Joanna Maria Jasińska, Klaudia Michalska, Joanna Tkaczewska
et al.
Novel double-layer films based on furcellaran (FUR) and gelatin (GEL) with the addition of <i>Phytolacca americana</i> L. (PA) extract were used as active packaging for African catfish fillets. Films with PA extract have been shown to minimize the catfish spoilage effects, expressed as odor reduction compared to control samples; however, neither the films nor the PA extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against tested groups of microorganisms (fungi, lactic acid bacteria, <i>Enterobacterales</i> and psychrotrops) or specified microorganisms (<i>E. coli</i>, <i>S. aureus</i>, <i>S. cerevisiae</i>). The tested films demonstrated antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and Folin–Ciocâlteu methods. Cytotoxicity analysis showed that the PA extract affected tested cell lines (PNT2—prostate epithelial cells, HepG2—human liver cells, HaCaT—normal human keratinocytes and Nty-hori 3-1) only to a small extent—the calculated IC<sub>50</sub> values exceeded the maximal tested concentration of 500 µg/mL.
A field experiment was carried out in the research farm of the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidhyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India during Kharif season of 2021-22. The experiment was performed with nine treatments comprised by Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, EM and their consortia with FUI and UFUI (absolute control) in randomized block design. The soybean crop was grown in the field along with recommended package of practices. The result showed that the yield of soybean was 43% higher (2351 kg ha -1) than control FUI and better uptake of N (145 kg ha-1 by seed and 125.6 kg ha-1 by straw), P (7.9 kg ha-1 by seed and 14.9 kg ha-1 by straw) and K (42.3 kg ha-1 by seed and 65.0 kg ha-1 by straw) by soybean were found due to inoculation of microbial consortia of Rhizobium, Pseudomonas and EM culture. The Physico-chemical properties (pH, EC and OC), availability of nutrients (NPK with vales of 288, 29 and 335 kg ha-1 respectively), enzymatic activities (Acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenase activities with values of 42.2, 69. 8 µg PNG h-1 g-1 of soil and 12.9 μg TPF hr-1 g-1 of soil, respectively) and microbial population (Rhizobium by 35.1×106, total bacteria by 39.3×107, fungi by 41.9×104 and actinomycetes by 38.7×103 cfu g-1 soil) in soil also improved with the same treatment as compared to FUI. It is strongly recommended that the inoculation of microbial consortia improved the soil health and soybean production too instead of single inoculation by modulating microbial population which improves the soil health by nutrient fixation, solubilization and mobilization and plant growth promotion.
Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Angela Spoiala, Cristina Chircov
et al.
The gut microbiota dysbiosis that often occurs in cancer therapy requires more efficient treatment options to be developed. In this concern, the present research approach is to develop drug delivery systems based on magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) as nanocarriers for bioactive compounds. First, MNPs were synthesized through the spraying-assisted coprecipitation method, followed by loading bee pollen or bee bread extracts and an antitumoral drug (5-fluorouracil/5-FU). The loaded-MNPs were morphologically and structurally characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and thermogravimetric analysis. UV-Vis spectroscopy was applied to establish the release profiles and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antitumoral activity of loaded-MNPs was assessed. The results demonstrate that MNPs with antioxidant, antibacterial, antiproliferative, and prebiotic properties are obtained. Moreover, the data highlight the improvement of 5-FU antibacterial activity by loading on the MNPs’ surface and the synergistic effects between the anticancer drug and phenolic compounds (PCs). In addition, the prolonged release behavior of PCs for many hours (70–75 h) after the release of 5-FU from the developed nanocarriers is an advantage, at least from the point of view of the antioxidant activity of PCs. Considering the enhancement of <i>L. rhamnosus</i> MF9 growth and antitumoral activity, this study developed promising drug delivery alternatives for colorectal cancer therapy.
Species of Micropsalliota generally grow in the tropics and are characterised by small, slender basidiomes, brown basidiospores, and cheilocystidia that vary in shape with capitate or subcapitate apex, and pigmented pileipellis. Based on morphological characters and molecular evidence, here we describe seven new species from southern China, viz. Micropsalliota ferruginea, M. fimbriata, M. gigaspora, M. longicystis, M. nana, M. squarrosa, and M. umbonata. Micropsalliota appendiculata, a species recently described from Vietnam, was first recorded in China. The Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses based on multi-locus sequence datasets (the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, nrITS; the D1–D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA, LSU; partial sequences of the most variable region of the second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, rpb2, and a portion of the translation-elongation factor 1-α, tef1) shows that the genus is separated into 11 major clades and subclades. To aid in diagnosis, a key to 32 species of Micropsalliota in China is provided.
Seed physical dormancy (hard-seededness) is an interesting ecological phenomenon and important agronomic trait. The loss of seed coat impermeability/hard-seededness is a key target trait during the domestication of leguminous crops which allows seeds to germinate rapidly and uniformly. In this study, we examined the mutation of quantitative trait locus (QTL) genes, <i>GmHs1-1</i> and <i>GmqHS1</i>, in 18 wild soybean (<i>G. soja</i>) and 23 cultivated soybean (<i>G. max</i>) accessions. The sequencing results indicate that a G-to-T substitution in <i>GmqHS1</i> and a C-to-T substitution in <i>GmHs1-1</i> occurred in all 23 cultivated soybean accessions but not in any of the 18 wild soybean accessions. The mutations in the two genes led to increased seed coat permeability in cultivated soybean. Therefore, we provide evidence that two genes, <i>GmHs1-1</i> and <i>GmqHS1</i>, simultaneously contribute to the domestication of hard-seededness in soybeans. This finding is of great significance for genetic analysis and improved utilization of the soybean hard-seededness trait.
Rano Mamadalieva, Vahobjon Khujaev, Michal Šoral
et al.
The genus <i>Allochrusa</i> (Caryophyllaceae) comprises nine species, which are native to Central Asia, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and the Caucasus. They have been used in folk medicine and in the preparation of various sweets and detergents, especially in Asian countries. A diversity of secondary metabolites has been reported from the genus <i>Allochrusa</i>, including triterpene glycosides, ecdysteroids, flavonoids, volatile compounds, fatty acids, polysaccharides, pectins, hemicelluloses, and other phytochemicals. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies on isolated compound fractions and extracts from <i>Allochrusa</i> species showed anti-inflammatory, adjuvant, hemolytic, cytotoxic, antifungal, analgesic, antioxidant, and other activities. In this review, the chemical compounds and diverse biological activities of the <i>Allochrusa</i> genus are summarized.
Taro (<i>Colocasia esculenta</i> (L.) Schott) is a staple food crop in the Asia-Pacific region in areas where rising sea levels are threatening agricultural production. However, little is known about its response to salinity. In this study, we investigated the effects of salinity on the growth, morphology, physiology, and chemical traits of taro to predict the impacts of rising sea levels on taro production and nutritional value in the Pacific. We grew taro (approximately 4 months old) with a range of NaCl treatments (0–200 mM) for 12 weeks. Full nutrient, micronutrient, and secondary metabolite analyses were conducted, including measures of calcium oxalate (CaOx), an irritant that reduces palatability. Significant reductions in growth and biomass were observed at and above 100 mM NaCl. Concentrations of macro- and micronutrients, including sodium, were higher on a per mass basis in corms of plants experiencing salt stress. Foliar sodium concentrations remained stable, indicating that taro may utilize a salt exclusion mechanism. There was a large amount of individual variation in the concentrations of oxalate and phenolics, but overall, the concentrations were similar in the plants grown with different levels of salt. The total contents of CaOx and phenolics decreased in plants experiencing salt stress. Taro’s ability to survive and produce corms when watered with a 200 mM NaCl solution places it among the salt-tolerant non-halophytes. The nutritional quality of the crop is only marginally affected by salt stress. Taro is, therefore, likely to remain a useful staple in the Pacific region in the future.
Mangesh Vasant Suryavanshi, Nidhi Bharti, Shrikant Subhash Bhute
et al.
Oxalic acids are widely distributed in tissues of various plants that can exacerbate the effect on other
plant-grazing animals including humans. Bacterial communities had been demonstrated to specify with
the rhizosphere of host type and which can differ with oxalogenic plant. The present study has been
conducted with the primary objective of understanding the root-associated microbial communities
in Colocasia esculenta, an oxalogenic plant and to recognize possible bacterial species that present
the potential of having their capability to metabolize oxalates. Of the 852 sequences obtained, 311
corresponded to rhizosphere (S), 250 to rhizoplane (P) and 291 were from non-rhizospheric (NS) soil.
Flavobacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Moraxellaceae and Pseudomonadaceae were the major
contributors in the rhizoplane microbial community assemblage. Paenibacillaceae was the major
contributor to the rhizospheric microbial community. The findings of the study showed that the
rhizoplane, owing to the characteristic root exudates, has a distinctive composition of microbial partners
as compared to the rhizosphere and bulk soil communities.
The subpopulation of the bowhead whale Balaena mysticetus in the East Greenland-Svalbard-Barents Sea is endangered and until recently was believed to number in the tens. Recent studies have suggested that this subpopulation appears to be increasing. Here, we report on unusual aggregations of bowhead whales within the Fram Strait. We present opportunistic and effort-corrected observations of bowhead whales made from a small expedition vessel during cruises in June (2015-2018). Bowhead whales were sighted on 85 occasions (220-227 whales). An aggregation in 2015 (n = 84 whales) and high numbers in 2018 (n = 104-110) exceeded all previous records. The index of whale abundance was significantly higher in open water-leads (1.08-1.14 whales km-1 of survey effort) compared to areas with drift-ice (0.51-0.53 whales km-1). The highest abundance index was measured in deep waters where the bottom slope was relatively steep. Our findings highlight the temporal and spatial consistency of this species in areas with relatively loose ice cover (open water-leads) and steep slopes. It is unknown how global warming and resultant changes in ice-extent are going to affect bowhead whales within the Strait and whether they will find new feeding grounds due to an expanding open-ocean habitat. These slopes may become increasingly important to bowhead whales and Arctic top predators as a spring/early summer feeding ground. These relatively large numbers of bowhead whales are encouraging and can help direct future research monitoring programs to study the population ecology of these endangered whales.
Abstract Background In higher plants, the FAD2 gene encodes the microsomal oleate Δ12-desaturase, one of the key enzymes essential for the biosynthesis of the polyunsaturated lipids that serve many important functions in plant development and stress responses. FAD2 catalyzes the first step, in the biosynthesis of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in the cell membrane and cell wall, and it is thus of great importance to investigate the regulatory role of FAD2 in anther development. Results We reported the molecular characterization of the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) GhFAD2 gene family and the essential role of GhFAD2–3 in cotton anther development. G. hirsutum contains four pairs of homoeologous FAD2 genes (GhFAD2–1 to GhFAD2–4). GhFAD2–3 is ubiquitously and relatively highly expressed in all analyzed tissues, particularly in anthers. Specific inhibition of GhFAD2–3 using the RNA interference approach resulted in male sterility due to impaired anther development at the stages from meiosis to maturation. The cellular phenotypic abnormality observed at the meiosis stage of the GhFAD2–3 silenced plant (fad2–3) coincides with the significant reduction of C18:2 in anthers at the same stage. Compared with that of the wild type (WT), the content of C18:1 was 41.48%, which increased by 5 fold in the fad2–3 anther at the pollen maturation stage. Moreover, the ratio of monounsaturated to polyunsaturated fatty acid was 5.43 in fad2–3 anther, which was much higher than that of the WT (only 0.39). Through compositional analysis of anthers cuticle and transcriptome data, we demonstrated it was unfavorable to the development of anther by regulating GhFAD2–3 expression level to increase the oleic acid content. Conclusions Our work demonstrated the importance of C18:2 and/or C18:3 in the development of the pollen exine and anther cuticle in cotton and provided clue for further investigation of the physiological significance of the fatty acid composition for plant growth and development.
Presented here is the information about the life and scientific activities of K.I. Pangalo, a scientist famous for his research on cucurbitaceous crops, a friend and companion of N.I. Vavilov.
Conrad V. Simoben, Fidele Ntie-Kang, Sergi H. Akone
et al.
Abstract Parasitic diseases continue to represent a threat on a global scale, particularly among the poorest countries in the world. This is particularly because of the absence of vaccines, and in some cases, resistance against available drugs, currently being used for their treatment. In this review emphasis is laid on natural products and scaffolds from African medicinal plants (AMPs) for lead drug discovery and possible further development of drugs for the treatment of parasitic diseases. In the discussion, emphasis has been laid on alkaloids, terpenoids, quinones, flavonoids and narrower compound classes of compounds with micromolar range activities against Schistosoma, Trypanosoma and Leishmania species. In each subparagraph, emphasis is laid on the compound subclasses with most promising in vitro and/or in vivo activities of plant extracts and isolated compounds. Suggestions for future drug development from African medicinal plants have also been provided. This review covering 167 references, including 82 compounds, provides information published within two decades (1997–2017). Graphical Abstract
Duletić-Laušević Sonja N., Alimpić Aradski Ana Z., Kolarević Stoimir M.
et al.
The polyphenolic content and biological activities of dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts of Cretan Salvia pomifera L. (Lamiaceae) were analysed. The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest content of total phenolics and total flavonoids. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest activity in the DPPH and FRAP assays, while the dichloromethane extract had the highest activity in the ABTS test. The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest activity in the β-carotene--linoleic acid system. The antioxidant activity of extracts was positively correlated with the total content of phenolics. Extracts demonstrated weak antibacterial activity. The ethyl acetate extract had the highest acethylcholinesterase inhibition at 50 μg/mL, while the ethanol and dichloromethane extracts showed the highest activity of tyrosinase inhibition at 25 μg/mL. In view of the significance of antioxidants in prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, the noticeable antioxidant and anti-neurodegenerative effects of the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts recorded in this study make further research on S. pomifera seem promising
Herminio Severiano Nava, Eduardo Cires, José Antonio Fernández Prieto
Carrière in 1890 published 34 names and 33 descriptions of a collection of live ivy plants. In this article we present the analysis of his work from a nomenclatural perspective. As a result, the legitimacy and even the validity of specific and some of the infraspecific names published in the work are questioned. In addition to this, and considering the benefits on keeping the nomenclatural stability, Hedera azorica Carrière, is proposed as a nomen conservandum.