This article presents the results of the study of the anabolic effect of dry extracts of Iris hungarica leaves and rhizomes on the model of hydrocortisoneinduced protein catabolism. Previous studies have established the presence of anabolic activity of dry extracts of Iris hungarica leaves and rhizomes in intact animals. Therefore, it was reasonable to study the effect of the experimental extracts on the state of protein metabolism, which is regulated by glucocorticoids. The model of hydrocortisoneinduced protein catabolism was used to determine anabolic activity for dry extracts of Iris hungarica leaves and rhizomes at a  dose of 150  mg/kg by monitoring the recovery of body weight and the increase in the total protein in the cardiac muscle of rats and in muscle tissue homogenate, which is aimed to promote myofibrillar hypertrophy. Dry extract of Iris hungarica rhizomes reduced urea excretion, normalized metabolism, restored nitrogen balance, and inhibited protein catabolism. The results indicate that dry extract of Iris hungarica has the ability to correct protein metabolism, which is regulated in part by glucocorticoids, due to the high content of isoflavonoids and amino acids, and suggest that there is a  potential use for this herbal product in the development of a new drug aimed at correcting protein metabolism and muscular atrophy.
The genome of the basidiomycete yeast Dioszegia hungarica strain PDD-24b-2 isolated from cloud water at the summit of puy de Dôme (France) was sequenced using a hybrid PacBio and Illumina sequencing strategy. The obtained assembled genome of 20.98 Mb and a GC content of 57% is structured in 16 large-scale contigs ranging from 90 kb to 5.56 Mb, and another 27.2 kb contig representing the complete circular mitochondrial genome. In total, 8,234 proteins were predicted from the genome sequence. The mitochondrial genome shows 16.2% cgu codon usage for arginine but has no canonical cognate tRNA to translate this codon. Detected transposable element (TE)-related sequences account for about 0.63% of the assembled genome. A dataset of 2,068 hand-picked public environmental metagenomes, representing over 20 Tbp of raw reads, was probed for D. hungarica related ITS sequences, and revealed worldwide distribution of this species, particularly in aerial habitats. Growth experiments suggested a psychrophilic phenotype and the ability to disperse by producing ballistospores. The high-quality assembled genome obtained for this D. hungarica strain will help investigate the behavior and ecological functions of this species in the environment.
This article presents the results of the study of the anabolic effect of dry extracts of Iris hungarica leaves and rhizomes on the model of hydrocortisoneinduced protein catabolism. Previous studies have established the presence of anabolic activity of dry extracts of Iris hungarica leaves and rhizomes in intact animals. Therefore, it was reasonable to study the effect of the experimental extracts on the state of protein metabolism, which is regulated by glucocorticoids. The model of hydrocortisoneinduced protein catabolism was used to determine anabolic activity for dry extracts of Iris hungarica leaves and rhizomes at a  dose of 150  mg/kg by monitoring the recovery of body weight and the increase in the total protein in the cardiac muscle of rats and in muscle tissue homogenate, which is aimed to promote myofibrillar hypertrophy. Dry extract of Iris hungarica rhizomes reduced urea excretion, normalized metabolism, restored nitrogen balance, and inhibited protein catabolism. The results indicate that dry extract of Iris hungarica has the ability to correct protein metabolism, which is regulated in part by glucocorticoids, due to the high content of isoflavonoids and amino acids, and suggest that there is a  potential use for this herbal product in the development of a new drug aimed at correcting protein metabolism and muscular atrophy.
During routine wheat disease surveys in Hungary in 2007 Alternaria was isolated from leaf samples collected in Debrecen. Macro- and micro-morphological examinations and ITS sequence analyses indicated that the isolates represented a new Alternaria species, which we described as A. hungarica. The usually solitary conidia of A. hungarica resemble those of A. mouchaccae and A. molesta. However growth and sporulation pattern are more like those of A. geniostomatis and A. soliaridae. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences indicated that this new species can be distinguished from all other examined Alternaria and Embellisia species. Pathogenicity tests indicated that A. hungarica can be considered a minor pathogen of wheat.
About 40 species of the Marrubium genus (Lamiaceae) are known of which 2 species (M. vulgare L. and M. peregrinum L.) and one hybrid (M. x paniculatum Desr.) can be found as native plants in Hungary. The above-ground parts of M. vulgare L. are official in Hungarian Pharmacopoeia VII. Active substances in Marrubii herba are labdane-structured bitter materials. Although the presence of furanic labdane diterpenes in the plant is known, the pharmacopoeia gives only microscopic tests, qualitative tests (for other parts of the plant and foreign organic matter) for the bitter value of Marrubii herba. We have examined the main terpenoid substances isolated with column, gel and preparative layer chromatography. Structure elucidations were performed by means of UV, mass and NMR spectroscopy. We have compared the changes in terpenoid-type compounds (premarrubiin and marrubiin) in plants during the vegetation period; in different Marrubium species and in the different extractions of horehound by means of thin layer chromatography and densitometry. By reason of our results we propose qualitative and quantitative chemical tests for the paragraph of Marrubii herba in Pharmacopoeia Hungarica VII.
Andrena is one of the most diverse bee genera in the Holarctic Region, yet its species diversity and distribution in Türkiye remain poorly documented. This study provides an updated faunistic assessment of the genus in the Mediterranean Region of southern Türkiye, based on extensive field sampling in 12 provinces between 2008 and 2009 and a comprehensive synthesis of existing records. Specimens were identified using the latest taxonomic revisions and provincial distributions were compiled to produce a contemporary regional baseline. A total of 81 species were documented, belonging to 26 subgenera, including three endemic Turkish taxa (A. hungarica ssp. macroura, A. purpureomicans and A. cinnamonea), as well as A. wolfi, which was recorded in the country for the first time. Floral visitation data were also incorporated into the study. Furthermore, the species distribution was summarised with regional maps. The photos of morphological characters of regional and Turkish new records were also taken and included to the study. Together, these results provide the most current and comprehensive overview of Andrena diversity in southern Türkiye, offering a critical foundation for future research into the taxonomy, biogeography, pollination ecology and conservation of Mediterranean bee communities.
Zearalenone (ZEN) and Deoxynivalenol (DON) are common Fusarium toxins that are found worldwide in contaminated wheat, corn, oats, and other foods. This study investigated the spatial distribution of ZEN and DON within bagged oat bran and the relationships among fungal taxa. A total of 168 oat bran bags arranged in a three-dimensional space (X = 4, Y = 6, Z = 7) were tested for ZEN and DON concentrations via Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and fungal communities were analyzed by Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing. Samples were grouped by air-exposed surfaces: G0 (no exposure, n = 48), G1 (one exposed surface, n = 80), G2 (two or three exposed surfaces, n = 40). Results showed strong positive correlations between ZEN and DON spatial distributions (r = 0.691~0.930), with G2 having significantly lower toxin levels than G0 and G1 (p < 0.05). Fusarium spp. (e.g., F. aethiopicum, F. pseudonygamai, and F. fujikuroi) were positively correlated with ZEN and DON (p < 0.05), indicating that they are the primary producers of these mycotoxins. Talaromyces (T. funiculosus and T. stollii) and Sarocladium (S. kiliense and S. strictum) were positively correlated with ZEN, DON, and Fusarium spp., while the yeasts D. hungarica, V. victoriae, and H. sinensis exhibited a negative association with those (p < 0.05). Overall, the distribution of ZEN and DON in bagged oat bran was heterogeneous in three-dimensional space, and the distribution pattern was related to air exposure. The extent of air exposure influenced the composition of the fungal community, and the taxa correlating with Fusarium spp. showed potential synergistic or antagonistic associations, collectively influencing the accumulation of mycotoxins. This study provides a reference basis for the prevention of mold contamination during the stacked bag storage of feedstuffs.
Microorganisms maintain metabolic activity in clouds, with recognized impacts on the chemistry of small organic compounds, radicals, and their precursors. However, how microbial activity is modulated by cloud environmental variables remains unknown. Here we explored the metabolic response of an assemblage of representative microbial isolates from cloud water, composed of a basidiomycetous yeast (Dioszegia hungarica) and three bacterial strains (Rhodococcus enclensis, Pseudomonas syringae, and Pseudomonas graminis), in synthetic cloud water exposed to contrasted conditions of temperature (5°C vs 17°C), light (dark vs artificial solar light) and oxidants (0 μM vs 250 μM H2O2), to mimic typical cloud conditions during winter night and summer day. Metabolomics and metatranscriptomics allowed the identification of 25 differentially abundant metabolites and 218 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Both summer day metabolomes and metatranscriptomes suggested active mitochondria-driven energy production, with fungal DEGs involved in fatty acids biosynthesis and succinate assimilation, and three differentially abundant acylcarnitines that support fatty acid transport into the mitochondrion for oxidative phosphorylation. In contrast, bacteria displayed DEGs for cell division arrest and components of reactive oxygen species scavenging systems. Under the winter night condition, both bacteria and yeast exhibited a similar prosperous state with DEGs encoding translation, protein repair and turnover, as well as cell cycle related functions. Thus, eukaryotes and prokaryotes may engage in distinct strategies to survive in clouds, depending on environmental conditions. This study consolidates our understanding of microbial roles and interactions in cloud water, paving the way for deeper insights into the chemistry of atmospheric systems.
Alternaria species have often been reported as plant pathogens and are commonly isolated from diseased plant hosts. During an investigation of this genus in Algeria, seven Embellisia-like isolates were collected from Apiaceae. Phylogenetic analysis using sequences at four loci, the internal transcribed spacer of the rDNA region (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2), revealed that these isolates grouped into three sections, namely Embellisia, Embellisioides, and Eureka. Four isolates had significant differences with their closest species and were determined to be new species, namely Alternarialongiformis and A.radicicola spp. nov. The three other isolates of section Eureka were identified as A.eureka and A.hungarica, the latter species being described as a new record in Algeria. Detailed descriptions of new species are provided based on colony color, aspect, diameter, conidial size, septa, sporulation patterns and compared with other relevant Alternaria species within same sections. All these species were weakly pathogenic on carrot, coriander, and fennel under greenhouse experiments. Apiaceae may constitute a reservoir of Alternaria species that could represent potential pathogens for other plant families.
Tryblionella (Bacillariaceae) was described by Smith in 1853, and for many years, the diagnosis of this genus was questionable. Recent molecular analysis based on the rbcL gene marker suggests that Tryblionella is a polyphyletic genus with T. apiculata, T. hungarica, and T. gaoana forming a distinct group from other Tryblionella representatives. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the diagnosis of Tryblionella as a genus. The focus of this study was a selected group of species previously categorized within Grunow's section Apiculatae, which includes the type species T. acuminata. This classification serves as a foundation for conducting morphological and molecular comparisons with taxa of Tryblionella sensu lato, which are likely to represent distinct and highly diverse genera. Our review includes a detailed examination of frustule ultrastructure and ontogeny combined with a new molecular phylogenetic analysis derived from a three-gene concatenated dataset. The results of our research indicated that among Tryblionella, several monophyletic groups of taxa can be distinguished, including Tryblionella sensu stricto (s.s.), by three key characters: a porose valve cross-section; longitudinal valve undulation, where the peak of the undulation is located on the proximal side of the valve; and the presence of an axial sternum with thickened and relief virgae. Tryblionella s.s. taxa share a similar girdle structure: The girdle is graded, except that the first band bears a single row of poroids in the pars exterior and a crenulate margin on the side corresponding to the distal valve mantle.
Nucleotide diphosphate hydrolase type 5 (NUDT5) plays a significant role in the estrogen-signaling pathway and is overexpressed in breast cancer. This study aimed to explore the anti-breast cancer potential of quercetin and its 52 structural analogs by targeting the NUDT5 enzyme using the in silico molecular docking method. Moreover, Molecular Mechanics/General Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) calculations were performed for compounds with superior binding affinity scores than quercetin. Their drug-likeness, according to Lipinski's rule of five, water solubility, and Caco-2 permeability were predicted. In addition, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profile was determined for the top-scoring compounds from the docking studies and MM/GBSA calculations, as well as for those that complied with the rules of Lipinski and exhibited high permeability. The obtained results showed that all the tested ligands interact with the active site of NUDT5. Their binding energies ranged from -11.24 to -7.36 kcal/mol. The MM/GBSA calculations further supported the binding affinity predictions. ADMET analysis enabled the selection of compounds with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles in comparison to quercetin. Quercetin analogs L1 and L28 were identified as promising anti-breast cancer drug candidates worthy of further experimental evaluation.
Background:Centaurium erythraea Rafn. (C. erythraea) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in European folk medicine for the treatment of wounds, skin inflammations, and other dermatological conditions, in addition to its well-documented systemic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its topical applications remain insufficiently investigated, particularly using plant material collected from Romania. The purpose of this study was to prepare different ointment formulations containing C. erythraea Rafn. extract obtained from the aerial parts of the plant, using various excipients, and to evaluate their in vitro and in vivo efficacy. Methods: The phytochemical profile of C. erythraea extract was characterized using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The lyophilized extract was pre-dissolved in different solubilizing agents-Transcutol® P (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether), Capryol® 90 (propylene glycol monocaprylate), or a combination of both-and then incorporated into five ointment formulations. Texture analysis and an in vitro membrane diffusion study were performed. The antioxidant capacity of the formulations was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total phenolic content (TPC) assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro using tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) production in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, and in vivo using a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Results: LC-MS/MS identified 18 polyphenolic compounds, with hyperoside (3.78 ± 0.05 µg/mL), protocatechuic acid (1.13 ± 0.06 µg/mL), chlorogenic acid (1.07 ± 0.06 µg/mL), and quercetin (0.53 ± 0.03 µg/mL) as the principal constituents. The formulation containing both Transcutol® P and Capryol® 90 exhibited the most pronounced antioxidant activity (65% DPPH inhibition; 69.71 ± 0.83 mg gallic acid equivalent/mL) and significantly reduced IL-1β levels by 45.7% compared to the inflamed control. In vivo, this formulation showed comparable anti-edematous effects to a methylprednisolone ointment. Furthermore, it demonstrated the highest skin permeation efficiency, with a quercetin diffusion coefficient of 35.12 × 10-5 cm2/min. Conclusions: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of C. erythraea extract from aerial parts in topical formulations and underscore the enhancing role of Transcutol® P and Capryol® 90 in improving both the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of bioactive compounds.
Urbanization, one of the most significant global environmental issues of our time, causes significant environmental and structural changes in natural or seminatural habitat patches. These urbanization-related changes trigger significant impact on ecological interactions and functioning. Predation is one of the most important ecological interactions, and urbanization-related changes on predation pressure may have substantial ecological consequences. We studied predation pressure over a full season (from April to October) in rural versus urban forests using the sentinel approach in and around a large city (Debrecen) in the eastern part of the Great Hungarian Lowland. Model caterpillars made of nondrying green plasticine were readily attacked by arthropods, birds and mammals. From attack marks left by potential predators, a relatively high predation pressure was documented: up to 36% of the caterpillars exposed for 24 h showed attack marks. Seasonal differences were also obvious, with predation pressure during summer being significantly higher than in spring or autumn. This trend held for overall attack rates, also for attacks by arthropods and mammals but not birds. Surprisingly, attack rates were often higher in urban than rural habitats, contradicting the general hypothesis that predation pressure is lower in urbanized areas. As attack rates depend on both predator abundance and activity, and general data indicate lower predator abundances in urban habitats, this phenomenon may have been caused by hungrier predators in urban forest fragments or by the predator relaxation/safe habitat hypothesis that argues that a reduced need for vigilance allows more time to search for prey.
The postharvest disease popularly known as gray mold is considered one of the most limiting factors strawberry fruit production. The most effective way to control this disease is still the use of chemical fungicides. However, other alternative sources of control are being explored. Among these, psychrophilic yeasts adapted to extreme conditions, such as those found in the Antarctic region, may have great potential for use as biocontrol agents. Thus, the present study aimed to select psychrotolerant yeasts obtained from Antarctic region and to evaluate their potential for biocontrol under gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea in strawberries stored at low temperature. For this, 20 potential antagonist yeasts were evaluated in vitro (thermotolerance and enzymatic) assays. Debaryomyces hansenii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Dioszegia hungarica were selected for growing in strawberry juice. However, only D. hansenii was selected for in vivo studies and showed a reduction in the incidence of gray mold by 82% for the tests performed on injury and 86% for the tests on non-injured fruits treated by immersion bath. Thus, demonstrating that the selection of this cold-adapted Antarctic yeast can be a promising strategy as a biocontrol agent used to curb the development of gray mold in strawberry fruits.
The parasitoid wasp genus Trichacis Förster is revised for Europe. Examination of historical and modern collections combined with DNA barcoding revealed the presence of only a single species in Europe, Trichacis tristis (Nees, 1834), redescribed here. Fourteen new synonymies are proposed for T. tristis: T. abdominalis Thomson, 1859 syn.nov.; T. bidentiscutum Szabó, 1981 syn.nov.; T. didas (Walker, 1835) syn.nov.; T. fusciala Szabó, 1981 syn.nov.; T. hajduica Szabó, 1981 syn.nov.; T. illusor Kieffer, 1916 syn.nov.; T. nosferatus Buhl, 1997 syn.nov.; T. pisis (Walker, 1835) syn.nov.; T. persicus Asadi & Buhl, 2021 syn.nov.; T. pulchricornis Szelényi, 1953 syn.nov.; T. quadriclava Szabó, 1981 syn.nov.; T. remulus (Walker, 1835) syn.nov.; T. vitreus Buhl, 1997 syn.nov.; T. weiperti Buhl, 2019 syn.nov.. Four species are transferred to Amblyaspis Förster: A. afurcata (Szabó, 1977) comb. nov., A. hungarica (Szabó, 1977), comb. nov., A. pannonica (Szabó, 1977) comb. nov., and A. tatika (Szabó, 1977) comb. nov. Intraspecific variation, biological associations, and taxonomic history are discussed. DNA barcodes are provided and analyzed in the context of worldwide Trichacis and its sister genus Isocybus Förster.
The major groups of antioxidant compounds (isoflavonoids, xanthones, hydroxycinnamic acids) in the rhizome methanol extracts of four Ukrainian Iris sp. (Iris pallida, Iris hungarica, Iris sibirica, and Iris variegata) were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using HPLC-DAD and UPLC-MS/MS. Gallic acid, caffeic acid, mangiferin, tectoridin, irigenin, iristectorigenin B, irisolidone, 5,6-dihydroxy-7,8,3',5'-tetramethoxyisoflavone, irisolidone-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, germanaism B, and nigricin were recognized by comparing their UV/MS spectra, chromatographic retention time (tR) with those of standard reference compounds. I. hungarica and I. variegata showed the highest total amount of phenolic compounds. Germanaism B was the most abundant component in the rhizomes of I. variegata (7.089 ± 0.032 mg/g) and I. hungarica (6.285 ± 0.030 mg/g). The compound analyses showed good calibration curve linearity (r2 > 0.999) and low detection and quantifications limit. These results validated the method for its use in the simultaneous quantitative evaluation of phenolic compounds in the studied Iris sp. I. hungarica and I. variegata rhizomes exhibited antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by the HPLC-ABTS system and NRF2 expression assay and anti-inflammatory activity on respiratory burst in human neutrophils. Moreover, the extracts showed anti-allergic and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Anti-coronavirus 229E and lipid formation activities were also evaluated. In summary, potent antioxidant marker compounds were identified in the examined Iris sp.
Willow bark (Salix spp., Salicaceae) is a traditional analgesic and antirheumatic herbal medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the phytochemical and antioxidant profiles of leaf and bark extracts of six species of the genus Salix obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and to examine the inhibitory potential of target bioactive compounds against two inflammatory mediators, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), through in silico molecular docking. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the extracts was estimated using spectrophotometric methods and the antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavenging assays. Chemical profiling of extracts was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to differentiate the sample extracts based on their phytochemical profiles and amounts of target bioactive compounds. Chemical composition varied among the analyzed willow species and also among the plant organs of the same species. The major bioactive compounds of the extracts were salicin, chlorogenic acid, rutin and epicatechin. The extracts exhibited significant DPPH● and ●OH scavenging activities. Results of molecular docking revealed that chlorogenic acid had the highest binding affinity toward TNF-α and IL-6. UAE extracts represent valuable sources of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
The genus Mcneillia has been recently segregated from Minuartia L. based on molecular results, also supported by morphology. However, to date, a comprehensive study on the phylogenetic relationships within this genus is lacking. In this paper, we provide a multigene phylogeny of all the species and subspecies of Mcneillia employing two nuclear and six chloroplast markers. We documented extensive gene flow between taxa, sometimes separated at specific rank. In addition, Mcneillia as currently circumscribed, is not monophyletic. In fact, Mcneillia graminifolia subsp. brachypetala, strictly endemic to Greece, truly belongs to Minuartiella, a genus otherwise limited to South-West Asia. Moreover, even after removal of this taxon, our results do not support the monophyly of the taxa included in M. graminifolia s.l., the most variable and widespread species of the genus. Further controversial subspecies of Mcneillia graminifolia, i.e., subsp. hungarica and subsp. rosanoi, are shown to deserve taxonomic recognition as separate species, whereas Mc. moraldoi is not distinct at specific rank. In addition, Mc. saxifraga subsp. tmolea is here regarded as a further distinct species. A consistent taxonomic treatment is therefore proposed with six new combinations and nomenclatural notes, providing the necessary typifications.
Diatoms are an integral and often dominant component of the benthic microalgal assemblage in estuarine and shallow coastal environments. Different toxic substances discharged into these ecosystems persist in the water, sediments, and biota for long periods. Among these pernicious agents, the toxicity in diatoms by metal is linked to different steps in the transmembrane and internal movements of the toxicant, causing perturbations in the normal structural and functional cellular components. These changes constitute an early, nontaxonomic warning signal that could potentially serve as an indicator of this type of pollution. The aim of this work was to study the environment-reflecting short-term responses at different levels of organization of epipsammic diatoms from the Río de la Plata estuary, Argentina that had been exposed to hexavalent chromium within experimental microcosms. To this end we monitored: (i) changes in the proportion of the diatoms in relation to other algal groups at the biofilm community level; (ii) shifts in species composition at the diatom-assemblage level; (iii) projected changes in the densities of the most representative species at the population level through comparison of relative growth rates and generation times; and (iv) the cytological changes at the cellular and subcellular levels as indicated by the appearance of teratological effects on individuals and nuclear alterations. The epipsammic biofilms were exposed for 96 h to chromium at a concentration similar to that measured in highly impacted sites along the coast (80 μg L⁻¹). Chromium pollution, at this concentration and short exposure time did not affect the algal biomass and density of these mature biofilms. The biofilm composition, however, did change, as reflected in a decline in cyanophytes and an increment in the proportions of diatoms and chlorophytes; with Hippodonta hungarica, Navicula novaesiberica, Nitzschia palea, and Sellaphora pupula being the most frequent and abundant species. The most notable shifts related to chromium exposure were a decrease in the relative abundance of H. hungarica and a significant increase in the proportion of N. palea. Moreover, the species analyzed in the treatment microcosms showed higher growth rates than in the controls--N. palea grew faster, while H. hungarica replicated more slowly. The total nuclear abnormalities--as recorded in Fallacia pygmaea and N. novaesiberica--were significantly higher in the treatment microcosms; whereas in N. palea, the dominant species in treatment microcosms, neither nuclear alterations nor abnormal frustules were observed.
Elatine is a genus in which, flower and seed characteristics are the most important diagnostic features; i.e. seed shape and the structure of its cover found to be the most reliable identification character. We used a combination of classic discriminant methods by combining with deep learning techniques to analyze seed morphometric data within 28 populations of six Elatine species from 11 countries throughout the Northern Hemisphere to compare the obtained results and then check their taxonomic classification. Our findings indicate that among the discriminant methods, Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA) had the highest percentage of correct matching (mean fit-91.23%); only the deep machine learning method based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was characterized by a higher match (mean fit-93.40%). The QDA method recognized the seeds of E. brochonii and E. orthosperma with 99% accuracy, and the CNN method with 100%. Other taxa, such as E. alsinastrum, E. trianda, E. californica and E. hungarica were matched with an accuracy of at least 95% (CNN). Our results indicate that the CNN obtains remarkably more accurate classifications than classic discriminant methods, and better recognizes the entire taxa pool analyzed. The least recognized species are E. macropoda and E. hexandra (88% and 78% match).