Evaluation of Cytotoxic effect of Moringa peregrina seeds on Oral Cancer, CAL 27, Cell Line and Red Blood Cells Hemolysis / Evaluación del efecto citotóxico de las semillas de Moringa peregrina en el cáncer oral, CAL 27, líneas celulares y hemólisis de glóbulos rojos

Background: Moringa peregrina Forssk is a well-known plant in ethnomedicine due to its widespread uses in various diseases like cough, wound healing, rhinitis, fever, and detoxification. The plant seeds contain compounds that are cytotoxic to many cancer cells. During the therapeutic use of plants via the oral route, some compounds present in the plants may be cytotoxic to normal cell lines and red blood cells. Objective: This study was the first report of investigation of the cytotoxic profile on oral cancer, CAL 27, cell line, and hemolytic activities on human erythrocytes of Moringa peregrina seeds ethanolic extract (MPSE). Methods: MPSE was screened for its cytotoxic effect against oral cancer, CAL 27, cell line using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5,-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The toxicity of MPSE on human erythrocytes was determined by in vitro hemolytic assay. Results: MPSE showed significant anti-proliferative activity against oral cancer, CAL 27 cell line at lower concentrations with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 21.03 µg/mL. At 1,000 µg/ml of MPSE, the maximum hemolysis was found to be 14.3% which is within safer limit. Conclusions: This study revealed a potential anti-oral cancer of MPSE and provided a baseline for its potential use in oral cancer treatment with minimum hemolytic effect on human RBCs.

La Moringa peregrina Forssk es una planta muy conocida en etnomedicina debido a sus usos generalizados en diversas enfermedades como la tos, la cicatrización de heridas, la rinitis, la fiebre y la desintoxicación. Las semillas de la planta contienen compuestos citotóxicos para muchas células cancerosas. Durante el uso terapéutico de las plantas por vía oral, algunos compuestos presentes en ellas pueden ser citotóxicos para las líneas celulares normales y los glóbulos rojos. Objetivo: Este estudio fue el primer informe de investigación del perfil citotóxico sobre el cáncer oral, CAL 27, línea celular, y las actividades hemolíticas en eritrocitos humanos del extracto etanólico de semillas de Moringa peregrina (MPSE). Métodos: Se examinó el efecto citotóxico del MPSE contra la línea celular de cáncer oral CAL 27 mediante el ensayo con bromuro de 3-(4, 5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2, 5,-difeniltetrazolio (MTT). La toxicidad del MPSE sobre los eritrocitos humanos se determinó mediante un ensayo hemolítico in vitro. Resultados: MPSE mostró una actividad antiproliferativa significativa contra el cáncer oral, línea celular CAL 27 a concentraciones más bajas con un valor de concentración inhibitoria media máxima (IC50) de 21,03 µg/mL. A 1.000 µg/ml de MPSE, la hemólisis máxima fue del 14,3%, lo que está dentro del límite de seguridad. Conclusiones: Este estudio reveló un potencial anticancerígeno oral de MPSE y proporcionó una base para su uso potencial en el tratamiento del cáncer oral con un efecto hemolítico mínimo en los glóbulos rojos humanos.

Inactivation of isolated fungi on Erythrina velutina Willd. seeds through atmospheric plasma / Inativação de fungos isolados em sementes de Erythrina velutina Willd. por meio do plasma atmosférico

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of atmospheric plasma application on the inactivation of fungi on the surface of Erythrina velutina seeds and on isolated fungal colonies. Two experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design. First, plasma was applied to the surface of the seeds using helium gas and atmospheric plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min in addition to the control (untreated seeds), constituting seven treatments with five repetitions each. In the second experiment, Petri dishes containing the inoculum of different fungi were treated with atmospheric air plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min (Air-3, Air-6, and Air-9) and were compared with untreated fungi in Petri dishes without treatment (control), totaling four treatments and five repetitions each. We found that the application of atmospheric air plasma to E. velutina seeds for 9 min had an antimicrobial effect on the fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp., and Rhizopus sp. The formation of fungal colonies isolated from E. velutina seeds was also inhibited by 3 min of exposure to atmospheric air plasma, except for A. niger, whose inhibition occurred after 6 min of exposure to atmospheric plasma.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de plasma atmosférico na inativação de fungos na superfície de sementes de Erythrina velutina e em colônias fúngicas isoladas. Dois experimentos foram realizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado: no primeiro, o plasma foi aplicado na superfície das sementes usando gás hélio e plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos, além do controle (sementes sem tratamento), constituindo sete tratamentos com cinco repetições cada; no segundo experimento, placas de Petri contendo o inóculo de diferentes fungos foram tratadas com plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos (Air-3, Air-6 e Air-9) e comparadas com fungos não tratados em placas de Petri sem tratamento (controle), totalizando quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições cada. Descobrimos que a aplicação de plasma atmosférico nas sementes de E. velutina por nove minutos teve efeito antimicrobiano sobre os fungos Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp. e Rhizopus sp. A formação de colônias fúngicas isoladas de sementes de E. velutina também foi inibida por três minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico, exceto para A. niger, cuja inibição ocorreu a partir de 6 minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico.

Prediction of soil seed bank of piedmont and alluvial environments of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan / Predição do banco de sementes do solo do piemonte e ambientes aluviais de Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Paquistão

Abstract The current focus is on the overall pattern of seed storage present in the fragments of the soil of piedmont and alluvial landscapes of the environment. The present study predicted the seed banks of both soils of alluvial and piedmont zones in different ecological conditions and evaluate the potential of seeds in the restoration of both environments. The composition of the seed bank of soil is mainly affected by the alluvial environment and the structure of cleared area shows that more species of germinating annual grasses and growable seeds with the higher total number. Extant vegetation structures have an important role in the diversity of soil seed reservoirs, whose composition corresponded with the openness of the site. When in situ soil seed bank is recruited, it helps to restore only some components of the plant community in an alluvial environment. In our current research, it was confirmed that seed richness was higher in number at lower elevation (alluvial) than that at high elevation (piedmont). Seed richness showed a significant negative correlation with anions, cations, while significantly positive with altitude that suggests the richness pattern of the overall seed bank of the area is influenced by various environmental factors.

Resumo O foco atual está no padrão geral de armazenamento de sementes presente nos fragmentos de solo do Piemonte e nas paisagens aluviais do meio ambiente. O presente estudo previu os bancos de sementes de ambos os solos das zonas aluvial e piemontesa em diferentes condições ecológicas e avaliou o potencial das sementes na restauração de ambos os ambientes. A composição do banco de sementes do solo é afetada principalmente pelo ambiente aluvial e a estrutura da área desmatada mostra que mais espécies de gramíneas anuais em germinação e sementes cultiváveis ​​apresentam o maior número total. As estruturas da vegetação existente têm um papel importante na diversidade dos reservatórios de sementes do solo, cuja composição correspondeu à abertura do local. Quando o banco de sementes do solo in situ é recrutado, o mesmo ajuda a restaurar apenas alguns componentes da comunidade de plantas em um ambiente aluvial. Em nossa pesquisa atual, foi confirmado que a riqueza de sementes era maior em número em altitudes mais baixas (aluviais) do que em altitudes elevadas (Piemonte). A riqueza de sementes mostrou uma correlação negativa significativa com ânions, cátions, enquanto significativamente positiva com a altitude, o que sugere que o padrão de riqueza do banco geral de sementes da área é influenciado por vários fatores ambientais.

Specific PCR for Identification of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus Seeds， A. membranaceus Seeds， and Adulterants / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish a method based on specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR） that can accurately and rapidly identify Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus （AMM） seeds and A. membranaceus （AM） seeds. MethodThe Chloroplast Genome Information Resource （CGIR） and IdenDSS were used to obtain the characteristic DNA fragments of AMM and AM， and the specific single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） sites of AMM and AM were screened out， on the basis of which the specific primers MG-F/MG-R of AMM and MJ-F/MJ-R of AM were designed. The specific PCR method for identifying AMM and AM was established and optimized， and the specificity and applicability of the method were investigated. ResultThe specific PCR conditions for the identification of AMM were primers MG-F/MG-R， annealing at 62 ℃， and 28 cycles. After PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis， the specific band appeared at about 220 bp， with no band for the seeds of AM or adulterants. The specific PCR conditions for identifying the AM were primers MJ-F/MJ-R， annealing at 58 ℃， and 28 cycles. After PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis， the band appeared at about 150 bp， with no band of AMM or adulterants. ConclusionThe specific PCR method established in this study can accurately and quickly identify the seeds of AMM and AM， which provides a basis for the classification and accurate identification of Astragalus seeds and adulterants.

Grape seed extract inhibits apoptosis of rat growth plate chondrocytes and promotes tibial bone growth / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Grape seed extract can inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis and aging,and improve osteoarthritis.However,the effects of grape seed extract on the apoptosis of chondrocytes in the growth plate and tibial growth are still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of grape seed extract on interleukin-1β-induced apoptosis in rat growth plate cells and on tibial bone growth. METHODS:(1)Cell experiment:Growth plate chondrocytes from Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated,cultured,and identified.The cells were then randomly divided into control group,model group,grape seed extract group,miR-138-5p NC group and miR-138-5p inhibitor group.In the model group,20 ng/mL interleukin-1β was used to induce apoptosis in rat growth plate chondrocytes.In the grape seed extract group,20 ng/mL interleukin 1β was added along with 10 μmol/L grape seed extract solution for 48 hours.Cells in the miR-138-5p NC and inhibitor groups were transfected with 5 nmol/L miR-138-5p NC and 5 nmol/L miR-138-5p inhibitor for 12 hours,respectively,followed by addition of 20 ng/mL interleukin-1β.qRT-PCR was used to detect miR-138-5p and caspase-3 expression.Luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze the relationship between miR-138-5p and caspase-3 targeting.Cell counting kit-8 was used to detect cell proliferation activity.Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis.Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 protein expressions were detected by western blot.(2)Animal experiment:The animals were divided into normal control group,grape seed extract group and miR-138-5p inhibitor group.The effects of grape seed extract on epiphyseal closure and tibial growth of the tibial plateau in rats were observed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:miR-138-5p had a targeting relationship with caspase-3.Compared with the control group,cell proliferation was significantly reduced,apoptosis was significantly increased(P＜0.01),miR-138-5p,Bcl-2 expression was reduced(P＜0.01),and caspase-3 expression was increased(P＜0.01)in the model group.Compared with the mod group,the grape seed extract group showed a significant increase in cell proliferation,a significant decrease in apoptosis(P＜0.01),an increase in miR-138-5p and Bcl-2 expression(P＜0.01)and a decrease in caspase-3 expression(P＜0.01).Compared with the grape seed extract group,the miR-138-5p inhibitor group showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation,a significant increase in apoptosis(P＜0.01),a decrease in miR-138-5p and Bcl-2 expression(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and an increase in caspase-3 expression(P＜0.05).Intragastric administration of grape seed extract could delay epiphyseal closure of the tibial plateau and promote tibial bone growth in rats,whereas miR-138-5p inhibitor intervention inhibited the effect of grape seed extract on tibial bone growth in rats.To conclude,grape seed extract can inhibit apoptosis of rat growth plate chondrocytes through regulating the miR-138-5p/caspase-3 pathway,improve epiphyseal closure of rat tibial plateau and promote tibial bone growth.

Grape seed extract inhibits apoptosis in growth plate chondrocytes and promotes tibial growth in rats / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Grape seed extract has been shown to be effective in inhibiting the growth of androgen-dependent tumors(e.g.,breast cancer),and thus grape seed extract could theoretically inhibit epiphyseal closure induced by estrogen in late adolescence. OBJECTIVE:To screen the effects of grape seed extract on apoptosis of growth plate chondrocytes and epiphyseal closure in rats. METHODS:(1)In vitro experiment:Growth plate chondrocytes from rat large tibia and femur at logarithmic growth stage were obtained and cultured in groups:normal control group,model control group(adding 17β-estradiol to induce apoptosis),positive control group(adding letrozole and 17β-estradiol),grape seed extract group(adding 17β-estradiol and 10 μg/mL grape seed extract),Caspase-9 inhibitor group(adding 17β-estradiol and Caspase-9 inhibitor),Caspase-9 agonist group(adding 17β-estradiol and Caspase-9 agonist).Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry after 48 hours of culture.(2)In vivo experiment:Thirty 3-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into model control group,positive control group and low-,medium-and high-dose groups,with five rats in each group.All rats were injected subcutaneously with 17β-estradiol(3 times per week)to establish epiphyseal closure models,followed by intragastric administration of letrozole in positive control group and 0.05,0.2 and 0.8 g/kg grape seed extract in low-,medium-and high-dose groups,respectively,once a day until over 2/3 of the epiphyseal plate in the model control group was closed.The length of the tibia was then observed.Another 18 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into model control group,positive control group,and medium-dose group,with 6 rats in each group,treated as above for 1.5 continuous months.The expression of Caspase-9 protein in rat growth plate cartilage was detected by western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:17β-estradiol could induce apoptosis in growth plate chondrocytes,and letrozole,grape seed extract,and caspase-9 inhibitors could all inhibit apoptosis in growth plate chondrocytes.(2)In vivo experiment:When more than 2/3 of the epiphyseal plate in the model control group was closed,the number of rats with epiphysis closure in the positive control and medium-dose groups was less than that in the model control group(P＜0.05),and the tibial length was longer than that in the model control group(P＜0.05),and the Caspase-9 protein expression in the tibial growth plate was lower than that in the model control group(P＜0.05).To conclude,the appropriate dose of grape seed extract can effectively inhibit the apoptosis of growth plate chondrocytes and delay epiphyseal closure,which has the potential to promote bone growth.

Study of brain regions of normal tension glaucoma patients by functional con-nectivity technology in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging based on V1 region seed point / 眼科新进展

Objective To study the brain functional connectivity(FC)changes in patients with normal tension glau-coma(NTG)and healthy volunteers using FC technique of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)based on V1 region seed point(ROI),so as to explore the pathogenesis and early diagnosis of NTG.Methods Fourteen NTG patients(NTG group)who met the inclusion criteria and 14 healthy controls(HCs group)were enrolled.The clinical data of all subjects were collected,and rs-fMRI was performed in both groups.The magnetic resonance data was pre-pro-cessed by software,and bilateral A1 regions were taken as the ROI to analyze their correction with the whole brain voxel time series and obtain the FC value between the ROI and the whole brain by comparison of FC values in resting state be-tween the groups.Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between FC value in the brain regions with significant differences with the ROI and clinical variables in the NTG group.Results Compared with the subjects in the HCs group,there were no statistically significant differences in age,gender,body weight,cup-disc ratio and 24 h mean intraocular pressure of patients in the NTG group(all P＞0.05),and there were statistically significant differences in the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)of both eyes and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness(RNFLT)(all P＜0.05).The Pearson correlation analysis showed that FC value of the brain regions with abnormal FC to V1 region were cor-related with RNFLT in the NTG group(P＜0.05).ROI1-left superior frontal gyrus,ROI1-right superior frontal gyrus,ROI2-left cingulate gyrus and ROI2-right middle frontal gyrus were significantly positively correlated with RNFLT(all P＜0.05).Compared with the HCs group,the brain regions with reduced FC to the right ROI in the NTG group were the left superior frontal gyrus and right superior frontal gyrus;the brain regions with reduced FC to the left ROI were the left cingulate gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus.Conclusion Compared to healthy individuals,NTG patients have significant changes in the functional connections between certain specific brain regions and V1 region,including bilateral superior frontal gyrus,left cingulate gyrus,and middle frontal gyrus.The changes in brain functional activity may be caused by visual dysfunction caused by NTG,leading to functional impairment of the visual and cognitive emotion processing brain regions,which may be one of the potential neuropathological mechanisms in NTG patients.

Advances in the tissue-engineered corneal endothelial transplantation / 中华实验眼科杂志

Due to the serious shortage of corneal donor, the development of penetrating keratoplasty and corneal endothelial transplantation is severely restricted in clinical practice.The root cause is the limited proliferation capacity of healthy corneal endothelial cells.With the continuous development of tissue engineering technology and cell engineering technology, the research of tissue-engineered cornea has made some progress. In vitro culture of corneal endothelial cells with high density and healthy endothelial function for transplantation is a hot topic in current tissue engineering research.The keys of tissue-engineered corneal endothelial technology include seed cells, vector materials and the strategy of cell transplantation.At present, many research teams domestic and abroad have reported that the source of seed cells includes human corneal endothelial cells, stem cells, vascular endothelial cells and human amniotic epithelial cells.Vector materials include amniotic membrane, acellular corneal stroma, posterior elastic layer, anterior capsular membrane and various biomaterials.The cultured cells are transplanted by penetrating keratoplasty, corneal endothelial transplantation or anterior chamber injection.This review summarized the latest progress in the research on the source of corneal endothelial seed cells, the selection of vectors and the methods of corneal endothelial transplantation, and summed up the problems faced in the current research and looked forward to its prospects.

Herbal textual research on Bunge pricklyash seed / 中国药师

By consulting the relevant literature and historical herbal literature,the name,origin and harvesting,efficacy and indications,as well as nature,taste,and meridians of Bunge pricklyash seed were reviewed."Jiaomu"as a medicinal herb name was first recorded in the"Compendium of Materia Medica Annotations",and later generations also used"Jiaomu"as a proper name.Bunge pricklyash seeds are the seeds of the Rutaceae plant Sichuan Bunge pricklyash seed or green Bunge pricklyash seed.They are harvested when they mature in autumn from August to October,and can be processed by net,stir-frying or salt.It can promote diuresis and reduce swelling,treat kidney deficiency and tinnitus,and is mainly used to treat bloating in the abdomen.It is non-toxic or slightly toxic.This article traced the origin of Bunge pricklyash seed,studied the history of medicine,clarified the original traditional Chinese medicine properties of Bunge pricklyash seed,and provided scientific basis for the correct clinical use and the national formulation of quality standards for this herb.

The effect of empowerment management mode on radiation protection in patients after 125I seed implantation / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To discuss the role of empowerment management mode in radiation protection after 125I seed implantation.Methods A total of 66 patients,who received first-time 125I seed implantation at the authors'hospital from October 2020 to October 2022,were randomly divided into control group(n=33)and study group(n=33).The patients of the control group received traditional health education,while the patients of the study group received the empowerment management mode on the basis of the traditional health education.The self-efficacy,health education effect,and protection compliance were compared between the two groups.Results The self-efficacy,health education effect,and protective compliance of patients in the study group were better than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The implementation of health education by empowerment management mode can improve the effect of health education in patients after 125I seed implantation,and the patients can get better understanding about 125I seed therapy,which can strengthen their sense of self-efficacy and improve postoperative protection compliance,ensuring the safety of the surrounding crowd.The empowerment management mode is worthy of clinical promotion.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,32:82-85)

Characteristics,advantages and application of osteogenic differentiation of jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The repair of maxillofacial bone tissue defects is a hot and difficult point in current research and the selection of seed cells is the key.Jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are adult mesenchymal stem cells that exist in the jaw bone.They have advantages in the application of maxillofacial tissue regeneration. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the biological characteristics,osteogenic differentiation advantages of jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,and the effects of drugs,in vivo environment,and microRNAs on the osteogenic differentiation of jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS:Computers were used to perform literature retrieval in PubMed and CNKI.Chinese and English search terms were"oral,bone tissue engineering,stem cells".405 articles were retrieved and downloaded.The articles were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and 70 articles were finally included for literature review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were excellent seed cells for oral bone tissue engineering,and had good proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential.Drugs,in vivo environment and microRNAs could regulate the osteogenic differentiation of jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.However,the research on jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was still in the initial stage,so more research with strong demonstration is needed to confirm that jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have more advantages in the application of maxillofacial bone tissue regeneration.

Lycium barbarian seed oil activates Nrf2/ARE pathway to reduce oxidative damage in testis of subacute aging rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the effects of Lycium berry seed oil on Nrf2/ARE pathway and oxidative damage in testis of subacute aging rats. Methods Fifty out of 60 male SD rats, aged 8 weeks, were subcutaneously injected with 125 mg • kg"D-galactosidase in the neck for 8 weeks to establish a subacute senescent rat model. The presence of senescent cells was observed using P-galactosidase ((3-gal), while testicular morphology was examined using HE staining. Serum levels of testosterone (testosterone, T), follicle-stimulating hormone ( follicle stimulating hormone, FSH ) , luteinizing hormone ( luteinizing hormone, LH ) , superoxide dis-mutase ( superoxide dismutase, SOD ) , glutathione ( glutathione, GSH) and malondialdehyde ( malondial-dehyde, MDA) were measured through ELISA, and the expressions of factors related to aging, oxidative damage, and the Nrf2/ARE pathway were assessed via immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting. Results After successfully identifying the model, the morphology of the testis was improved and the intervention of Lycium seed oil led to a down-regulation in the expression of [3-gal and -yH2AX. The serum levels of SOD, GSH, T, and FSH increased while MDA and LH decreased (P 0. 05) . Additionally, there was an up-regulated expression of Nrf2, GCLC, NQOl, and SOD2 proteins in testicular tissue ( P 0. 05 ) and nuclear expression of Nrf2 in sertoli cells. Conclusion Lycium barbarum seed oil may reduce oxidative damage in testes of subacute senescent rats by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

Prediction of soil seed bank of piedmont and alluvial environments of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract The current focus is on the overall pattern of seed storage present in the fragments of the soil of piedmont and alluvial landscapes of the environment. The present study predicted the seed banks of both soils of alluvial and piedmont zones in different ecological conditions and evaluate the potential of seeds in the restoration of both environments. The composition of the seed bank of soil is mainly affected by the alluvial environment and the structure of cleared area shows that more species of germinating annual grasses and growable seeds with the higher total number. Extant vegetation structures have an important role in the diversity of soil seed reservoirs, whose composition corresponded with the openness of the site. When in situ soil seed bank is recruited, it helps to restore only some components of the plant community in an alluvial environment. In our current research, it was confirmed that seed richness was higher in number at lower elevation (alluvial) than that at high elevation (piedmont). Seed richness showed a significant negative correlation with anions, cations, while significantly positive with altitude that suggests the richness pattern of the overall seed bank of the area is influenced by various environmental factors.

Resumo O foco atual está no padrão geral de armazenamento de sementes presente nos fragmentos de solo do Piemonte e nas paisagens aluviais do meio ambiente. O presente estudo previu os bancos de sementes de ambos os solos das zonas aluvial e piemontesa em diferentes condições ecológicas e avaliou o potencial das sementes na restauração de ambos os ambientes. A composição do banco de sementes do solo é afetada principalmente pelo ambiente aluvial e a estrutura da área desmatada mostra que mais espécies de gramíneas anuais em germinação e sementes cultiváveis apresentam o maior número total. As estruturas da vegetação existente têm um papel importante na diversidade dos reservatórios de sementes do solo, cuja composição correspondeu à abertura do local. Quando o banco de sementes do solo in situ é recrutado, o mesmo ajuda a restaurar apenas alguns componentes da comunidade de plantas em um ambiente aluvial. Em nossa pesquisa atual, foi confirmado que a riqueza de sementes era maior em número em altitudes mais baixas (aluviais) do que em altitudes elevadas (Piemonte). A riqueza de sementes mostrou uma correlação negativa significativa com ânions, cátions, enquanto significativamente positiva com a altitude, o que sugere que o padrão de riqueza do banco geral de sementes da área é influenciado por vários fatores ambientais.

Inactivation of isolated fungi on Erythrina velutina Willd. seeds through atmospheric plasma

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of atmospheric plasma application on the inactivation of fungi on the surface of Erythrina velutina seeds and on isolated fungal colonies. Two experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design. First, plasma was applied to the surface of the seeds using helium gas and atmospheric plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min in addition to the control (untreated seeds), constituting seven treatments with five repetitions each. In the second experiment, Petri dishes containing the inoculum of different fungi were treated with atmospheric air plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min (Air-3, Air-6, and Air-9) and were compared with untreated fungi in Petri dishes without treatment (control), totaling four treatments and five repetitions each. We found that the application of atmospheric air plasma to E. velutina seeds for 9 min had an antimicrobial effect on the fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp., and Rhizopus sp. The formation of fungal colonies isolated from E. velutina seeds was also inhibited by 3 min of exposure to atmospheric air plasma, except for A. niger, whose inhibition occurred after 6 min of exposure to atmospheric plasma.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de plasma atmosférico na inativação de fungos na superfície de sementes de Erythrina velutina e em colônias fúngicas isoladas. Dois experimentos foram realizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado: no primeiro, o plasma foi aplicado na superfície das sementes usando gás hélio e plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos, além do controle (sementes sem tratamento), constituindo sete tratamentos com cinco repetições cada; no segundo experimento, placas de Petri contendo o inóculo de diferentes fungos foram tratadas com plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos (Air-3, Air-6 e Air-9) e comparadas com fungos não tratados em placas de Petri sem tratamento (controle), totalizando quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições cada. Descobrimos que a aplicação de plasma atmosférico nas sementes de E. velutina por nove minutos teve efeito antimicrobiano sobre os fungos Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp. e Rhizopus sp. A formação de colônias fúngicas isoladas de sementes de E. velutina também foi inibida por três minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico, exceto para A. niger, cuja inibição ocorreu a partir de 6 minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico.

Seed removal by the squirrel Notocitellus adocetus (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Western México

Introduction: Seed dispersal and seed predation have important impacts on plant diversity and community structure. Rodents participate in both of these types of interactions. Objectives: To evaluate the removal of the seeds of Crescentia alata, Randia capitata, and Zea mays by the squirrel Notocitellus adocetus to determine how it affects these plant species, by dispersing or preying on their seeds. Methods: We studied 14 individuals for C. alata, 24 for R. capitata, and for Z. mays 35 individuals. We observed foraging and used camera traps to determine the part of the fruit (seed and/or pulp) consumed by the squirrels and the amount of fruit or seed consumed. We also placed fine sand traps (FST) to measure the percentage of seed removal. We quantified the fruits produced by the plant species studied and the percentage of damage caused by N. adocetus throughout the plots. Results: Notocitellus adocetus feeds on the seeds and pulp of C. alata and Z. mays. The species with the highest removal rate and the highest percentage of damage was C. alata. Zea mays was the plant species that had the highest percentage of removal from FST, the largest number of fruits, and the lowest percentage of damage. On FST, R. capitata had the lowest seed remotion. Conclusions: Notocitellus adocetus is considered a seed predator; however, due to its behavior and the characteristics of the fruits of C. alata and R. capitata, this rodent could make the seeds available to secondary seed dispersers.

Introducción: La dispersión y depredación de semillas tienen efectos importantes en la diversidad de plantas y estructura de las comunidades. Los roedores participan en estos tipos de interacciones. Objetivos: Evaluar la remoción de semillas de Crescentia alata, Randia capitata y Zea mays por la ardilla Notocitellus adocetus, para determinar su efecto en estas especies de plantas, dispersando o depredando semillas. Métodos: Estudiamos 14 individuos de C. alata, 24 para R. capitata y 35 individuos para Z. mays. Observamos el forrajeo y usamos cámaras trampas para determinar la parte del fruto (semilla y/o pulpa) consumida y la intensidad de consumo por las ardillas. También colocamos trampas de arena fina (FST) para medir el porcentaje de remoción de semillas. Cuantificamos los frutos producidos por las especies estudiadas y el porcentaje de daño ocasionado por N. adocetus, mediante parcelas. Resultados: Notocitellus adocetus se alimenta de las semillas y pulpa de C. alata y Z. mays. La especie que tuvo mayor tasa de remoción y mayor porcentaje de daño fue C. alata. La especie con mayor porcentaje de remoción, mayor número de frutos y menor daño en las FST fue Z. mays. En las trampas de arena fina, R. capitata tuvo la menor remoción de semillas. Conclusiones: Notocitellus adocetus es considerada depredadora de semillas, no obstante, por su comportamiento y las características de los frutos de C. alata y R. capitata, este roedor podría dejar disponibles las semillas a dispersores secundarios de semillas.

Spatio-temporal variation of seed rain between urban and rural fragments of humid tropical forests / Variación espacio-temporal de la lluvia de semillas entre fragmentos urbanos y rurales de bosques tropicales húmedos

Introduction: The type of land use surrounding the remnants of tropical forest may generate changes in the characteristics of plant populations and communities. Consequently, there may be a significant reduction in processes of pollination and diasporas dispersion. Therefore, causing changes in some parameters of seed rain. Objective: To characterize and compare seed density, species richness, floristic composition, habit, dispersal syndrome, and successional category of seed rain between urban and rural fragments of Atlantic Forest, in the 2015 and 2016 weather seasons. Methods: The study areas were defined after mapping and quantification of urban and rural occupations around the remnants, based on satellite images. In each fragment, were installed 36 collectors of 0.25 m2. The material was collected monthly during two consecutive years. Results: Seed rain richness was higher in the urban fragment during the rainy season in the two years, whereas it was similar between the fragments in the dry season. The seed density in the rural fragment was higher than in the urban during the rainy season; did not vary in urban between years or between seasons; and it was higher in the rural fragment in the rainy season of one year. There was a difference in the floristic composition of the seed rain between the fragments along time. The variations in the functional attributes of habit, dispersal syndrome, and successional category, were explained by the variables fragment, season, and year. Conclusions: Differences in the characteristics of the seed rain between the fragments might reflect the spatial and temporal heterogeneity, due to the diverse uses of the soil and external pressures (anthropogenic actions) present in the surroundings of the forest fragments and temporal variation in precipitation.

Introducción: El tipo de uso del suelo que rodea los remanentes de bosque tropical puede generar cambios en las características de las poblaciones y comunidades vegetales. En consecuencia, puede haber una reducción significativa en los procesos de polinización y dispersión de las diásporas. Por lo tanto, provocando cambios en algunos parámetros de la lluvia de semillas. Objetivo: Caracterizar y comparar la densidad de semillas, la riqueza de especies, la composición florística, el hábito, el síndrome de dispersión y la categoría sucesional de la lluvia de semillas entre fragmentos urbanos y rurales de Mata Atlántica, en las estaciones climáticas del 2015 y 2016. Métodos: Las áreas de estudio se definieron luego del mapeo y cuantificación de las ocupaciones urbanas y rurales alrededor de los remanentes, con base en imágenes satelitales. En cada fragmento se instalaron 36 colectores de 0.25 m2. El material fue recolectado mensualmente durante dos años consecutivos. Resultados: La riqueza de lluvia de semillas fue mayor en el fragmento urbano durante la estación lluviosa en los dos años, mientras que fue similar entre los fragmentos en la estación seca. La densidad de semillas en el fragmento rural fue mayor que en el urbano durante la estación lluviosa; no varió en urbano entre años o entre estaciones; y fue mayor en el fragmento rural en la estación lluviosa del primer año. Hubo una diferencia en la composición florística de la lluvia de semillas entre los fragmentos a lo largo del tiempo. Las variaciones en los atributos funcionales de hábito, síndrome de dispersión y categoría sucesional, fueron explicadas por las variables fragmento, estación y año. Conclusiones: Las diferencias en las características de la lluvia de semillas entre los fragmentos podrían reflejar la heterogeneidad espacial y temporal, debido a los diversos usos del suelo y presiones externas (acciones antropogénicas) presentes en el entorno de los fragmentos de bosque y variación temporal de la precipitación.

The Response of Local White Guinea Yam Cultivars to the Vine Cutting Propagation Technique Using Locally Available Rooting Substrates

Good quality planting materials for yam cultivation is a major challenge and adapting the most preferred local varieties to high ratio propagation methods such as the vine cutting could help ameliorate this constraint. An experiment was conducted in the screen house at CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute to assess the response of ‘Labako’, ‘Nyamenti’ and ‘Kpamyo’ (check) to vine cutting under different substrates. The experiment was 3 x 6 factorial arranged in a completely randomized design with 3 replications. Single node cuttings were obtained from 3 months old plants and established in the various rooting substrates (carbonized rice husk; fermented rice bran; aged rice husk; top-soil ,cocopeat and carbonized rice husk + top-soil; 2:1).Highly significant differences (P<0.001) existed in main effects and interaction of the factors. All cultivars attained 100% survival in CRH (carbonized rice husk) and cocopeat. Kpamyo and Nyamenti had 89.6% regeneration in cocopeat, FRB (fermented rice bran) and CRH. Labako exhibited the maximum shoot growth (31 cm) in CRH whiles the minimum (10 cm) was observed in ARH (aged rice husk) for Kpamyo. Six nodes were produced by Nyamenti in CRH, whiles Kpamyo produced 3 nodes in the same substrate. Labako initiated 88% tuberization, higher than Kpamyo with 75%. Generally, the cultivars were successfully adapted to the vine cutting technique in CRH, FRB as well as cocopeat. CRH and FRB are locally available, hence less expensive to acquire and therefore recommended for cost-effective single node propagation of the popular local yam cultivars.

Low concentrations of grape seed extract maintain osteoblast morphology, cell adhesion, and mineralization

Abstract The increase in life expectancy has led to a higher incidence of osteoporosis, characterized by an imbalance in bone remodeling. Several drugs are used for its treatment, but most promote undesirable side effects. The present investigation evaluated the effects of two low concentrations of grape seed extract (GSE) rich in proanthocyanidins on MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. The cells were cultured in an osteogenic medium and divided into control (C), 0.1 µg/mL GSE (GSE0.1), and 1.0 µg/mL GSE (GSE1.0) groups to evaluate cell morphology, adhesion, and proliferation, in situ alkaline phosphatase (ALP) detection, mineralization and immunolocalization of osteopontin (OPN). The data obtained were analyzed by statistical tests for a significance of 5%. Cell morphology was maintained with both GSE concentrations, whereas cell adhesion significantly increased within three days in all groups. Cell proliferation increased significantly at seven days of culture, followed by a significant decrease in all experimental periods, with no statistical difference among them. In situ detection of ALP and mineralization increased with time, but within each period, no statistical differences among groups were observed. The expression of osteopontin was distributed regularly with more intensity after 24 hours in the GSE0.1 group. After three days, OPN expression was more intense in the control group, followed by GSE0.1 and GSE1.0 groups. Data obtained suggest that low concentrations of GSE do not affect the morphology and may stimulate the functional activity of osteoblastic cells.

Resumo O aumento da expectativa de vida tem levado a uma maior incidência de osteoporose, caracterizada por um desequilíbrio na remodelação óssea. Vários medicamentos são utilizados para o seu tratamento, contudo, a maioria promove efeitos colaterais indesejáveis. A presente investigação avaliou os efeitos de duas baixas concentrações de extrato de semente de uva (GSE) rico em proantocianidinas em células osteoblásticas MC3T3-E1. As células foram cultivadas em meio osteogênico e divididas em grupos controle (C), 0,1 µg/mL de GSE (GSE0.1) e 1,0 µg/mL de GSE (GSE1.0) para avaliar morfologia, adesão e proliferação celular, detecção in situ de fosfatase alcalina (ALP), mineralização e imunolocalização da proteína osteopontina (OPN). Os dados obtidos foram analisados por testes estatísticos para um nível de significância de 5%. A proliferação celular aumentou significativamente aos sete dias de cultura, seguido de uma diminuição significativa em todos os períodos experimentais, sem diferença estatística entre eles. A detecção in situ de ALP e mineralização aumentou com o tempo, mas dentro de cada período não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos. A morfologia celular foi mantida com ambas as concentrações de GSE, enquanto a adesão celular aumentou significativamente aos três dias em todos os grupos. A expressão de osteopontina distribuiu-se regularmente com maior intensidade após 24 horas no grupo GSE0.1. Após três dias, a expressão de OPN foi mais intensa no grupo controle, seguida pelos grupos GSE0.1 e GSE1.0. Os dados obtidos sugerem que baixas concentrações de GSE não afetam a morfologia e podem estimular a atividade funcional das células osteoblásticas.

Supplementation of Madhuca longifolia Seed oil augments diclofenac-induced organ toxicities: A biochemical and histopathological approach-Supplemenntary data

Diclofenac medication has been extensively used for anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and analgesic actions. Its abiding usage and overdose have induced toxicity and harmful effects on the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. The research aims to scrutinize the protective effect of Madhuca longifolia seed oil against diclofenac-induced toxicity in female Wistar albino rats. A period of 10 days of study was aimed at 7 groups; Group 1 was assigned as normal control. Group 2 has been administered diclofenac (50 mg/kg b.w. /day, i.p.) only on the last two days of each study period. Group 3 and Group 4 have been pre-treated with 1 mL, and 2 mL of Madhuca longifolia seed oil, respectively, and diclofenac was induced as per Group 2. Group 5 was treated with the standard drug silymarin and diclofenac. Group 6 and Group 7 were given 1 mL and 2 mL of Madhuca longifolia seed oil alone. After the study period, parameters like liver enzyme markers, renal enzyme markers, and antioxidants were measured, and tissue samples were analyzed for histopathological changes. The results proved that pre-treatment of 1 mL of Madhuca longifolia seed oil has efficacy against diclofenac-induced toxicity.

Supplementation of Madhuca longifolia Seed oil augments diclofenac-induced organ toxicities: A biochemical and histopathological approach

Diclofenac medication has been extensively used for anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and analgesic actions. Its abiding usage and overdose have induced toxicity and harmful effects on the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. The research aims to scrutinize the protective effect of Madhuca longifolia seed oil against diclofenac-induced toxicity in female Wistar albino rats. A period of 10 days of study was aimed at 7 groups; Group 1 was assigned as normal control. Group 2 has been administered diclofenac (50 mg/kg b.w. /day, i.p.) only on the last two days of each study period. Group 3 and Group 4 have been pre-treated with 1 mL, and 2 mL of Madhuca longifolia seed oil, respectively, and diclofenac was induced as per Group 2. Group 5 was treated with the standard drug silymarin and diclofenac. Group 6 and Group 7 were given 1 mL and 2 mL of Madhuca longifolia seed oil alone. After the study period, parameters like liver enzyme markers, renal enzyme markers, and antioxidants were measured, and tissue samples were analyzed for histopathological changes. The results proved that pre-treatment of 1 mL of Madhuca longifolia seed oil has efficacy against diclofenac-induced toxicity.