Showing 56 results for Mic
Seyedeh Mahdieh Sadadt, Zahra Hajihassan, Mohammad Barshan-Tashnizi, Mehri Abdi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic factor that is functional in the survival, maintenance and differentiation of nervous system cells. This protein has three subunits, of which the beta subunit has the main activity. Its structure consists of a cysteine knot motif made up of beta strands linked by disulfide bonds. It can be used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of many diseases. As NGF extracted from natural sources is unsuitable for therapeutic goals, many studies have attempted to produce recombinant β-NGF. In this study, Trigger Factor (TF) chaperone was expressed simultaneously with β-NGF in E. coli in order to obtain increased yield of soluble recombinant human β-NGF. For this purpose, pET39b (+)::β-NGF and chaperone plasmid pTf16 were transferred to E.coli (DE3 strain). After the induction of each promoter, the total proteins and periplasmic proteins were extracted. To confirm the effects of TF on total protein and soluble β-NGF expression level, Bradford and Dot blot techniques and ImageJ software were used. Then, β-NGF was purified using affinity chromatography column (Ni+2-NTA). Also, the PC12 cells were treated with the protein for one week in order to study the function of purified NGF. Our data indicated that co-expression of TF could increase the soluble and periplasmic production of β-NGF but not total proteins. Also, the treatment of PC12 cell line with purified β-NGF, co-expressed with TF chaperone, showed differentiation of these cells to nerve cells. This indicated that the purified NGF is fully functional. Our data suggest that the co-expression of cytoplasmic chaperone (TF) with recombinant nerve growth factor might be an efficient approach to produce a proper quantity of soluble and active rhNGF.
Farideh Attar, Valiollah Mozaffarian, Mansour Mirtadzadini,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Cousinia elymaitica, which has been collected from western Iran, is described in this paper as a new species. This new species has been assigned to the sect. Pugioniferae on the basis of its habit, purple corolla and decurrent leaves. Its closest related species is C. macroptera. A distribution map and an illustration of the related specimens have also been provided.
Fateme Sadeghipour, Navaz Kharazian, Saeid Afsharzadeh,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
The Palang Galoun protected region, comprising 34935 hectares, is located 75 km northwest of Najaf Abad, and 102 km northwest of Isfahan city. The aim of this research was to assess the floristic spectrum, life form varieties, chorological analysis, determination of protected status and identification of medicinal, threatened species criteria and poisonous plants of this natural heritage. Plant samples were collected during different vegetative seasons at several stages. Life forms of samples were determined and chorological analysis was performed. On the basis of the obtained results, a total of 166 species belonging to 126 genera and 39 families were identified. Six families, 23 genera and 26 species belonged to monocotyledons, whereas 33 families, 103 genera and 140 species belonged to dicotyledons. In terms of chorological analysis, 58% of plant species were distributed in the Irano-Turanian region. It is noteworthy that 44 endemic species, 97 medicinal species, 48 pasture species and 23 poisonous species were present in the studied area. Life forms were found to comprise 54% hemicryptophytes, 24% therophytes, 10% geophytes, 7% chamaephytes and 5% phanerophytes. Based on IUCN red list categories and criteria, there were 22 species in the lower risk category and seven species categorized as vulnerable case.
Firouzeh Bordbar, Mansour Mirtadzadini,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the chromosome numbers of some endemic species distributed in East and South-East Iran. The mitotic chromosome counts were presented for the first time for six species in three angiosperm families including: Linaria iranica (2n=12), Nanorrhinum campyloceras (2n=18), Chaenorhinum grossecostatum (2n=24) (Plantaginaceae), Gaillonia bruguieri (Rubiaceae) (2n=22), Nepeta rivularis and N. assurgens (Lamiaceae) (2n=18).
Azra Saboora, Maryam Amiri Rad, Ezat Asgarani, Tayebeh Radjabian,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
DNA extraction from plant tissues often causes most problems. For example, unsuccessful removal secondary metabolites during extraction, such as phenolic compounds in aromatic and medicinal plants, cause to some mistakes in result of molecular experiments by using of the extracted DNA. Achillea wilhelmsii is a medicinal plant belong to Asteraceae family and native to Iran, there is little information about genomic data in this plant. Therefore, optimizing of the DNA extraction methods for obtaining suitable quality and quantity yield is necessary. In this study, two traditional DNA extraction methods (using fresh and herbarium leaf samples) and commercial DNA kit MAGNANTM in Yarrow have been compared. Results showed that DNA extracted from fresh leaves of yarrow according to Khanuja et al. (1999) was better than the other methods which mentioned in this research, because of the increased amount of extracted DNA and reduced harmful compounds such as RNA, polysaccharides, protein and secondary metabolites. To evaluate the quality of extracted DNA from herbarium specimens showed that, in spite of the high yielding DNA (10-50 fold ratio to the other methods), quality of this extract was low on agarose gel because of smear and broken down the molecules. It can be considered as a limitation of the extract in molecular experiments. Procedure of MAGNANTM DNA kit was appropriate for reducing time and cost of the extraction as well as low contamination to protein and RNA, but the process needs some modifications for yarrow to increase the amount of extracted DNA.
Mitra Mohammadi Bazargani,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Epilobium minutiflorum belongs to the genus Epilobium with important medicinal properties. In this study, the natural variation of phytochemical compounds of E. minutiflorum at different altitudes has been investigated. Aerial parts of plants were collected at flowering stage from natural habitats at different altitudes of 2387, 2569 and 2813 masl. The plant extracts were obtained with 80% methanol and several phytochemical properties were measured. The properties included the total flavonoid content (TFL), total phenol (TPH), antioxidant capacity (AOX) and anthocyanin content (ACY) measured by the AlCl3, the Folin-Ciocalteu, the Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the differential PH methods, respectively. In addition, phytochemical components were identified by the GC/MS method. The results of photometric analysis indicated that the population of Shemshak, located at the highest altitude showed the highest content of TFL, TPH and AOX with 30.39 mg/gr DW, 938.91 mg/gr DW and 77.77 mM/gr DW, respectively. The TFL, TPH and AOX values showed a positive correlation with altitude. The results of GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of 41 compounds in E. minutiflorum, which were separated into flavonoids, phenolic acid and its derivatives, steroids and terpenes groups. Shemshak population showed the highest value in all identified compounds. A positive correlation was also observed between altitude and 30 compounds identified by the GC/MS method including mainly flavonoids and phenolics. The results of this study indicated that environmental factors at higher altitudes may influence the elevation of the flavenols and phenol content in E. minutiflorum. The identification of these influential factors on phytochemical content at higher altitudes requires further studies.
Maneezheh Pakravan, Sahar Moradpoor, Azizollah Jafari,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Vegetation is one of the most important parts of natural ecosystems that in addition to express of the growth conditions, it also shows the influence of ecological factors on the environmental condition. Investigations of plant diversity of a country are necessary for studyingthe ecosystem, pasture, plant gene bank, agriculture and medicine. On the one hand, identification of plant species of different regions provide feasibility of doing of next studies in the different fields of biological science. In this research the flora of Tang sorkh region in the Kohgiloyeh county from Kohgiloyeh-va boyerahmad province has been investigated. The area of mentioned region is 5000 hectares and it is located in 30 kilometers from the east of Yasuj. Maximum altitude of the area was between 1800-2800 m. Our research has started by collecting the essential information of the region. The plants of region have been collected and prepared for studying. several floras were used for identification the specimens and they are preserved in Alzahra University herbarium (ALUH). This investigation showed that in the Tang sorkh region, there are 46 families, 145genera, 172 species that include 6/97% of phanerophytes, 5/23% chamephyts, 43/60%hemicryptophytes, 13/95% geophytes, 28/48% therophytes. Analyses shows that most of species of region belongs to the Iran-o-Turanian region which contanins 5/69% of region’s flora. 23 species are endemic to Iran, 20 of which are rare species, 30 species are medicinal plant, 22 of which are poison. Totaly about 172 species has identified. 20 species are recorded for the first time from this province.
Neshat Saffarzadeh, Hamid Moghimi,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Impranil DLN is a class of plastics belonging to the polyurethane family with high application in textile industries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of native strain to degrade impranil DLN. In this study, yeast strains were isolated from different areas and purified in minimal medium containing 1% impranil. Isolate NS-10 was selected as the superior strain capable of degrading impranil and identified through PCR and ITS gene. Esterase, urease and protease assays were carried out for the superior strain. Finally, the biodegradation of impranil was investigated. In total, 40 yeast strains were isolated and isolate NS-10 was selected as a superior strain based on impranil removal assay. NS-10 strain was identified as Sarocladium kiliense with 100% homology. Enzymatic assays showed that the S.kiliense could produce esterase, urease and protease. In addition, it could produce significant clear zones on impranil plates. Degradation rate for impranil was 100% for 10 g/l within 14 days. Finally, S.kiliense was taken to medium containing pure polyurethane film and the capacity of degradation was investigated by the scanning electron microscopy. Our results indicated that S.kiliense is capable of degrading impranil. These results could contribute to a better insight into the mechanism of plastic biodegradation.
Solmaz Khosravi, Parisa Koobaz, Davood Naderi, Narges Mojtahedi, Akram Sadeghi,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
The availability of iron for roots has been demonstrated as a critical factor in plant production. The addition of synthetic iron chelates to soil is a common practice in agriculture, which is not economically beneficial. Besides, chemical iron fertilizers cause many problems such as food contamination and environmental pollution. Development of natural Ferrioxamine B as an efficient and safe iron source may be the best strategy to overcome plant iron deficiency and prevention of synthetic agent pollution. The present study investigates the ability of a hydroxamate type siderophores (Ferrioxamine B) as a substitute Fe source during tissue culture of chickpea plants. For this purpose, embryo axes from chickpea seeds were surface sterilized and cultured in 1/2MS and MS culture media including 3% sucrose and 0.8% agar with Ferrioxamine B or Fe–EDTA. The root and shoot length, shoot and root dry weight, total fresh and dry weight, as well as chlorophylls a and b were analysed. Results indicated that Ferrioxamine B did not increase chlorophylls a and b in comparison with Fe-EDTA. However, rooting (22%), total dry weight (38%) and root (75%) and shoot (22%) dry weight significantly (p≤0.05) increased in MS containing Ferrioxamine B in comparison with Fe-EDTA. Consequently, Ferrioxamine B is introduced as a cost-effective and applicable Fe source to favour iron deficiency in vitro.
Somayeh Farahmand, Faezeh Fatemi, Reza Hajihosseini,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
In Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, the proteins present in the electron transfer pathway cause ferrous iron oxidation which leads to uranium extraction. The relationship between gene sequence and uranium extraction has not been investigated yet. Based on the changes in uranium extraction, the changes of rus gene sequence can reveal the direct and accurate role of this protein. For this purpose, a random mutation was induced in native Acidithiobacillus sp. FJ2 by two doses of 0.8% and 1% of DES. Then, the bacteria was transferred into a medium which contained 50% uranium ore to carry out the bioleaching process. After measuring the amount of the extracted uranium, iron, Eh and pH, genomic DNA was extracted to investigate the rusticyanin gene (rus) sequence sent for sequencing after performing PCR. Then, the wild-type gene sequence was compared with the mutant by Bioedit v7.2.5 software. The results showed that uranium extraction increased by mutant bacteria with DES 1% between 7-11 days in comparison with wild bacteria. However, there has been no change in the functional areas of the rusticyanin gene. It seems that DES affected other effective genes in the electron transport chain or regulatory areas, which required further studies.
َabolfazl Baghbani-Arani, Seyed Ali Mohammad Modarres-Sanavi, Masoud Mashhadi Akbar Boojar, Zohrab Adavi, Hamid Dehghanzade-Jezi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (8-2019)
Abstract
In order to determine the effects of water deficit stress, nitrogen fertilization and zeolite on chlorophyll fluorescence, pigments, trigonelline content and seed yield in, a split factorial experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Five irrigation regimes were randomly applied to the main plots. Subplots included six treatments and consisted of a factorial combination of three nitrogen fertilization (untreated plots, vermicompost at a rate of 2.7 ton ha-1 and nitrogen chemical fertilizer at a rate of 11 kg.ha-1) and two zeolite rates (0 and 9 ton.ha-1). The results demonstrated that (Fm), (Fv), (Fv/Fm), chl a, b, total chl content and also seed yield were significantly reduced by water deficit stress, wheras minimum fluorescence (F0), carotenoid and trigonelline concentrations were increased. In addition, the highest Fv/Fm, chl a+b content and the lowest F0 and carotenoids were observed when irrigation was done after unloading 40% of ASW. In most treatments vermicompost increased the yield (by 25.51% and 98.32% in 2014 and 2015, respectively) and grain trigonelline concentration (7.46% in 2014) in Fenugreek. Mild water stress with vermicompost treatment is recommended for the production of trigoneline from Fenugreek seeds.
Ebrahim H. Najdegerami, Peter Bossier,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (8-2019)
Abstract
Community Level Physiological Profiles (CLPP) is novel method to evaluate microbial activity and diversity in ecosystems. According to the previous findings, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) as a bio-control product, increases bacterial diversity in some aquatic animals. In this study, the effects of four experimental diets (control, combination of two PHB degrading bacteria, 2% PHB, bacteria+ 2% PHB) on the anaerobic activity of cultivable bacteria in Siberian sturgeon fingerlings hindgut was investigated. Community level physiological profile (CLPP) was used to analyze anaerobic metabolism by using Biolog™ Ecoplate microplates. The results indicated that anaerobic metabolic potential of the bacterial community was different in the 2% PHB-treated fishes as compared with other groups and PHB improved anaerobic metabolism of bacteria in fingerlings. Also anaerobic metabolism of bacteria was calculated on the different carbon sources (amino acids, carboxylic acids, carbohydrates and polymers) in Ecoplate microplates and the results showed that fish treated with PHB had the highest metabolic activity in mentioned carbon sources. The results of this research revealed that replacing of the diets with 2% PHB increases anaerobic metabolism of culturable bacteria in Siberian sturgeon hindgut while adding PHB degrading bacteria did not change this parameter in fingerlings.
Zahra Salari, Maryam Malekloo,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (8-2019)
Abstract
In this research, the antimicrobial effects of ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from aerial parts, leaves and bulbs of six species of Fessia were investigated on the growth of some of micro-organisms, including Staphyloccocus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, Kelebsiella pneumonia and Candida albicans. Plant samples were collected from natural habitats and were then identified. The evaluation diameter of inhibitory zone, well and MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) methods were used for the assessment. Aqueous and methanolic extracts obtained from the leaves and bulbs did not affect any of the studied micro-organisms. The results showed that ethanolic extract of the species Fessia khorassanica, had stronger inhibitory effect on the Candida albicans in comparison with the control group.
Moazameh Kordjazi, Seyed Hojat Mirsadeghi, Omid Asadi Farsani,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (8-2019)
Abstract
Nowadays, brown macroalgae are considered to be a source of various nutritional and pharmaceutical compounds. In addition, fish roe is very susceptible to spoilage due to its high amount of protein and unsaturated fatty acids. In order to postpone the deterioration of roe-related products, salt and preservatives are utilized. Natural preservatives are recommended because of the adverse effects of chemical additives. Thus, different concentrations of pure alginate (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%) were chose and then the 0.2% alginate was selected on the basis of the sensory evaluation of the results. Moreover, the treatments including control (salt-alginate-free), A1 (containing 2.5% salt) A2 (containing 0.2% alginate), A3 (containing 2.5% salt and 0.2% alginate) were used to investigate their preservative effects on fish roe. The quality of rainbow trout roe was assessed within 0, 15, 30, 45 days at refrigerated storage. The treatment A3 showed significant differences in microbial, chemical and sensory results compared with other treatments (p≤0.05). According to the results, salting 2.5% and alginate 0.2% method gave good flavor and increased shelf life to the roe.
Soudeh Siadati, Shahryar Saeidi Mehrvarz, Yasaman Salmaki,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2019)
Abstract
Nutlets of 20 taxa of the tribe Marrubieae were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and detailed descriptions of nutlet micromorphological features for all examined taxa are provided. The nutlets exhibited variation in size, shape, color and surface sculpturing. The nutlets shape of most species studied is ovate, but rounded, broad ovate, elliptic, lanceolate, triangular and oblong can also be found in a few species. Six basic types of the sculpturing pattern of nutlet surface can be distinguished: reticulate, foveolate, scalariform, ruminate, pusticulate and colliculate-granulate. The most common type of nutlet sculpturing among the studied species is reticulate, but the variation in size and shape of their composing cells provided useful diagnostic characters. Our investigation revealed that the type of sculpturing was more useful in taxon delimitation among Marrubium species and allies at the species rank.
Maryam Masoudizadeh, Parzhak Zoufan, Saadat Rastegarzadeh,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (1-2020)
Abstract
The cement production activities leads to the release of different pollutants into the environment. This research was conducted to study the effects of dust particles released by Behbahan cement factory on the absorption of some nutrient elements and biochemical parameters in dominant herbaceous species grown in this area, including Bromus tectorum, Malva neglecta and Sinapis arvensis. Plant samples were transferred to the laboratory. Then, the concentrations of some nutrient elements, such as Fe, Cu, Zn, K, Mn, P and N, were assayed in plant and soil samples. Moreover, some biochemical parameters, such as photosynthetic pigments, total protein, soluble carbohydrates, proline, relative water content, leaf pH total ascorbate and air pollution tolerance indexes (APTI), were evaluated. Based on these results, it is supposed that three plant species are tolerant to air pollution with an APTI higher than 16. In addition, it seems that the dust released by the cement factory has not led to a toxic accumulation of the elements in the studied plants. The deficiency of Mn and P was determined for three plant species. On the basis of biochemical analysis, it is supposed that these plant species possibly use different strategies to tolerate the pollutants in this area.
Sogol Tavanaeian, Javad Hamedi, Setareh Haghighat,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (4-2020)
Abstract
Exopolymers (EPS) are high-molecular-weight polymers secreted by some micro-organisms and have several applications in food, pharmaceutical, packaging and agricultural industries, as well as medicine. Actinobacteria are valuable bacteria in biotechnology and many commercial drugs such as antibiotics, antioxidants and immune-suppressant agents are derived from Actinobacteria. Recently, their other capabilities such as exopolymer production have been taken into consideration. Due to the high potential of actinobacteria in producing various compounds and increased prevalence of infections by antibiotic-resistant pathogens, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of isolated Actinobacteria from various locations of Iran to produce EPS with antimicrobial activity. Appropriate dilutions of the samples were, therefore, cultured in ISP2 medium after treatment. The isolates were primarily identified by morphological tests. Then, their ability to produce EPS was investigated in BHI medium with 5% sucrose. The exopolymers of the most efficient strain were analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy and FT-IR. Finally, the most efficient isolate was molecularly identified. Of the 120 isolates, 38 were able to produce EPS, and six had significant capability of producing EPS (10-14 g/L) and showed antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger. The EPS of the strain So49 had high absorbance in 190-230 nm, but did not have absorbance in 260-280 nm. Therefore, it does not have any protein impurity. The EPS has hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups, according to FT-IR analysis. 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that the most efficient isolate had 99.68% similarity to Promicromonospora xylanilytica.
Vahide Payamenoor, Akram Hasani Satehi, Sadegh Atashi, Abbas Rezaii Asl,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (4-2020)
Abstract
The present study aimed to increase the seed germination and the initial performance of pistachio seeds by investigating the effects of the magnetic field and osmopriming treatments simultaneously. 10 treatment levels of 10, 20 and 30 mT for 5, 15, 25 minutes and 1 control treatment (without exposure to a magnetic field) were performed in three replicates and the best level of magnetic surface was selected. The results showed that seeds subjected to the magnetic field showed an increase in plumule length, radicle length, total length of seedlings, fresh and dry weight of plumule as well as radicle and germination speed compared with the control treatment. However, there was no significant difference in the germination percentage and uniformity of seeds. Magnetized seeds, with the superior selective treatment (10 mT for 15 minutes), were primed with solutions of potassium nitrate, humic acid and salicylic acid at levels of 10, 25 and 40 mM and a control level (the best level of magnetism) in three replicates. The best result was obtained from humic acid (25 mM). With regard to the low cost of the purchase or construction of magnetic devices and their positive effects, their application could be recommended (10 mT for 15 minutes) combined with the humic acid (25 mM)) so that the quality of pistachio seedlings production would be increased.
Maryam Haddadi, Gholam Reza Ghezelbash,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (4-2020)
Abstract
Urease-producing bacteria can precipitate calcite nano-crystals by producing urease in the presence of urea and calcium. Calcite precipitation resulting from microbial activity is a process which causes cementation of soil particles in nature. The purpose of this study was to isolate urease-producing halophilic bacteria in order to precipitate calcite in saline soil. Natural samples, including soil and saline waters, were selected for this purpose. At First, halophilic bacteria were isolated by salt-containing TSB medium. Then, a selective medium containing phenol red and urea facilitated the isolation of urease-producing bacteria. Hydrolysis of urea by urease causes alkalization of the medium and the formation of pink halo around colonies. Finally, the best isolate was selected for further study by measuring the release of ammonium by the Nessler method. The ability or inability of isolates to produce calcite was investigated by culturing the isolates on sedimentary medium with different salt concentrations for 10 days. In total, 110 halophilic isolates were isolated, among which 58 isolates had the ability of urease production. The microscopic studies of colonies showed that only 6 isolates were able to produce crystals on precipitation medium. Isolate 6 was selected for further study and then analyzed by X-ray diffraction crystals on precipitation medium. Isolate 6 was selected for further study and then analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector. Studies of urease activity showed that this strain released 20.86 mM ammonium after 18 hours. This bacterium was identified by biochemical and molecular analyses and the comparison of its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed 99.92% similarity with the similar gene sequence in Staphylococcus xylosus and then this sequence was submitted in NCBI database with the accession number MG655155. This isolate was able to produce calcite in free salt medium, with salinity up to 10%. Nowadays, many efforts have been made to produce environmental-friendly cements, and therefore, the use of urease-producing halophilic bacteria is an appropriate candidate for bio-cementing in saline environments.
Sepideh Piroozi, Farideh Attar, Mohsen Falahati–anbaran, Kazem Mehdigholi,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (4-2020)
Abstract
Pterocephalus (Caprifoliaceae) consists of 30 species worldwide, mainly distributed in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, of which 14 species were reported from Iran, including five endemic ones. In this study, 35 leaf-related traits and 30 peduncle-related traits were investigated by light microscopy of 15 samples from 11 Iranian species of Ptreocephalus. Our results showed that there were two types of midrib, six types of leaf indumentum and five types of peduncle indumentum. Crystalized calcium oxalate was observed in the leaves and peduncles of most species except in P. plumosus and P. brevis. The profiles of the peduncles were hexagonal, circular or elliptical. The vascular cylinder shape varied from circular to sinuate form. P. wendelboi, with a very different morphology as compared with other species, also exhibited different anatomical characters. The hexagonal sections of peduncle in P. ghahremanii and P. kurdicus and two samples of P. szovitsii were found to be very similar. However, the mentioned characters were found to be less informative or charachterisation of other species. In conclusion, the results showed that the anatomical characters of the leaves and peduncles might have some taxonomic importance in the identification of some species of the genus Pterocephalus.
