Chloroplast genome of Calamus tetradactylus revealed rattan phylogeny.

BACKGROUND: Calamus tetradactylus, a species primarily distributed in Vietnam, Laos, and southern China, is highly valued for its utilization as a small-diameter rattan material. While its physical and mechanical properties have been extensively studied, the genomic characteristics of C. tetradactylus remain largely unexplored. RESULTS: To gain a better understanding of its chloroplast genomic features and evolutionary relationships, we conducted sequencing and assembly of the chloroplast genome of C. tetradactylus. The complete chloroplast genome exhibited the typical highly conserved quartile structure, with specific variable regions identified in the single-copy region (like psbF-psbE, π = 0.10327, ndhF-rpl32, π = 0.10195), as well as genes such as trnT-GGU (π = 0.05764) and ycf1 (π = 0.03345) and others. We propose that these regions and genes hold potential as markers for species identification. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed that C. tetradactylus formed a distinct clade within the phylogenetic tree, alongside other Calamus species, and C. tetradactylus was most closely related to C. walkeri, providing support for the monophyly of the genus. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the chloroplast genome conducted in this study provides valuable insights that can contribute to the improvement of rattan breeding programs and facilitate sustainable development in the future.

New flavan trimer from Daemonorops draco as osteoclastogenesis inhibitor.

Dragon's blood is a red resin obtained from different plants and is considered highly efficacious and used in medicine owing its wound healing function. Two new compounds (7 and 8) were isolated from the dragon's blood of Daemonorops draco fruits, along with eight known compounds (1-6, 9, and 10). Their structures, including their absolute configurations, were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analysis. According to the spectroscopic data, 8 was determined to be a quinone methide derivative of flavan and 7 was deduced to be a flavan trimer. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-osteoclastogenesis activity, compound 1 and 7 exhibited anti-osteoclastogenesis activity with IC50 values of 31.3 and 36.8 µM, respectively.

Phytotoxicity and Phytotoxic Substances in Calamus tenuis Roxb.

Calamus tenuis is a shrub species distributed across South Asia. It grows well in diversified habitats and tends to dominate plants in the surrounding environment. The phytotoxicity of C. tenuis and the action of its phytochemicals against other plant species could explain its dominant behavior. Compounds with phytotoxic activity are in high demand as prospective sources of ecofriendly bioherbicides. Therefore, we investigated the phytotoxicity of C. tenuis. Aqueous methanol extracts of this plant species significantly limited the growth of four test plant species, two monocots (barnyard grass and timothy), and two dicots (alfalfa and cress), in a dose- and species-dependent manner. Bio-directed chromatographic isolation of the C. tenuis extracts yielded two major active substances: a novel compound, calamulactone {(S)-methyl 8-(5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-yl) octanoate}, and 3-oxo-α-ionone. Both of the identified compounds exerted strong growth inhibitory effects on cress and timothy seedlings. The concentrations of 3-oxo-α-ionone and calamulactone required to limit the growth of the cress seedlings by 50% (I50) were 281.6-199.5 and 141.1-105.5 µM, respectively, indicating that the effect of calamulactone was stronger with lower I50 values. Similarly, the seedlings of timothy also showed a considerably higher sensitivity to calamulactone (I50: 40.5-84.4 µM) than to 3-oxo-α-ionone (I50: 107.8-144.7 µM). The findings indicated that the leaves of C. tenuis have marked growth-inhibitory potential, and could affect surrounding plants to exert dominance over the surrounding plant community. Moreover, the two identified phytotoxic substances might play a key role in the phytotoxicity of C. tenuis, and could be a template for bioherbicide development. This paper was the first to report calamulactone and its phytotoxicity.

Potent hepatoprotective activity of common rattan (Calamus rotang L.) leaf extract and its molecular mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Calamus rotang L. (CR) is an Indian shrub. The leaves and other organs of the plant are traditionally used in India for treatment of various diseases. The in vitro antioxidant property of the leaves extract was previously established. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of CR ethyl acetate extract at a dose of 350 mg/kg on CCl4 induced hepatotoxic rats through different mechanisms. METHODS: Histopathological examination of the treated rats' group in comparison with positive and negative controls were performed. Quantitative measuring of the proinflammatory cytokines (TNF α), inflammatory regulators (Arginase, PPAR α) and the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in comparison with positive and negative control groups was achieved using immunohistochemical examination. HPLC profiling of the polyphenol contents and molecular docking of the identified compounds against BH3 proapoptotic protein were correspondingly studied to evaluate the potential antiapoptotic property. RESULTS: The CR extract greatly protects the liver tissue through the suppression of TNF α, arginase and PPAR α induced by CCl4 as well as its enhancement of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein. Fourteen polyphenols of different classes were identified in CR extract and tested via molecular docking for their potential antiapoptotic activities against BH3 protein. Naringin, rutin, 7-hydroxy flavone, and ellagic acid compounds exhibit the highest affinity and potential inhibition of pro-apoptotic protein BH3 via molecular docking study. CONCLUSIONS: The ethyl acetate fraction of the leaves of C. rotang is rich in polyphenols that exhibited potent hepatoprotective effect on CCl4 induced hepatotoxic rats through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-steatosis and antiapoptotic properties.

Evaluation of the pathogenicity of endophytic fungi isolated from spines of rattan (Calamus castaneus) against other plant hosts.

AIMS: In this study, we sought to determine the pathogenic ability of endophytic fungi recovered from the spines of Calamus castaneus, a common rattan palm growing in the forests of Peninsula Malaysia. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ten endophytic fungal isolates were selected for pathogenicity tests: Colletotrichum boninense, Colletotrichum fructicola, Colletotrichum cliviae, Diaporthe hongkongensis, Diaporthe arengae, Diaporthe cf. nobilis, Neopestalotiopsis saprophytica, Neopestalotiopsis formicarum, Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum. These endophytes were tested against leaves of bertam (Eugeissona sp.), oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and mango (Mangiferae indica) and the fruits of chilli (Capsicum annum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and banana (Musa acuminata). The fungal isolates showed infectivity against bertam, oil palm and mango leaves with degrees of virulence ranging from low to moderate, whereas infectivity against chilli, tomato and banana ranged from low to very high. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal endophytes isolated from the spines of C. castaneus are pathogenic to different crop plants with differing degrees of virulence or aggressiveness. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Spines of C. castaneus can harbour fungal pathogens of a number of different crops as endophytes. The ability of the fungal endophytes to colonize and infect different crops demonstrate their importance towards agricultural crops. There is a possibility the endophytes behave as latent pathogen. When conditions become favourable, the fungal endophytes transform to pathogenic form and potentially infect other plants.

Euryhaliotrema dolichodrilus n. sp. and Euryhaliotrema mimulus n. sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) infecting the gill lamellae of porgies, Calamus spp. (Perciformes: Sparidae) from the Gulf of Mexico off Florida, U.S.A.

Two new species of Euryhaliotrema Kritsky & Boeger, 2002 (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) were described from the gill lamellae of porgies, Calamus spp. (Perciformes, Sparidae), collected from the Gulf of Mexico off Florida: Euryhaliotrema dolichodrilus n. sp. from littlehead porgy Calamus proridens Jordan & Gilbert (type host), knobbed porgy Calamus nodosus Randall and Caldwell, grass porgy Calamus arctifrons Good & Bean, sheepshead porgy Calamus penna (Valenciennes), and jolthead porgy Calamus bajonado (Bloch & Schneider); and Euryhaliotrema mimulus n. sp. from jolthead porgy. The two new species along with Euryhaliotrema amydrum Kritsky & Bakenhaster, 2011, Euryhaliotrema carbuncularium Kritsky & Bakenhaster, 2011, Euryhaliotrema carbunculus (Hargis, 1955) Kritsky & Boeger, 2002, Euryhaliotrema luisae Cruces, Chero & Luque, 2018, Euryhaliotrema magnopharyngis Cruces, Chero & Luque, 2018, and Euryhaliotrema spirulum Kritsky & Bakenhaster, 2011 appeared to form a subgroup of species that developed secondarily within Euryhaliotrema.

Mammalian Arginase Inhibitory Activity of Methanolic Extracts and Isolated Compounds from Cyperus Species.

Polyphenolic enriched extracts from two species of Cyperus, Cyperus glomeratus and Cyperus thunbergii, possess mammalian arginase inhibitory capacities, with the percentage inhibition ranging from 80% to 95% at 100 µg/mL and 40% to 64% at 10 µg/mL. Phytochemical investigation of these species led to the isolation and identification of two new natural stilbene oligomers named thunbergin A-B (1-2), together with three other stilbenes, trans-resveratrol (3), trans-scirpusin A (4), trans-cyperusphenol A (6), and two flavonoids, aureusidin (5) and luteolin (7), which were isolated for the first time from C.thunbergii and C. glomeratus. Structures were established on the basis of the spectroscopic data from MS and NMR experiments. The arginase inhibitory activity of compounds 1-7 was evaluated through an in vitro arginase inhibitory assay using purified liver bovine arginase. As a result, five compounds (1, 4-7) showed significant inhibition of arginase, with IC50 values between 17.6 and 60.6 µM, in the range of those of the natural arginase inhibitor piceatannol (12.6 µM). In addition, methanolic extract from Cyperus thunbergii exhibited an endothelium and NO-dependent vasorelaxant effect on thoracic aortic rings from rats and improved endothelial dysfunction in an adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity and phytochemicals of selected methanol rattan shoot extracts from Morong, Bataan

Background@#Rattan is a member of the Arecaceae family grown in the tropical or subtropical climates. These plants are used as raw materials for furniture-making. In some cases, its shoots are also used as food and may possess bioactive potentials. In this study, rattan root methanolic extracts were screened for phytochemicals and evaluated for antioxidant activities.@*Methodology@#Six (6) methanolic extracts of selected rattan shoots were subjected to in vitro antioxidant assays, which include DPPH, FRAP, metal chelation, superoxide, and nitric oxide. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were also employed. @*Results@#Shoots of Calamus sp. 02 (Bangaw-Bangaw; 85.59±0.430%), C. usitatus (Talola; 82.45±2.215%), and C. spinifolius (Kurakling; 75.54±1.599%) showed the most effective DPP radical inhibition at 66.67μg/mL. Concentration-dependent reducing power (>30% scavenging at 6.64μg/mL) with no-to-low metal chelating activity was also observed in these plant food. C. sp 02 and C. usitatus demonstrated an effective scavenging activity against superoxide anions at 227.3μg/mL. Nitric oxide scavenging activity was observed in all shoots with C. merrilli (Palasan) exhibiting highest at 78.13μg/mL. Qualitative phytochemical analyses showed that rattan shoots all contained reducing sugars, phenolics, terpenoids, and quinone compounds. Quantitative phytochemical analyses revealed that C. sp. 02 (66.024±4.183mg GAE/g) and C. merrilli (1.767±0.056mg QE/g) contained the highest amounts of phenolic and flavonoids, respectively. These phytochemicals present may explain their behavior as antioxidants. @*Conclusion@#The study revealed that different rattan shoots showed different capacities to scavenge particular oxidants. Of these, C. sp. 02, C. spinifolius, and C. merrilli may be considered promising sources of natural antioxidants.

Rattan spines as deterrence? A spinescence study on different species of rattans.

Rattan spines are most often regarded as an identification trait and perhaps as a physical protection structure. In this study, we study the spinescence traits from five different species rattan: Daemonorops lewisiana, Daemonorops geniculata, Calamus castaneus, Plectomia griffithii, and Korthalsia scortechinii. We tested length, width, angle, strength, spine density, cross-section surface, spine color, and leaf trichomes (only for D. lewisiana, C. castaneus and D. geniculata). We also tested whether the spines were capable of deterring small climbing mammals (for Plectomia griffithii and Calamus castaneus) by using a choice selection experiment. Due to a variety of spine traits, we could not categorize whether any species is more or less spinescent than the others. We suggest that spines have a much more significant role than merely as a physical defense and work together with other rattan characteristics. This is also evidenced by our choice selection experiment, in which the spines on a single stem donot deter small climbing mammals. However, this is a work in progress, and we have outlined several alternative methods to be used in future work.

Relación entre la conformación del conducto radicular y las técnicas de obturación tras la instrumentación con TruNatomy, Wave One Gold y ProTaper Gold en conductos curvos simulados de EndoTraining Blocks / Relation between canal shape and filling techniques after instrumentation with TruNatomy, WaveOne Gold, and ProTaper Gold in simulated curved canals from Endo Training Blocks

OBJETIVO: Evaluar en conductos simulados instrumentados con técnicas mecanizadas, la profundidad de penetración de los instrumentos para la obturación con diferentes técnicas y sistemas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se emplearon 30 conductos simulados divididos en 3 grupos de 10. Grupo 1. Instrumentado con TruNatomy Prime, Grupo 2. Instrumentado con Wave One Gold Primary y Grupo 3. Instrumentado con ProTaper Gold F2. En cada grupo se realizaron 4 pruebas. 1. Nivel de penetración del atacador manual 9P de 0.6 mm Schilder; 2. Nivel de penetración del atacador Calamus #40 .03; 3. Nivel de penetración de la cánula Calamus 23G; 4. Nivel de penetración del verificador SV20 de GuttaCore para el Grupo 1 y el SV25 para los grupos 2 y 3. Para la evaluación estadística se utilizó análisis de variancia y prueba de Tukey para comparaciones múltiples. Nivel de significación P < 0,05. RESULTADOS: En las pruebas 1,2 y 3, las preparaciones con TruNatomy mostraron una penetración menor de los instrumentos de obturación comparada a las de WaveOne Gold y ProTaper Gold. En la prueba 4, el verificador SV20 fue adecuado con el TruNatomy, en tanto el SV25 lo fue para WaveOne Gold y ProTaper Gold. El análisis estadístico de las pruebas 1,2 y 3 mostró diferencia significativa entre TruNatomy y los otros grupos. En la prueba 4 todos los verificadores penetraron adecuadamente. CONCLUSIONES: 1.- La preparación con TruNatomy Prime dificultó la penetración de los dispositivos necesarios para la obturación con las diferentes técnicas. Para el GuttaCore, el verificador empleado debería ser de un calibre menor al instrumento de prepa-ración. 2.- Los instrumentos WaveOne Gold Primary y ProTaper Gold F2 produjeron una conformación que permitió una penetración mayor de los dispositivos de obturación. Los verificadores GuttaCore de dichos sistemas coincidieron con los instrumentos de preparación

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate depth of penetration of the instruments used in different obturation techniques and systems in simulated curved canals prepared with three different techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty with simulated curved canals were used and divided into three groups. Group 1 Was instrumented with TruNatomy Prime. Group 2. Was instrumented with WaveOne Gold Primary. Group 3. Was instrumented with ProTaper Gold F2. In each group four tests were carried out. 1. for depth of penetration of manual plugger 9P 0.6 mm Schilder; 2. for depth of penetration of the Calamus Dual plugger #40 .03; Test 3. for depth of penetration of the Calamus Dual cartridge 23G. Test 4. for depth of penetration of the GuttaCore SV20 verifier for group 1 and SV25 verifier for groups 2 and 3. The results were statistically evaluated by the analysis of variance and Tukey multiple comparison test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: In tests 1, 2 and 3 canals prepared with TruNatomy showed lower penetration depth than groups prepared with WaveOne Gold Primary and ProTaper Gold. In test 4 verifier SV20 was adequate for TruNatomy, while SV25 was for WaveOne Gold and ProTaper Gold. Statistical analysis of tests 1,2 and 3 showed a significant difference between TruNatomy and the other groups. In test 4, all the verifiers penetrated adequately. CONCLUSIONS:1.- The use of TruNatomy Prime in simulated curved canals limited the penetration of the devices from the different obturation techniques. GuttaCore verifier should be selected one caliber less than the instrument used. 2. WaveOne Gold Primary and ProTaper Gold F2 shaped a canal that allowed deeper penetration of the obturation devices. GuttaCore verifiers employed corresponded with the instruments used

Narrow gene pool can threaten the survival of Calamus nagbettai R. R. Fernald & Dey: a highly, endemic dioecious rattan species in the Western Ghats of India.

Rattans, the spiny climbing palms of Arecaceae (Palmae) family exhibit high endemism to the biodiversity hot spots in India. Of the five rattan genera, Calamus is the only genus found in peninsular India with 15 of 21 species, endemic to the Western Ghats. The extensive utilization of rattans owing to their strength, durability and huge demand has resulted in depletion of their natural resources. Of the 15 endemic species, C. nagbettai is the most affected species on account of endemism, low population size and restricted distribution with fragmented populations. The present study revealed high amount of genetic diversity in the surviving scattered populations of the species using microsatellite markers. High gene flow (Nm = 1.498) observed across the populations resulted in low genetic differentiation (14%). A clear genetic admixture could be seen in Kerala as well as one of the Karnataka's populations while the remaining two populations were genetically distinct. UPGMA, PCoA and STRUCTURE analyses showed significantly different genetic composition in Kerala population compared to other populations. Kerala and Karnataka populations of C. nagbettai were also unique in their genetic structure and allelic composition. Therefore, effective management and conservation strategies have to be implemented to preserve the rarealleles with adaptive potential to protect this economically valuable Calamus species from endangerment. Over exploitation, low seed set and poor regeneration, as well as habitat fragmentation can further threaten the survival of this endemic, narrowly distributed dioecious rattan species in the Western Ghats region.

Rattan litter-collecting structures attract nest-building and defending ants.

Rattan is an important climbing palm taxon in Malaysian tropical rain forests. Many rattan species have unique structures directly associated with certain ant species. In this study, four rattan species (Daemonorops lewisiana, Calamus castaneus, Daemonorops geniculata and Korthalsia scortechinii) were inspected and documented in a field survey concerning their relationships with several ant species. We noticed that two rattan species (D. lewisiana and C. castaneus) were more likely to be associated with ants compared to their neighbouring rattan (Plectomia griffithii). However, D. lewisiana and C. castaneus did not directly provide shelters for ant colonies, but possessed unique structures: upward-pointing spines and funnel-shaped leaves, which are equipped to collect more litter than P. griffithii. To test our litter collecting hypothesis, we measured the inclination of spines from the stem. Our results showed the presence of ant colonies in the litter-collecting rattans (D. lewisiana and C. castaneus), which was significantly higher compared to a non-litter-collecting rattan (P. griffithii). We propose a complex and novel type of adaptation (litter-collection and provision of nesting materials) for rattans, which promotes interactions between the rattan and ants through the arrangements of leaves, leaflets, and spines. In return, the rattan may benefit from ants' services, such as protection, nutrient enhancement, and pollination.

Influence of Post Space Preparation on the Apical Leakage of Calamus, Single-Cone and Cold Lateral Condensation Obturation Techniques: A Computerized Fluid Filtration Study.

PURPOSE: Apical microleakage between the root canal and periapical tissues is considered a common cause of endodontic failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical microleakage of various obturation techniques after immediate post space preparations with different drills. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty human single-rooted teeth were selected for this study. The coronal portions were removed to achieve a uniform length of 15 mm. All root canals were instrumented with ProTaper Next rotary files using crown-down technique. The 120 roots were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups according to obturation technique (n = 40). The root canals were obturated with lateral condensation in group 1, single-cone technique in group 2, and Calamus 3D obturation system in group 3. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 20) according to drill types (Gates Glidden and Peeso drills) leaving 5 mm of apical gutta-percha. The apical microleakage was measured using the computerized fluid filtration meter method. The results were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni Corrected Mann-Whitney U multiple comparison post hoc tests. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between obturation techniques after post space preparation with Peeso drills (p > 0.05). In Gates Glidden drill groups, single-cone technique demonstrated higher leakage (0.0051 ± 0.0037 µl x min-1 × cmH2 O-1 ) than Calamus techniques (0.0019 ± 0.0012 µl x min-1 × cmH2 O-1 ) (p < 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Gates Glidden drills caused the highest apical leakage in teeth obturated with single-cone technique.

The chromosome-level genome assemblies of two rattans (Calamus simplicifolius and Daemonorops jenkinsiana).

Background: Calamus simplicifolius and Daemonorops jenkinsiana are two representative rattans, the most significant material sources for the rattan industry. However, the lack of reference genome sequences is a major obstacle for basic and applied biology on rattan. Findings: We produced two chromosome-level genome assemblies of C. simplicifolius and D. jenkinsiana using Illumina, Pacific Biosciences, and Hi-C sequencing data. A total of ∼730 Gb and ∼682 Gb of raw data covered the predicted genome lengths (∼1.98 Gb of C. simplicifolius and ∼1.61 Gb of D. jenkinsiana) to ∼372 × and ∼426 × read depths, respectively. The two de novo genome assemblies, ∼1.94 Gb and ∼1.58 Gb, were generated with scaffold N50s of ∼160 Mb and ∼119 Mb in C. simplicifolius and D. jenkinsiana, respectively. The C. simplicifolius and D. jenkinsiana genomes were predicted to harbor 51,235 and 53,342 intact protein-coding gene models, respectively. Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs evaluation demonstrated that genome completeness reached 96.4% and 91.3% in the C. simplicifolius and D. jenkinsiana genomes, respectively. Genome evolution showed that four Arecaceae plants clustered together, and the divergence time between the two rattans was ∼19.3 million years ago. Additionally, we identified 193 and 172 genes involved in the lignin biosynthesis pathway in the C. simplicifolius and D. jenkinsiana genomes, respectively. Conclusions: We present the first de novo assemblies of two rattan genomes (C. simplicifolius and D. jenkinsiana). These data will not only provide a fundamental resource for functional genomics, particularly in promoting germplasm utilization for breeding, but also serve as reference genomes for comparative studies between and among different species.

Forest edge disturbance increases rattan abundance in tropical rain forest fragments.

Human-induced forest fragmentation poses one of the largest threats to global diversity yet its impact on rattans (climbing palms) has remained virtually unexplored. Rattan is arguably the world's most valuable non-timber forest product though current levels of harvesting and land-use change place wild populations at risk. To assess rattan response to fragmentation exclusive of harvesting impacts we examined rattan abundance, demography and ecology within the forests of northeastern, Australia. We assessed the community abundance of rattans, and component adult (>3 m) and juvenile (≤3 m) abundance in five intact forests and five fragments (23-58 ha) to determine their response to a range of environmental and ecological parameters. Fragmented forests supported higher abundances of rattans than intact forests. Fragment size and edge degradation significantly increased adult rattan abundance, with more in smaller fragments and near edges. Our findings suggest that rattan increase within fragments is due to canopy disturbance of forest edges resulting in preferential, high-light habitat. However, adult and juvenile rattans may respond inconsistently to fragmentation. In managed forest fragments, a rattan abundance increase may provide economic benefits through sustainable harvesting practices. However, rattan increases in protected area forest fragments could negatively impact conservation outcomes.

Screening of leaves extracts from Calamus aromaticus for their antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion assay.

The current research investigates the anti-microbial activities of different solvent extracted samples from the leaves of Calamus aromaticus against Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and fungi using 500, 1000 and 2000 µg disc-1 concentrations. Escherichia coli, Citorbacter freundii and Candida albicans showed resistivity to crude methanolic extract and the same microbes were more susceptible to water extracted fractions. Maximum activity was measured by hexane extracted fractions against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Xanthomonas campestris and minimum growth inhibition by water extracted fractions. Maximum growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus was measured by ethyl acetate fraction. Majority of the tested microbes were resistant to water and butanol extracted fractions. Staphylococcus aureus revealed maximum susceptibility among gram positive bacteria and Bacillus subtilis showed minimum. Among Gram negative bacteria, Citorbacter freundii was more susceptibile while Xanthomonas campestris revealed resistively.

Announcing the Genome Atlas of Bamboo and Rattan (GABR) project: promoting research in evolution and in economically and ecologically beneficial plants.

Bamboo and rattan are widely grown for manufacturing, horticulture, and agroforestry. Bamboo and rattan production might help reduce poverty, boost economic growth, mitigate climate change, and protect the natural environment. Despite progress in research, sufficient molecular and genomic resources to study these species are lacking. We launched the Genome Atlas of Bamboo and Rattan (GABR) project, a comprehensive, coordinated international effort to accelerate understanding of bamboo and rattan genetics through genome analysis. GABR includes 2 core subprojects: Bamboo-T1K (Transcriptomes of 1000 Bamboos) and Rattan-G5 (Genomes of 5 Rattans), and several other subprojects. Here we describe the organization, directions, and status of GABR.

Volumetric analysis of root filling with cold lateral compaction, Obtura II, Thermafil, and Calamus using spiral computerized tomography: An In vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of the present study is volumetric analysis of root canal filling with cold lateral compaction, Obtura II, Thermafil, and Calamus using spiral computerized tomography (SCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Root canals of eighty mandibular premolars were instrumented using rotary ProTaper, and the volume of the canal space was measured using spiral computerized tomography (SCT). The teeth were divided into four groups of twenty teeth each, and root canals filled by lateral compaction technique, Thermafil carriers, Obtura II, and Calamus techniques, respectively. AH Plus was used as a sealer with all techniques. The filled volume in each canal was measured using SCT, and the percentage of obturated volume (POV) was calculated. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The four groups were comparable in canal volume. The overall POV was 78.11%, 85.72%, 82.50%, and 87.89% for lateral compaction, Thermafil, Obtura II, and Calamus, respectively (P Conclusion: The greatest POV was obtained with Calamus and Thermafil. Voids were seen in all root fillings.

Cytotoxic Steroidal Glycosides from the Whole Plant of Calamus acanthophyllus.

A new steroidal glycoside, callaphylloside (1), together with seven known glycosides (2-8), was isolated from the whole plant of Calamus acanthophyllus. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by spectral data analyses and chemical transformations. Compounds 5 and 8 exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against four cancer cell lines (0.7 ≤ IC50 ≤ 3.4 µM). Evaluation of the structure-activity relationship among steroidal glycosides revealed that the structure of spirostanol with an α-L-rhamnopyranosyl linked to C-2 of the inner glucopyranosyl residue both play a critical role in the effects of these compounds on the cancer cell lines.

ZYGOTIC EMBRYO CRYOPRESERVATION OF Calamus vattayila RENUKA, AN ENDANGERED RATTAN PALM OF INDIA, AS INFLUENCED BY SEED MATURITY.

BACKGROUND: Calamus vattayila Renuka is an endemic and endangered rattan palm of the Western Ghats, India where the development of a protocol for cryopreservation is important for their ex situ conservation in gene banks. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to devise an efficient protocol for cryopreservation of the species, comparing the relative efficiency of seeds and zygotic embryos as storage material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mature seeds extracted from ripened fruits were subjected to cryopreservation through a simple dehydration method and zygotic embryos isolated from seeds of three different maturity stages were cryopreserved through an encapsulation-dehydration method. RESULTS: The mature seeds did not tolerate desiccation and freezing but the isolated zygotic embryos tolerated both desiccation and freezing. Embryos isolated from immature, partially mature and mature seeds harvested respectively after 160-170, 210-220 and 250-260 days after flowering possessed 82 - 86% moisture content (m.c.) and tolerated desiccation down to 9% m.c. with 80% viability. Embryos from immature seeds gave a maximum 63+/-26% regeneration after LN exposure, which is nearly equal to the corresponding desiccated control (73%). LN tolerance declined with maturity of seeds with a maximum of 49% of embryos from partially mature seeds and 25% from mature seeds subjected to LN exposure showing post-freeze recovery and regeneration. CONCLUSION: Although immature seeds collected during February-March were recalcitrant (desiccation sensitivity), their embryos tolerated cryopreservation through encapsulation-dehydration better than embryos isolated from more mature seeds.