Distribution Of Flora Research Articles

Spatial distribution of benthic flora and fauna of coastal placentia bay, an ecologically and biologically significant area of the island of newfoundland, atlantic Canada

Coastal habitats have the potential to be biodiversity hotspots that provide important ecosystem services, but also hotspots for human development and exploitation. Continued use of coastal ecosystem services requires establishing baselines that capture the present state of the benthos. This study employs habitat mapping to establish a baseline describing the spatial distribution of benthic organisms along the western coast of Placentia Bay, an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA) in Newfoundland, Canada. The influence of seafloor characteristics on the distribution of four dominant epifaunal assemblages and two macrophyte species were modelled using two machine learning techniques: the well-established Random Forest and the newer Light Gradient Boosting Machine. When investigating model performance, the inclusion of fine-scale (<1 m) substrate information from the benthic videos was found to consistently improve model accuracy. Predictive maps developed here suggest that the majority of the surveyed areas consisted of a species-rich epifaunal assemblage dominated by ophiuroids, porifera, and hydrozoans, as well as prominent coverage by Agarum clathratum and non-geniculate crustose coralline algae. These maps establish a baseline that enables future monitoring of Placentia Bay’s coastal ecosystem, helping to conserve the biodiversity and ecosystem services this area provides.

Microbiome landscape of lesions and adjacent normal mucosal areas in oral lichen planus patient.

The pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP) remains unclear, and microbial dysbiosis has been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of OLP. Oral mucosal swabs from 77 OLP patients and 76 healthy subjects were collected. The bacterial community among the OLP lesion, the adjacent normal mucosal, and the oral mucosal surface in healthy people were analyzed by 16S sequencing. The factor of gender and age that may affect the flora distribution of OLP patients were explored. Results indicate no significant difference in microbiota between OLP and the adjacent group. Compared with the healthy group, Neisseria, Haemophilus, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Rothia, Actinomyces, and Capnocytophaga significantly increased in the OLP group. Actinomyces increased in male OLP patients, and the other six bacteria increased in female OLP patients. In female OLP patients, Lautropia and Dialister were positively correlated with age. While in male OLP patients, Moraxella, Porphyromonas, and Fusobacterium were positively correlated with age. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that abnormal energy metabolism related to ATP synthases, abnormal transport and metabolism of glycans, amino acids, and vitamins, and disorders of the local immune microenvironment might exist in OLP lesion.

Diversity, distribution and drivers of alien flora in the Indian Himalayan region

The Himalaya – a global biodiversity hotspot – harbors diverse flora and fauna, but increasingly beset with multiple threats, including biological invasion by alien species. Here, we aimed to investigate the diversity, distribution, and drivers of alien flora in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), a region spread across 12 states/union territories in India. We developed a comprehensive checklist on alien flora of IHR based on review of 141 studies published during the years 1934 to 2022, and further disentangled the key environmental (average annual rainfall, total area, protected area, forest area, total plant richness) and socioeconomic (total population, traffic length) drivers that better explain regional alien and naturalized plant richness. We recorded 771 alien plant species, including 375 cultivated and 396 naturalized species. We found that the species native to Southern America and those with perennial life span and herbaceous growth form were most represented in the IHR. Similarly, the annual herbs native to Southern America had a higher probability to become naturalized in the IHR. Based on the species composition of the total alien and naturalized flora distributed across different parts of the IHR, we found evidence of distance decay of floristic similarity. The total alien plant richness was best explained by the average annual rainfall, while the naturalized plant richness was best predicted by total traffic length. Our results identify the key environmental (i.e., average annual rainfall) and socioeconomic (i.e., total traffic length) drivers that determine the diversity and distribution patterns of alien and naturalized plants in the IHR. Our findings have practical applications in developing a scientifically-informed management and policy framework to mitigate the impacts of plant invasions and to predict the potential future plant invaders in the Himalaya. Overall, the checklist of alien flora of the IHR represents a step forward in filling the knowledge gaps on biological invasions from the Himalaya – a globally data-deficient region. • Diversity, distribution and drivers of alien flora in Indian Himalayan Region studied. • The alien flora comprise of 771 species, including 375 cultivated and 396 naturalized. • Annual herbs from Southern America showed higher naturalization probability. • Total alien plant richness was best explained by the average annual rainfall. • Naturalized plant richness was best predicted by total traffic length.

Diversity, distribution and regional conservation status of the Egyptian tree flora

AbstractThe present study aims at determining the phytogeographical distribution and economic potential and documenting the degree of risk to the extinction of tree species, and the changes these species have undergone over the past 20 years. Field surveys were conducted at many locations in Egypt between January 2017 and March 2020. From each location, GPS coordinates were taken and the number of individuals was estimated. Also, specimens and seed samples for each species were collected from different habitats as can as possible. Other data were collected through herbaria visits and existing literature. The recorded taxa were arranged alphabetically according to Angiosperm Phylogeny Group system (APG IV). Evaluation of conservation status was based on IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. In the present study, we applied Criterion B that concerns the geographical range in the form of both B1 (extent of occurrence: EOO) and B2 (area of occupancy: AOO). Calculations of both AOO and EOO and the assessment process were assisted using the GeoCAT software. Fifty‐seven taxa were recorded, and most of them occur in Elbanian sector. Among them, five alien species were recorded. Many taxa offered economic goods such as medicinal, timber and fuel values; and environmental services as shaders and phytoremediators. Fifty taxa suffered from over‐collecting and over‐cutting. Among the 52 native trees in the present study, 31 taxa are evaluated as threatened with extinction; 10 taxa are Critically Endangered, 16 are Endangered and 5 are Vulnerable. There are two taxa assessed as Near Threatened and 15 as Least Concern. On the contrary, four taxa fall in the category of Data Deficient. There are 28 in situ conserved taxa in the protected areas. Also, 28 taxa are under ex situ conservation. In conclusion, land‐use patterns, climate change and human impact lead to put about 61% of the trees in Egypt under threat of extinction. Consequently, nature conservation organisations should take an action towards the conservation of these valuable taxa.

Sodium Butyrate Attenuated Diabetes-Induced Intestinal Inflammation by Modulating Gut Microbiota.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to be one of the world's most costly and complex metabolic disorders. Accumulating evidence has shown that intestinal dysbiosis and associated inflammation can facilitate the onset and progression of DM. In this work, our goal was to investigate how sodium butyrate (SB) controls the gut microbiota to reduce the intestinal inflammation brought on by diabetes. Methods Male KK-Ay mice were randomized into two groups: the DM model group (intragastric administration of 0.9% normal saline) and the SB treatment group (intragastric administration of 1,000 mg/kg/d SB). The C57BL/6J mice were used as the control group (intragastric administration of 0.9% normal saline). These mice were administered via gavage for 8 weeks. Results The results revealed that SB-treated mice significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight, 24 h food and water intake, and improved islet histopathology in DM model mice. SB reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS, whereas it enhanced the expression of the anti-inflammatory Arg-1 marker on intestinal macrophages and the secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-10. Specifically, SB was linked to a marked drop in the expression of the Th17 marker RORγt and a substantial increase in the expression of the Treg marker Foxp3. SB treatment was associated with significant reductions in the levels of Th17-derived cytokines such as IL-17 and IL-6, whereas anti-inflammatory Treg-derived cytokines such as TGF-β were increased. Additionally, the analysis results from 16S rDNA sequencing suggested that SB significantly reversed the variations in intestinal flora distribution and decreased the relative abundance of Weissella confusa and Anaerotruncus colihominis DSM 17241 at the species level as well as Leuconostocaceae, Streptococcaceae, and Christensenellaceae at the family, genus, and species levels. These distinct florae may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for DM-induced intestinal inflammation. In addition, the heat map of phylum and OTU level revealed a close relationship between DM-induced intestinal inflammation and intestinal microbiota. Conclusions The present study suggested that SB may reduce DM-induced intestinal inflammation by regulating the gut microbiota.

Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 19-2 on immunomodulatory function and gut microbiota in mice.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 19-2 (L. plantarum 19-2) on mice treated with the alkylating agent cyclophosphamide (CTX). Our findings show that L. plantarum 19-2 restored the spleen and thymus index and the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes% in CTX treated mice. Serum immunoglobulin levels in CTX-treated mice were increased by L. plantarum 19-2. In addition, as compared to the model group, L. plantarum 19-2 upregulated the content of SIgA, while L. plantarum 19-2 regulates the mRNA and protein expression levels of GATA-3, T-bet, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in small intestinal tissues, which adjusted mucosal barriers, structural status, and the balance of Helper T-cell 1 and Helper T-cell 2. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 19-2 regulated the distribution of intestinal flora in mice, promoting the growth of Bacteroides and Proteobacteria. In addition, L. plantarum 19-2 inhibited the growth of several harmful bacteria, including Actinobacteria and Firmicutes.

ESBL producing <em>Escherichia coli</em> prevalence in chicken stools in selected broiler farms in Galle district

Introduction: Most of the animals reared for food are reservoirs for Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing coliforms. ESBL producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) in chicken meat are increasing worldwide. Since the consumption of chicken in meals is higher compared to other livestock in Sri Lanka, there is a threat to transmit these organisms to humans via food. The aim of this study was to determine the ESBL producing E. coli prevalence in chicken stools and the presence of antibacterial substances in chicken feed and water in selected broiler farms in Galle district Methods: Eighty stool samples were collected from selected broiler farms in Galle district. Isolates were confirmed as E. coli on the lactose fermentation, colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical tests. ESBL production was detected according to the CLSI double disc diffusion method. Ready to serve chicken feed and water samples were collected and tested against two types of E. coli control cultures using agar well diffusion method to detect the effects of any antibacterial substances. Results: Eighty-six different types of E. coli were isolated from 80 chicken stool samples. There were no ESBL producers among all isolated E coli. There was no antibacterial activity demonstrated in food or water served for chicken except for in one farm. The percentage distribution of fecal microbial flora as well as their density was altered in the farm where antibiotics were used in chicken feed. Conclusions: No ESBL producing E. coli were detected in chicken stool in the selected broiler farms of Galle district indicating the minimum risk of transmission of ESBLs to the human via consumption of chicken meat.

Vitamin B6 Metabolic Pathway is Involved in the Pathogenesis of Liver Diseases via Multi-Omics Analysis.

PurposeTo clarify the underlying regulatory mechanisms of progression from liver cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we analyzed the microbiomics, metabolomics, and proteomics in plasma and tissues from patients with HCC or decompensated liver cirrhosis (DC).Patients and MethodsTissues and plasma from 44 HCC patients and 28 patients with DC were collected for metabolomic analysis. 16S rRNA sequencing was performed in nine HCC tissues (HCCT), four distal noncancerous tissues (HCCN), and 11 DC tissues (DCT). Five HCC tissues had liver cirrhosis (HCCT-LC). Five hepatocellular carcinoma tissues without liver cirrhosis (HCCT-NLC) and five DCT were selected for proteomic sequencing. After combining proteomic and metabolomic analysis, we constructed a mouse model of chronic liver injury using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and treated them with vitamin B6 (VB6).Results16s rRNA sequence results showed that HCC tissues had higher alpha diversity. The highest LDA scores were detected for Elizabethkingia in HCCT, Subsaxibacter in DCT, and Stenotrophomon in HCCN. Metabolomics results demonstrated some metabolites, including capric acid, L-threonate, choline, alpha-D-Glucose, D-ribose, betaine, 2E-eicosenoic acid, linoleic acid, L-palmitoylcarnitine, taurodeoxycholic acid, L-pyroglutamic acid, androsterone sulfate, and phthalic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (MEHP), had better diagnostic efficacy than AFP (AUC: 0.852; 95% CI: 0.749, 0.954). In a combined analysis of metabolomics and proteomics, we found that HCCT-LC had more obvious disorders of VB6 metabolism and pentose and glucuronate interconversions than DCT, and kynurenine metabolism disorder was more significant in HCCT-LC than in HCCT-NLC. In the CCl4-induced chronic liver injury model, after VB6 supplementation, inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatocyte edema, and degeneration were significantly improved.ConclusionWe found significant differences in the flora distribution between HCCT and DC; MEHP was a new diagnostic biomarker of HCC, and VB6 ameliorated the inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatocyte edema, and degeneration in chronic liver injury.

KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS BURUNG DI LAHAN AGROFORESTRI (Studi Kasus : Lahan Pengembangan Agroforestri Universitas Lancang Kuning)

The fundamental part of the ecological system in the activity cycle of living things is birds. The distribution and existence of flora in an area is caused by birds. Changes in land cover in the context of agroforestry development at Lancang Kuning University can affect changes in environmental conditions, one of which is the life of wildlife, especially birds. This research aims to: Identify the diversity of birds and flora as a place for bird activities in agroforestry development areas. How to collect bird data with counting points. Bird logging with encounters and trails. Found 29 species with a family of 16. Bondol Peking, Sparrow and Cucak Kutilang are bird species that are often present (individual) 25, 15 and 10. The H' value is 2.94, the E value is 0.87 and the value is 0.87, R as much as 5.78. Cucak Kutilang and Perkutut Jawa have the highest KR values, namely 12.20% and 10.11%, respectively. Types of vegetation as a source of food in the form of trees (15 species), enrichment plants (4 species), agricultural crops (12 species) and types of grasses

Relationship between intestinal flora, inflammation, BDNF gene polymorphism and generalized anxiety disorder: A clinical investigation.

Introduction:Understanding factors related to generalized anxiety disorder pathogenesis is critical for elucidating the mechanism and preventing its establishment. Intestinal flora and hereditary factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphism may have a role in the development of generalized anxiety disorder. This work explored the relationship between intestinal flora, inflammatory changes and BDNF gene polymorphisms and the occurrence of generalized anxiety disorder.Methods:Forty-eight patients with generalized anxiety disorder and 57 healthy people were included in the study. As the disease group and control group, the polymorphisms of rs10767664 and rs7124442 of the BDNF gene, differences in the distribution of intestinal flora, and changes in inflammatory and immune indicators were analyzed.Results:The distribution of BDNF gene alleles, genotypes and haplotypes in the disease group were different from those in the control group. The levels of TNF-α (P = .000), interleukin-4 (P = .000), interleukin-10 (P = .043) and IgG (P = .008) in patients with generalized anxiety disorder in the disease group were different from those in the control group. The distribution of gut microbes in patients with generalized anxiety disorder in the disease group was different from that in the control group.Conclusion:The onset of generalized anxiety disorder is related to BDNF gene polymorphism, and is accompanied by changes in intestinal flora and inflammatory immune status in the body.

An Investigation into the Correlation of Intestinal Flora with Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Method Thirty-two pregnant women aged 25-35 who were hospitalized in Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were included for evaluation, including 15 normal pregnant women (NG_NO group), 6 pregnant women with GDM alone (G_NO group), and 7 pregnant women with overweight alone (NG_O group). Stools were collected from pregnant women at 24 and 37 weeks of gestation and newborns' first meconium. The v3-v4 variable region of the gut flora 16s rRNA was double-ended sequenced and bioinformatically analyzed using the Illumina MiSeq PE300 sequencing platform. Results In the third trimester of pregnancy, there were significant differences in the composition of intestinal flora between the simple overweight group, simple GDM group, and normal pregnant group. From the second trimester to the third trimester, there was no significant change in the relative distribution of intestinal flora at the phyla classification level in normal pregnant women. The relative distribution of intestinal flora at the phylum level of newborns was significantly different from that of their mothers. The characteristic intestinal microbes of newborns in simple GDM group were g_Diaphorobacter, while the simple recombinant neonates were Nocardiaceae (f_Nocardioidaceae). In addition, the results showed significant differences in intestinal flora among the normal pregnant women group, simple GDM group, simple overweight group, and GDM overweight group. The results of β diversity analysis showed a significant difference in intestinal microflora species composition structure between the simple overweight group and the normal pregnant group in the second trimester of pregnancy. The species composition structure of intestinal flora was similar between the simple GDM group and the normal pregnant group. In the third trimester of pregnancy, there was no significant difference in the β diversity index among the groups, and the composition and structure of intestinal flora were similar. There were significant differences in the composition structure (β diversity) of intestinal flora between pregnant women and their newborns in each group (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the blood glucose values of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)_1 h and OGTT_2 h were positively correlated with Bacteroides (Bacteroides) and negatively correlated with Proteus (Prevotella), prepregnancy BMI was negatively correlated with Bacteroides, and weight gain during pregnancy was negatively correlated with Vibrio (Desulfovibrio) in Proteus. The birth weight of newborns was positively correlated with Actinomycetes (Actinomyces), Bacteroides (Faecalibacterium), and microbacilli (Dialister) and negatively correlated with Rolston (Ralstonia). Conclusion Gut microbiota is strongly linked to obesity and gestational diabetes.

Coptis chinensis polysaccharides dynamically influence the paracellular absorption pathway in the small intestine by modulating the intestinal mucosal immunity microenvironment

Background: Traditional Chinese Medicine decoctions (TCMDs) can be used to prepare outstanding pharmaceutical preparations by the patient themselves. Small molecular active ingredients and macromolecular polysaccharides are inevitably co-existed in TCMDs. Different from the pharmacological synergies among small molecules, the macromolecular polysaccharides in TCMDs might contribute to disease treatment in several ways, although it is frequently overlooked.Hypothesis/Purpose: This study proposes that the oral bioavailability of the water-insoluble alkaloids of Coptis chinensis Franch. (Ranunculaceae) (C. chinensis) decoction may be attributed to the co-existing C. chinensis polysaccharides (CCPs) dynamically influencing the small intestine microenvironment and regulating the modulation of the paracellular absorption pathway.Methods: First, the effects of CCPs on the oral bioavailability of the main active ingredient of C. chinensis, berberine, were evaluated in vivo. Next, a series of in situ experimental models of intestinal perfusion and models of isolated jejunal mucosa, Caco-2 cell monolayer membranes, and microfold-like cells were established to assess the correlation among CCPs, intestinal mucosal immunity, and paracellular absorption in the small intestine.Results: It was observed that CCPs could be endocytosed by the microfold cells on the surface of Peyer's patches, allowing CCPs to activate the lymphocytes, modulate the balance of Th1/Th2, control the secretion of immune effectors IFN-γ and IL-4, and finally regulate the tight junctions in the intestinal epithelial cells. This was a dynamic process with the movement of CCPs in the gastrointestinal tract that altered the flora distribution and functioning of the TLR/NF-κB signal pathway in the small intestine.Conclusion: The dynamical regulation of CCP on the immune microenvironment of small intestine is responsible for its promotion on the health controlling effects of C. chinensis in traditional dosage forms of decoction.

Flora and fauna of mosquito breeding sites in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

This research was carried out between January and July 2021 in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Three sites in each of the eight towns of the Local Government Area were visited and sampled to determine and evaluate the relationship between mosquito species and biotic factors in the mosquito breeding environment. At each site mosquito larvae were collected and flora and fauna at each site were identified. The flora identified included grasses, green Algae, Pride of Barbados and others, while the fauna identified included Damsel flies, Dragon flies, Tadpoles, Midges, Lizard. The Damsel flies, Dragon flies and Tadpoles dominate the fauna distribution chart while Green Algae has the highest percentage of the flora distribution chart followed by grasses and pride of Barbados with the least percentage. The correlation coefficient indicated a positive relationship between larva density and flora while larva density and fauna showed some negative relationship. Adequate understanding of vector ecology is needed to control mosquito particularly in deploying environmental modification around host settlements. This understanding will better serve over deployment of chemicals into such sites that may affect non-targeted organisms.

Notulae to the Italian native vascular flora: 13

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of native vascular flora in Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, and exclusions to the Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates, published elsewhere, and corrigenda are provided as Suppl. material 1.

Correlation analysis of intestinal flora and immune function in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

This study applied metagenomic sequencing technology to analyze the intestinal flora distribution and immune function of patients with primary liver cancer. Stool samples were collected from 10 patients with primary liver cancer (primary liver cancer group) and 10 healthy subjects (healthy control group) who were admitted to The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from March to June 2021. The general data of the patients were recorded. Metagenomic sequencing was performed, and principal component analysis and diversity analysis were used to analyze the structure of the two groups and compare the differences in species abundance. United States Employment Service (USES) Spearman correlation analysis was applied to examine vice Streptococcus blood, saliva, Streptococcus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus thermophilus, and vice Haemophilus influenzae, WeiRong aureus, existing different WeiRong bacteria, Eosinophilic mucins Ekman bacteria, responding to bacteria, the other branch bacteria abundance and in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), valley correlation between levels of amyltranspeptidase (GGT), total protein, total bilirubin and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Beta diversity analysis based on Bray and Jensen-Shannon Divergence (JSD) distance measurement showed that the heterogeneity of fecal flora in the hepatic cell carcinoma (HCC) group was significantly lower than that in the healthy control group (P<0.001. At the species level of bacterial taxonomy, there was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of 137 bacteria in the healthy control and primary liver cancer groups (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that Streptococcus salivarius (P=0.020), Streptococcus thermophilus (P=0.002), and Haemophilus parainfluenzae (P=0.023) were significantly positively correlated with the serum ALT level. There were also notable correlations with AST (P=0.049), GGT (P=0.037), and total protein (P=0.010). The diversity of intestinal flora in patients with primary liver cancer is significantly reduced, species abundance is altered, and there is a marked imbalance of intestinal flora. Therefore, specific bacterial species with different intestinal flora may be used as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of primary liver cancer.

The late Pleistocene endemicity increase hypothesis and the origins of diversity in the Canary Islands Flora

AbstractAimWe explore the idea that most pre‐glacial non‐endemic Canarian flora became endemic to the archipelago by the extinction of its mainland populations during the late Pleistocene glaciations, implying that the extant non‐endemic flora is mostly post‐glacial: the ‘late Pleistocene endemicity increase hypothesis’.TaxonThe native flora of the Canarian archipelago.MethodsWe statistically compare the distributions of 2087 Canarian endemic and native non‐endemic plants across islands. We also carry out connectivity analyses using their dispersal paths, obtained by connecting all the islands of occurrence for each taxon.ResultsWhile the distribution of the endemic flora is strongly L‐shaped (with a much higher proportion of Single‐Island Endemics than Multiple‐Island Endemics), that of the native non‐endemics is U‐shaped (i.e. similar prevalence of single‐island taxa and taxa distributed on all islands). The native non‐endemics have a significantly lower proportion of single‐island taxa and a higher proportion of widespread taxa than the endemics. Most dispersal paths in the endemics connect the central and western islands, whereas they are extended across all islands in the native non‐endemics.Main conclusionsThe contrasting distributional patterns of the endemics and the native non‐endemics support an outstanding role of species diversification in the endemic flora, but a still negligible influence of the insular selective and stochastic pressures (including extinction) in the native non‐endemic flora, arguably due to its recent origin. Our results suggest that the high endemicity levels of the extant Canarian flora can be explained by two complementary processes: (i) high diversification rates throughout the ontogeny of the archipelago, often from colonisers that attained a widespread distribution prior to speciation, and (ii) an ‘endemicity increase’ during the late Pleistocene glaciations, whereby most of the pre‐glacial non‐endemic Canarian flora became endemic due to the extinction of its mainland conspecific populations, thus emphasising the role of the Canaries as climatic refugia.

Ceropegia europaea (Guss.) Bruyns, (Apocynaceae; Asclepiadoideae; Ceropegieae) in Tunisia: occurrence and conservation

Despite its importance for scientific and conservation purposes, knowledge about the real distribution and status of native Tunisian flora is far from exhaustive. Chorological data for Ceropegia europaea (Guss.) Bruyns, the only taxon of stapeliads in the country is here presented. Morphological characters together with data on its phenology, habitat and ecology are also given. Threats at national level are evaluated and measures for conservation are here proposed.

Effect of Probiotic-Assisted Eradication of cagA+/vacA s1m1 Helicobacter pylori on Intestinal Flora.

Objective We attempted to evaluate the effects of probiotic-assisted eradication of cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA)+/vacuolating cytotoxin A (vacA) s1m1 Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) on the intestinal flora, inflammatory factors, and clinical outcomes. Methods A total of 180 patients with cagA+/vacA s1m1 H. pylori were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was treated with bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT). Group B was treated with S. boulardii in addition to BQT. The distribution of intestinal flora, serum interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, recovery time of clinical symptoms, total effective rate of clinical symptoms, H. pylori eradication rate, and adverse reactions were observed. Results 2 weeks after treatment, the contents of Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus in the intestinal tract of Group A decreased, while the amounts of Enterococcus and Enterobacter increased. In Group B, the contents of Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus increased, while the amounts of Enterococcus and Enterobacter did not change significantly. Moreover, the trend of this flora change was still present at 4 weeks after treatment. Compared with Group A, Group B had lower IL-8, IL-17, and TNF-α levels, shorter recovery time of clinical symptoms, higher overall efficiency of clinical symptoms, and lower occurrence of adverse reactions. The eradication rate did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion BQT can lead to intestinal flora disorders in cagA+/vacA s1m1 H. pylori patients. S. boulardii can improve the distribution of intestinal flora, downregulate immune-inflammatory mediators, and modify clinical symptoms in patients.

Preparation, model construction and efficacy lipid-lowering evaluation of kiwifruit juice fermented by probiotics

In this study, kiwi juice was fermented with acid-resistant and bile-resistant probiotics to screen out lactic acid bacteria that can lower cholesterol and were suitable for kiwi fermentation. A non-linear fitting equation was used to establish a kinetic model of probiotics fermenting kiwi juice (R2 > 0.90), and then a fermented juice with special effects of lowering fat was prepared. We have studied the lipid-lowering effect of fermented fruit juice through in vivo validation experiments in mice, and determined the lipid-lowering effect of fermented fruit juice according to the mouse serum indicators and the distribution of intestinal flora. The results suggested that the juice fermented with Bifidobacterium bifidum 6169 and Lactobacillus plantarum 21805 were more effective in cholesterol degradation, and the cholesterol degradation rates were 67.57% and 64.22%, respectively. The number of viable bacteria after fermentation was significantly higher than other groups (p < 0.05), and the sensory score was also higher. In addition, the serum indicators were significantly ameliorated and the number of beneficial microorganisms in the intestinal flora increased after the high-fat mice were treated with fermented kiwifruit juice. The research indicates that the fermented products have a regulatory effect on cholesterol levels in mice with hyperlipidemia.

Distribution and Difference of Gastrointestinal Flora in Sheep with Different Body Mass Index.

Simple SummaryFat deposition capacity greatly impacts the production capacity of sheep. The production of high amounts of fat affects the economic benefits of animals. Gastrointestinal microorganisms play an important role in the characteristics of host fat deposition. This study compares differences in gastrointestinal microorganisms in sheep with different body mass indices. Results showed that there were different microflora compositions among different groups. This provides a new idea for the regulation of fat deposition traits in sheep.Fat deposition is the key factor affecting the efficiency of animal husbandry production. There are many factors affecting fat deposition, in which the gastrointestinal microbiota plays an important role. Therefore, the body mass index (BMI) was introduced into the evaluation of sheep fat deposition, and the different microbiota and functional pathways of the sheep gastrointestinal tract in different BMI groups were analyzed. We selected 5% of individuals with the highest and lowest BMI from a feed test population (357 in whole group). Microorganisms in 10 sites of the gastrointestinal tract in 36 individuals (18 in each group) were evaluated by 16S rRNA V3–V4 region sequencing. There were differences (p < 0.05) in fat deposition traits between different BMI groups. In the 10 parts of the gastrointestinal tract, the diversity and richness of cecal microflora in the high-BMI group were higher than those in low-BMI Hu sheep (p < 0.05). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that there was separation of the cecum between groups, and there were differences in the cecal microbial community. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) showed that most biomarkers were in the cecum. On the basis of an indepth study of cecal microorganisms, 26 different bacterial genera were obtained (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis between them and the characteristics of fat deposition in sheep showed that Colidextribacter, Alloprevotella, and Succenivibrio were positively correlated with fat deposition, while Lachnospiraceae_ND3007_Group was negatively correlated (p < 0.05). The above results show that the cecum may be an important part leading to the difference of BMI in sheep, and its microorganisms may affect the level of fat deposition.