Microplastics in coastal urban sediments: Discrepancies in concentration and character revealed by different approaches to sample processing.

Intertidal, silty sediment samples have been collected from three coastal locations with different uses and anthropogenic signatures in the vicinity of Plymouth, southwest England, and analysed for microplastics (MPs) by two independent means. Firstly, MPs were counted and characterised directly on unprocessed dried sediment under a stereo microscope, and secondly MPs were isolated from sediment by flotation in ZnCl2 solution and filtration before analysis. Direct counting resulted in average (± one standard deviation) numbers of MPs per g of dry sediment of 0.77 ± 0.16 at a marina-harbour, 0.58 ± 0.30 under a busy road bridge and 0.79 ± 0.43 adjacent to country parkland. After flotation and filtration, concentrations were reduced to 0.24 ± 0.11, 0.18 ± 0.06 and 0.48 ± 0.38 MP g-1, respectively. Observations were attributed to hetero-aggregation of small fibres with settling sediment during flotation, and the presence of MPs (including paints) that were too dense to float or that had aggregated or agglomerated with denser sediment and construction material in situ. The findings have implications for the efficacy of flotation procedures, accurate estimations of MP concentrations in sediment and the representativeness of MPs by type, and inter-site comparisons of MPs that are widely reported in the literature.

Morphology and microscopic identification of Anoectochilus lylei / 药学实践杂志

Objective To perform the pharmacognostic identification of Anoectochilus lylei and establish the foundation for its accurate identification and further development. Methods The macroscopic identification and microscopic identification methods were used to identify A. lylei. Results A. lylei has ovate leaf shape, possessing red reticulated veins. Inverted flowers have Y-shaped and white lip. The anterior part of lip is two-lobed, and the lobes are linear-oblong. There are 1 to 3 shorts serrations on each side of the middle part of lip. Microscopic characteristics mainly show as follows: the cortex is broad in the transverse section of roots and stems; 1-5 and 1-7 vascular bundles in the xylem of transverse section of roots and stem, respectively. Collateral vascular bundle in the main veins of transverse section of leaves. There are multitudinous types of stomas in the leaf abaxial epidermis, most of which are anomocytic. Conclusion These characteristics could provide reference for the correct identification of A. lylei.

Microscopic identification for roots from 4 medicinal plants of Actinidia genus / 药学实践杂志

Objective To perform microscopic identification for the roots of Actinidia macrosperma C.F. Liang, Actinidia valvata Dunn, Actinidia arguta (Sieb. & Zucc) Planch. ex Miq., Actinidia chinensis Planch., and provide the basis for judging medicinal materials exactly. Methods The powder microscopic characteristics of 4 medicinal plants of Actinidia genus were observed by microscopic identification method. Results Taking the morphological characteristics of calcium oxalate clusters, starch granules and ducts as the main differences, a key table was compiled to identify the roots of these four medicinal plants. Conclusion The microscopic identification method could effectively distinguish 4 Chinese herbs of Actinidia genus, and which is worth further studying.

Study on quality control method of Flueggea suffruticosa / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To establish the quality control method of Flueggea suffruticosa. METHODS The microscopical identification and thin layer chromatography （TLC） of F. suffruticosa were carried out， and the mass fractions of moisture， total ash， acid-insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extracts in F. suffruticosa were measured based on the 2020 version of Chinese Pharmacopoeia （part Ⅳ）. The content of securinine in medicinal materials was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS The powder of F. suffruticosa was gray-green， with obvious microscopic characteristics such as pores， pollen grains， calcium oxalate cluster crystals， ducts. The results of TLC identification showed that in the chromatograms of 16 batches of medicinal samples， the same color spots were found on the corresponding positions of the chromatograms of securinine， rutin， quercetin and F. suffruticosa control. The average mass fractions of moisture， total ash， acid-insoluble ash and alcohol- soluble extracts in 16 batches of medicinal materials were 9.26%， 6.96%， 1.17% and 28.89%， respectively. The injection volume of securinine in the range of 0.052 4-0.524 0 µg had a good linear relationship with the peak area （R2＝0.999 8）. RSDs of precision， repeatability and stability （24 h） test were all less than 3% （n＝6 or 7）. The average recovery of sample was 97.47%， RSD was 1.63% （n＝6）. The content of securinine in 16 batches of medicinal materials was 1.003-6.872 mg/g. CONCLUSIONS The quality control method of F. suffruticosa is established， and the mass fractions of moisture， total ash and acid-insoluble ash should not exceed 12.0%， 9.0% and 2.0%， respectively； the alcohol-soluble extract should not be less than 20%， and the content of securinine should not be less than 1.00 mg/g.

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Artemisia maritima L. a highly medicinal specie of genus Artemisia.

The light and scanning electron microscopic observations were carried out for anatomical features of leaf, pollens and powder.Microscopic studies provide useful information for identification and authentication of adulteration in A. maritima. Nutritional analysis of A. maritima revealed that life fundamental macromolecules such as carbohydrates (49.63 %) crude proteins (13.17 %) and crude fibers (21.06 %) were present in sufficient quantity while crude fats (4.11 %) reported in low quantity. The life essential elements such as Mg (9.472 ± 0.011), Ca (4.152 ± 0.135) and Fe (4.112 ± 0.002) were found in high concentration while heavy metals reported under the safety threshold of WHO. These observations favored A. maritima an alternative of food.Appreciable quantity of phenolics (17.64 ± 0.574) and flavonoids (7.67 ± 0.069) were found while qualitatively active phytochemicals were reported. The FTIR characterization of A. maritima crude powder revealed chromatogram in 3328.61 to 408.68 frequency range and 24 characteristic peaks on the basis of which different compounds of biological importance were classified. HPLC-UV technique quantifiedand identified six phenolic compounds morin,epigallocatechin gallate, catechin hydrate,ellagic acid, pyrogallol andrutin. Identification of compounds through GC-MS chromatogram revealed the presence of 46 compounds in methanolic fraction however 17 compounds of biological importance were selected. In-vitro biological evaluation of A. maritima for antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic (12.61 ± 0.113 %) and cytotoxic activities (LC50 = 20 µg/ml) suggested that methanolic fractions exhibited the highest activity as compared to chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions. The MIC values of 10 or 15 mg/ml were recorded for most of the fungal pathogens. Antibacterial activity revealed 3.75 mg/ml of MIC values against B. subtilis and 1.87 mg/ml against S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. In-vivo biological evaluation revealed thatmaximum inhibition was observed for crude extract at 250 mg/kg body weight. The mechanism underlined in-vivo analgesic responses was carried out which revealed that naloxone (morphine and tramadol antagonist) showed no prominent effect while Glibenclamide pretreatment minutely modified the analgesic action. These observations clearly indicted the absence of opiod receptors and involvement of ATP sensitive potassium channels.

Effects of superfine pulverization technology on the morphology, microstructure, and physicochemical properties of Apium graveolens L. root.

In this study, the characteristics of the transverse section of Apium graveolens L. root (AR) were observed. The surface morphology, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activity of five kinds of powders obtained by superfine pulverization (850-355, 355-180, 180-125, 125-50, and <50 µm) were evaluated. Under the microscope, the transverse section of AR had distinct identification features. Parenchyma cells, cork cells, vessels, fibers, nonglandular hair, and tubing fragments were observed via powder microscopic identification. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that superfine pulverization evidently changed the shape and surface morphology of the AR powders. As particle size decreased, the moisture and oil-binding capacity (OBC) of AR powder decreased, whereas its total ash content, water solubility index (WSI), swelling capacity (SC), water-holding capacity (WHC), bulk densities, tapped densities, repose angles, slide angles, and crash angles increased. The AR powder with a particle size of <50 µm had the highest contents of total flavonoids (30.46 mg/g), apiin (15.29 mg/g), and 3'-methoxyapiin (6.78 mg/g). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that the chemical composition of the powder and its extracts did not notably change as particle size decreased. Meanwhile, the scavenging ability of DPPH and ABTS radicals increased with the decrease of particle size. Therefore, there are more obvious differences in physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of AR powders with different particle sizes. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of new AR products. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Under the microscope, the transverse section of Apium graveolens L. root (AR) had distinct identification features. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the morphology and microstructure of AR after superfine pulverization. The surface morphology and physicochemical properties of the powders obtained by superfine pulverization were evaluated. FTIR analysis revealed no notable differences in the chemical composition of the AR powders with different particle sizes.

Study on the improvement of quality standard for Tibetan medicine Qinjiaohua / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To improve the quality standard of T ibetan medicine of Qinjiaohua ，and to provide scientific basis for comprehensive quality evaluation. METHODS The qualitative analysis of 16 batches of Qinjiaohua with different producing areas and different origins was carried out by microscopic and TLC identification. According to the method stated in 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia ，water content ，total ash content ，acid-insoluble ash content and alcohol-soluble extract content were determined. HPLC method was used to determine the contents of 5 components （loganic acid ，swertiamarin，gentiopicrin， swertionolin，isoorientin） in Qinjiaohua. RESULTS The medicinal powder of Qinjiaohua was light brown-yellow ，and the microscopic features of the powder were clear ，and pollen grains ，ducts，non-glandular hairs ，corolla epidermal cells and calyx epidermal cells were all found. The results of TLC indentification showed that there were fluorescent spots of the same color in the chromatogram of the tested product and the corresponding position of substance control （isoorientin）. The content ranges of water content，total ash content ，acid-insoluble ash content and alcohol-soluble extract were 5.40％-8.87％，3.76％-6.40％，0.27％-0.58％， 26.81％-42.51％，respectively. The results of content determination methodology met the requirements of pharmacopoeia ；the content ranges of loganic acid ，swertiamarin，gentiopicrin，swertionolin and isoorientin in 16 batches of Qinjiaohua were 3.13-9.36，1.26-22.39，13.80-74.60，1.24-12.22，2.58-14.96 mg/g，respectively. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the original quality standard of Qinjiaohua ，microscopic identification ，TLC identification ，content determination and examination items of water，total ash ，acid-insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extract are added. It is preliminarily proposed that water content ，total ash content and acid-insoluble ash content should not exceed 9.0％，6.5％ and 0.6％，while the contents of ethanol-soluble extract and gentiopicrin should not be less than 26.0％ and 13.8 mg/g，respectively.

The standard specification of microscopic identification of Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition / 药学实践杂志

Objective To improve the standardization and legitimacy of the quality control for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by analyzing the microscopic identification quality standard of TCM in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Volume 1). Methods Through the analysis of the standard items of microscopic identification in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Volume1), the problems in the standard was summarized and classified , and suggestions for revision were provided. Results The standardization and consistency have the room to improve in TCM microscopic identification standard in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 (Volume 1). Conclusion The TCM microscopic identification standard needs to be improved, and the formulation for the standard should be more specific and practical.

Study on quality standard for rice-fired Glehnia littoralis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To establish a quality standard for rice-fired Glehnia littoralis . METHODS Appearance observation ， powder microscopic identification and thin-layer chromatography （TLC）identification were performed for the samples of rice-fired G. littoralis decoction piece. According to the relevant methods stated in 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia （part Ⅳ），the contents of moisture ，total ash ，acid-insoluble ash ，water-soluble extract and acid-soluble extract were determined. The contents of psoralen，zanthoxylin，bergapten，imperatorin and isoimperatorin were determined by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. RESULTS The rice-fired G. littoralis decoction pieces were round-like small segments ，slightly rough ，yellow（peeled） or dark yellowish brown （with peel ），special gas and slightly sweet taste. The powder was yellowish white. Under the microscope ， secretions and secretory cells ，ducts，gelatinized starch granules ，ray cells ，parenchyma cells ，etc. could be seen. TLC showed the spots developed clearly. In the chromatogram of the test sample ，there was the same blue fluorescent spot at the corresponding position of the chromatogram of isoimperatorin control sample. The moisture ，total ash ，acid-insoluble ash ，water-soluble extract and ethanol-soluble extract from 9 batches of samples were 5.82％-6.27％，3.19％-3.59％，0.21％-0.27％，24.91％-30.30％ and 20.66％ -25.83％ ，respectively. The linear range of psoralen ，zanthotoxin，bergapten，imperatorin and isoimperatorin were 0.240-2.400，0.320-3.200，0.224-2.240，0.292-2.920，0.208-2.080 µg/mL（all r＞0.999 0）. Limits of quantitation were 0.032 0， 0.030 0，0325 0，0.032 0，0.045 0 µg，respectively. Limits of detection were 0.100 8，0.089 6，0.071 5，0.090 0，0.132 0 µg， respectively. RSDs of prescision ，stability（24 h）and reprodu- cibility tests were less than 3％. Average recoveries were 100.56％ （RSD＝1.36％ ，n＝6），100.73％（RSD＝2.25％ ，n＝6）， 100.36％（RSD＝0.98％，n＝6），98.24％（RSD＝0.40％，n＝6） E-mail：853063968@qq.com and 99.40％（RSD＝0.35％，n＝6），respectively. The contents of above five components were 5.85-13.31，8.63-33.38，6.23- E-mail：shixiaofeng2005@sina.com 15.25，6.12-12.98，5.52-10.77 µg/g，respectively. The total contents were 34.20-83.47 µg/g. CONCLUSIONS It is preliminarily proposed that the moisture ，total ash and acid-insoluble ash should not exceed 7.30％，4.10％，0.30％. The water-soluble extract and ethanol-soluble extract are no less than 21.00％ and 18.00％，respectively. The total content of coumarin should not be less than 52.03 µg/g（with peel ）and 26.34 μg/g（peeled）. Established quality standard can be used for the quality control of rice-fired G. littoralis .

Isolation and molecular characterization of causal agent of blue mold on Allium cepa L. and its control by Pennisetum flaccidum Griseb.

Blue mold pathogen, isolated from infected Allium cepa L., was identified as a Penicillium species through morphological and molecular characterisation. Internal Transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was utilised for DNA sequencing. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis has found the maximum similarity index of the fungus to be 82.39% with the Uncultured Penicillium clone (Accession: MF535522). So, the isolated Penicillium specie is the first reported specie of the genus that infects onion. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to establish a relationship of the isolated fungus with the most relevant species reported on GenBank. Extracts of Pennisetum flaccidum Griseb. were evaluated against the isolated fungus as a potential biocontrol agent. Among the five tested methanol concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%) of each plant part (root, inflorescence and foliage), 0.5% root extract showed maximum growth retardation, i.e. 89%. For bioassay-guided fractionation, the root extract was partitioned in n-hexane, chloroform, n-butanol and ethyl acetate. Ethyl acetate (1%) was proved to be the most potent one. Phytochemical screening has confirmed the occurrence of terpenoids, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. The applied molecular approach has deduced that the Penicillium specie collected from Pakistan might be novel. This study can be concluded that P. flaccidum contains potent phytochemicals which might be used as antifungal agent against Penicillium species.

Improvement of Quality Standard for Mongolian Medicine Artemisia sacrorum / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To improve the quality standard of M ongolian med icine Artemisia sacrorum ，and to provide scientific basis for comprehensive quality evaluation. METHODS ：The appearance and microscopic characteristics of A. sacrorum were identified；scopoletin，chlorogenic acid ，caffeic acid ，scopoletin and 3，5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were identified quantitatively by TLC；the contents of above 5 components were determined by HPLC. The water content ，total ash and extract were examined. RESULTS：The stem of A. sacrorum was cylindrical ，and its surface was purple or purple-brown or cyan-brown ；the leaves were ovate or oblong-ovate ，fragrant；the flowers were yellow ，head-shaped，subglobose or hemispherical. The powder was green or yellow-green，its pollen grain had three germination ；the parenchymal cell clusters with sharp edges and numerous threaded ducts ， occasionally having marginal pitted ducts ；its wood fibers were in bundles mostly. Results of TLC showed that the spots of the same color were found in the corresponding positions of chromatogram for 5 substance control and samples. The linear range of scopoletin， chlorogenic acid ， caffeic acid ， scopolactone and 3，5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were 85.60-428.00， 10.16-101.60， 10.20-102.00，40.84-408.40 and 40.80-408.00 μg/mL（all r＞0.999 0）. RSDs of precision ，stability，repeatability tests were all less than 3.00％（n＝6）. The average recoveries were 103.07％，99.66％，98.37％，97.78％，98.40％（all RSDs ＜3.00％，n＝6）. The contents of the above-mentioned 5 compounds in 10 batches of samples were 0.36％-1.23％，0.09％-0.51％，0.04％-0.13％， 0.61％ -1.13％ ，0.12％ -1.11％ ，respectively；the average com contents of water ，total ash and water soluble extract were 6.25％，5.86％，26.50％，respectively. CONCLU SIONS：O the basis of the original quality standard of A. sacrorum ， microscopic identification，TLC identification ，content determination and examination items of water ，total ash and extract are added. The method shows good precision ，accuracy and stability ，which can provide reference for more scientific and standardized evaluation of the quality of this medicinal material.

Plant pharmacognostic and microscopic identification of Anoectochilus burmannicus / 药学实践杂志

Objective To identify the crude drugs of Anoectochilus burmannicus, and clarify its original plant pharmacognostical and microscopic characteristics. Methods The pharmacognostical identification method was used to observe the original plant, tissue structure and microscopic characteristics of A. burmannicus. Results Leaves were ovate or ovate elliptic with golden-red veins. Non-inverted yellow flowers had Y-shaped and yellow labellum, which were anteriorly enlarged and 2-lobed. The lobes were narrowly oblong or narrowly oblanceolate. The middle part of labellum was narrow to form a 10 mm long structure with margin narrowly winged. In the microscopic structure, the cortex is obvious in the cross sections of root and stem, together with needle crystals of calcium oxalate and mucous cells. The upper epidermal cells on the cross section of the leaves were papilloid in shape, whereas diverse stomas existed among the lower epidermal cells, with anomocytic stomas as the major type. Needle crystals of calcium oxalate and conduits can be found in the powder. Conclusion These data provide a reference for the identification and resource development and utilization of A. burmannicus.

Study on Quality Standard of Yao Medicine Pileostegia tomentella / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To establi sh the quality standard of Yao medicine Pileostegia tomentella，and to provide reference for its quality control. METHODS ：Totally 10 batches of P. tomentella were collected from Guangxi area. The properties of P. tomentella were observed and microscopic identification was conducted for the transverse section of its stems ，roots and powder. TLC method was established by using 7-hydroxycoumarin as reference. The contents of water ，total ash ，acid-insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extract in P. tomentella were determined. The contents of skimmin ，7-hydroxycoumarin and 7-hydroxy-8- methoxycoumarin in P. tomentella were determined by HPLC. RESULTS ：The root and stem surface of P. tomentella possessed obvious wrinkles ，hard texture ，slight smell and bitter taste ，and there were secretory cells and needle crystal cells in the cross section. The medicinal powder contained calcium oxalate needle crystal ，calcium oxalate square crystal ，sclerotic cell and starch granules. The results of TLC showed that the spots of the same color were found in the corresponding positions of chromatograms of test samples and 7-hydroxycoumarin control. In the 10 batch of P. tomentella ，the contents of water were 9.1％-11.8％；those of total ash were 3.6％-6.7％；those of acid-insoluble ash were 0.10％-0.44％；those of alcohol-soluble extract were 8.9％-14.0％.The linear range of skimmin ，7-hydroxycoumarin and 7-hydroxy-8-methoxycoumarin were 6.088-182.640，1.568-47.040 and 1.096- 32.880 μg/mL（all r not less than 0.999 7）. The average recoveries were 99.47％，101.07％ and 99.89％（RSD were all less than 2％）. RSDs of precision ，stability（24 h），reproducibility and durability tests were all lower than 2％ . The contents of 3 components such as skimmin were 1.337-9.534，0.348-2.236， 0.083-1.088 mg/g，respectively. CONCLUSIONS ：It is preli- 201705） minarily proposed that the content of water in P. tomentella is not more than 12.0％ ；that of total ash is not more than 7.0％；that of alcohol-soluble extract is not less than 8.0％； E-mail：luguoshou@foxmail.com that of ski mmin is not less than 1.30 mg/g；that of 7-hydroxy- coumarin is not less than 0.30 mg/g；that of 7-hydroxy-8-methoxycoumarin is not less than 0.06 mg/g.

Identification of Entamoeba histolytica in Patients with Suspected Amebiasis in Jordan Using PCR-based Assays.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Identification of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) by microscopy alone can be problematic because E. dispar and E. moshkovskii are morphologically similar to E. histolytica. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the performance of microscopy in the detection of E. histolytica in stool specimens with the help of PCR-based assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September, 2017 and September, 2018, 200 stool specimens were obtained from Jordanian patients with suspected amebiasis. All specimens were subjected to microscopic analysis. DNA was extracted from the microscopy-positive stool samples. A conventional PCR and a duplex real-time PCR were performed to detect E. histolytica and E. dispar. RESULTS: By microscopy, 35% (70/200) of specimens were tested positive for Entamoeba complex. All 70 microscopic-positive Entamoeba complex samples were negative for the presence of E. histolytica by the NOVITEC® E. histolytica ELISA assay. All 70 samples positive by microscopy were negative for the presence of E. histolytica and E. dispar by PCR-based assays. CONCLUSION: We suspect some of these microscopy-positive stool specimens might contain a potentially novel species of Entamoeba that could not be detected by ELISA or PCR-based assays specific for E. histolytica and E. dispar. Diagnosis of amebiasis remains challenging here in Jordan and hence highlighting the need for improved diagnostic method.

Combined application of extended depth of field imaging, image stitching and polarized microscopy techniques in identification of Spatholobus suberectus.

Objective: As traditional techniques for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines currently lack objective and high-quality reference images, here we developed a systemic procedure to be used in microscopic identification of Chinese medicines, which would lead to more objective, effective and accurate identification process. Methods: Spatholobi Caulis (Jixueteng in Chinese) was used as the specimen in the development of such procedure. Jixueteng samples were microscopically examined in bright- and dark-field microscopy. Microscopic images were obtained by regular, EDF, and image stitching techniques. Results: The microscopic images of the characteristics in pulverized Jixueteng were captured, thanks to EDF imaging and image stitching techniques which allowed the detailed and full sighting of each characteristic to be obtained simultaneously. Different layers in anatomical transverse section, including cork, phelloderm, cortex, phloem, cambium, xylem and pith, were distinctively observed. Moreover, by comparing images of bright- and dark-field microscopy, birefringent and non- birefringent components could readily be distinguished. Conclusion: With application of the developed procedure, high-definition, panoramic and microscopic images were acquired, which could be used as the reference images for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines.

Taxonomic significance of cypsela morphology in tribe Cichoreae (Asteraceae) using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

The current study deals with the detailed morphology investigation of eight Cypsela species belonging to tribe Cichoreae. The different Cypsela types were described, explained, compared, and their taxonomic significance is discussed in detail. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used to highlight quantitative and qualitative characters of underestudied species. Cypsela exhibit great diversity in macro and micromorphological features such as shape, color, length, width, anticlinal and periclinal wall patterns, surface patterns, epicuticular projections. Majority of Cypsela species were brownish in color and their size ranges from 2.16 to 3.98 mm in length and 1.16 to 0.82 mm in breadth. A great diversity in Cypsela shapes like oblanceolate to obovate, obovoid to cylindrical, obvate, narrowly lanceolate were observed. Most of the platelets having epicuticular projections were observed. The surface pattern on the cypsela surface varied from rugose papillate, verrucose papillate, and striated. On the basis of considerable variations observed, the present study can assist as useful constraints at various taxonomic levels. The aim of the present study is to provide a comprehensive description of the Cypsela morphology and to determine the extent to which these micro morphological data can be used as a taxonomic character to delineate various taxa belonging to the tribe Cichoreae.

Anatomical Characterization of Nine Taxa of Genus Acmella Rich. (Toothache Plant) in India

Abstract The present study is aimed for anatomical characterization of nine taxa of Acmella to supplement data specifically for its current sectional classification and species circumscriptions. Anatomical characterization of this genus is little explored. This study focuses on internal structure of leaves, petioles, peduncles, stems, roots and cell inclusions to determine its taxonomic importance. In stem anatomy the number of hypodermal collenchymatous layers and the arrangement of parenchymatous cortex together place an important role in the identification of Acmella. Root anatomy was similar in all the examined taxa except in the arrangement of xylem vessels. In A. tetralobata xylem vessels arranged in pentarch fashion while rest of the species possess tetrarch arrangement. Several cellular inclusions such as calcium oxalate crystals and oil bodies were observed. The petioles were crescent shaped having bifacial surfaces with both surfaces pubescent. Peduncles possess ridges and furrows in its outline. The leaves are dorsi ventral and possess single layered epidermal cells covered with cuticle having anomocytic, anisocytic and diacytic types of stomata in both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The present study provides a tool for the microscopic identification of the genus.

Combined application of extended depth of field imaging, image stitching and polarized microscopy techniques in identification of Spatholobus suberectus / 中草药·英文版

Objective: As traditional techniques for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines currently lack objective and high-quality reference images, here we developed a systemic procedure to be used in microscopic identification of Chinese medicines, which would lead to more objective, effective and accurate identification process. Methods: Spatholobi Caulis (Jixueteng in Chinese) was used as the specimen in the development of such procedure. Jixueteng samples were microscopically examined in bright- and dark-field microscopy. Microscopic images were obtained by regular, EDF, and image stitching techniques. Results: The microscopic images of the characteristics in pulverized Jixueteng were captured, thanks to EDF imaging and image stitching techniques which allowed the detailed and full sighting of each characteristic to be obtained simultaneously. Different layers in anatomical transverse section, including cork, phelloderm, cortex, phloem, cambium, xylem and pith, were distinctively observed. Moreover, by comparing images of bright- and dark-field microscopy, birefringent and non- birefringent components could readily be distinguished. Conclusion: With application of the developed procedure, high-definition, panoramic and microscopic images were acquired, which could be used as the reference images for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines.

Histomorphological Identification of Nandina domestica / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::Histomorphological study of the Nandinae Radix, Nandinae Caulis, Nandinae Folium, Nandinae Fructus were conducted to provide the basis for the identification of its authenticity and falsehood. Method::The origin and macroscopic identification were used to describe the plant morphology and the appearance characteristics of all medicinal parts. The microscopic characteristics of the medicinal parts, such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, were observed and photographed by paraffin section and powder preparation techniques. Result::It was found that the morphological characteristics of the original plant were consistent with the descriptions in herbaceous books. There was no pith on the cross-section of roots. In the transverse section of stems, there were intermittent circular fiber bundles in the cortex and a cap-shaped fibrous bundle in the inner part of the xylem. In the transverse section of the leaves, the palisade tissue was wider and the fiber bundles around the main vascular bundles formed a ring. In the transverse section of petiole, the fiber bundles were arranged intermittently into rings. In the transverse section of fruit, multi-layered sclereids formed a ring in the mesocarp. The powder characteristics of root and stem mainly contained crystalliferous sclereids. There were crystal sheath fibers and stomatal infinitive in the leaf powder, and pollen grains in the flower powder, with 3-hole grooves, obvious reticulate engraving pattern in the outer wall and more reticulate cells. There were a large number of branched sclereids and calcium oxalate square crystals in the fruit powder. Conclusion::The above-mentioned morphological and microscopic features have identification significance, and provide scientific basis for the authenticity identification, the quality standard and the utilization of resources of Nandina domestica.

Macroscopic and Microscopic Identification Study of Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps sinensis ( Berk. ) Sacc.) and Its Counterfeits / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To research for the identification of Dongchongxiacao [Cordyceps sinensis( Berk.) Sacc.] and its counterfeits-processed materials from Cordyceps taii Liang et Liu. METHODSE: On the basis of the specimens of Dongchongxiacao and four types of counterfeits, the macroscopic and microscopic identification methods were studied, including the comparison of the macroscopic features, such as insertion position of stroma, colour of caterpillar part, abdominal leg, and the microscopic features such as the transverse section of the stroma, the caterpillar's body wall and the planta of abdominal leg. RESULTS: The differences between Dongchongxiacao and four types of counterfeits were obvious in macroscopic and microscopic features. CONCLUSION: Dongchongxiacao and its counterfeits-processed materials from Cordyceps taii Liang et Liu. can be identified by the differernces of macroscopical and microscopical fetures.