levels lead to anther indehiscence. These results suggest that GhBEE1-Like plays an important role via its accumulation in regulating anther dehiscence. Therefore, controlling the level of GhBEE1-Like expression in cotton could be a convenient tool for generating male-sterile lines to use in selective breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is one of the most important annual forage legumes globally because of its multiple uses and high nutritional content. However, when it matures, the pod dehiscence can cause severe loss of seeds. In this research, we used eight shatter-susceptible vetch accessions and 16 shatter-resistant vetch accessions, which were evaluated and selected from 541 accessions, to compare and analyze the influencing factors related to pod dehiscence. We found that the shattersusceptible vetches all have abscission layers and that the shatter-resistant vetches all lack abscission layers. External valve margin cells, which have not been reported in other plants to date, were located externally to the junction of the fruit valve where the valve margin exists, with the abscission layers below in the ventral suture. We found that shatter-resistant vetches have significantly thicker external valve margin cell walls and obviously fewer pod wall torsion laps than shatter-susceptible vetches, and there was no significant difference in the pod thickness to width ratio. In conclusion, abscission layers, external valve margin cells, and pod wall torsion laps are the main factors affecting pod dehiscence. Thus, this research lays the foundation for studying the mechanism of vetch pod dehiscence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to answer the following questions about the epiphytic hand fern Cheiroglossa palmata (L.) C. Presl: ( i) are the longevity and morphology of leaves influenced by field site and host tree; and ( ii) are leaf mortality, emergence, growth, and sporangial dehiscence influenced by weather? We monitored survival, morphology, emergence, growth, and dehiscence for 27 months at wet and dry field sites. We tested for correlations between phenology and weather from 0-3, 4-6, and 7-9 months before a field survey. More morphological traits were influenced by the tree in which a fern grew than field site. However, leaves at the wet site had longer blades, sporangial clusters, and sporophore stalks, and lived longer. More leaves emerged when precipitation and temperatures were higher within the prior 3 months. Leaves grew longer when precipitation was higher within 0-6 months and minimum temperature was higher within 4-6 months. Dehiscence was positively correlated with the number of days of precipitation within 3 months. Emergence, growth, and dehiscence were negatively correlated with some measures of temperature and precipitation, especially higher precipitation within 7-9 months. Our results indicate an important, but complicated, impact of seasonal variation in temperatures and precipitation on the phenology of hand fern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dispersal constitutes a pivotal process in an increasingly fragmented world, promoting population connectivity, colonization and range shifts in plants. Unveiling how multiple frugivore species disperse seeds through fragmented landscapes, operating as mobile links, has remained elusive owing to methodological constraints for monitoring seed dispersal events. We combine for the first time DNA barcoding and DNA microsatellites to identify, respectively, the frugivore species and the source trees of animal-dispersed seeds in forest and matrix of a fragmented landscape. We found a high functional complementarity among frugivores in terms of seed deposition at different habitats (forest vs. matrix), perches (isolated trees vs. electricity pylons) and matrix sectors (close vs. far from the forest edge), cross-habitat seed fluxes, dispersal distances and canopy-cover dependency. Seed rain at the landscape-scale, from forest to distant matrix sectors, was characterized by turnovers in the contribution of frugivores and source-tree habitats: open-habitat frugivores replaced forest-dependent frugivores, whereas matrix trees replaced forest trees. As a result of such turnovers, the magnitude of seed rain was evenly distributed between habitats and landscape sectors. We thus uncover key mechanisms behind 'biodiversity-ecosystem function' relationships, in this case, the relationship between frugivore diversity and landscape-scale seed dispersal. Our results reveal the importance of open-habitat frugivores, isolated fruiting trees and anthropogenic perching sites (infrastructures) in generating seed dispersal events far from the remnant forest, highlighting their potential to drive regeneration dynamics through the matrix. This study helps to broaden the 'mobile-link' concept in seed dispersal studies by providing a comprehensive and integrative view of the way in which multiple frugivore species disseminate seeds through real-world landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to evaluate the genetic divergence among castor lines and parental strains in the germplasm bank at the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia (Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia) using morpho-agronomic descriptors. This experiment was conducted from 2014 to 2015 with 208 treatments represented by bank accessions that were analyzed using a randomized block design, which established homogeneity of the experimental conditions with all treatments repeated in four blocks. The genetic divergence analysis was performed using Ward's method and Tocher's method based on Gower's distance, which are two clustering methods used in studies with castor beans, with the help of the statistical programs R and GENES. The results revealed the formation of 21 groups for 13 morphoagronomic descriptors, six qualitative and seven quantitative, indicating the presence of variability in the bank. The groups containing promising accessions for the characteristics of agronomic interest, including precociousness, fruit dehiscence, and plant height and yield were 2, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 16, and 17, which suggested potential hybrid crosses. The descriptors with the greatest contribution to variance were yield, plant height, the number of seeds per raceme, flowering and seed weight per raceme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer can be diagnosed easily in most cases. However, occasionally, we are faced with some conditions that can mimic it. These may include inflammations, benign tumors, cysts, hematomas, or, more rarely, focal necrosis. Case presentation: This report presents a case of focal breast necrosis following myocardial revascularization with the left internal mammary artery, which is a very rare condition, with only few cases described in the literature. The necrosis becomes usually apparent a few days or weeks after the surgery and is often coincidental with the dehiscence of sternotomy with necrosis of wound edges. As it mostly affects the skin, it can be easily recognized. Also, our patient developed a dehisced sternotomy shortly after the surgery but there were no obvious objective changes on the breast. The condition was first dominated only by non-specific subjective symptom--pain. Later, a lump in the breast occurred, when the sternotomy had already healed. Moreover, an enlarged lymph node was palpable in the axilla. Because of nontypical symptoms, the condition was suggestive of breast cancer for a relatively long time. The patient had suffered from a very strong pain until she was treated by mastectomy with a good clinical result. Conclusions: Mammary necrosis following the coronary artery bypass is rare. In most cases, it manifests on the skin shortly after the surgery concurrently with dehisced sternotomy, so it can be easily diagnosed. However, in sporadic cases, the symptoms may occur later and may mimic breast cancer. Our objective is to raise awareness of this rare condition [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unlike in abscission or dehiscence, fruit of kiwifruit Actinidia eriantha develop the ability for peel detachment when they are ripe and soft in the absence of a morphologically identifiable abscission zone. Two closely-related genotypes with contrasting detachment behaviour have been identified. The 'good-peeling' genotype has detachment with clean debonding of cells, and a peel tissue that does not tear. The 'poor-peeling' genotype has poor detachability, with cells that rupture upon debonding, and peel tissue that fragments easily. Results: Structural studies indicated that peel detachability in both genotypes occurred in the outer pericarp beneath the hypodermis. Immunolabelling showed differences in methylesterification of pectin, where the interface of labelling coincided with the location of detachment in the good-peeling genotype, whereas in the poor-peeling genotype, no such interface existed. This zone of difference in methylesterification was enhanced by differential cell wall changes between the peel and outer pericarp tissue. Although both genotypes expressed two polygalacturonase genes, no enzyme activity was detected in the good-peeling genotype, suggesting limited pectin breakdown, keeping cell walls strong without tearing or fragmentation of the peel and flesh upon detachment. Differences in location and amounts of wall-stiffening galactan in the peel of the good-peeling genotype possibly contributed to this phenotype. Hemicellulose-acting transglycosylases were more active in the good-peeling genotype, suggesting an influence on peel flexibility by remodelling their substrates during development of detachability. High xyloglucanase activity in the peel of the good-peeling genotype may contribute by having a strengthening effect on the cellulose-xyloglucan network. Conclusions: In fruit of A. eriantha, peel detachability is due to the establishment of a zone of discontinuity created by differential cell wall changes in peel and outer pericarp tissues that lead to changes in mechanical properties of the peel. During ripening, the peel becomes flexible and the cells continue to adhere strongly to each other, preventing breakage, whereas the underlying outer pericarp loses cell wall strength as softening proceeds. Together these results reveal a novel and interesting mechanism for enabling cell separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance of seed dispersal for survival of plant species in fragmented landscapes, data on seed dispersal at landscape scales remain sparse. Effective seed dispersal among fragments determines recolonization and plant species persistence in such landscapes. We present the first large-scale (216-km2) direct estimates of realized seed dispersal of a high-value timber tree ( Dysoxylum malabaricum) across an agro-forest landscape in the Western Ghats, India., Based upon an exhaustive inventory of adult trees and a sample of 488 seedlings all genotyped at 10 microsatellite loci, we estimated realized seed dispersal using parentage analysis and the neighbourhood model., Our estimates found that most realized seed dispersal was within 200 m, which is insufficient to effectively bridge the distances between forest patches., We conclude that using mobility of putative animal dispersers can be misleading when estimating tropical tree species vulnerability to habitat fragmentation. This raises serious concerns about the potential of many tropical trees to recolonize isolated forest patches where high-value tree species have already been removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a modified scleral tunnel incision to provide adequate fracture resistance and maneuverability during manipulations in cataract surgery after radial keratotomy (RK) surgery. In cases without sufficient space between the RK incisions to create a corneal incision, the modified incision can be performed. A scleral groove of one-half scleral thickness is made 3.0 mm posterior to the limbus. The groove circumvents the end of the preexisting RK incision at the limbus. To prevent the incisional edge from sagging, the ends of the external incision are swept up slightly, forming a wave-shaped edge. After horizontal lamellar dissection, the wound construction is completed with a steel keratome. The modified incision was performed in 3 cases after RK surgery. The method prevented dehiscence of the RK incision and provided fracture resistance and maneuverability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pod shattering (Dehiscence) severely reduces seed yield in soybean. Molecular tagging of pod shattering resistance can help in the process of breeding for shattering tolerance. In this study, an segregating population of cross (susceptible cultivar Monetta x tolerant genotype MACS-450) was used for bulked segregant analysis (BSA) with 26 SSR (simple sequence repeat) primers known to amplify markers linked to 22 qPDH loci. Among them, eight polymorphic SSR markers, viz., Sat_350 (qPDH1-7), Satt185 (qPDH1-3), Satt674 (qPDH1-5 loci), Satt166 (qPDH3-5), SRM1 (qPDH1 loci) Sat_342 (qPDH3-2), Satt685 (qPDH1-2) and Sat_407 (qPDH3-1) were able to distinguish parents differing for pod shattering of them two primers Satt 166 and SRM1 yielded markers polymorphic in between shattering tolerant and susceptible bulks by amplifying only Satt166-200 bp marker and SRM1-234bp marker only in tolerant bulks. Only Satt166-200 bp marker was observed in tolerant parent, bulks and 14 plants; while another 237 bp marker for pod shattering susceptibility got amplified in 46 plants including 8 plants that were heterozygous for both alleles. SRM1-234 bp marker was observed only in tolerant parent, bulks and 15 plants; while another 237 bp marker for pod shattering susceptibility got amplified in 45 plants. In combined marker analysis, the markers Satt 166 (qPDH3-5 loci) and SRM1 (qPDH1 loci) were linked with pod shattering score and were also confirmed in individual 60 F2 segregants. Hence, these markers could be utilized in the marker assisted for pod shattering resistance/tolerance breeding of qPDH3-5 like and qPDH1 genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of pollen supplementation in pistachio using different suspension media (Control: Open pollination, S: 10% sucrose, A: 0.1% Agar, Zn 1 : 0.01% zinc sulfate, Zn 2 : 0.02% zinc sulfate, P: 0.1% Pollen) were investigated in two orchards (A and B). Yield (fruit set and fruit drop) and fruit quality (percent split fruit, nut blank, abnormal fruit and kernel mineral content) were tested based on a block complete randomize design with three replications. The results indicated that kernel dry weight and kernel fresh weight were affected by pollination treatments so that treatments of SAZn 1 P (10% sucrose + 0.1% agar + 0.01% zinc sulfate + 1 g/L pollen), SAZn 2 P (10% sucrose + 0.1% agar + 0.02% zinc sulfate + 1 g/L pollen) and SA (10% sucrose + 0.1% agar) decreased kernel fresh weight compared to the control. The results also showed that SAZn 1 P treatment increased nut thickness and nut split percentage in orchard ‘B’. The highest final fruit set was obtained in orchard ‘A’ with SAZn 2 treatment. According the results, when pollination is a limiting factor, supplementary pollination using enriched pollen suspension with Zn can improve yield and increase fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MADS-domain proteins are important transcription factors involved in many aspects of plant reproductive development. In this study, a MADS-box gene, Glycine max AGAMOUS-LIKE1 (GmAGL1), was isolated from soybean flower. The transcript of GmAGL1 was expressed in flowers and pods of different stages in soybean and was highly expressed in carpels. GmAGL1 is a nucleus-localized transcription factor and can interact directly with SEP-like proteins in soybean flowers. Ectopic overexpression of GmAGL1 resulted in the absence of petals in Arabidopsis. Moreover, morphological changes in the valves were observed in 35S:GmAGL1 Arabidopsis fruits that dehisced before the seeds reached full maturity. GmAGL1 was found to be sufficient to activate the expression of Arabidopsis ALC, IND, STK, SEP1, and SEP3. Therefore, our data suggest that GmAGL1 may play important roles in both floral organ identity and fruit dehiscence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defoliation may initiate physiological recovery and chemical defence mechanisms that allow a plant to improve fitness after damage. Such responses may result in changes in plant resource allocation that influence growth and foliar chemistry. In this study, we investigated the nature and stability of the defoliation response of juvenile plants from three divergent populations of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. A partial defoliation treatment that removed all upper crown leaves and the apical buds was applied to plants sourced from eight families from each of three populations representing contrasting chemical resistance to mammalian herbivory. Growth, photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content were assessed pre-defoliation and periodically up to 12 weeks post-defoliation. The content of key plant primary and secondary metabolites was assessed pre-defoliation, at 12 weeks post-defoliation in the old foliage (positioned below the point of defoliation) and in the new foliage of the control plants and regrowth (from axillary buds) on the defoliated plants. There were clear treatment impacts on physiological responses, growth and foliar chemical traits, but despite significant constitutive differences in physiology, growth and chemistry the three E. globulus populations did not vary in their response to foliage loss. Distinct physiological responses to defoliation were observed with treatment plants showing significant up-regulation of photosynthetic rate and increased chlorophyll content in the old foliage remaining in the lower crown. There was a significant increase in the concentrations of a number of foliar chemical compounds in the regrowth arising from previously dormant axillary buds compared with new growth derived from apical meristems. There were changes in biomass allocation; defoliated plants had increased branching and leaf biomass, with changes in regrowth morphology to increase light capture. This study argues for multiple responses of E. globulus juveniles to defoliation involving apical bud loss, including elevated chemical defences matched with increased growth. From a chemical defence perspective, these responses create an enhanced chemical mosaic to the herbivore, with leaves remaining after partial browsing potentially being more palatable than the regrowth. This study demonstrates the multiple independent strategies plants may use to respond to partial defoliation and emphasizes the dynamic interplay between growth and defence in the recovery response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits are seed dispersal units, and for that they have evolved different strategies to facilitate separation and dispersal of the progeny from the mother plant. A great proportion of fruits from different clades are dry and dehiscent, opening upon maturity to disperse the seeds. In the last two decades, intense research mainly in Arabidopsis has uncovered the basic network that controls the differentiation of the Arabidopsis fruit dehiscence zone. This review focuses on recent discoveries that have helped to complete the picture, as well as the insights from evo-devo and crop domestication studies that show how the conservation/variation of the elements of this network across species accounts for its evolutionary plasticity and the origin of evolutionary innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable variation occurs in post-maturity timing of dehiscence in fruits of Brassicaceae species, and several studies have shown that the pericarp plays an important role in seed germination and retention of viability in species with indehiscent fruits. However, little is known about the significance to seed biology of delay in pericarp dehiscence for <1 year in the field. Thus, we determined the role of the pericarps of Leptaleum filifolium and Neotorularia korolkovii, which open in <1 year after fruit maturity and dispersal, in seed germination and retention of seed viability. We compared dormancy-break via after-ripening in the laboratory and germination phenology and retention of seed viability in intact siliques and isolated seeds buried in an experimental garden. Seeds of both species have Type 6 non-deep physiological dormancy, which is enhanced by the pericarp. Seeds of both species after-ripened during summer 2013, and some of them germinated in autumn and some in the following spring in watered and non-watered soil. Germination percentages of seeds in siliques increased in soil in spring 2014, after the pericarps had opened. Most isolated seeds of L. filifolium and N. korolkovii had germinated or were dead by spring 2014 and summer 2015, respectively, whereas 60% of the seeds of both species in the (opened) pericarps were viable after 24 months. Thus, although the pericarp opened 9-10 months after burial, its presence had a significant effect on seed dormancy, germination phenology and retention of viability of seeds of L. filifolium and N. korolkovii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This animal was presented with a large-sized infiltrative lipoma in the abdominal wall that had been noted for 4 years. This lipoma was confirmed by histological examination from a previous biopsy, and the infiltrative features were identified by a computerized tomography scan. The surgical removal created a large-sized abdominal defect that was closed by a combination of latissimus dorsi and external abdominal oblique muscle flaps in a pedicle pattern. A small dehiscence at the most distal end of the muscle flap resulted in a small-sized abdominal hernia and was repaired with cranial sartorius muscle flap 14 days after surgery. The dog was in good general health with no signs of tumor recurrence after 18 months of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical seed dispersal, which plays a key role in plant escape and/or expansion under climate change, was recently evaluated for the first time using negative correlation between altitudes and oxygen isotope ratio of seeds. Although this method is innovative, its applicability to other plants is unknown. To explore the applicability of the method, we regressed altitudes on δ18O of seeds of five woody species constituting three families in temperate forests in central Japan. Because climatic factors, including temperature and precipitation that influence δ18O of plant materials, demonstrate intensive seasonal fluctuation in the temperate zone, we also evaluated the effect of fruiting season of each species on δ18O of seeds using generalized linear mixed models ( GLMM). Negative correlation between altitudes and δ18O of seeds was found in four of five species tested. The slope of regression lines tended to be lower in late-fruiting species. The GLMM analysis revealed that altitudes and date of fruiting peak negatively affected δ18O of seeds. These results indicate that the estimation of vertical seed dispersal using δ18O of seeds can be applicable for various species, not just confined to specific taxa, by identifying the altitudes of plants that produced seeds. The results also suggest that the regression line between altitudes and δ18O of seeds is rather species specific and that vertical seed dispersal in late-fruiting species is estimated at a low resolution due to their small regression slopes. A future study on the identification of environmental factors and plant traits that cause a difference in δ18O of seeds, combined with an improvement of analysis, will lead to effective evaluation of vertical seed dispersal in various species and thereby promote our understanding about the mechanism and ecological functions of vertical seed dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dispersal is an essential trait that enables colonization of new favorable habitats, ensuring species survival. In plants with dehiscent fruits, such as Arabidopsis, seed dispersal depends on two processes: the separation of the fruit valves that protect the seeds (fruit dehiscence) and the detachment of the seeds from the funiculus connecting themto themother plant (seed abscission). The key factors required to establish a proper lignin pattern for fruit dehiscence are SHATTERPROOF 1 and 2 (SHP1 and SHP2). Here, we demonstrate that the SHP-related gene SEEDSTICK (STK) is a key factor required to establish the proper lignin pattern in the seed abscission zone but in an opposite way. We show that STK acts as a repressor of lignin deposition in the seed abscission zone through the direct repression of HECATE3, whereas the SHP proteins promote lignin deposition in the valve margins by activating INDEHISCENT. The interaction of STK with the SEUSS co-repressor determines the difference in theway STK and SHP proteins control the lignification patterns. Despite this difference in the molecular control of lignification during seed abscission and fruit dehiscence, we show that the genetic networks regulating these two developmental pathways are highly conserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen of wind-pollinated plants such as grapevine rapidly dries out and is blown away after the anthers dehisce. Therefore, from the point of view of a pollen-collecting bee, pollen from wind-pollinated flowers is best collected soon after it becomes exposed. In grapevine, pollen becomes available immediately after the calyptra is shed, a process also referred to as capfall. We show, for the first time, that honey bees foraging on grapevine actively remove the calyptra from flowers. Using manual cap removal, we estimate that cap removal increases the pollen yield by 70 % compared to collecting pollen from flowers after capfall. The bees selectively foraged on inflorescences with high numbers of loose caps, thus further enhancing their pollen revenue. We discuss the possible benefits of cap removal by honey bees for the development of individual berries and grape bunches of certain varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many large-seeded Neotropical trees depend on a limited guild of animals for seed dispersal. Fragmented landscapes reduce animal abundance and movement, limiting seed dispersal between distant forest remnants. In 2006, experimental plantings were established in pasture to determine whether plantings enhance seed dispersal and, ultimately, seedling recruitment. We examined patterns of naturally recruited seedlings of Ocotea uxpanapana, a large-seeded bird-dispersed tree endemic to southern Mexico that occurs in the surrounding landscape. We used GIS and least-cost path analysis to ask: (1) Do restoration efforts alter recruitment patterns? (2) What is the importance of canopy cover and likely dispersal pathways to establishment? Patterns of seedling establishment indicated that dispersal agents crossed open pastures to wooded plots. Recruitment was greatest under woody canopies. Also, by reducing movement cost or risk for seed dispersers, wooded canopies increased influx of large, animal-dispersed seeds, thereby restoring a degree of functional connectivity to the landscape. Together, canopy openness and path distance from potential parent trees in the surrounding landscape explained 73% of the variance in O. uxpanapana seedling distribution. Preliminary results suggest that strategic fenced plantings in pastures increase dispersal and establishment of large-seeded trees, thereby accelerating forest succession in restorations and contributing to greater connectivity among forest fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perineal wound following abdominoperineal resection (APR) is associated with high complication rate and delayed healing. We aim to evaluate the risk factors for delayed wound healing and wound complications following APR. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent APR was performed. Non-delayed wound healing occurred within 6 weeks. Major complications included infection, necrosis, and dehiscence that required surgical interventions. Minor complications included drainage and superficial dehiscence that were treated conservatively. Patients were compared for type of wound closure (primary vs. flap reconstruction). Effect of patients' demographic and clinical variables on time to healing, and on major and minor wound complications was examined. Results: 215 patients were identified, of which 175 (81 %) had primary closure and 40 (19 %) had flap reconstruction. Overall, major wound complications occurred in 14 (7 %) of patients and minor wound complications occurred in 48 (22 %). Mean time to wound healing was 6.3 weeks in the primary closure group and 9.3 weeks in the flap reconstruction group ( p = 0.02). Delayed wound healing occurred in 44 (25 %) of the primary closure group and in 25 (62 %) of the flap reconstruction group ( p < 0.001). Delayed wound healing was associated with smoking ( p = 0.005), hypoalbuminemia ( p = 0.05), neoadjuvant chemotherapy ( p = 0.02), and flap reconstruction ( p = 0.03). Hypoalbuminemia was associated with major wound complications ( p = 0.002), while neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with minor wound complications ( p = 0.01). Conclusions: Wound complications and delayed healing are related to patients' nutritional status, smoking, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with these risk factors are at risk of delayed wound healing even if they underwent flap reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new plant of Late Devonian (Famennian) age, Melvillipteris quadriseriata gen. et sp. nov., is reported from Melville Island, Nunavut, Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Main axes and two orders of lateral branches are recognized. The main axes are monopodial in habit, with a zigzag and/or upright appearance and dense adventitious roots attached on some internodes. First-order branches are inserted on the main axes in distichous pairs, showing a quadriseriate pattern (i.e. alternate pairs); they bear one or two sterile ultimate appendages on the proximal portions, and then distally bear alternate second-order branches. Second-order branches bear alternate ultimate appendages which may be fertile or sterile; the sterile ultimate appendages are composed of one or two successive dichotomies, terminating in oppositely recurved tips, and fertile appendages show an elaborate branching system. Each fertile appendage has an initial dichotomy forming two sister branches, each of which further divides three or four times to produce ultimate divisions terminated by sporangia. Two to four small fusiform sporangia are grouped in a truss which is supplied by penultimate division of the fertile appendage. The sporangia have a pointed tip and a longitudinal dehiscence. This new plant resembles other plants with a quadriseriate branching pattern (e.g. Rhacophyton Crépin, Cephalopteris Nathorst, Protocephalopteris Ananiev, Ellesmeris Hill, Scheckler & Basinger and Protopteridophyton Li & Hsü), and is assigned to the Rhacophytales. Its similarity to and divergence from the rhacophytaleans, cladoxylopsids and other related plants are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to report the surgical outcome after middle fossa approach (MFA) plugging in patients suffering from a superior semi-circular canal dehiscence (SCD) syndrome. This is a retrospective case review. Tertiary referral center. Sixteen ears in 13 patients with a SCD syndrome suffering from severe and disabling vestibular symptoms with a bony dehiscence on CT scan >3 mm and decreased threshold of cervical vestibular evoked potentials (cVEMPs). We assessed preoperatively: clinical symptoms, hearing, cVEMPs threshold, size of dehiscence and videonystagmography (VNG) with caloric and 100 Hz vibratory tests. Postoperatively, we noted occurrences of neurosurgical complication, evolution of audiological and vestibular symptoms, and evaluation of cVEMP data. Tullio's phenomenon was observed in 13 cases (81.3 %) and subjectively reported hearing loss in seven (43.7 %). All patients were so disabled that they had to stop working. No neurosurgical complications were observed in the postoperative course. In three cases (16.6 %), an ipsilateral and transitory immediate postoperative vestibular deficit associated with a sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was noted, which totally resolved with steroids and bed rest. All patients were relieved of audiological and vestibular symptoms and could return to normal activity with a mean follow-up of 31.1 months (range 3-95). No patient had residual SNHL. cVEMPs were performed in 14 ears postoperatively and were normalized in 12 (85.7 %). Two of the three patients operated on both sides kept some degree of unsteadiness and oscillopsia. MFA plugging of the superior semi-circular canal is an efficient and non-hearing deteriorating procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Mutualistic network parameters, such as modularity and nestedness, show non-random linkage patterns. Both increase network stability in different ways. Modularity hampers extinction cascades, whereas nestedness resists network disassembly. We explore these parameters in seed-dispersal networks in two archipelagos and the significance of life history, habitat, geography and phylogeny as drivers of linkage patterns and the applicability of modules as biogeographical entities. Location Canaries ( Atlantic Ocean) and Galápagos ( Pacific Ocean). Methods We compiled data on plant-seed disperser interactions from own observations and the literature, estimated network parameters describing interaction patterns (connectance, nestedness and modularity) and constructed a backbone phylogeny for the analyses. Results The Canarian network was highly nested but weakly modular, whereas the Galápagos network showed the opposite characteristics. Most key network species are native and have a favourable conservation status. Modularity in the Canaries is correlated with habitats (indirectly affected by altitude and orientation), whereas in the Galápagos it mainly reflects the functional roles of species. Main conclusions The divergent link patterns for the archipelagos imply that the highly nested Canarian network is stable against disassembly, whereas the modular Galápagos network may show strong resistance against extinction cascades. This difference may be driven by the specific evolutionary dynamics on the archipelagos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on evaluation of accuracy and reproducibility of levels monitored for alveolar crest through computer tomography. Topics discussed include assessment of craniofacial region through orthodontic analysis, measurement of bone plate level in bone dehiscence studies, and error studies.

Members of the Brassicaceae family disperse their seeds through a mechanism commonly referred to as fruit dehiscence or pod shatter. Pod shatter is influenced by variations in valve margin structure and by the molecular control pathways related to valve development. Anatomical patterns of the dehiscence zone from Brassica napus L., Brassica rapa L., Brassica carinata L., and Sinapis alba L., representing fruit types differing in pod shatter resistance, were compared using histological staining. The pod shatter-susceptible plant B. napus showed an increased lignin deposition at the vascular bundle of the replum as well as an increased separation of cell layers. In pod shatter-resistant plants S. alba, B. rapa, and B. carinata, we observed two layers of lignified valve margin cells. From these four species, we isolated and identified homologs of SHATTERPROOF ( SHP1, SHP2), INDEHISCENT ( IND), ALCATRAZ ( ALC), FRUITFULL ( FUL), AGAMOUS ( AG), NAC SECONDARY WALL THICKENING PROMOTING FACTOR1 ( NST1), and SEEDSTICK ( STK) genes involved in fruit development and pod shatter in Arabidopsis. Transcriptional analysis of these eight genes was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and the results demonstrate that differences in the expression patterns of the eight genes may be associated with dehiscence variation within these four species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. The phylogenetic placement of the nearly Central American endemic Schwackaea cupheoides has not been investigated, although this monotypic genus had been hypothesized to belong in the tribe Melastomeae based on morphology. Its distinctive and unusual eight-lobed fruits have been recently observed to break in between the lobes. This study was undertaken to test the phylogenetic placement of S. cupheoides as well as to describe the anatomy of its complex fruits, establish the pattern of dehiscence, and compare the fruits to those of its close relatives. Methodology. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from the chloroplast spacers accD-PsaI and psbKpsbL, including all species of Melastomataceae available in GenBank, were conducted. Comparative anatomical and morphological studies of fruits of S. cupheoides as well as representatives of closely related genera were carried out. Pivotal results. The phylogenetic placement of Schwackaea in the tribe Melastomeae is corroborated here with analyses of DNA sequences. Strong support was found for a sister relationship between Schwackaea and the Central American endemic genus Pilocosta. This clade was, in turn, sister to another Central American endemic, Centradenia. Anatomical and morphological investigation revealed that all of these genera possess unique fruits with respect to each other but that those of Pilocosta and Schwackaea are most similar in the presence of angles or lobes, and both have continuously distributed druse crystals in their fruit. The most unusual fruit is that of S. cupheoides, which shows a specialization for fruit dehiscence in which druse crystals have been localized in between the hypanthium lobes to aid in dehiscence. Conclusions. Phylogenetic evidence supports a clade of Central American genera that includes Centradenia, Pilocosta, and Schwackaea, all of which have distinctive fruits. It is hypothesized that fruit dehiscence in Schwackaea represents a case of exaptation where druse crystals have been co-opted from an antiherbivory role to a fruit dehiscence function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire is a facilitating factor in the naturalisation of Eucalyptus globulus in countries where it has been introduced. In this study, we investigate the effect of heat on dehiscence and germination of free and encapsulated seeds. Twelve combinations of temperature (80, 150, 2008C) and heating exposure time (30, 60, 120, 300 s) were used and a corresponding heat index (H) was computed. Dehiscence was registered on a daily basis and germinability of encapsulated and free seeds was verified through germination tests. Results indicate that dehiscence was strongly dependent on individual trees, but no significant differences were found between the treatments applied, suggesting a direct effect of capsule desiccation rather than heat on seed shed. The percentage of germinated seeds was negatively influenced by the highest temperature and exposure times. The effect of capsule protection on seed germination was positive for 2008C at 60 and 150 s (H?139 and 220 respectively), but negative at 1508C for 300 s (H?269). No seeds germinated after treatment at 2008C for 300 s (H?358). Given the estimated range of temperatures and residence times during wildfires in eucalypt plantations, our results help to explain the high levels of seedling recruitment observed in burned stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]