The monophyletic exindusiate Andean Polystichum lineage diverged from a Mexican lineage in the middle Miocene and diversified in the central Andes before dispersing northward. This south-to-north dispersal pattern, documented for many other Andean lineages, corresponds with episodes of uplift in the tropical Andes.

Wide applications of cannabidiol (CBD) in the food and pharmaceutical industries are limited due to its low bioavailability, sensitivity to environmental pressures and low water solubility. Zein nanoparticles were stabilized by whey protein (WP) for the delivery of cannabidiol (CBD) using a modified anti-solvent approach. Particle size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency, and re-dispersibility of nanoparticles were influenced by the zein to WP ratio. Under optimized conditions at 1:4, zein–WP nanoparticles were fabricated with CBD (200 μg/mL) and further characterized. WP absorbed on zein surface via hydrogen bond, hydrophobic forces, and electrostatic attraction. The zein–WP nanoparticles showed excellent storage stability (4 °C, dark) and effectively protected CBD degradation against heat and UV light. In vivo pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that CBD in zein–WP nanoparticles displayed 2-times and 1.75-fold enhancement in maximum concentration (C max) and the area under curve (AUC) as compared to free-form CBD. The data indicated the feasibility of developing zein–WP based nanoparticles for the encapsulation, protection, and delivery of CBD.

insights into the species biology and taxonomy of this long-misunderstood taxon. MethodsTaxon sampling-Out sample consists of 17 Polystichum accessions from across the northern and central Andean region, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. We sampled all taxa shown to have close evolutionary relationships to P. montevidense in the phylogeny of McHenry (2012). Also included are three accessions from the senior author's dense sampling of the Serra do Mar region, and one accession of P. montevidense from the tropical Andes, one from Argentina, and one from Uruguay, to adequately represent the morphological diversity of the group across its range. We excluded accessions that showed signs of hybridity (intermediate morphology and misshapen spores). Voucher data for all of our collections are listed in the Appendix.DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing-Total genomic DNA was extracted from fresh (O.lg) or silica-dried (0.02g) material. Leaf material collected in the field was preserved fresh at 4°C or in silica desiccant gel and stored at -80°C until extraction. Total genomic DNA was extracted from pinnules following a modified CTAB protocol (Doyle and Doyle, 1987). Four plastid DNA regions were amplified using by PGR: two genes [rps4 and rbcL] and two intergenic spacers (the region between trnL and trnF [trnLF] and the region between trnS and rps4 {trnS-rps4]). Primers for amplification and sequencing were taken from the literature: rbcL (Little and Barrington, 2003), rps4 (Shaw et ah, 2005, trnLF (Taberlet et al, 1991), and trnS-rps4 (Souza-Chies et al., 1997). PGR amplification was performed in a TG-312 or TG-3000 thermal cycler (Techne, Burlington, New Jersey, USA) following protocols in McKeown et al. (2012). PGR products were cleaned using ExoSAP-IT (USB Gorporation, Gleveland, OH, USA). Sequencing of the cleaned PGR products employed a cycle-sequence reaction using the BigDye Terminator Gycle Sequence Ready Reaction Kit v. 3.1 (Perkin-Elmer/ Applied Biosystems, Foster Gity, GA, USA). Sequences were resolved on an ABI Prism 3100-Avant Genetic

For over a century the relationships of the rare fern genus Adenoderris J. Sm. have been confused. Here, we (1) present a molecular analysis of the genus based on multiple chloroplast markers with the goal of placing its species phylogenetically, (2) provide insights into its morphology and complex taxonomy, and (3) make relevant nomenclatural changes. In seeking a resolution of the problems with Adenoderris, we investigated the morphological, historical, ecological, and biogeographical factors that have made Adenoderris so difficult to place with certainty. The key findings are that (1) Adenoderris comprises two species that were included in the genus on the basis of convergent and symplesiomorphic morphological features, and (2) though the two species both lie in the Dryopteridaceae, they belong to different genera. The correct names for these two species are Polystichum glandulosum C. Presl and Dryopteris sororia (Maxon) M. McHenry, Sundue & Barrington, comb. nov.

Polystichum Roth is one of the largest and most taxonomically challenging fern genera. South American species have a rich and complex nomenclatural history; many of the early names are inadequately typified. Based on extensive examination of original type material, we designate eleven lectotypes (including Aspidium mohrioides, Aspidium montevidense f. imbricata, Aspidium montevidense f. squamulosa, Aspidium plicatum, Aspidium pycnolepis, Dicksonia andina, Polystichum elegans, Polystichum mohrioides f. latifolia, Polystichum multifidum var. autranii, Polystichum platyphyllum var. kurtziana, and Polypodium polystichoides), and one neotype (Polystichum brongniartianum) for Polystichum taxa. Furthermore, three new synonyms are proposed.