Project description:Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of the widespread leafhopper species Aconurella prolixa (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Chiasmini) was obtained via next-generation sequencing. This mitochondrial genome is 14,832 bp in length with the 37 classical eukaryotic mitochondrial genes and a control region. All 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) are initiated with ATN, except ND5 uses TTG as the start codon, and terminate with TAA or TAG with the exception of COX2 and ND4 which use a single T residue as the stop codon. Twenty-one of the 22 transfer RNA (tRNAs) genes have the typical clover-leaf structure except for trnS1. Unlike some other species of deltocephalinae, no tRNA rearrangements were detected. The monophyly of Cicadellidae and Deltocephalinae, as well as the monophyly of Chiasmini, with a sister relationship between A. prolixa and (Exitianus indicus + Nephotettix cincticeps) is supported by Bayesian inference phylogenetic analyses based on 13 PCGs.
Project description:Camptochaeta prolixasp. n. (Diptera, Sciaridae) is described from caves in Nevada, and three other congeneric species are recorded from caves in Nevada and Arkansas, United States. The new species shows some indication to a subterranean mode of life, including long antenna and legs, and in some specimens, reduction of the eye bridge.
Project description:Oxidative stress contributes to impairment of skin health and aspects in the wound healing process for pathologies such as acne, psoriasis or skin cancer. Five Polynesian medicinal plants, among the most traditionally used for skin care (cosmetopoeia and pharmacopoeia) are studied herein for their antioxidant properties: Calophyllum inophyllum, Gardenia taitensis, Curcuma longa, Cordia subcordata and Ficus prolixa. For this purpose, plant extracts were submitted to in vitro bioassays related to antioxidant properties and their bioactive constituents were identified by metabolomic analytical approach. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis was performed leading to characterize 61 metabolites. Compounds annotated for F. prolixa and C. subcordata were reported for the first time in those indigenous trees. Antioxidant properties were evaluated by TPC, DPPH and FRAP assays. F. prolixa extract was the most active one within antioxidant properties similar to ascorbic acid and showed antioxidant intracellular activity on HaCaT model by AOP1 assay. On-Line-HPLC DPPH allowed the identification of phenolic bioactive compounds. These results highlight the potential of F. prolixa aerial roots as a source of antioxidant for skin care topical applications.
