Differential Anti-Fibrotic and Remodeling Responses of Human Dermal Fibroblasts to Artemisia sp., Artemisinin, and Its Derivatives.

Fibrosis is a ubiquitous pathology, and prior studies have indicated that various artemisinin (ART) derivatives (including artesunate (AS), artemether (AM), and dihydroartemisinin (DHA)) can reduce fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. The medicinal plant Artemisia annua L. is the natural source of ART and is widely used, especially in underdeveloped countries, to treat a variety of diseases including malaria. A. afra contains no ART but is also antimalarial. Using human dermal fibroblasts (CRL-2097), we compared the effects of A. annua and A. afra tea infusions, ART, AS, AM, DHA, and a liver metabolite of ART, deoxyART (dART), on fibroblast viability and expression of key fibrotic marker genes after 1 and 4 days of treatment. AS, DHA, and Artemisia teas reduced fibroblast viability 4 d post-treatment in up to 80% of their respective controls. After 4 d of treatment, AS DHA and Artemisia teas downregulated ACTA2 up to 10 fold while ART had no significant effect, and AM increased viability by 10%. MMP1 and MMP3 were upregulated by AS, 17.5 and 32.6 fold, respectively, and by DHA, 8 and 51.8 fold, respectively. ART had no effect, but A. annua and A. afra teas increased MMP3 5 and 16-fold, respectively. Although A. afra tea increased COL3A1 5 fold, MMP1 decreased >7 fold with no change in either transcript by A. annua tea. Although A. annua contains ART, it had a significantly greater anti-fibrotic effect than ART alone but was less effective than A. afra. Immunofluorescent staining for smooth-muscle α-actin (α-SMA) correlated well with the transcriptional responses of drug-treated fibroblasts. Together, proliferation, qPCR, and immunofluorescence results show that treatment with ART, AS, DHA, and the two Artemisia teas yield differing responses, including those related to fibrosis, in human dermal fibroblasts, with evidence also of remodeling of fibrotic ECM.

Transplanted sagebrush "wildlings" exhibit higher survival than greenhouse-grown tubelings yet both recruit new plants.

BACKGROUND: Land uses such as crop production, livestock grazing, mining, and urban development have contributed to degradation of drylands worldwide. Loss of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) on disturbed drylands across the western U.S. has prompted massive efforts to re-establish this foundational species. There has been growing interest in avoiding the severe limitations experienced by plants at the seed and seedling stages by instead establishing plants from containerized greenhouse seedlings ("tubelings"). In some settings, a potential alternative approach is to transplant larger locally-collected plants ("wildlings"). We compared the establishment of mountain big sagebrush (A. tridentata ssp. vaseyana) from tubelings vs. wildlings in southeastern Idaho. A mix of native and non-native grass and forb species was drill-seeded in a pasture previously dominated by the introduced forage grass, smooth brome (Bromus inermis). We then established 80 m x 80 m treatment plots and planted sagebrush tubelings (n = 12 plots, 1200 plants) and wildlings (n = 12 plots, 1200 plants). We also established seeded plots (n = 12) and untreated control plots (n = 6) for long-term comparison. We tracked project expenses in order to calculate costs of using tubelings vs. wildlings as modified by probability of success. RESULTS: There was high (79%) tubeling and low (10%) wildling mortality within the first year. Three years post-planting, chance of survival for wildlings was significantly higher than that of tubelings (85% and 14% respectively). Despite high up-front costs of planting wildlings, high survival rates resulted in their being < 50% of the cost of tubelings on a per-surviving plant basis. Additionally, by the third year post-planting 34% of surviving tubelings and 95% of surviving wildlings showed evidence of reproduction (presence / absence of flowering stems), and the two types of plantings recruited new plants via seed (3.7 and 2.4 plants, respectively, per surviving tubeling/wildling). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that larger plants with more developed root systems (wildlings) may be a promising avenue for increasing early establishment rates of sagebrush plants in restoration settings. Our results also illustrate the potential for tubelings and wildlings to improve restoration outcomes by "nucleating" the landscape via recruitment of new plants during ideal climate conditions.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial Screening and In Vitro Pharmacological Activity of Artemisia vestita Leaf Extract.

Artemisia vestita Wall. Ex Besser is a folklore medicinal plant that belongs to Asteraceae family and a treasure trove of drugs. The aim of this research study was to investigate the phytoconstituents, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity and wound healing potential of A. vestita leaf extract (ALE). Phytochemical analysis of the ALE was carried out by Soxhlet extraction and GCMS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis. Antimicrobial activity was performed by the agar well diffusion method against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Free radical scavenging potential was evaluated by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was performed by enzyme inhibition assay-COXII. The cytotoxicity of ALE on HaCaT cells was studied via MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. An in vitro scratch assay was performed for the evaluation of the wound healing property of ALE. It showed satisfactory antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (14.2 ± 0.28 mm), Escherichia coli (17.6 ± 0.52 mm), Bacillus subtilis (13.1 ± 0.37 mm), Streptococcus pyogenes (17.3 ± 0.64 mm), Proteus mirabilis (9.4 ± 0.56 mm), Aspergillus niger (12.7 ± 0.53 mm), Aspergilus flavus (15.3 ± 0.25 mm) and Candida albicans (17.6 ± 0.11 mm). In ALE, 36 phytochemicals were detected by GCMS analysis, but 22 were dominant. Moreover, the ALE was effective in scavenging free radicals with different assays and exhibited reasonable anti-inflammatory activity. The MTT assay revealed that ALE had a cytotoxic effect on the HaCaT cells. The scratch assay showed 94.6% wound closure (after 24 h incubation) compared to the positive control Cipladine, which is remarkable wound healing activity. This is the first report on the wound healing property of A. vestita, which can serve as a potential agent for wound healing and extends knowledge on its therapeutic potential.

Artemyriantholides A-K, guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers from Artemisia myriantha var. pleiocephala and their antihepatoma activity.

Artemyriantholides A-K (1-11) as well as 14 known compounds (12-25) were isolated from Artemisia myriantha var. pleiocephala (Asteraceae). The structures and absolute configuration of compounds 2 and 8-9 were confirmed by the single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, and the others were elucidated by MS, NMR spectral data and electronic circular dichroism calculations. All compounds were chemically characterized as guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers (GSDs). Compound 1 was the first example of the GSD fused via C-3/C-11' and C-5/C-13' linkages, and compounds 2 and 5 were rare GSDs containing chlorine atoms. Eleven compounds showed obvious inhibitory activity in HepG2, Huh7 and SK-Hep-1 cell lines by antihepatoma assay to provide the IC50 values ranging from 7.9 to 67.1 µM. Importantly, compounds 5 and 8 exhibited the best inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 14.2 and 18.8 (HepG2), 9.0 and 11.5 (Huh7), and 8.8 and 11.3 µM (SK-Hep-1), respectively. The target of compound 5 was predicted to be MAP2K2 by a computational prediction model. The interaction between compound 5 and MAP2K2 was conducted to give docking score of -9.0 kcal/mol by molecular docking and provide KD value of 43.7 µM by Surface Plasmon Resonance assay.

Composition and antimicrobial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. leaf essential oils and methanolic extracts from plants grown in normal and saline habitats in Egypt.

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of salinity in natural habitats in Egypt on the main secondary metabolites of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. plants compared to plants grown at normal conditions. Plants grown under salinity were collected from Egyptian Western Coastal region habitats irrigated with underground water. Results showed that salinity increased the essential oil percentage of R. officinalis L. by 52.7% and A. monosperma L by 0.29% in addition to the total phenolics and flavonoids content in dry leaves compared to control plants. GC/MS analysis of rosemary essential oils revealed that salinity decreased the amount of some major oil monoterpenes component as verbenone, with a slight effect on 1,8 cineole and increased Camphor, endo- Boreneol, and linalool in addition to the appearance of new specific components such as Chrysanthenone monoterpene ketone and Caryophyllene sesquiterpene, while, in the case of Artemisia, the GC/MS showed that Artemisia ketone, Camphor, ß -phellandrene monoterpenes andα-Bisabolol sesquiterpenewere the major oil components; salinity decreased Camphor and ß -phellandrene content and increased artemisia ketone and α-Bisabolol oil content. About 11 new oil constituents were detected such as ( +)-2-Bornanone and Sesquisabinene hydrate. Mineral ions (N, K+, Ca+2, P, and Mg+2) uptake by R. officinalis and A. monosperma decreased in plants grown under salinity, while Na content increased compared to corresponding controls. Results demonstrated that both plants could tolerate the high salinity level in natural Western Coastal region soil which promoted more production of valuable secondary metabolites. The antimicrobial effect of R. officinalis L. and A. monosperma L. leaf methanolic extracts, results showed that R. officinalis extracts had an inhibitory response against all tested gram-positive and negative bacteria, in addition to the yeast (Candida albicans), whereas there was no any inhibitory effect concerning A. monosperma L extract on the tested species.

Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Natural Populations of Artemisia scoparia Collected at Different Altitudes: Antibacterial, Mosquito Repellent, and Larvicidal Effects.

The current study aimed to evaluate the presence of chemical variations in essential oils (EOs) extracted from Artemisia scoparia growing at different altitudes and to reveal their antibacterial, mosquito larvicidal, and repellent activity. The gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of A. scoparia EOs revealed that the major compounds were capillene (9.6-31.8%), methyleugenol (0.2-26.6%), ß-myrcene (1.9-21.4%), γ-terpinene (1.5-19.4%), trans-ß-caryophyllene (0.8-12.4%), and eugenol (0.1-9.1%). The EO of A. scoparia collected from the city of Attock at low elevation was the most active against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria (minimum inhibitory concentration of 156-1250 µg/mL) and showed the best mosquito larvicidal activity (LC50, 55.3 mg/L). The EOs of A. scoparia collected from the high-altitude areas of Abbottabad and Swat were the most repellent for females of Ae. aegypti and exhibited repellency for 120 min and 165 min, respectively. The results of the study reveal that different climatic conditions and altitudes have significant effects on the chemical compositions and the biological activity of essential oils extracted from the same species.

The Essential Oil Compositions of Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook., Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt., and Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pursh) Britton & Rusby (Asteraceae) from the Owyhee Mountains of Idaho.

As part of our interest in the volatile phytoconstituents of aromatic plants of the Great Basin, we have obtained essential oils of Ambrosia acanthicarpa (three samples), Artemisia ludoviciana (12 samples), and Gutierrezia sarothrae (six samples) from the Owyhee Mountains of southwestern Idaho. Gas chromatographic analyses (GC-MS, GC-FID, and chiral GC-MS) were carried out on each essential oil sample. The essential oils of A. acanthicarpa were dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons, including α-pinene (36.7-45.1%), myrcene (21.6-25.5%), and ß-phellandrene (4.9-7.0%). Monoterpene hydrocarbons also dominated the essential oils of G. sarothrae, with ß-pinene (0.5-18.4%), α-phellandrene (2.2-11.8%), limonene (1.4-25.4%), and (Z)-ß-ocimene (18.8-39.4%) as major components. The essential oils of A. ludoviciana showed wide variation in composition, but the relatively abundant compounds were camphor (0.1-61.9%, average 14.1%), 1,8-cineole (0.1-50.8%, average 11.1%), (E)-nerolidol (0.0-41.0%, average 6.8%), and artemisia ketone (0.0-46.1%, average 5.1%). This is the first report on the essential oil composition of A. acanthicarpa and the first report on the enantiomeric distribution in an Ambrosia species. The essential oil compositions of A. ludoviciana and G. sarothrae showed wide variation in composition in this study and compared with previous studies, likely due to subspecies variation.

Pro-inflammatory enzyme inhibition of lipoxygenases by flavonoid rich extract from Artemisia vulgaris.

The peroxyl radicals generated by the activity of lipoxygenases (LOX) are mediators to trigger inflammatory diseases. Therefore, it is important to investigate potent LOX inhibitor for modulating the occurrence and resolving inflammatory processes. Artemisa vulgaris, is a herbal plant that is known for flavonoids, potentially inhibiting lipid peroxidation and scavenging radicals. The objectives of the present study were to obtain flavonoids rich extract from A. vulgaris, and determine the inhibitory mode of the extract against LOX. The flavonoids rich extract was optimized in an ultrasound assisted extraction using ionic liquids as extraction solvent. The results found that the optimum conditions; ratio of solid-to-liquid (1:10) and 30 min of extraction time could produce the high yield (10.14 %) and flavonoid content (5.30 mg QE/g). The LOX activity was demonstrated to follow a mixed mode of inhibition in the presence of the flavonoid rich extract as an inhibitor. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) was increased from 0.283 µM to 0.435 µM, whereas the maximum velocity was reduced from 0.22 µM/min to 0.058 µM/min in the inhibition. The flavonoids rich extract is likely to be a natural potent non-competitive inhibitor which may bind to free LOX or substrate-bound LOX.

Chemical Composition of Artemisia Scoparia and Their Bioactivities.

Three undescribed sesquiterpenes (1-3), two enantiomeric pairs of monoterpenes (4a/4b-5a/5b), one alkyne (6), two known alkynes (7-8) and eight known coumarins (9-16) were isolated from the aerial parts extracts of Artemisia scoparia. The structures of these compounds were fully elucidated by their 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS spectral data analyses, and comparison with literature. The absolute configurations of compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography (1), a comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data (2-6). 15 showed moderate inhibitory activity with the NO release in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. 9-16 showed varying degrees of promoting melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity in B16 cells.

Artemisia argyi extracts overcome lapatinib resistance via enhancing TMPRSS2 activation in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Breast cancer stands as the predominant malignancy and primary cause of cancer-related mortality among females globally. Approximately 25% of breast cancers exhibit HER2 overexpression, imparting a more aggressive tumor phenotype and correlating with poor prognoses. Patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (HER2 TKIs), such as Lapatinib, develop acquired resistance within a year, posing a critical challenge in managing this disease. Here, we explore the potential of Artemisia argyi, a Chinese herbal medicine known for its anti-cancer properties, in mitigating HER2 TKI resistance in breast cancer. Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) revealed diminished expression of transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), a subfamily of membrane proteolytic enzymes, in breast cancer patients, correlating with unfavorable outcomes. Intriguingly, lapatinib-responsive patients exhibited higher TMPRSS2 expression. Our study unveiled that the compounds from Artemisia argyi, eriodictyol, and umbelliferone could inhibit the growth of lapatinib-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, they suppressed HER2 kinase activation by enhancing TMPRSS2 activity. Our findings propose TMPRSS2 as a critical determinant in lapatinib sensitivity, and Artemisia argyi emerges as a potential agent to overcome lapatinib via activating TMPRSS2 in HER2-positive breast cancer. This study not only unravels the molecular mechanisms driving cell death in HER2-positive breast cancer cells induced by Artemisia argyi but also lays the groundwork for developing novel inhibitors to enhance therapy outcomes.

The Extracts Derived from Artemisia japonica Thunb. Leaves Mitigate Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response Induced by LPS in RAW264.7 Cells through Modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

Artemisia japonica Thunb. has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine and a vegetable for thousands of years in China. However, there are few reports on the chemical composition and biological activity of its leaves. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of water extracts of A. japonica leaves and their underlying mechanisms. A total of 48 compounds were identified in the water extract using UPLC-QTOF-MS2 analysis, with phenolic acids, particularly chlorogenic acid compounds, being the predominant components. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) contained most of the total phenolic content (385.4217 mg GAE/g) and displayed superior antioxidant capacity with the IC50DPPH•, IC50ABTS•+, and OD0.5reducing power at 10.987 µg/mL, 43.630 µg/mL and 26.883 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, EAF demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells by upregulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway. These findings highlight that A. japonica leaves possess remarkable abilities to mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting their potential utilization as medicinal agents and food additives for promoting human health.

Yinchen gongying decoction mitigates CCl4-induced chronic liver injury and fibrosis in mice implicated in inhibition of the FoxO1/TGF-ß1/ Smad2/3 and YAP signaling pathways.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Liver fibrosis (LF) is a common reversible consequence of chronic liver damage with limited therapeutic options. Yinchen Gongying decoction (YGD) composed of two homologous plants: (Artemisia capillaris Thunb, Taraxacum monochlamydeum Hand.-Mazz.), has a traditionally application as a medicinal diet for acute icteric hepatitis. However, its impact on LF and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to assess the impact of YGD on a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis and elucidate its possible mechanisms. The study seeks to establish an experimental foundation for YGD as a candidate drug for hepatic fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LC-MS/MS identified 11 blood-entry components in YGD, and network pharmacology predicted their involvement in the FoxO signaling pathway, insulin resistance, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Using a CCl4-induced LF mouse model, YGD's protective effects were evaluated in comparison to a positive control and a normal group. The underlying mechanisms were explored through the assessments of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, fibrotic signaling, and inflammation. RESULTS: YGD treatment significantly improved liver function, enhanced liver morphology, and reduced liver collagen deposition in CCl4-induced LF mice. Mechanistically, YGD inhibited HSC activation, elevated MMPs/TIMP1 ratios, suppressed the FoxO1/TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 and YAP pathways, and exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Notably, YGD improved the insulin signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: YGD mitigates LF in mice by modulating fibrotic and inflammatory pathways, enhancing antioxidant responses, and specifically inhibiting FoxO1/TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 and YAP signal pathways.

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. Polysaccharide alleviates cholestatic liver injury through gut microbiota modulation and Nrf2 signaling pathway activation in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, cholestasis belongs to category of jaundice. Artemisia capillaris Thunb. has been widely used for the treatment of jaundice in TCM. The polysaccharides are the one of main active components of the herb, but its effects on cholestasis remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. polysaccharide (APS) on cholestasis and liver injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The amelioration of APS on cholestasis was evaluated in an alpha-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced mice model. Then nuclear Nrf2 knockout mice, mass spectrometry, 16s rDNA sequencing, metabolomics, and molecular biotechnology methods were used to elucidate the associated mechanisms of APS against cholestatic liver injury. RESULTS: Treatment with low and high doses of APS markedly decreased cholestatic liver injury of mice. Mechanistically, APS promoted nuclear translocation of hepatic nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), upregulated downstream bile acid (BA) efflux transporters and detoxifying enzymes expression, improved BA homeostasis, and attenuated oxidative liver injury; however, these effects were annulled in Nrf2 knock-out mice. Furthermore, APS ameliorated the microbiota dysbiosis of cholestatic mice and selectively increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria growth. Fecal microbiota transplantation of APS also promoted hepatic Nrf2 activation, increased BA efflux transporters and detoxifying enzymes expression, ameliorated intrahepatic BA accumulation and cholestatic liver injury. Non-targeted metabolomics and in vitro microbiota culture confirmed that APS significantly increased the production of a microbiota-derived SCFA (butyric acid), which is also able to upregulate Nrf2 expression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that APS can ameliorate cholestasis by modulating gut microbiota and activating the Nrf2 pathway, representing a novel therapeutic approach for cholestatic liver disease.

Divergence of 10 satellite repeats in Artemisia (Asteraceae: Anthemideae) based on sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis: evidence for species identification and evolution.

Artemisia is a large genus encompassing about 400 diverse species, many of which have considerable medicinal and ecological value. However, complex morphological information and variation in ploidy level and nuclear DNA content have presented challenges for evolution studies of this genus. Consequently, taxonomic inconsistencies within the genus persist, hindering the utilization of such large plant resources. Researchers have utilized satellite DNAs to aid in chromosome identification, species classification, and evolutionary studies due to their significant sequence and copy number variation between species and close relatives. In the present study, the RepeatExplorer2 pipeline was utilized to identify 10 satellite DNAs from three species (Artemisia annua, Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia viridisquama), and fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed their distribution on chromosomes in 24 species, including 19 Artemisia species with 5 outgroup species from Ajania and Chrysanthemum. Signals of satellite DNAs exhibited substantial differences between species. We obtained one genus-specific satellite from the sequences. Additionally, molecular cytogenetic maps were constructed for Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia leucophylla, and Artemisia viridisquama. One species (Artemisia verbenacea) showed a FISH distribution pattern suggestive of an allotriploid origin. Heteromorphic FISH signals between homologous chromosomes in Artemisia plants were observed at a high level. Additionally, the relative relationships between species were discussed by comparing ideograms. The results of the present study provide new insights into the accurate identification and taxonomy of the Artemisia genus using molecular cytological methods.

Composite estimation to combine spatially overlapping environmental monitoring surveys.

Long-term environmental monitoring surveys are designed to achieve a desired precision (measured by variance) of resource conditions based on natural variability information. Over time, increases in resource variability and in data use to address issues focused on small areas with limited sample sizes require bolstering of attainable precision. It is often prohibitive to do this by increasing sampling effort. In cases with spatially overlapping monitoring surveys, composite estimation offers a statistical way to obtain a precision-weighted combination of survey estimates to provide improved population estimates (more accurate) with improved precisions (lower variances). We present a composite estimator for overlapping surveys, a summary of compositing procedures, and a case study to illustrate the procedures and benefits of composite estimation. The study uses the two terrestrial monitoring surveys administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that entirely overlap. Using 2015-18 data and 13 land-health indicators, we obtained and compared survey and composite indicator estimates of percent area meeting land-health standards for sagebrush communities in Wyoming's Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Core and NonCore conservation areas on BLM-managed lands. We statistically assessed differences in indicator estimates between the conservation areas using composite estimates and estimates of the two surveys individually. We found composite variance to be about six to 24 units lower than 37% of the survey variances and composite estimates to differ by about six to 10 percentage points from six survey estimates. The composite improvements resulted in finding 11 indicators to statistically differ (p <0.05) between the conservation areas compared to only six and seven indicators for the individual surveys. Overall, we found composite estimation to be an efficient and useful option for improving environmental monitoring information where two surveys entirely overlap and suggest how this estimation method could be beneficial where environmental surveys partially overlap and in small area applications.

Synergistic effects of essential oils and phenolic extracts on antimicrobial activities using blends of Artemisia campestris, Artemisia herba alba, and Citrus aurantium.

This study explores the synergistic antibacterial effects of essential oils (EOs) and phenolic extracts from three plants against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The present work aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of the binary and the ternary combinations of extracts using different blend proportions of the following plant extracts: Artemisia campestris (AC), Artemisia herba alba (AHA), and Citrus aurantium (CA). The antimicrobial activities of EOs and phenolic extracts were determined and evaluated against five strains. For the EOs, the results of the DIZ showed the existence of synergism for different combinations of binary blends, such as AC/AHA or AHA/CA against Escherichia coli, and AC/CA against Enterobacter faecalis. In addition, ternary blends of AC:AHA:CA at a ratio of 1/6:2/3:1/6 exhibited a synergy effect, as measured by the CI, against E. coli. On the other hand, for the phenolic extracts, synergistic effects were noticed for binary blends of AC/CA at different ratios against E. coli, E. faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Similarly, ternary blends of phenolic extracts presented synergy against E. coli, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa strains, and even C. albicans. In this case, the blending ratios were crucial determining factors for maximizing the synergy effect. The study established that the proportion of a single drug could play an essential role in determining the bioefficacy of a drug combination treatment. Therefore, the results showed the importance of studying the modulation of antibacterial activities based on the proportions of extracts in the mixture and finding the range of proportions (as determined by SLMD) that have a synergistic/additive/antagonistic effect with no or low side effects, which can be used in a food preservation system.

Variability in weather and site properties affect fuel and fire behavior following fuel treatments in semiarid sagebrush-steppe.

Fuel-treatments targeting shrubs and fire-prone exotic annual grasses (EAGs) are increasingly used to mitigate increased wildfire risks in arid and semiarid environments, and understanding their response to natural factors is needed for effective landscape management. Using field-data collected over four years from fuel-break treatments in semiarid sagebrush-steppe, we asked 1) how the outcomes of EAG and sagebrush fuel treatments varied with site biophysical properties, climate, and weather, and 2) how predictions of fire behavior using the Fuel Characteristic Classification System fire model related to land-management objectives of maintaining fire behavior expected of low-load, dry-climate grasslands. Generalized linear mixed effect modeling with build-up model selection was used to determine best-fit models, and marginal effects plots to assess responses for each fuel type. EAG cover decreased as antecedent-fall precipitation increased and increased as antecedent-spring temperatures and surface soil clay contents increased. Herbicides targeting EAGs were less effective where pre-treatment EAG cover was >40 % and antecedent spring temperatures were >9.5 °C. Sagebrush cover was inversely related to soil clay content, especially where clay contents were >17 %. Predicted fire behavior exceeded management objectives under 1) average fire weather conditions when EAG or sagebrush cover was >50 % or >26 %, respectively, or 2) extreme fire weather conditions when EAG or sagebrush cover was >10 % or >8 %, respectively. Consideration of the strong effects of natural variability in site properties and antecedent weather can help in justifying, planning and implementing fuel-treatments.

Effects of acetyl groups on the prebiotic properties of glucomannan extracted from Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch seeds.

This study explores the structural modification of glucomannan extracted from Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch seeds (60S) to assess the impact of acetyl groups on its prebiotic characteristics. The structural changes were examined, with a focus on the degree of acetyl group substitution (DS). Both deacetylation and acetylation had limited influence on the molecular properties of 60S. Despite these modifications, the apparent viscosity of all samples remained consistently low. In vitro fermentation experiments revealed that Escherichia-Shigella decreased as DS increased, while Bacteroides ovatus was enriched. Acetylation had no significant impact on the utilization rate of 60S but led to a reduction in the production of propionic acid. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics analysis confirmed the changes in propionic acid levels. Notably, metabolites such as N-acetyl-L-tyrosine, γ-muricholic acid, and taurocholate were upregulated by acetylated derivatives. Overall, acetyl groups are speculated to play a pivotal role in the prebiotic properties of 60S.

Taxonomic significance of morphological and elemental characteristics of achenes of Artemisia genus from Turkey.

In the study, the achene macromorphological and micromorphological characters of the genus Artemisia distributed in Turkey have been researched with the target of knowing systematically important carpological structures for the examined species. Macro-morphological structures of the achenes including color, shape, dimension, and carpopodium diameter were studied with 100 achenes of 10 specimens per taxa with a Light Microscope. Micro-morphological features of the achenes containing surface ornamentation, anticlinal and periclinal cell walls, epidermal cells, and the presence of secondary structures were examined with a Scanning Electron Microscope. EDS analyses were performed with a SEM. EDS analyses were carried out by selecting the same spot on the sample surface at 80 sec under 30 µm aperture size, with 20 kV acceleration voltage, 8 mm operating distance, high current, and processing time conditions. The color, shape, and dimension of achene have macro-morphologically shown variations. The examined achenes are separated into four shapes; fusiform-oblong, oblong, oblong-ovate, and ovate. Oblong-ovate is the most common type. Achene dimensions range from 0.62 to 2.48 mm in length, and from 0.30 to 1.21 mm in width. Also, carpopodium diameter varies between 0.10 and 0.19 mm. Achene surfaces of the examined taxa are micro-morphologically assessed, and substantial differences are noticeably detected on behalf of the surface structures for instance, surface ornamentation, anticlinal and periclinal cell walls, epidermal cells, and the presence of secondary structures of the achenes. Surface ornamentation is separated into 10 types: irregularly sulcate, regularly sulcate, ruminate, sulcate-scalariform, rugose, favulariate, slightly sulcate, alveolate, tuberculate, and reticulate. A percentage comparison of the elements in the achene pericarp of the studied taxa has been performed with SEM-EDS. Accordingly, pericarps in taxa include C, Ca, K, Mg, Cl, Si, Na, and S elements. In the taxonomy of the genus Artemisia, the achene morphological characters are very significant characteristics that disclose inter-specific relations among the examined taxa. Moreover, a dichotomous key is offered for the identification of the studied taxa based on achene characters. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The achenes of Turkish Artemisia taxa have been examined in depth. The morphological characteristics of achenes of Turkish Artemisia taxa have been studied using SEM and LM for the first time and debated the systematic practice of these characters. The elemental content of the achene pericarp has been systematically evaluated for the first time.

Three Artemisia pollens trigger the onset of allergic rhinitis via TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is high, making it a relatively common chronic condition. Countless patients suffer from seasonal Allergic rhinitis (AR). The objective of this investigation is to examine the potential involvement of common pollen allergens in seasonal allergic rhinitis, and study the proposed mechanism of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) signaling pathway in the induction of AR. METHOD: A mouse AR model (sensitized group) was constructed with pollen extracts and ovalbumin (OVA) of Artemisia annua (An), Artemisia argyi (Ar) and Artemisia Sieversiana (Si), and thereafter, AR symptom score was performed. After successful modeling, mouse serum and nasal mucosa tissues were extracted for subsequent experiments. The expression levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) in serum were detected using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining methods were used to observe the pathological changes of the nasal mucosal tissue; Utilizing immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in mouse nasal mucosa were quantified; The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in nasal mucosa of sensitized mice were detected with Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot. Finally, the in vitro culture of Human nasal mucosal epithelial cells (HNEpC) cells was conducted, and cells were treated with 200 µg/ml Artemisia annua pollen extract and OVA for 24 h. Western Blot assay was used to detect the expression level of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 proteins before and after HNEpC cells were treated with MyD88 inhibitor ST-2825. RESULT: On the second day after AR stimulation, the mice showed obvious AR symptoms. H&E results showed that compared to the control group, the nasal mucosal tissue in the sensitized group was significantly more inflamed. Furthermore, ELISA assay showed increased expression levels of IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TNF-α in serum of mice induced by OVA and Artemisia annua pollen, Artemisia argyi pollen and Artemisia Sieversiana pollen than those of the control group. However, the expression level of IL-2 was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Using Immunohistochemistry staining visually observed the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in mouse nasal mucosa tissues and quantitatively analyzed. The expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in the sensitized group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The results from qRT-PCR and Western Blot showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in nasal mucosa of the sensitized group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Finally, HNEpC cells were cultured in vitro and analyzed using Western Blot. The expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in OVA and An groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05). After ST-2825 treatment, TLR4 protein expression was significantly increased (P < 0.05) and MyD88 and NF-κB p65 protein expression were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: To sum up, the occurrence and development of AR induced by OVA and pollen of Artemisia annua, Artemisia argyi and Artemisia Sieversiana were related to TLR4/MyD88 signal pathway.