Gandhia gen. nov.-A New Diatom Genus with Unusual Morphology Split Off from the Genus Navicula Bory.

A new naviculoid diatom genus, Gandhia gen. nov., was described based on a detailed morphological investigation using light and scanning electron microscopy. Gandhia obtecta (Jüttner and Cox) Kulikovskiy, Glushchenko, Iurmanov, M.Thacker, B.Karthick and Kociolek comb. nov. was previously described as a member of the genus Navicula Bory sensu lato. This species differs from other species in the genus Navicula s.l. by the presence of an internal siliceous lamina covering the alveoli and forming the image of longitudinal lines on either side of the axial area, visible in LM. The presence of this siliceous lamina is similar to laminae in genera such as Pinnularia and Gomphoneis. This unusual morphology is not typical for Navicula sensu stricto, as previously noted by other scientists. Additional investigation of Gandhia obtecta comb. nov. and Gandhia ramosissimoides (H.P. Gandhi) Kulikovskiy, Glushchenko, M.Thacker, B.Karthick and Kociolek comb. nov. from waterbodies of the Western Ghats and the Himalayan region was conducted. Comparison with other species with the same morphological features included two additional species in the genus, namely, Gandhia jakovljevicii (Hustedt) Kulikovskiy, Glushchenko, M.Thacker, B.Karthick, and Kociolek comb. nov. and Gandhia lucida (Pantocsek) Kulikovskiy, Glushchenko, M.Thacker, B.Karthick and Kociolek comb. nov. We discuss the biogeographic patterns of the species, including disjuncts between Europe and Asia.

Is Sellaphora the New Navicula? Cymbosellaphora (Cymbellales), a New Genus Based on Taxa Previously Assigned to Sellaphora.

A new diatom genus Cymbosellaphora Kulikovskiy, Glushchenko, Genkal and Kociolek gen. nov., was described with species Cymbosellaphora vietnamensis Glushchenko, Kulikovskiy and Kociolek sp. nov. C. vietnamensis sp. nov. was described from Vietnam and characterized by the presence of morphological features such as valves with naviculoid symmetry, slight dorsiventrality, the presence of tectula as pore occlusions, uniseriate striae, and a very broad mantle. Four species were transferred to the new genus. These are C. absoluta comb. nov., C. circumborealis comb. nov., C. geisslerae comb. nov., and C. laterostrata comb. nov. Previously, these species were members of genera Navicula Bory, Sellaphora Mereschkowsky, and Naviculadicta Lange-Bertalot. The taxonomic history of these species and genera are discussed. The tectulum is known only from the cymbelloid diatoms, and our new genus is placed within the Cymbellaceae. The presence of a tectulum demonstrates that these species cannot be placed in Sellaphora, as indicated in the literature. The recent proposal to transfer a large number of species with different morphologies to the genus Sellaphora is also discussed. Additionally, we compare pore occlusions with tectula between different genera of the Cymbellaceae with naviculoid symmetry.

New and Interesting Taxa from the Diatom Genus Gomphonema Ehrenberg in Shallow, Nearshore Sites on the Eastern Coast of Lake Baikal.

During this investigation, sixteen species from the genus Gomphonema were found in a shallow bay (near Oimur, Kabansky District) located on the eastern shore of Lake Baikal. Eleven of these taxa have been described previously. Five species are described as new to science. We provide ecological information about these Gomphonema species, including their distribution within and outside Lake Baikal, and compare and contrast the new taxa with morphologically similar congeners. The diversity of morphologies present in Lake Baikal among the Gomphonema species suggests there has been both in-lake speciation as well as the introduction of various groups of species. The idea that Lake Baikal may support a high number of endemics by their partitioning niches based on depth is supported by the different groups of gomphonemoid diatoms present.

The Influence of Solid and Liquid Systems In Vitro on the Growth and Biosynthetic Characteristics of Microshoot Culture of Spiraea betulifolia ssp. aemiliana.

The paper focuses on the growth dynamics and biosynthetic characteristics of the microshoot culture of Spiraea betulifolia ssp. aemiliana obtained in vitro in agar-solidified and liquid media. Microshoots cultured in either type of media showed similar growth dynamics. The most active culture growth was observed from day 35 to day 60. A comparative analysis of the contents of flavonoids and phenol carboxylic acids showed a higher level of phenol carboxylic acids (5.3-6.84%) and a stronger 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration: 341 µg/mL) in S. betulifolia ssp. aemiliana microshoots grown in the liquid medium compared to the microshoots cultured in the solid medium. The flavonoid content of the cultured microshoot did not depend on the consistency of the medium. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to study the profile and levels of phenolic compounds in microshoots, intact plants, and ex vitro-acclimated S. betulifolia ssp. aemiliana plants. The concentration of kaempferol glycosides was found to be higher in microshoots (1.33% in the solid medium, 1.06% in the liquid medium) compared to intact plants and ex vitro-acclimated plants. Thus, the microshoots of S. betulifolia ssp. aemiliana cultured in the liquid medium rapidly increase their biomass and are an inexpensive promising source of biologically active antioxidant substances, mainly phenol carboxylic acids and kaempferol glycosides.

The Co-Evolution Aspects of the Biogeochemical Role of Phytoplankton in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Review.

In freshwater and marine ecosystems, the phytoplankton community is based on microalgae and cyanobacteria, which include phylogenetically very diverse groups of oxygenic photoautotrophs. In the process of evolution, they developed a wide range of bio(geo)chemical adaptations that allow them to effectively use solar radiation, CO2, and nutrients, as well as major and trace elements, to form O2 and organic compounds with a high chemical bond energy. The inclusion of chemical elements in the key processes of energy and plastic metabolism in the cell is determined by redox conditions and the abundance and metabolic availability of elements in the paleoenvironment. Geochemical evolution, which proceeded simultaneously with the evolution of biosystems, contributed to an increase in the number of metals and trace elements acting as cofactors of enzymes involved in metabolism and maintaining homeostasis in the first photoautotrophs. The diversity of metal-containing enzymes and the adaptive ability to replace one element with another without losing the functional properties of enzymes ensured the high ecological plasticity of species and allowed microalgae and cyanobacteria to successfully colonize a wide variety of habitats. In this review, we consider the main aspects of the modern concepts of the biogeochemical evolution of aquatic ecosystems and the role of some metals in the main bioenergetic processes in photosynthetic prokaryotes and eukaryotes. We present generalized data on the efficiency of the assimilation of key nutrients by phytoplankton and their importance in the cycle of carbon, silicon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and iron. This article presents modern views on the evolutionary prerequisites for the formation of elemental signatures in different systematic groups of microalgae, as well as the possibility of using the stoichiometric ratio in the study of biological and geochemical processes in aquatic ecosystems.

LC-HRMS for the Identification of Quercetin and Its Derivatives in Spiraea hypericifolia (Rosaceae) and Anatomical Features of Its Leaves.

Spiraea hypericifolia L. is affiliated with the section Chamaedryon Ser. of the genus Spiraea L. (Rosaceae). Similar to many other Spiraea species, S. hypericifolia most often accumulates flavonols among other flavonoids, in particular quercetin and its derivatives. An ethanol-water extract from the aerial part of S. hypericifolia collected in the vicinity of the Ilyichovo settlement (Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia) was analyzed by liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Primary and secondary metabolites were found in the extract; structural interpretation consistent with quercetin and its derivatives was proposed for 10 of them. Major compounds were various glycosides of quercetin containing glucose (four compounds), galactose (one compound), xylose (two compounds), arabinose (one compound), or rutinose (one compound) as a carbohydrate residue. Isorhamnetin and 3-O-methylquercetin-3'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside were identified among methyl-containing compounds. The latter compound and reynoutrin, rhamnetin-3-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside, and quercetin-3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)-ß-D-glucoside have not been previously found in S. hypericifolia. Data on the presence of quercetin and its derivatives in the extract of S. hypericifolia expand the understanding of the possible practical use of this plant. In addition, the microscopic features of S. hypericifolia leaves were studied. The diagnostic features of the leaf blade necessary for the authentication of raw materials were revealed: straight-walled epidermis cells, stomata located on both sides of the leaf blade (amphistomatic type), two types of trichomes, and wrinkled cuticula with nodi. The main anatomical diagnostic features of the leaves of S. hypericifolia were determined, which makes it possible to assess the authenticity of the raw material.

Production of Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter by Microalgae Strains from the Ob and Yenisei Gulfs (Siberia).

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important component of aquatic environments; it plays a key role in the biogeochemical cycles of many chemical elements. Using excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy, we examined the fluorescent fraction of DOM (FDOM) produced at the stationary phase of growth of five strains of microalgae sampled and isolated from the Ob and Yenisei gulfs. Based on the morphological and molecular descriptions, the strains were identified as diatoms (Asterionella formosa, Fragilaria cf. crotonensis, and Stephanodiscus hantzschii), green microalgae (Desmodesmus armatus), and yellow-green microalgae (Tribonema cf. minus). Three fluorescent components were validated in parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC): one of them was characterized by protein-like fluorescence (similar to peak T), two others, by humic-like fluorescence (peaks A and C). The portion of fluorescence intensity of humic compounds (peak A) to the total fluorescence intensity was the lowest (27 ± 5%) and showed little variation between species. Protein-like fluorescence was most intense (45 ± 16%), but along with humic-like fluorescence with emission maximum at 470 nm (28 ± 14%), varied considerably for different algae strains. The direct optical investigation of FDOM produced during the cultivation of the studied algae strains confirms the possibility of autochthonous production of humic-like FDOM in the Arctic shelf regions.

Planoplatessa gen. nov.-A New, Neglected Monoraphid Diatom Genus with a Cavum.

A new monoraphid diatom genus, Planoplatessa gen. nov., is described on the basis of a detailed morphological investigation using light and scanning electron microscopy. We transferred Achnanthes joursacensis Héribaud, a species described from fossil deposits in France, to our new genus. We investigated material from Mongolia from Recent populations. This taxon is known from fossils to Recent across the Holarctic. Achnanthes joursacensis was previously transferred to the genera Planothidium and Platessa, but the morphology of A. joursacensis does not share all morphological features with these two genera. We discuss important morphological features for the delimitation of monoraphid genera based on careful morphological and molecular investigations we presented previously. Planoplatessa gen. nov. as a genus is characterized by having uniseriate striae on both the raphe and the rapheless valves, a cavum in rapheless valves only, and straight distal raphe ends on the valve face.

Molecular and Morphological Investigations of Two Giant Diatom Cymbella Species from the Transbaikal Area (Russia, Siberia) with Comments on Their Distributions.

For the first time, a giant diatom species of the genus Cymbella from Lake Baikal was studied using molecular methods. Molecular and morphological investigations allowed to us to described one new species, Cymbella baicalaspera Glushchenko, Kulikovskiy and Kociolek sp. nov. This species is both morphologically similar and phylogenetically close to a second giant Cymbella species that we investigated here, identified by us as Cymbella himalaspera Jüttner and Van de Vijver in Jüttner et al. 2010. This species was first described from Nepal on the basis of a morphological investigation. Small morphological differences exist between the type population and specimens from Lake Baikal, but otherwise the two are identical. These very interesting results show that some Baikalian diatoms can be distributed more widely and are not only endemic to this ancient lake. Similarity between Cymbella baicalaspera sp. nov. and Cymbella himalaspera on the basis of both morphological features and their close phylogenetic relationships suggested by molecular data indicate they are sister species and an example of sympatric speciation. These results also suggest an early development of a species flock. This species group warrants additional research in terms of. their diversification and biogeography.

Two new species of Navicula (Bacillariophyta) from Southeast Asia.

We present light and scanning electron microscopical observations on two new species of Navicula Bory sensu stricto from Southeast Asia. Naviculawinoniformis Chudaev, Glushchenko, Kulikovskiy & Kociolek, sp. nov. differs from taxa with similar outline and size by the combination of simple drop-like external raphe endings deflected to the primary valve side, presence of well-developed external longitudinal grooves and relatively low lineolae density. Naviculasparsilineolata Chudaev, Glushchenko, Kulikovskiy & Kociolek, sp. nov. can be discriminated from the taxa of similar valve shape and size by consistently lower lineolae density, and from the majority of them also by the structure of external proximal raphe endings with small projections in proximal parts and larger triangular insertions in distal parts. Some remarks on Navicula species diversity and its distribution in the Southeast Asia are given.

Achnanthidiumbratanense sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae, Achnanthidiaceae), a new diatom from the Lake Bratan (Bali, Indonesia).

A new species, Achnanthidiumbratanense, is described from Lake Bratan, located on the island of Bali (Indonesia). The morphology of this species was analyzed with light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A.bratanense is characterized by linear-elliptic to nearly elliptic valves with convex margins and rounded, broadly subcapitate apices. The striae of this species are hardly discernable under LM; they are weakly radiate throughout the valve and composed of one to four large transapically elongated areolae of different length and shape. The most similar taxon to A.bratanense is A.macrocephalum, a species described from Sumatra, another Indonesian island. The differences of A.bratanense from similar taxa are discussed.

Optimization of Biomass Accumulation and Production of Phenolic Compounds in Callus Cultures of Rhodiola rosea L. Using Design of Experiments.

Rhodiola rosea L. is a valuable medicinal plant with adaptogenic, neuroprotective, antitumor, cardioprotective, and antidepressant effects. In this study, design of experiments methodology was employed to analyze and optimize the interacting effects of mineral compounds (concentration of NO3- and the ratio of NH4+ to K+) and two plant growth regulators [total 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and α-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) concentration and the ratio of BAP to NAA] on the growth and the production of total phenolic compounds (TPCs) in R. rosea calluses. The overall effect of the model was highly significant (p < 0.0001), indicating that NH4+, K+, NO3-, BAP, and NAA significantly affected growth. The best callus growth (703%) and the highest production of TPCs (75.17 mg/g) were achieved at an NH4+/K+ ratio of 0.33 and BAP/NAA of 0.33, provided that the concentration of plant growth regulators was 30 µM and that of NO3- was ≤40 mM. According to high-performance liquid chromatography analyses of aerial parts (leaves and stems), in vitro seedlings and callus cultures of R. rosea contain no detectable rosarin, rosavin, rosin, and cinnamyl alcohol. This is the first report on the creation of an experiment for the significant improvement of biomass accumulation and TPC production in callus cultures of R. rosea.

Multi-Element Composition of Diatom Chaetoceros spp. from Natural Phytoplankton Assemblages of the Russian Arctic Seas.

Data on the elemental composition of the diatom Chaetoceros spp. from natural phytoplankton communities of Arctic marine ecosystems are presented for the first time. Samples were collected during the 69th cruise (22 August-26 September 2017) of the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in the Kara, Laptev, and East Siberian Seas. The multi-element composition of the diatom microalgae was studied by ICP-AES and ICP-MS methods. The contents of major (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K and Ca), trace (Li, Be, B, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th and U) and rare earth (Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) elements varied greatly, which was probably associated with the peculiarities of the functional state and mineral nutrition of phytoplankton in the autumn period. Biogenic silicon was the dominant component of the chemical composition of Chaetoceros spp., averaging 19.10 ± 0.58% of dry weight (DW). Other significant macronutrients were alkaline (Na and K) and alkaline earth (Ca and Mg) metals as well as biogenic (S and P) and essential (Al and Fe) elements. Their total contents varied from 1.26 to 2.72% DW, averaging 2.07 ± 0.43% DW. The Al:Si ratio for natural assemblages of Chaetoceros spp. of the shelf seas of the Arctic Ocean was 5.8 × 10-3. The total concentrations of trace and rare earth elements on average were 654.42 ± 120.07 and 4.14 ± 1.37 µg g-1 DW, respectively. We summarize the scarce data on the average chemical composition of marine and oceanic phytoplankton and discuss the limitations and approaches of such studies. We conclude on the lack of data and the need for further targeted studies on this issue.

Achnanthidium tinea sp. nov. - a new monoraphid diatom (Bacillariophyceae) species, described on the basis of molecular and morphological approaches.

A new monoraphid diatom species Achnanthidium tinea Tseplik, Kulikovskiy, Kociolek & Maltsev, sp. nov. is described from Indonesia. The species is described on the basis of molecular and morphological analyses. According to molecular data the new species belongs to the clade that includes strains of Achnanthidium minutissimum, Achnanthidium saprophilum and Achnanthidium digitatum. Morphologically, the new species differs quite significantly from other species of the same genus because of linear-elliptic valves with almost parallel sides and strongly radiate striae and a butterfly-shaped fascia on the raphe valve. The morphology and phylogeny of the new species are discussed, and thoughts on the current state of the taxonomy of the genus Achnanthidium are expressed. Our work shows the importance of using molecular data in diatom systematics and also demonstrates the need to investigate rarely studied regions of our planet.

Encyonopsis indonesica sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae, Cymbellales), a new diatom from the ancient lake Matano (Sulawesi, Indonesia).

A new species, Encyonopsis indonesica, is described from the ancient lake Matano, Sulawesi island, Indonesia. The morphology of this species was studied by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. E. indonesica has a remarkable valve ultrastructure. The valve surface is ornamented with numerous longitudinal siliceous ribs and siliceous verrucae. Valve face delineated from the mantle by a thickened marginal ridge. Raised sterna border the raphe branches. Raphe is distinctly undulate with distal ends hooked strongly to the ventral side. The only similar species to E. indonesica is Amphora dissimilis described from New Caledonia. Comparison of both taxa is given and A. dissimilis is transferred to Encyonopsis. The taxonomic placement of both taxa is evaluated, and the phenomenon of external siliceous ornamentation is discussed.

Achnanthidiumgladius sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae) - a new monoraphid diatom species from Indonesia.

A new monoraphid diatom species Achnanthidiumgladius sp. nov. is described from Indonesia. The description is based on molecular data (18SV4), morphological analysis and comparison with similar species. According to molecular data, Achnanthidiumgladius sp. nov. is closely related to Achnanthidiumminutissimum. Morphologically, the new species differs from similar species by the absence of a fascia on raphe valve, cell size, and striae density and pattern. The new species is only known from the type locality in Indonesia. Comparison with close related species is given.

Investigation of Chemical Constituents of Eranthis longistipitata (Ranunculaceae): Coumarins and Furochromones.

Aqueous-ethanol extracts (70%) from the leaves of Eranthis longistipitata Regel. (Ranunculaceae Juss.)-collected from natural populations of Kyrgyzstan-were studied by liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). There was no variation of the metabolic profiles among plants that were collected from different populations. More than 160 compounds were found in the leaves, of which 72 were identified to the class level and 58 to the individual-compound level. The class of flavonoids proved to be the most widely represented (19 compounds), including six aglycones [quercetin, kaempferol, aromadendrin, 6-methoxytaxifolin, phloretin, and (+)-catechin] and mono- and diglycosides (the other 13 compounds). In the analyzed samples of E. longistipitata, 14 fatty acid-related compounds were identified, but coumarins and furochromones that were found in E. longistipitata were the most interesting result; furochromones khelloside, khellin, visnagin, and cimifugin were found in E. longistipitata for the first time. Coumarins 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin, scoparone, fraxetin, and luvangetin and furochromones methoxsalen, 5-O-methylvisammioside, and visamminol-3'-O-glucoside were detected for the first time in the genus Eranthis Salisb. For all the above compounds, the structural formulas are given. Furthermore, detailed information (with structural formulas) is provided on the diversity of chromones and furochromones in other representatives of Eranthis. The presence of chromones in plants of the genus Eranthis confirms its closeness to the genus Actaea L. because chromones are synthesized by normal physiological processes only in these members of the Ranunculaceae family.

Four new species from the diatom (Bacillariophyceae) genus Adlafia Moser, Lange-Bertalot & Metzeltin from waterbodies of Vietnam.

Four species of the diatom genus Adlafia were found from waterbodies of Vietnam and described as new to science. Their formal descriptions are presented herein and they are illustrated by light and scanning electron micrographs. These new species are: A. lamdongiensis Glushch., Kulik. & Kociolek, sp. nov., A. babeiensis Glushch., Kulik. & Kociolek, sp. nov., A. vietnamensis Glushch., Kulik. & Kociolek, sp. nov. and A. dauiensis Glushch., Kulik. & Kociolek, sp. nov. These species are then compared to other similar taxa. Our new findings add to the number of species in this interesting genus and contribute to our understanding of the unique diatom flora found in Vietnam.