Trilobolide-6-O-isobutyrate from Sphagneticola trilobata acts by inducing oxidative stress, metabolic changes and apoptosis-like processes by caspase 3/7 activation of human lung cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer, a chronic and heterogeneous disease, is the leading cause of cancer-related death on a global scale. Presently, despite a variety of available treatments, their effectiveness is limited, often resulting in considerable toxicity and adverse effects. Additionally, the development of chemoresistance in cancer cells poses a challenge. Trilobolide-6-O-isobutyrate (TBB), a natural sesquiterpene lactone extracted from Sphagneticola trilobata, has exhibited antitumor effects. Its pharmacological properties in NSCLC lung cancer, however, have not been explored. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the impact of TBB on the A549 and NCI-H460 tumor cell lines in vitro, examining its antiproliferative properties and initial mechanisms of cell death. METHODS: TBB, obtained at 98 % purity from S. trilobata leaves, was characterized using chromatographic techniques. Subsequently, its impact on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation in vitro, TBB-induced cytotoxicity in LLC-MK2, THP-1, AMJ2-C11 cells, as well as its effects on sheep erythrocytes, and the underlying mechanisms of cell death, were assessed. RESULTS: In silico predictions have shown promising drug-likeness potential for TBB, indicating high oral bioavailability and intestinal absorption. Treatment of A549 and NCI-H460 human tumor cells with TBB demonstrated a direct impact, inducing significant morphological and structural alterations. TBB also reduced migratory capacity without causing toxicity at lower concentrations to LLC-MK2, THP-1 and AMJ2-C11 cell lines. This antiproliferative effect correlated with elevated oxidative stress, characterized by increased levels of ROS, superoxide anion radicals and NO, accompanied by a decrease in antioxidant markers: SOD and GSH. TBB-stress-induced led to changes in cell metabolism, fostering the accumulation of lipid droplets and autophagic vacuoles. Stress also resulted in compromised mitochondrial integrity, a crucial aspect of cellular function. Additionally, TBB prompted apoptosis-like cell death through activation of caspase 3/7 stressors. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the potential of TBB as a promising candidate for future studies and suggest its viability as an additional component in the development of novel anticancer drugs prototypes.

Establishing peat-forming plant communities: A comparison of wetland reclamation methods in Alberta's oil sands region.

The Sandhill Wetland (SW) and Nikanotee Fen (NF) are two wetland research projects designed to test the viability of peatland reclamation in the Alberta oil sands post-mining landscape. To identify effective approaches for establishing peat-forming vegetation in reclaimed wetlands, we evaluated how plant introduction approaches and water level gradients influence species distribution, plant community development, and the establishment of bryophyte and peatland species richness and cover. Plant introduction approaches included seeding with a Carex aquatilis-dominated seed mix, planting C. aquatilis and Juncus balticus seedlings, and spreading a harvested moss layer transfer. Establishment was assessed 6 years after the introduction at SW and 5 years after the introduction at NF. In total, 51 species were introduced to the reclaimed wetlands, and 122 species were observed after 5 and 6 years. The most abundant species in both reclaimed wetlands was C. aquatilis, which produced dense canopies and occupied the largest water level range of observed plants. Introducing C. aquatilis also helped to exclude marsh plants such as Typha latifolia that has little to no peat accumulation potential. Juncus balticus persisted where the water table was lower and encouraged the formation of a diverse peatland community and facilitated bryophyte establishment. Various bryophytes colonized suitable areas, but the moss layer transfer increased the cover of desirable peat-forming mosses. Communities with the highest bryophyte and peatland species richness and cover (averaging 9 and 14 species, and 50%-160% cover respectively) occurred where the summer water level was between -10 and -40 cm. Outside this water level range, a marsh community of Typha latifolia dominated in standing water and a wet meadow upland community of Calamagrostis canadensis and woody species established where the water table was deeper. Overall, the two wetland reclamation projects demonstrated that establishing peat-forming vascular plants and bryophytes is possible, and community formation is dependent upon water level and plant introduction approaches. Future projects should aim to create microtopography with water tables within 40 cm of the surface and introduce vascular plants such as J. balticus that facilitate bryophyte establishment and support the development of a diverse peatland plant community.

Population genomics of the Isoetes appalachiana (Isoetaceae) complex supports a 'diploids-first' approach to conservation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Allopolyploidy is an important driver of diversification and a key contributor to genetic novelty across the tree of life. However, many studies have questioned the importance of extant polyploid lineages, suggesting that the vast majority may constitute evolutionary 'dead ends'. This has important implications for conservation efforts where polyploids and diploid progenitors often compete for wildlife management resources. Isoetes appalachiana is an allotetraploid that is broadly distributed throughout the eastern USA alongside its diploid progenitors, I. valida and I. engelmannii. As such, this species complex provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the processes that underpin the formation and survival of allopolyploid lineages. METHODS: Here we utilized RADseq and whole-chloroplast sequencing to unravel the demographic and evolutionary history of hybridization in this widespread species complex. We developed a modified protocol for phasing RADseq loci from an allopolyploid in order to examine each progenitor's genetic contribution independently in a phylogenetic context. Additionally, we conducted population-level analyses to examine genetic diversity and evidence of gene flow within species. KEY RESULTS: Isoetes appalachiana is the product of multiple phylogenetic origins, suggesting that formation and establishment of allopolyploids are common in this group. Hybridization appears to be unidirectional, with I. engelmannii consistently being the maternal progenitor. Additionally, we find that polyploid lineages are genetically isolated, rarely if ever experiencing gene flow between geographically distinct populations. CONCLUSIONS: Allopolyploid lineages of I. appalachiana appear to form frequently and experience a high degree of genetic isolation following formation. Thus, our results appear to corroborate the hypothesis that the vast majority of recently formed polyploids may represent evolutionary dead ends. However, this does not necessarily lessen the evolutionary importance or ecological impact of polyploidy per se. Accordingly, we propose a conservation strategy that prioritizes diploid taxa, thus preserving downstream processes that recurrently generate allopolyploid diversity.

Ethnomedicinal and traditional uses of the Ferns of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Usos etnomedicinais e tradicionais das samambaias de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Abstract Ferns are often used by indigenous people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This study was designed to collect the ethnomedicinal and traditional knowledge of these locals about this group of vascular plants. Forty taxa belong to nineteen genera and ten families are used in the treatment of different diseases. The Pteridaceae was the most representative family with twelve taxa (30%), followed by Athyriaceae and Dryopteridaceae with six taxa each (30%), and Thelypteridaceae with five taxa (12.5%). Regarding the genera, Adiantum, Asplenium and Dryopteris ranked first with four taxa each (30%), followed by Aleuritopteris, Diplazium, Pteris and Equisetum with three taxa each (30%), followed by Athyrium, Oeosporangium, Polystichum and Pseudophegopteris with two taxa each (20%). These taxa were commonly used in the treatment of respiratory disorders i.e. asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia; intestinal ulcer, stomach, urinary ailments and skin disorders by the methods of decoction and infusion. Traditional knowledge about ethnomedicinal plants is a valuable and essential source for the discovery of allopathic, herbal and homeopathic medicines.

Resumo As samambaias são frequentemente usadas pelos indígenas em Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão. Este estudo foi desenhado para coletar o conhecimento etnomedicinal e tradicional desses moradores sobre este grupo de plantas vasculares. Quarenta táxons pertencem a dezenove gêneros, e dez famílias são utilizadas no tratamento de diferentes doenças. Pteridaceae foi a família mais representativa com doze táxons (30%), seguida por Athyriaceae e Dryopteridaceae com seis táxons cada (30%), e Thelypteridaceae com cinco táxons (12,5%). Em relação aos gêneros, Adiantum, Asplenium e Dryopteris ficaram em primeiro lugar com quatro táxons cada (30%), seguidos por Aleuritopteris, Diplazium, Pteris e Equisetum com três táxons cada (30%), e Athyrium, Oeosporangium, Polystichum e Pseudophegopteris com dois táxons cada (20%). Estes táxons foram comumente usados ​​no tratamento de distúrbios respiratórios, isto é, asma, bronquite, enfisema, pneumonia; úlcera intestinal, estômago, doenças urinárias e doenças da pele pelos métodos de decocção e infusão. O conhecimento tradicional sobre plantas etnomedicinais é uma fonte valiosa e essencial para a descoberta de medicamentos alopáticos, fitoterápicos e homeopáticos.

Areas of endemism of Pteridaceae (Polypodiopsida) in Brazil: a first approach.

Areas of endemism (AoE) comprise regions host to two or more endemic taxa, whose distributional limits are congruent and not random. These areas are important for two reasons: they comprise the smallest geographic units for biogeographic analyses and they are priority targets for conservation actions. Ferns are a monophyletic group that despite having a wide geographic distribution, concentrates great species richness and endemism in some regions (centres). The southern and southeastern regions of Brazil comprise one of these centres for the Neotropics. This study aims to verify the AoE of Pteridaceae in Brazil and examine whether the results obtained here are congruent with areas already delimited for other groups and whether there is spatial correspondence between the AoE and Conservation Units. To this end, a database was created with collection records of the 205 Pteridaceae species occurring in Brazil based on a review of herbaria. We analysed 23 815 records for 205 Pteridaceae species using Endemicity Analysis (NDM-VNDM), selecting the fill and assumed parameters, and 1°, 2° and 3° grid-cells. The consensus of 158 AoE, using different grid sizes, was calculated, and subsequently, generalized AoE were established. The Guiana Shield, southern Brazil, southeastern Brazil, and southeastern Bahia were considered generalized AoE. These areas correspond to those found for animals and angiosperms, and in previous studies with ferns. Furthermore, two areas, Acre and Mato Grosso do Sul, were recovered only on grids with 2° and 3°. It will be essential to conduct more research to confirm the persistence of both AoE (Acre and Mato Grosso do Sul), especially after expanding sampling. Most endemic species distribution points occur outside protected areas, demonstrating an alarming situation regarding the conservation of these taxa. In addition, fern distribution data could (and should) be used in conservation practices, programmes and policies, given that they are good ecological indicators and that the distribution of ferns may not reflect that of angiosperms and animals.

Potencial dendrocronológico de tres especies de Podocarpáceas de la Cordillera de los Andes / Dendrochronological potential of three Podocarpaceae species from the Andean Cordillera

Resumen Introducción: Poco se conoce del potencial dendrocronológico de las Podocarpáceas en el trópico. Objetivo: Explorar el potencial dendrocronológico de tres especies de podocarpáceas: Retrophyllum rospigliosii, Podocarpus oleifolius y Prumnopitys harmsiana. Métodos: De plantaciones no manejadas localizadas en los Andes colombianos, se muestrearon y analizaron 88 árboles: 30 muestras de R. rospigliosii provenientes de secciones transversales, 30 y 28 muestras de P. oleifolius y P. harmsiana, respectivamente, provenientes de núcleos de madera extraídos con barreno de incrementos. Las muestras se procesaron siguiendo las técnicas dendrocronológicas estándar. Resultados: En general, las características anatómicas de los anillos de crecimiento son similares para las tres especies, con una anatomía simple de traqueidas alineadas radialmente por tratarse de coníferas. Dado que la edad conocida de la plantación coincide con el número de anillos se considera una fuerte evidencia de la frecuencia anual de su formación en R. rospigliosii y P. oleifolius, las cuales presentaron buena sincronización (cofechado) con una inter-correlación promedio de 0.55 (r-Pearson). Para P. harmsiana no fue posible concretar series de ancho de anillos de las muestras recolectadas. Las series estandarizadas de R. rospigliosii y P. oleifolius mostraron una relación con los registros instrumentales de precipitación y temperatura, indicando que estas especies pueden ser promisorias para estudios adicionales. Conclusión: La investigación dendrocronología con especies de Podocarpáceas podría realizarse exitosamente con R. rospigliosii y P. oleifolius, pero no con P. harmsiana.

Abstract Introduction: Little is known about the dendrochronological potential of Podocarpaceaes in the tropics. Objective: To explore the dendrochronological potential of three Podocarpaceae species: Retrophyllum rospigliosii, Podocarpus oleifolius, and Prumnopitys harmsiana. Methods: From a non-managed plantation in the Andean cordillera in Colombia, a total of 88 trees were analyzed: 30 samples of cross-sections of R. rospigliosii, and 30 and 28 samples of P. oleifolius and P. harmsiana, respectively, obtained with an increment borer. Samples were processed according to standard dendrochronological methods. Results: The anatomical characteristics of the growth rings of the three species are similar, with a simple conifer anatomy with radially oriented tracheids. Since the known age of the plantation coincides with the number of tree rings this is strong evidence of annual tree-ring frequency of R. rospigliosii and P. oleifolius which also showed a satisfactory cross-dating with an average inter-correlation of 0.55 (r-Pearson). For P. harmsiana, it was not possible to build a tree-ring series from the collected samples. R. rospigliosii and P. oleifolius standardized ring-width chronologies showed a relationship with the instrumental records of rainfall and temperature, indicating these species may be promising further studies. Conclusions: Dendrochronological research with Podocarpaceae species could be carried out successfully with R. rospigliosii and P. oleifolius but not with P. harmsiana.

Novel insecticidal proteins from ferns resemble insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis.

Lepidopterans affect crop production worldwide. The use of transgenes encoding insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in crop plants is a well-established technology that enhances protection against lepidopteran larvae. Concern about widespread field-evolved resistance to Bt proteins has highlighted an urgent need for new insecticidal proteins with different modes or sites of action. We discovered a new family of insecticidal proteins from ferns. The prototype protein from Pteris species (Order Polypodiales) and variants from two other orders of ferns, Schizaeales and Ophioglossales, were effective against important lepidopteran pests of maize and soybean in diet-based assays. Transgenic maize and soybean plants producing these proteins were more resistant to insect damage than controls. We report here the crystal structure of a variant of the prototype protein to 1.98 Å resolution. Remarkably, despite being derived from plants, the structure resembles the 3-domain Cry proteins from Bt but has only two out of three of their characteristic domains, lacking the C-terminal domain which is typically required for their activities. Two of the fern proteins were effective against strains of fall armyworm that were resistant to Bt 3-domain Cry proteins Cry1Fa or Cry2A.127. This therefore represents a novel family of insecticidal proteins that have the potential to provide future tools for pest control.

Relationship between carbon stock and the structure of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest in Tianmu Mountains, China.

Taking the coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest of Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve in Zhejiang Province as research object, we divided the tree species into three pairs, including evergreen and deci-duous species, broad-leaved and coniferous species, dominant and non-dominant species, to compare the difference of the individual tree carbon stock of each pair and analyze the diameter distribution pattern and tree height distribution pattern of carbon stocks. The relationship between spatial structure and individual tree carbon stock was analyzed by using spatial structure indicators including V_Hegyi competition index, complete mingling and aggregation index, to reveal the relationship between the structure of coniferous and broad-leaved forests and carbon stocks, and provide a theoretical basis for management of forest carbon sequestration. The results showed that the average individual carbon stock for evergreen and deciduous species, broad-leaved and coniferous species, dominant and non-dominant species were 57.7 and 87.4 kg, 54.6 and 74.7 kg, 67.4 and 48.1 kg, respectively. The individual tree carbon stock of evergreen species was significantly lower than that of deciduous species, the individual tree carbon stock of broad-leaved species was significantly lower than that of coniferous species, and the individual tree carbon stock of dominant tree species was significantly higher than that of non-dominant tree species. The diameter distribution and height distribution of carbon stock of each species group obeyed normal distribution. The V_Hegyi competition index was significantly negatively correlated with individual tree carbon stock, and it was consistent with the power function distribution. Both complete mingling and aggregation index were linearly and positively correlated with individual tree carbon stock. The direction of influence of different spatial structures on the individual tree carbon stock was consistent. The structure of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest had a significant impact on individual tree carbon stock. In the management of forest carbon sequestration and sink enhancement, it is necessary to regulate the unreasonable forest structure and promote its succession to the climax community in order to improve forest carbon stock.

Competition and synergistic mechanisms of species in Phyllostachys edulis-Alsophila spinulosa association based on niche theory.

We examined the niche characteristics and interspecific covariant relationship of main species in Phyllostachys edulis-Alsophila spinulosa association in Chishui A. spinulosa National Nature Reserve under P. edulis disturbance condition, and analyzed the mechanism of competition and coexistence across different species. The results showed that there were 67 species from 53 genera and 40 families in the association. The importance values, Shannon niche breadth index (BS), and Levins niche breadth index (BL) of P. edulis were the largest, indicating its absolute dominant status in association. The importance value and BL of A. spinulosa ranked the second, while BS was the third. There were 190 pairs of 20 main species. The niche overlap between P. edulis and A. spinulosa was the largest, with niche overlap value of 0.64. 71.6% of species pairs had niche overlap of less than 0.2, indicating low niche overlap and high degree of niche differentiation among species. The overall association of main species in association was significantly positive, and the community was relatively stable. The correlation among the main species was not significant, the linkage was not strong, and the species were independent from each other. P. edulis showed significant positive correlation with A. spinulosa, Brassaiopsis glomerulata, Ficus virens, and Mallotus barbatus, while P. edulis showed significant negative correlation with Mallotus philippensis, Cinnamomum glanduliferum, and Machilus gamblei. Niche difference and fitness between P. edulis and natives affected the coexistence and competition among species. Controlling the expansion of P. edulis and limiting the size of species with negative correlation with A. spinulosa could create a favorable living environment for A. spinulosa.

Mechanisms of systemic resistance to pathogen infection in plants and their potential application in forestry.

BACKGROUND: The complex systemic responses of tree species to fight pathogen infection necessitate attention due to the potential for yield protection in forestry. RESULTS: In this paper, both the localized and systemic responses of model plants, such as Arabidopsis and tobacco, are reviewed. These responses were compared to information available that investigates similar responses in woody plant species and their key differences were highlighted. In addition, tree-specific responses that have been documented were summarised, with the critical responses still relying on certain systemic acquired resistance pathways. Importantly, coniferous species have been shown to utilise phenolic compounds in their immune responses. Here we also highlight the lack of focus on systemic induced susceptibility in trees, which can be important to forest health. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the possible mechanisms of systemic response to infection in woody plant species, their potential applications, and where research may be best focused in future.

Small genome size and variation in ploidy levels support the naturalization of vascular plants but constrain their invasive spread.

Karyological characteristics are among the traits underpinning the invasion success of vascular plants. Using 11 049 species, we tested the effects of genome size and ploidy levels on plant naturalization (species forming self-sustaining populations where they are not native) and invasion (naturalized species spreading rapidly and having environmental impact). The probability that a species naturalized anywhere in the world decreased with increasing monoploid genome size (DNA content of a single chromosome set). Naturalized or invasive species with intermediate monoploid genomes were reported from many regions, but those with either small or large genomes occurred in fewer regions. By contrast, large holoploid genome sizes (DNA content of the unreplicated gametic nucleus) constrained naturalization but favoured invasion. We suggest that a small genome is an advantage during naturalization, being linked to traits favouring adaptation to local conditions, but for invasive spread, traits associated with a large holoploid genome, where the impact of polyploidy may act, facilitate long-distance dispersal and competition with other species.

Structurally Diverse Triterpene-26-oic Acids as Potential Dual ACL and ACC1 Inhibitors from the Vulnerable Conifer Keteleeria fortunei.

A preliminary phytochemical investigation on the 90% MeOH extract from the twigs and needles of the vulnerable conifer Keteleeria fortunei led to the isolation and characterization of 17 structurally diverse triterpen-26-oic acids, including nine previously undescribed ones (fortunefuroic acids A-I, 1-9) featuring a rare furoic acid moiety in the lateral chain. Among them, 1-5 are uncommon 9ßH-lanostane-type triterpenoic acids. Friedo-rearranged triterpenoids 6 and 7 feature a unique 17,14-friedo-lanostane skeleton, whereas 9 possesses a rare 17,13-friedo-cycloartane-type framework. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic (e.g., detailed 2D NMR) and computational (NMR/ECD) calculations and the modified Mosher's method. In addition, the absolute structure of compound 1 was ascertained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Fortunefuroic acids B (2), G (7), and I (9), along with isomangiferolic acid (12) and 3α,27-dihydroxycycloart-24E-en-26-oic acid (14), exhibited dual inhibitory effects against the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-citrate lyase (ACL, IC50s: 5.7-11.4 µM) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1, IC50s: 7.5-10.5 µM), both of which are key enzymes for glycolipid metabolism. The interactions of the bioactive triterpenoids with both enzymes were examined by molecular docking studies. The above findings reveal the important role of protecting plant species diversity in support of chemical diversity and potential sources of new therapeutics for ACL-/ACC1-associated diseases.

Antiplatelet, cytotoxic activities and characterization of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Nephrolepis exaltata.

The goal of the current study was to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using ZnCl2.2H2O salt precursor and an aqueous extract of Nephrolepis exaltata (N. exaltata), which act as a capping and reducing agent. N. exaltata plant extract-mediated ZnO-NPs were further characterized by various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible (UV-Vis), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The nanoscale crystalline phase of ZnO-NPs was analyzed by the XRD patterns. The FT-IR analysis revealed different functional groups of biomolecules involved in the reduction and stabilization of the ZnO-NPs. The light absorption and optical properties of ZnO-NPs were examined by UV-Vis spectroscopy at a wavelength of 380 nm. The spherical shape morphology of ZnO-NPs with mean particle size ranges between 60 and 80 nm was confirmed by SEM images. While the EDX analysis was used to identify the elemental composition of ZnO-NPs. Furthermore, the synthesized ZnO-NPs demonstrate potential antiplatelet activity by inhibiting the platelet aggregation induced by platelet activation factor (PAF) and arachidonic acid (AA). The results showed that synthesized ZnO-NPs were more effective in inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by AA with IC50 (56% and 10 µg/mL) and PAF (63% and 10 µg/mL), respectively. However, the biocompatibility of ZnO-NPs was assessed in human lung cancer cell line (A549) under in vitro conditions. The cytotoxicity of synthesized nanoparticles revealed that cell viability decreased and the IC50 was found to be 46.7% at a concentration of 75 µg/mL. The present work concluded the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs that was achieved by N. exaltata plant extract and showed good antiplatelet and cytotoxic activity, which demonstrates the lack of harmful effects making them more effective for use in pharmaceutical and medical fields to treat thrombotic disorders.

Fossil evidence of tylosis formation in Late Devonian plants.

Tyloses are swellings of parenchyma cells into adjacent water-conducting cells that develop in vascular plants as part of heartwood formation or specifically in response to embolism and pathogen infection. Here we document tyloses in Late Devonian (approximately 360 Myr ago) Callixylon wood. This discovery suggests that some of the earliest woody trees were already capable of protecting their vascular system by occluding individual conducting cells.

Squamabietenols A-F, undescribed abietane-O-abietane dimeric diterpenoids from the ornamental conifer Juniperus squamata and their ATP-citrate lyase inhibitory activities.

Six undescribed naturally occurring abietane-O-abietane dimers (squamabietenols A-F) together with one 3,4-seco-totarane-type, a pimarane-type, and 17 related known mono-/dimeric diterpenoids were isolated and characterized from the needles and twigs of the ornamental conifer Juniperus squamata. The undescribed structures and their absolute configurations were established by extensive spectroscopic methods, GIAO NMR calculations with DP4+ probability analyses, and ECD calculations. Squamabietenols A and B showed significant inhibitory effects against ATP-citrate lyase (ACL, a novel drug target for hyperlipidemia and other metabolic disorders), with IC50 values of 8.82 and 4.49 µM, respectively. A molecular docking study corroborated the findings by highlighting the interactions between the bioactive compounds and the ACL enzyme (binding affinities: -7.1 to -9.0 kcal/mol). The unique abietane-O-abietane dimeric diterpenoids are quite rare in the vegetable kingdom, and they are of chemotaxonomic significance for the Cupressaceae family.

Chromosome-level de novo genome assembly of two conifer-parasitic wasps, Megastigmus duclouxiana and Megastigmus sabinae, reveals genomic imprints of adaptation to hosts.

Conifers make up about one third of global forests but are threatened by seed parasitoid wasp species. Many of these wasps belong to the genus Megastigmus, yet little is known about their genomic background. In this study, we provide chromosome-level genome assemblies for two oligophagous conifer parasitoid species of Megastigmus, which represent the first two chromosome-level genomes of the genus. The assembled genomes of Megastigmus duclouxiana and M. sabinae are 878.48 Mb (scaffold N50 of 215.60 Mb) and 812.98 Mb (scaffold N50 of 139.16 Mb), respectively, which are larger than the genome size of most hymenopterans due to the expansion of transposable elements. Expanded gene families highlight the difference in sensory-related genes between the two species, reflecting the difference in their hosts. We further found that these two species have fewer family members but more single-gene duplications than polyphagous congeners in the gene families of ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC), cytochrome P450 (P450) and olfactory receptors (OR). These findings shed light on the pattern of adaptation to a narrow spectrum of hosts in oligophagous parasitoids. Our findings suggest potential drivers underlying genome evolution and parasitism adaptation, and provide valuable resources for understanding the ecology, genetics and evolution of Megastigmus, as well as for the research and biological control of global conifer forest pests.

Total Syntheses, Absolute Configurations, and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Ugonstilbenes A, B, and C from the Rhizomes of Helminthostachys zeylanica.

This study describes the first and efficient syntheses of the naturally occurring ugonstilbenes A, B, and C. The stilbene skeleton was prepared using the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction. On the basis of their specific rotations, the absolute configurations of ugonstilbenes A and C were both determined to be R, while the absolute configuration of ugonstilbene B was determined as 4aS,9aR. The synthesized compounds showed cytotoxic activities against selected human cancer cell lines.

Vegetation and climate change at the southern margin of the Neo-Tethys during the Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous): Evidence from Egypt.

Changes in terrestrial vegetation during the mid-Cretaceous and their link to climate and environmental change are poorly understood. In this study, we use plant macrofossils and analysis of fossil pollen and spores from the Western Desert, Egypt, to assess temporal changes in plant communities during the Cenomanian. The investigated strata have relatively diverse sporomorph assemblages, which reflect the nature of parent vegetation. Specifically, the palynofloras represent ferns, conifers, monosulcate pollen producers, Gnetales, and a diverse group of angiosperms. Comparisons of both, dispersed palynoflora and plant macrofossils reveal different characteristics of the palaeoflora owing to a plethora of taphonomical and ecological biases including the depositional environment, production levels, and discrepancies between different plant organs. A combination of detailed records of sporomorphs, leaves, and charcoal from the studied successions provide new understandings of the palaeoclimate and palaeogeography during the Cenomanian and Albian-Cenomanian transition in Egypt. The mixed composition of the palynofloral assemblages reflects the presence of different depositional situations with a weak marine influence, as evidenced by a minor dinoflagellate cysts component. The local vegetation comprised various categories including herbaceous groups including ferns and eudicots, fluvial, open environments, and xeric arboreal communities dominated by Cheirolepidiaceae and perhaps including drought- and/or salt-tolerating ferns (Anemiaceae) and other gymnosperms (Araucariaceae, Ginkgoales, Cycadales, and Gnetales) as well as angiosperms. The presence of riparian and freshwater wetland communities favouring aquatic and/or hygrophilous ferns (of Salviniaceae and Marsileaceae), is noted. The wide variation of depositional settings derived from the palynological data may be attributed to a prevalent occurrence of producers in local vegetation during the early Cenomanian of Egypt. For the purpose of this work on the studied Bahariya Formation and its equivalent rock units, where iconic dinosaurs and other fossil fauna roamed, we attempt to improve the understanding of Egypt's Cenomanian climate, which is reconstructed as generally warm and humid punctuated by phases of considerably drier conditions of varying duration.

Modeling and optimization approach for phytoremediation of formaldehyde from polluted indoor air by Nephrolepis obliterata plant.

This study aimed to model the removal of formaldehyde as an indoor air pollutant by Nephrolepis obliterata (R.Br.) J.Sm. plant using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) models, and optimization of the models by particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO). The data obtained in pilot-scale experiments under a controlled environment were used in this study. The effects of parameters on the removal efficiency such as formaldehyde concentration, relative humidity, light intensity, and leaf surface area were empirically investigated and considered as model parameters. The results of the RSM model, with power transformation, were in meaningful compromise with the experiments. A multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network was also designed, and the mean of squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and R2 were used to evaluate the network. Several training algorithms were assessed and the best one, the Levenberg Marquardt (LM), was selected. The PSO algorithm proved that the highest removal efficiency of formaldehyde was obtained in the presence of light, maximum leaf surface area and relative humidity, and at the lowest inlet concentration. The empirical system breakthrough occurred at 15 mg/m3 of formaldehyde, and the maximum elimination capacity was about 0.96 mg per m2 of leaves. The findings indicated that the ANN model predicted the removal efficiency more accurately compared to the RSM model.

Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activities of Castanopsis honey.

Castanopsis is diffusely spread in tropical and subtropical regions and is an important nectar source plant in China. The Castanopsis honey (CH) is characterized by its bitter taste. However, its composition and functions remain unclear. In this study, the physicochemical parameters, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of CH were comprehensively investigated, with the anti-inflammatory effects of the Castanopsis honey extract (CHE) evaluated based on the RAW 264.7 cell inflammatory model. The results revealed a high level of quality in CH based on the quality standards. Among a total of 84 compounds identified in CH, 5 high response compounds and 29 phenols were further quantified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The high content of phenylethylamine (117.58 ± 64.81 mg kg-1) was identified as a potential marker of CH. Furthermore, the CH showed evident antioxidant activities, and the anti-inflammatory activities of CHE were observed to inhibit the release of nitric oxide (NO) and reduce the content of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and improve the content of interleukin-10 (IL-10) by regulating the NF-κB pathway. Our study indicates that CH has sound physicochemical properties and biological activities with a high level of quality, providing strong experimental evidence to support the further economic and agricultural development and application of CH.