The University of Oxford Botanic Garden: sharing the scientific wonder and importance of plants with the world

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the UK's oldest botanic garden, established as a physic garden in 1621 in which medicinal plants were grown for teaching purposes. Today, the garden holds a collection of over 5000 taxa, some of which have international conservation importance. The collections of Oxford Botanic Garden are discussed with a focus on their historic, conservation and research value, and their potential for engaging people with the importance of plants at a time when it has never been more urgent in the face of global challenges

1003. Orobanche rapum-genistae: Orobanchaceae

The distribution, ecology and taxonomic history of Orobanche rapum-genistae Thuill. are discussed with particular reference to the British Isles and elsewhere in Europe where the plant has retracted markedly within its former range. The variation present within the species is described and the typical form is illustrated. The outlook for this sharply declining species is considered in the broader context of parasitic plant ecology and conservation

1006. ANTHORRHIZA ECHINELLA: An ant‐plant of the Rubiaceae

The rare ant-plant Anthorrhiza echinella C.R.Huxley & Jebb from Papua New Guinea is described and illustrated. The outlook of the species and the importance of ex situ conservation strategies for this and other ant-plants are discussed in the context of botanic garden collections. Based on the plant's likely current distribution, we have assessed the species under the IUCN Red List as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(iii) + 2ab(iii)

1002. Cistanche deserticola: Orobanchaceae

Cistanche deserticola Ma is illustrated and described. This species is native to China where it has long been valued and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is now cultivated extensively for trade. The species is confused easily with closely related species such as Cistanche salsa (C.A. Mey.) Beck. Bract and vascular bundle morphology, and habit, have been used traditionally to discriminate these taxa, which we discuss. Cistanche deserticola and its relatives may have significant global potential as ancillary crops that could be grown with shelter forests planted to halt land degradation

Most of the world's largest flowers (genus Rafflesia) are now on the brink of extinction

Societal Impact Statement Rafflesia is the genus that contains the world's largest flowers. Despite their global appeal, most of the 42 known species are now at risk of extinction. Urgent action is needed to protect these remarkable flowers. A combined approach to conservation is recommended, including a greater level of habitat protection and support for local community action groups. Rafflesia is a suitable new icon for conservation in the Asian tropics. Summary The genus Rafflesia, which includes the world's largest flowers, has aroused curiosity among scientists for centuries and features prominently in local culture across Southeast Asia. The plant has long been used in ethnobotanical medicine and, more recently, as a source of revenue from ecotourism. But despite its acclaim, Rafflesia remains poorly understood in many respects. Taxonomy is disputed, new species are described each year, and the plant has proven recalcitrant to cultivation. This has hindered conservation, and most of the 42 known species are now severely threatened, yet only one is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We estimate that 60% of Rafflesia species face a severe risk of extinction (equivalent to Critically Endangered [CR]). Moreover, we predict that at least 67% of known habitats fall outside protected areas, exacerbating their vulnerability. Alarmingly, recent observations suggest taxa are still being eradicated before they are even known to science. We present recent scientific discoveries and probable extinctions and highlight case studies of conservation success, with a focus on the role of local people. We propose a multi-pronged conservation approach combining strengthened taxonomy, ex situ propagation, ecotourism, and an extension of protected areas. We suggest action devolved to local communities and awareness campaigns linked to social media networks will be crucial outside of protected jurisdictions. Finally, we propose to establish Rafflesia as a new icon for plant conservation in the Asian tropics. A combined approach might just save some of the world's most remarkable flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost

Dementia and Physical Activity (DAPA) - an exercise intervention to improve cognition in people with mild to moderate dementia: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Dementia is more common in older than in younger people, and as a result of the ageing of the population in developed countries, it is becoming more prevalent. Drug treatments for dementia are limited, and the main support offered to people with dementia and their families is generally services to mitigate against loss of function. Physical exercise is a candidate non-pharmacological treatment for dementia. Methods/Design: DAPA is a randomised controlled trial funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme to estimate the effect of a 4-month, moderate- to hard-intensity exercise training programme and subsequent advice to remain active, on cognition (primary outcome) at 12 months in people with mild to moderate dementia. Community-dwelling participants (with their carers where possible), who are able to walk 3 metres without human assistance, able to undertake an exercise programme and do not have any unstable or terminal illness are recruited. Participants are then randomised by an independent statistician using a computerised random number generator to usual care or exercise at a 2:1 ratio in favour of exercise. The exercise intervention comprises 29, 1-hour-long exercise classes, run twice weekly at suitable venues such as leisure centres, which include aerobic exercise (on static bikes) and resistance exercise (using weights). Goals for independent exercise are set while the classes are still running, and supported thereafter with phone calls. The primary outcome is measured using ADAS-cog. Secondary outcome measures include behavioural symptoms, functional ability, quality of life and carer burden. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 months after randomisation, by researchers masked to participant randomisation in the participants' own homes. An economic evaluation will be carried out in parallel to the RCT, as will a qualitative study capturing the experiences of participants, carers and staff delivering the intervention. Discussion: The DAPA study will be the first large, randomised trial of the cognitive effects of exercise on people with dementia. The intervention is designed to be capable of being delivered within the constraints of NHS service provision, and the economic evaluation will allow assessment of its cost-effectiveness. Trial registration: DAPA was registered with the ISRCTN database on 29 July 2011, registration number ISRCTN32612072. © 2016 Atherton et al

Retrospective evaluation of whole exome and genome mutation calls in 746 cancer samples

Funder: NCI U24CA211006Abstract: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) curated consensus somatic mutation calls using whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS), respectively. Here, as part of the ICGC/TCGA Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) Consortium, which aggregated whole genome sequencing data from 2,658 cancers across 38 tumour types, we compare WES and WGS side-by-side from 746 TCGA samples, finding that ~80% of mutations overlap in covered exonic regions. We estimate that low variant allele fraction (VAF < 15%) and clonal heterogeneity contribute up to 68% of private WGS mutations and 71% of private WES mutations. We observe that ~30% of private WGS mutations trace to mutations identified by a single variant caller in WES consensus efforts. WGS captures both ~50% more variation in exonic regions and un-observed mutations in loci with variable GC-content. Together, our analysis highlights technological divergences between two reproducible somatic variant detection efforts

Convergent and divergent evolution in carnivorous pitcher plant traps

Contents Summary The pitcher trap is a striking example of convergent evolution across unrelated carnivorous plant lineages. Convergent traits that have evolved across pitcher plant lineages are essential for trap function, suggesting that key selective pressures are in action. Recent studies have also revealed patterns of divergent evolution in functional pitcher morphology within genera. Adaptations to differences in local prey assemblages may drive such divergence and, ultimately, speciation. Here, we review recent research on convergent and divergent evolution in pitcher plant traps, with a focus on the genus Nepenthes, which we propose as a new model for research into adaptive radiation and speciation

Neotypification of Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight ex Hook.f.: a name applied to a widely distributed, polyphyletic group of plants

The name Cistanche tubulosa s.l. is used from Africa and the Middle East to South and Central Asia and China, however this name is applied to plants that have been shown to comprise a polyphyletic group. Maintaining the use of this species name across distinct lineages is untenable, but inclusion of a type specimen in further analyses is needed to correctly apply names to revised taxa and to evaluate the recent decision to place the name in synonymy under the name C. tinctoria (Forssk.) Beck. Therefore, we proposed a neotype for Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight ex Hook.f. We contextualise the relevant taxonomy with a broader discussion on taxonomic challenges in the genus Cistanche in which several species are traded for herbal medicine, rare, or are of conservation concern