Analysis of chloroplast genome structure and phylogeny of the traditional medicinal of Ardisia crispa (Myrsinaceae).

Ardisia crispa(Myrsinaceae) is an ethnomedicine with horticultural and important medicinal values. Its morphology is complex, and its identification is difficult. We analyse the chloroplast genome characteristics and phylogenetic position of A. crispa to provide basic research data for the identification of A. crispa species and resource conservation. This study assemble and annotate the chloroplast genome of A. crispa and to compare it with the chloroplast genome within Ardisia. The A. crispa chloroplast genome is 156,785 bp in length, with a typical quadripartite structure containing 131 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes; a total of 59 SSRs sites were identified, and the codon preference of this chloroplast genome is greater in A/U than in G/C, and leucine is the amino acid with the highest frequency of use. The chloroplast genomes of the nine Ardisia species are conserved in gene content and number, with more stable boundaries and less variation. In the phylogenetic tree, A. crispa is clustered on a branch with A. crispa var dielsii, and is closely related to A. mamillata and A. pedalis. In this study, we constructed and analyzed the chloroplast genome structure of A. crispa, and conducted phylogenetic analysis using the whole chloroplast genome sequence data of Ardisia plants, which is of great significance in understanding the genetic basis of A. crispa and adaptive evolution in Ardisia plants, and this will lay the foundation for the future research on A. crispa resource conservation and species identification.

Using multiomics to explore the weight differences between genders in Muscovy ducks.

Sexual dimorphism in poultry, especially in Muscovy ducks, is a proven phenomenon characterized by significant differences in body weight, growth patterns, and gene expression between male and female individuals. However, there is a dearth of research on the candidate genes and mechanisms underlying these weight differences. We selected 301 Muscovy ducks and recorded their weekly body weights from birth. We utilized 3 non-linear growth models (Logistic, Bertalanffy, and Gompertz) to fit the growth curve of Muscovy ducks, it was found that the logistic model was the most suitable model for describing the growth curve of Muscovy ducks. The results from the logistic model showed that the inflection point of male Muscovy ducks occurred at a later age, and they had a heavier mature body weight than female Muscovy ducks. At 10 wk of age, we collected Muscovy duck breast muscle tissues for transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). To exclude the impact of weight difference, 185 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), such as PPAR, FABP3, PLIN1, and FOXO1, were screened. These DEGs were predominantly enriched in terms related to mitochondria, lipids, and nucleic acids. In addition, the gut microbiota has the ability to influence host physiology through the regulation of multiple processes, including playing a crucial role in host muscle growth and development. We randomly selected male and female Muscovy ducks for 16S rRNA sequencing analysis of their cecal microbiota. The results showed that there were significant differences in the composition of cecal microbiota between male and female Muscovy ducks. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Enterenecus and CAG_269 were lower in males compared to females, while Lawsonibacter, Parabacteroides_B, Streptococcus, UBA2658, Caccousia, and Butyricimonas were higher in males than in females. In summary, this study provides a scientific theoretical basis for revealing the different growth patterns of male and female Muscovy ducks, and offers explanations from both the molecular level and microbiological perspectives.

Co(II) Metal-Organic Complex: Fluorescence Performances and Loaded With Drug Vitamin B2 Hydrogels Against Recurrent Oral Ulcers.

A new coordination polymer (CP) based on Co(II), namely, {[Co3(L)2(4,4'-bipy)(DMA)2]·H2O}n (1) has been synthesized after reacting Co(NO3)2·6H2O with H3L ligand in the existence of N-donor ligand 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bipy), via utilizing a flexible tricarboxylic acid ligand 5-((formic acid-3-sulfur)methyl)isophthalic acid (H3L) with -S-CH2- joint. Additionally, the excellent blue fluorescence properties of CP 1 were confirmed through fluorescence spectroscopy compared to the original ligand. Using natural polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) as raw materials, HA/CMCS hydrogel was prepared by chemical synthesis method. Taking vitamin B2 as the drug model, we designed and synthesized gels loaded with vitamin B2 metal framework and evaluated their efficacy in the treatment of recurrent oral ulcer.

Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus velezensis TH-1, a Candidate Biocontrol Bacterium from China.

Bacillus velezensis TH-1 is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria with biocontrol potential that was isolated from the rhizosphere of Sophora tonkinensis Radix. Our previous results showed that strain TH-1 demonstrated effective biocontrol activity against root rot of Sophora tonkinensis Radix and bacterial wilt of ginger. Currently, only a few whole-genome sequences of biocontrol strains isolated from the rhizosphere of medicinal plants are available. We report, here, the complete genome sequence of B. velezensis TH-1. The size of TH-1 genome is 3,929,846 bp that consists of 3,900 genes with a total GC content of 46.48%. The strain TH-1 genome has 3,661 coding genes, 86 transfer RNAs, 27 ribosomal RNAs, and 16 small RNAs. Moreover, we identified nine gene clusters coding for the biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds. The genomic information of TH-1 will provide resources for the study of biological control mechanisms and plant-microbe interactions. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

The complete chloroplast genome of Ardisia brevicaulis Diels 1900, one traditional medicinal plant in southern China.

The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Ardisia brevicaulis Diels 1900, one traditionally medicinal plant usually used in southern China, was first assembled and reported in this study. The genome size is 156,742 bp (37.1% GC content), containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,329 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,417 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 25,998 bp. 134 genes (89 protein-coding, 37 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes) are annotated in the whole cp genome, including 115 unique genes (81 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and 4 rRNA genes). Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. brevicaulis is closely related to A. primulifolia and A. villosa, indicating their close phylogenetic relationship. The cp genome of A. brevicaulis could provide valuable genomic information for the phylogeny, molecular identification and discovery of new medicinal plant resources in Ardisia Swartz 1788.

Use of Microscopic Characteristics and Multielemental Fingerprinting Analysis to Trace Three Different Cultivation Modes of Medicinal and Edible Dendrobium officinale in China.

The traceability of different cultivation modes is critical for ensuring the commercial viability of high-value Dendrobium officinale. In this study, by means of polarizing microscopy, SEM-EDX, ICP-MS and ICP-AES, the possibility of combining microscopic characteristics, multielemental analysis and multivariate statistical authenticity analysis was realized to determine the origins of the fresh stem and dried stem powder of D. officinale derived from three different cultivation modes from six provinces of China. The microscopic structure, chemical elements on the surface of the main microstructures and concentrations of Ca, K, Ba, Cs, As and Cu varied among specimens derived from different cultivation modes. The fresh stems of D. officinale derived from different cultivation modes can be effectively and quickly identified by various microscopic characteristics and different contents of Ca on the surface of the parenchyma, phloem and xylem. Meanwhile, linear discriminant analysis showed that 98.1% of the dried stem powder samples were correctly classified, and the accuracy of cross-validation was 95.3%. This study facilitated an effective integrated method for determining the traceability of the fresh stem and dried stem powder of D. officinale derived from three different cultivation modes. This approach offers a potential method for identifying the origins of medicinal plants derived from different cultivation modes.

Enhancing ethylene glycol and ferric chloride pretreatment of rice straw by low-pressure carbon dioxide to improve enzymatic saccharification.

Ethylene glycol and ferric chloride pretreatment assisted by low-pressure carbon dioxide (1 MPa CO2) realized the targeted deconstruction of lignocelluloses at 170 °C for 5 min, achieving 98 % cellulose recovery with removal of 92 % lignin and 90 % hemicellulose. After the pretreatment, the formation of stable platform mono-phenol components would be with the destruction of the lignin-carbohydrate complexes structure, and the surface of rice straw became rough, with a less negative charge and higher specific surface area, while the enzyme adsorption rate increased by 8.1 times. Furthermore, the glucose yield of pretreated straw was remarkably increased by 5.6 times that of the untreated straw, reaching 91 % after hydrolyzed for 48 h. With Tween 80 added in concentrated solid (12 %) hydrolysis at low cellulase loading (3 FPU/g dry substrate), half of the hydrolysis time was shortened than that without Tween 80, with 45 % higher glucose yield.

[Effects of light quality on growth and icariin flavonoid content of Epimedium pseudowushanense under different light intensity].

In this study, the growth index including plant height, compound leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf water content, number of branches, and leaf biomass per plant and the icariin flavonoids such as epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C and icariin of Epimedium pseudowushanense were determined on 30 d and 60 d under light intensity(18.2±2.5) µmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1)(L1) and(90.9 ±2.5) µmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1)(L2), and white light as control, red light, blue light and yellow light were used as three light quality treatments, to study the effect of light quality on the growth and flavonoids accumulation of E. pseudowushanense. The E. pseudowushanense was sui-table for growth under L1 light intensity, the blue light treatment significantly reduced the leaf area, but had little effect on the stem height, the red light treatment and the yellow light treatment had no obvious effect on the stem height and leaf area, but the yellow light treatment significantly increased the germination of new branches, and had a sustained promoting effect, and the biomass was significantly higher than the white light treatment at 60 d. The content of icariin flavonoids in red light, blue light and yellow light treatment was higher than that in white light treatment at 30 d and 60 d under L1 light intensity, while yellow light treatment promoted the synthesis of icariin flavonoids to the largest extent, which was 1.8 and 1.9 times of white light treatment(30 d and 60 d).Under L2 light intensity, the effect of strong light on promoting stem germination became the main factor, while the yellow light treatment showed no significant effect on promoting stem germination, and the red light treatment exhibited a significant effect on reducing leaf area. Icariin flavonoids under red light, blue light and yellow light treatment were all lower than that under white light treatment, that is, the effect of white light treatment on the synthesis of icariin flavonoids is better than red light, blue light and yellow light treatment. When the time of strong light treatment was longer, the degradation range of icariin flavonoids in other light treatment appeared, while red light treatment promotes the synthesis of icariin flavonoids. Therefore, the influence of light quality on E. pseudowushanense is quite different under different light intensity, no matter from growth index or flavonoid content index. The results support that the biomass and icariin flavonoid content can be increased by providing appropriate red and yellow light.

The complete chloroplast genome of Epimedium enshiense B. L. Guo et Hsiao (Berberidaceae).

The genus of Epimedium belongs to Berberidaceae family, which is famous for their medicinal and ornamental value. In recent years, Epimedium has attracted increasing attention due to their medicinal and nutritive value. In this research, we reported the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Epimedium enshiense. The complete chloroplast of this species is 157,076 bp in length, including a pair of invert repeat regions (IRS) (25,833 bp) that is divided by a large single copy area (LSC) (88,340 bp) and a small single copy area (SSC) (17,070 bp). The circular chloroplast genome of E. enshiense contains 112 unique genes, composing of 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that E. enshiense has a closer relationship with E. dolichostmon.

[Analysis of medicinal resources diversity of 33 pilots (districts) in Guizhou province].

This study is based on the data analysis of medicinal plant resources and diversity collected from the fourth Chinese traditional medicine resource survey( pilot). Through the analysis of relevant data from 33 census pioneer plots in Guizhou province( area),a total of 265 families,1 432 genera and 5 296 species of medicinal resources were reported,including algae,fungi,lichens,mosses,a total of 43 genera and 35 families,57,48 families,120 genera and 453 species of ferns,gymnosperms 11 families,22 genera and 61 species,167 families,1 243 genera and 4 721 species of angiosperms,4 genera and 4 families four medicinal animals.Compared with the data related to the third survey of traditional Chinese medicine resources,the number of ferns,gymnosperms and angiosperms in the fourth survey has increased far more than that of the third survey. From the regional distribution of medicinal resources,the composition of the genus,the type of life,and the location of the medicine,the richness of the medicinal plant resources in Guizhou province is not only reflected in many types,but also in the variety of medicinal resources. These studies provide a scientific basis for vigorously developing the Chinese herbal medicine industry and the sustainably using medicinal plant resources in Guizhou province.

The Soluble and Particulate Form of Alginates Positively Regulate Immune Response.

BACKGROUND: Alginate materials have been widely employed for biomedical applications ranging from wound healing to cancer treatment. However, how alginate materials affect the immune system is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of alginate materials on immune system. METHODS: The effect of three types of alginate materials, low viscosity, high viscosity and particulate alginate, were examined by both in vivo and in vitro analyses. C57BL/6J (B6) mice were treated with alginate and peripheral blood was tested by ELISA for cytokine production. Dendritic cells, macrophages and splenocytes isolated from mice were analyzed for the response to alginate treatment. Administration of alginates by intra lymph node injection (I.L.N.) yielded more potent cytokines productions than other injection routes. RESULTS: Alginate materials did not affect the viability of lymphocytes. Particulate alginate induced the most potent inflammatory reaction as determined by the production of cytokines, such as, IL-1ß, IL-8, TNF-α and IFN-γ. Low viscosity and particulate alginates are more effective than high viscosity alginates in activating dendritic cells as indicated by the expression of dendritic cells surface markers (CD80, CD86 and CD40). Similarly, the level of G-CSF was slightly higher in particulate alginate treated macrophages. CONCLUSION: Alginate materials could affect immune response through different ways, including promoting inflammatory cytokine production, and activating dendritic cells. Therefore, alginate materials, especially in particulate form, have the potential to be applied in inflammation related diseases.

Alginate Particles with Ovalbumin (OVA) Peptide Can Serve as a Carrier and Adjuvant for Immune Therapy in B16-OVA Cancer Model.

BACKGROUND Alginate is a natural polysaccharide obtained from brown algae and has been shown to have numerous applications in biomedical science, such as wound healing, delivery of bioactive agents, and cell transplantation. Ovalbumin (OVA) peptide 323-339 has been reported to be involved in immune response.  MATERIAL AND METHODS This work investigated the use of alginate particles as a carrier and adjuvant for the immune therapy of cancer. Alginate particles loaded with OVA peptide were produced via emulsion. A tumor model was established in C57BL/6J mice via subcutaneous injection of 3×105 B16-OVA tumor cells. The effect of alginate/OVA peptide on cell viability was analyzed by use of the CCK-8 assay kit. Activation of macrophages was examined by checking cell surface makers CD40 and CD86 by FACs. RESULTS Alginate/OVA peptide inhibited tumor progression more effectively than using the peptide alone. The viability and uptake study illustrated that this particle is safe and non-toxic. The activation study demonstrated that alginate particles can promote the activation of surface markers on macrophages. ELISA assay showed that the particles with peptide can promote the secretion of inflammatory and effector cytokines from macrophages.  CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that alginate has dual functions in immune therapy of cancer, serving both as a carrier and an adjuvant.

[Study on HPLC fingerprint of miao medicine Ardisia japonica].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the HPLC fingerprint of Ardisia japonica. METHODS: HPLC analysis was performed on a Diamonsil C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) with the eluting system of gradient consisted of methanol-0.1% H3PO4. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The column temperature was maintained at 35 degrees C and the detection wavelength was 250 nm. RESULTS: The HPLC fingerprint was established and 10 batches of samples with 32 common peaks were compared. Four peaks were identified as gallic acid, bergenin, chlorogenic acid and quercitrin. CONCLUSION: The method with good reproducibility is simple and accurate, which can be used for determination of HPLC fingerprint and quality control of Ardisia japonica. It provides scientific basis of future study of Ardisia japonica.

[Study on sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers of Polygonum capitatum].

OBJECTIVE: To establish sequence characterized amplified region markers of Polygonum capitatum. METHOD: The random primer was screened through RAPD to obtain the specific RAPD marker band, and the band was separated, extracted, cloned and sequenced. The specific primers were designed for conventional PCR reaction on the basis of the specific band, and the SCAR marker was acquired. RESULT: Screening from 50 RAPD primer, only C29 primer had 2 specific bands could distinguish P. capitatum from P. nepalense, then 4 pairs of specific primers were designed based on the 2 sequences of RAPD marker bands, and only 1 pair primer (Z1-2) was successfully converted into SCAR marker after repeated tests. CONCLUSION: The Z1-2 primer, could be used as an effective SCAR mark to identify Z300 DNA for P. capitatum. The SCAR mark was established and can be used as a molecular marker to distinguish P. capitatum from P. nepalense

Development and validation of HPLC coupled with triple quadrupole MS for the simultaneous determination of six phenolic acids, six flavonoids, and a lignan in Polygonum capitatum.

Polygonum capitatum, a traditional Miao medicinal plant, has significant effects on the treatment of urinary system infections and pyelonephritis. However, no study about the comprehensive quality evaluation of P. capitatum has been reported. In this contribution, a rapid and validated method based on HPLC coupled with triple quadrupole MS was established for the simultaneous determination of six active flavonoids, six phenolic acids, and a lignan in extracts of P. capitatum. These compounds were separated within 10 min on a C18 analytical column with gradient elution. All analyses were performed on an Agilent XDB C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 3.5 µm) with a linear gradient elution of acetonitrile/water. The proposed method was applied to analyze 15 batches of samples with acceptable linearity (r(2) , 0.9923-0.9992), precisions (RSD, 1.0-3.0%), repeatability (RSD, 2.0-3.2%), stability (RSD, 2.2-3.2%), and recovery (RSD, 2.1-3.6%) of the 13 compounds. These results demonstrated that this presented method was effective and reliable for the comprehensive quality evaluation of P. capitatum. Moreover, our study can provide chemical evidence to reveal the material basis of its therapeutic effects.

Aspergillus niger DLFCC-90 rhamnoside hydrolase, a new type of flavonoid glycoside hydrolase.

A novel rutin-α-L-rhamnosidase hydrolyzing α-L-rhamnoside of rutin, naringin, and hesperidin was purified and characterized from Aspergillus niger DLFCC-90, and the gene encoding this enzyme, which is highly homologous to the α-amylase gene, was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115. The novel enzyme was classified in glycoside-hydrolase (GH) family 13.

Enhancement of the differentiation of protocorm-like bodies of Dendrobium officinale to shoots by ultrasound treatment.

An efficient micropropagation protocol has been developed for Dendrobium officinale, through protocorm-like bodies (PLBs). A correlation between enhanced differentiation of PLBs of D. officinale by ultrasound and changes in the levels of endogenous hormones and the antioxidant enzyme activities was described. Ultrasound treatments improved the conversion of PLBs of D. officinale to shoots. The highest conversion frequency of PLBs to shoots was obtained following the ultrasound treatment at 300 W for 5 min. Compared to the control, the enhanced conversion of PLBs to shoots following the ultrasound treatment was accompanied by an increase in the ratio of total cytokinins (CTKs) to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which was due to a decrease in the endogenous level of IAA and an increase in the endogenous level of total CTKs. Analysis of enzyme activities indicated that the increased endogenous level of total CTKs driven by ultrasound was associated with the inhibition of CTK decomposition by CTK oxidase (EC 1.4.3.6), while the decreased endogenous level of IAA was associated with the promotion of IAA decomposition by IAA oxidase (EC 1.10.3.3). In addition, ultrasound treatment increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) in the conversion process of PLBs to shoots.

[Analysis on chloroplast DNA sequences of Polygonum capitatum of different geographical population].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the variation of chloroplast DNA gene sequences and the geographical origins of Polygonum capitatum in order to provide the molecular evidence for its excellent germplasm resources. METHOD: PCR direct sequencing was applied to detect the chloroplast psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF gene sequence of 11 samples collected from 11 populations of P. capitatum. RESULT: The psbA-trnH gene sequence of P. capitatum from different populations was 402 bp in length, there were 6 variable sites. TrnL-F gene sequence was 875 bp, there were 5 variable sites. The clusters diagram by UPGMA method showed that P. capitatum groups in Yunnan and Guizhou existed a considerable variation. CONCLUSION: P. capitaturni which is located in the east of Yunnan and the west of Guizhou is helpful of screening the germplasm resources.

[Genetic diversity of Polygonum capitatum from Guizhou populations by ISSR markers].

OBJECTIVE: To detect genetic diversity of 48 population of Polygonum capitatum in Guizhou province. METHOD: The genetic diversity of 48 representational populations of P. capitatum including 240 individuals had been investigated by ISSR marker technique. RESULT: The genetic diversity had been revealed as follow: A total of 8 293 bands were produced in 240 individuals, of which 7 962 bands were common in the 48 population. The value of the average percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) was 79.09%, Nei's genetic diversity index (H(e)) was 0.245 8, Shannon's information index (I) was 0.396 2, and genetic differentiation index (G(st)) was 0.238 0 at population level, respectively. The genetic differentiation index (G(st)) was 0.072 2, genetic differentiation coefficient by Shannon's diversity (I(st)) was 0.044 2 within the population levels. Groups cluster analysis based on the UPGMA method indicated that although the 48 populations could be divided into 3 groups and the P. capitatum seed sources. The groups cluster showed that a cross clustering of P. capitatum between the southwest and southeast populations in Guizhou province, and no significant correlation was found between geographical and genetic distance among them. CONCLUSION: The genetic diversity of P. capitatum is relatively high at the population levels, while low within the population levels, a significant degree of genetic differentiation occurs among the populations. The groups cluster analysis indicated they has not apparent genetic variation in regional pattern between the place of origin populations and the migrate populations.

Nanoleakage expression and microshear bond strength in the resin cement/dentin interface.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate dentin sealing ability and microshear bond strength of two different resin cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Resin composite overlays (Estenia C&B) were fabricated and cemented to mid-dentin surfaces with either a self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX Unicem) or a resin cement with a self-etching primer (Panavia F2.0). After 24 h storage in water, the specimens were sectioned, placed into 50% (w/v) ammoniacal silver nitrate solution for 24 h, exposed to photodeveloping solution and observed using FE-SEM and EDS. Percentage distribution of metallic silver particles in the resin cement/dentin interface was calculated using digital image analysis software. In addition, small resin overlay cylinders were also bonded to dentin using either of the resin cements, and their bonding performance was evaluated with the microshear bond strength test. The statistical significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was detected in the microshear bond strength between RelyX Unicem and Panavia F2.0 (24.9 ± 4.8 and 26.1 ± 5.3 MPa, respectively, p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was detected in silver particle penetration percentage between RelyX Unicem and Panavia F2.0 (7.4 ± 4.6 and 18.7 ± 8.7 MPa, respectively). The Kruskal-Wallis mean ranks for nanoleakage were 6.8 and 14.2, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: While the bond strengths of the two materials were comparable, the self-adhesive resin cement may provide better dentin sealing compared to the self-etching primer resin cement.