Platanus Acerifolia Research Articles

Transfer of Erwinia toletana and Erwinia iniecta to a novel genus Winslowiella gen. nov. as Winslowiella toletana comb. nov. and Winslowiella iniecta comb. nov. and description of Winslowiella arboricola sp. nov., isolated from bleeding cankers on broadleaf hosts.

Following a screening campaign of bleeding cankers of broadleaf hosts in Great Britain, numerous bacterial strains were isolated, identified by 16S rRNA and protein-coding gene sequencing and ultimately classified. During the course of the study, several Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic strains were isolated from bleeding Platanus x acerifolia (London plane) and Tilia x europaea (common lime) cankers that could not be assigned to an existing species. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing placed these strains in the genus Erwinia, as a close phylogenetic relative of Erwinia toletana. In an effort to determine the taxonomic position of the strains, a polyphasic approach was followed including genotypic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic assays. Multilocus sequence analysis based on four protein-coding genes (gyrB, rpoB, infB, and atpD) confirmed the phylogenetic position of the strains as a novel taxon of subgroup 3 of the genus Erwinia, along with E. toletana and E. iniecta, and furthermore, provided support for their reclassification in a novel genus. Whole genome comparisons allowed the delimitation of the novel species and also supported the proposed transfer of subgroup 3 species to a novel genus in the Erwiniaeae. Phenotypically the novel species could be differentiated from E. toletana and E. iniecta, and the novel genus could be differentiated from the closely related genera Erwinia and Mixta. Therefore, we propose (1) the reclassification of E. toletana and E. iniecta in a novel genus, Winslowiella gen. nov., as Winslowiella toletana comb. nov. and Winslowiella iniecta comb. nov., with W. toletana comb. nov. as the type species (type strain A37T = CFBP 6631T = ATCC 700880T = CECT 5263T), and (2) classification of the novel strains as Winslowiella arboricola sp. nov. (type strain BAC 15a-03bT = LMG 32576T = NCPPB 4696T).

Purification and characterization of enolase as a novel allergen in Platanus acerifolia pollen

BackgroundThe pollen from Platanus acerifolia (P. acerifolia) is one of the main causes of allergic disorders. To date, only 4 allergens have been identified from this pollen. But previous studies showed that there still exist under-recognized allergens in it. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the newly identified enolase (Pla a 6) as a novel allergen in the P. acerifolia pollen. MethodsThe natural (n) Pla a 6 was purified by combined chromatographic strategies. According to the identified internal peptides, the cDNA sequence encoding this allergen was matched from the mRNA-sequencing results of P. acerifolia pollen, which was further amplified and cloned. The recombinant (r) Pla a 6 was expressed and purified from E. coli. The allergenicity of this novel allergen was characterized by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, inhibition ELISA, and basophil activation test (BAT). ResultsA novel allergen from P. acerifolia pollen, named as Pla a 6 was thoroughly studied, which contained an open reading frame of 1338 bp encoding 445 amino acids. The IgE-binding activity of nPla a 6 was initially proved by Western-blot, and a similar IgE-binding pattern to rPla a 6 was also exhibited. Moreover, the positivity for specific IgE against rPla a 6 was tested as 45.95% (17/37) by ELISA, and IgE binding to pollen extract could be inhibited up to 45.77% by 10 µg/ml of rPla a 6. The protein was also confirmed to activate patients’ basophils. ConclusionsIn this study, a novel allergen belonging to enolase family was comprehensively investigated and characterized through its natural and recombinant forms in P. acerifolia pollen. The study will contribute to the development of novel molecular-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for P. acerifolia pollen allergy.

Ultralight N-doped platanus acerifolia biomass carbon microtubes/RGO composite aerogel with enhanced mechanical properties and high-performance microwave absorption

Biomass-derived carbon material, an ideal lightweight and sustainable electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption material, has adjustable dielectric properties, which is one of its greatest advantages. However, how to comprehensively control its composite dielectric constant to achieve strong microwave absorption (MA), wide effective absorption bandwidth (EAB), light mass, and thin thickness is still challenging. In this study, the N-doped biomass carbon microtubes/RGO composite aerogel (N-BCMT/RGO) with a three-dimensional multistage pore network structure was prepared by using the waste Platanus acerifolia tree fruit-derived biomass microtubes as the base, through heteroatom doping and composite conductive material. Among them, the doping of nitrogen atoms introduces numerous defects and promotes the formation of a heterogeneous interface, which plays an important role in regulating conduction and polarization loss. Secondly, the introduction of conductive material effectively promotes the hopping and migration of electrons, which further enhances the conduction loss. Moreover, the close binding of BCMT and RGO causes N-BCMT/RGO aerogel to exhibit enhanced mechanical properties. The special multistage hole structure allows N-BCMT/RGO to exhibit good impedance matching and ultra-low density (0.0121 g/cm3), which also exhibits an ultra-wide EAB of 8.36 GHz and a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −55.45 dB at an ultra-low filler loading of 2 wt%. This opens up an avenue for the realization of novel microwave absorbers with light weight and high performance, and the proposed comprehensive control strategy for the composite permittivity of biomass-carbon materials provides new ideas for activating the MA behavior of metal-free carbon-based absorbers.

Allergen Profile of London Plane Tree Pollen: Clinical and Molecular Pattern in Central Spain.

Platanus acerifolia (London plane tree) is a deciduous tree of the Platanaceae family. Sensitization to this plant varies with geography. Madrid, located in central Spain, has one of the highest London plane tree pollen concentration levels on the Iberian Peninsula. We evaluated both the clinical characteristics and the molecular sensitization pattern of patients with allergy to London plane tree pollen in the region of Madrid. Thirty-eight patients allergic to London plane tree pollen were selected according to their clinical symptoms and positive results in skin prick testing and/or specific IgE determination. Serum was collected, and allergen components were evaluated using immunodetection techniques as well as ImmunoCAP. The IgE-binding proteins detected were identified and characterized using mass spectrometry. Analysis of serum samples from allergic patients revealed 9 IgE-binding bands in London plane tree pollen extract. Among these, the 45-kDa protein, which corresponded to Pla a 2, was detected in 76.3% of patients. However, the 18-kDa (Pla a 1) and 9-kDa (Pla a 3) bands were detected in 44.7% and 23.7% of sera, respectively. These results were confirmed using purified proteins. Characterization of the allergen revealed the 27-kDa protein to be glutathione-S-transferase. The molecular profile of patients sensitized to London plane tree pollen differs from that reported in studies from other locations. In the population we studied, the prevalence of Pla a 2 was higher than that of Pla a 1 and Pla a 3. In addition, the minor allergen previously referred to as Pla a 4 was characterized as glutathione-S-transferase.

Relationships between Mass Level of Allergenic Platanus acerifolia Protein 3 (Pla a3) and Redox Trace Elements in the Size-Resolved Particles in Shanghai Atmosphere

Allergenic pollen protein can be released from pollen grains and suspended in the air to cause allergenic reactions. However, the allergenic protein and its relationship with redox trace elements in ambient size-resolved particles has not been reported. Ambient size-resolved particles in Shanghai’s atmosphere were sampled during the Platanus pollen season in the spring season of 2017. Planatus pollen protein 3 (Pla a3) and redox trace elements in the ambient particles were investigated and their relationship was analyzed. Our data demonstrated that the mass level of the Pla a3 in the size-resolved particles ranged from 0.41 ± 0.28 to 7.46 ± 2.23 pg/m3, and decreased with the size range. Mass concentrations (ppb) of crustal elements (Fe, Al, Ca, Mg, Na) in the size-resolved particles ranged from 20.11 ± 9.87 to 1126.22 ± 659.51, while trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Cd, Cs, Ba, Pb) varied from 0.05 ± 0.03 to 57.53 ± 19.7. Mass levels of these trace elements decreased according to particle size. The Abundance of redox trace elements, including Fe (R2 = 0.82), Mn (R2 = 0.54), Cu (R2 = 0.61), Ba (R2 = 0.82), and Pb (R2 = 0.82) in the size-resolved particles was significantly related to that of Pla a3, and our data implied redox trace elements might take syngenetic effects on the allergenicity induced by Pla a3 protein.

Nondestructive Techniques for Determination of Wood Mechanical Properties of Urban Trees in Madrid

The aim of this paper is to analyze the mechanical properties of Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust), Platanus × hybrida Brot. (London plane), Ulmus pumila L. (Siberian elm), and Populus alba L. (white poplar), estimated using ultrasound wave equipment (USLab y Sylvatest Duo) and impact wave equipment (Microsecond Timer) on standing trees, felled logs and on specimens obtained from different parts of the trees. Bending strength, axial compression strength and tension parallel to grain were determined for each specimen, in order to subsequently correlate the strength and stiffness with the acoustic properties determined in the standing tree. For the relationship between the static modulus of elasticity of the specimens and the dynamic modulus of elasticity determined in standing trees using the USLab, coefficients of determination were found to be between 0.30–0.92, between 0.52 and 0.80 using the Sylvatest Duo and between 0.60 and 0.94 with the Microsecond Timer. It would be necessary to determine whether the removal of bark for the correct coupling of the ultrasonic sensors would provide an entry route for pests or diseases that could affect the health of the tree.

Bioassay-Guided Isolation of New Flavonoid Glycosides from Platanus × acerifolia Leaves and Their Staphylococcus aureus Inhibitory Effects.

Despite the rapid advances in drug R&D, there is still a huge need for antibacterial medications, specifically for the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Inspired by the research where a viable class of MRSA inhibitors was found in the species Platanus occidentalis, a S. aureus inhibition screening-guided phytochemical reinvestigation on Platanus × acerifolia (London plane tree) leaves were performed with four flavonoid glycosides garnered, including two new compounds, quercetin-3-O-α-l-(2″-E-p-coumaroyl-3″-Z-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnopyranoside (E,Z-3′-hydroxyplatanoside, 1) and quercetin-3-O-α-l-(2″-Z-p-coumaroyl-3″-E-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnopyranoside (Z,E-3′-hydroxyplatanoside, 2). All of the isolates showed significant S. aureus ATCC 25904 inhibitory activity with MICs ranging from 4 to 64 μg/mL, suggesting the potential of discovering drug leads for the control of S. aureus from such a rich, urban landscaping plant in the Platanus genus.

Research on Thermal Comfort of Underside of Street Tree Based on LiDAR Point Cloud Model

As a major part of the urban green space system, street trees play a corresponding role in adjusting the thermal comfort of the environment and alleviating heat island effects. The correlation between the morphological structure and microclimate factors in the lower canopy of street trees was studied, using data that were captured with vehicle-borne LiDAR to model the morphological structure and geometric canopy features of six key street tree species in the built-up area of Zhumadian City, Henan Province. The regulating ability and differences of canopy geometry on cooling, humidification, shading, and Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) were studied. Research shows that: (1) Canopy Volume (CV), Canopy Area (CA), Canopy Diameter (CD), and Tree Height (TH) have a linear negative correlation with air temperature, relative humidity, and luminosity. TH had significant effects on the air temperature and relative humidity (R2 = 0.90, 0.96), and CV and CD had significant effects on luminosity (R2 = 0.70, 0.63). (2) The oval-shaped plant (Platanus acerifolia (Aiton) Willdenow) had a strong cooling and shading ability, with an average daily cooling of 2.3 °C and shading of 318 cd/m2. The spire-shaped plant (Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don) had a strong ability to humidify, with an average daily humidification of 4.5%. (3) The oval-shaped and spire-shaped plants had a strong regulation ability on PET, and the daily average regulation values were 40.5 °C and 40.9 °C, respectively. (4) The CD of the oval-shaped plant had a significant effect on PET (R2 = 0.49), and the TH of the spire-shaped plant had a significant effect on PET (R2 = 0.80), as well as a significantly higher CV and Leaf Area Index (LAI) than other street tree species. Therefore, selecting oval and spire canopy-shaped plants with a thick canopy, dense leaves, and high CD and TH values as street trees can provide significant advantages in cooling, humidifying, and shading, and can effectively adjust human comfort in the lower canopy understory. This study is the first to apply LiDAR technology to the regulation of urban microclimate. The research results provide a theoretical basis and quantitative reference for street tree design from the perspective of outdoor thermal comfort evaluation and play a guiding role in the application of LiDAR to urban forestry research.

Species-specific efficiency in PM2.5 removal by urban trees: From leaf measurements to improved modeling estimates

The growing population in cities is causing a deterioration of air quality due to the emission of pollutants, causing serious health impacts. Trees and urban forests can contribute through the interception and removal of air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM). The dry deposition of PM by vegetation depends on air pollutant concentration, meteorological conditions, and specific leaf traits. Several studies explored the ability of different plant species to accumulate PM on leaf structures leading to the development of models to quantify the PM removal. The i-Tree Eco is the most used model to evaluate ecosystem services provided by urban trees. However, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) removal is still calculated with a poorly evaluated function of deposition velocity (which depends on wind speed and leaf area) without differentiating between tree species. Therefore, we present an improvement of the standard model calculation introducing a leaf trait index to distinguish the species effect on PM net removal. We also compared model results with measurements of deposited leaf PM by vacuum filtration. The index includes the effect of morphological and functional leaf characteristics of tree species using four parameters: leaf water storage, deposition velocity, resuspension rate and leaf washing capacity. Leaves of 11 common urban tree species were sampled in representative areas of the city of Ferrara (Italy) and at different times of the year from 2018 to 2021. This includes four deciduous broadleaf trees (Tilia cordata, Platanus acerifolia, Acer platanoides, Celtis australis), three evergreen broadleaf trees (Quercus ilex, Magnolia grandiflora, Nerium oleander), and four conifers (Thuja orientalis, Cedrus libani, Pinus pinaster, Picea abies). The results provide significant advancement in assessing PM removal using decision support tools such as models to properly select tree species for future urban tree planting programs aimed at improving air quality.

Confort térmico producido por la vegetación arbórea en el macrocentro de Bahía Blanca (Argentina)

Urban trees are essential since they generate multiple benefits to society, one of them is the mitigation of the urban heat island. The present work aims to obtain the thermal comfort produced by the arboreal vegetation in the downtown area of Bahía Blanca city. For this, Local Climate Zone of the study area was determined according to its characteristics and the percentage of vegetation cover was obtained using the online software I-tree Canopy. A survey of the street trees was also conducted to determine the most representative species. During the summer of 2020, measurements of air temperature and relative humidity were made under the canopy of fifteen trees, at 3:00 p.m., in 15 days typical of this thermal season. Then, by applying the vegetation comfort index, it was found that all the selected trees contribute to improve the thermal comfort of the population. However, there were differences among them, with Platanus acerifolia and Parasenegalia visco standing out for their higher magnitude and their impact on the decrease in air temperature under their canopies. In addition, problems related to street trees were identified and described, and finally proposals were established. These results allow to consider that, given the importance of trees in the urban microclimate, their coverage should be increased in the downtown area in order to contribute to thermal regulation during the summer. The need for regular maintenance work to avoid the problems detected in the roadside trees and to enhance the ecosystem services they provide was confirmed.

Quantifying the role of Platanus hispanica in carbon storage in an urban forest in central west Argentina

ABSTRACT Human activities in cities, especially those burning fossil fuels, have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Urban trees play a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycle of carbon storage in cities. Many tons of carbon are annually stored by the structural components of trees in urban ecosystems. In the urban forest of San Juan city, Platanus hispanica is one of the most abundant species. The goal of this study is to estimate the amount of carbon stored by this species in its different structural components: trunks, primary, secondary and minor branches. We analysed samples collected from two areas in the city: the urban and suburban areas. We estimated dry matter for each structural component. Significant differences were found between the studied areas. Results indicated that P. hispanica accumulated 5,630 tons of carbon in the urban area and 4,700 tons of carbon in the suburban area. Around 20,662 tons and 17,249 tons of CO2, in the urban and suburban areas respectively, are annually sequestered by this species from the atmosphere of San Juan city.

Spatiotemporal Differences and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution of Roadside Plant Leaves in Baoji City, China

The concentration of heavy metals in plants’ leaves can effectively indicate the spatiotemporal differences of environmental pollution, providing a scientific basis for the monitoring of urban air quality. The concentration of Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn in the leaves of five different species (Ophiopogon japonicus, Ligustrum vicaryi, Platanus acerifolia, Sophora japonicaand Cedrusdeodara) were measured, which were from I, II, III, IV (0.05 m, 0.25 m, 1 m, 4 m) at different times (May and November) in the green belt of Baoji city. The degree of heavy metal pollution and potential ec ological risk were analyzed. The results revealed that the concentration of Zn, Cu and Pb in roadside plant leaves was relatively high. In May, the heavy metal concentration was the highest in the leaves of C.deodara, whereas this was the case for S. japonica in November. Arbors were more effective at capturing particles from the atmosphere than low plants. At the same height, areas with high levels of heavy metal pollution in May were basically the same as that in November, and areas with high levels of pollution were affected by traffic and industry. The pollution index and the comprehensive index of potential ecological risk of element Cd were the highest, indicating that the potential harm of Cd to the environment should receive more attention from the Government.

A Cleaner Delignification of Urban Leaf Waste Biomass for Bioethanol Production, Optimised by Experimental Design

This work is focused on optimising a low-temperature delignification as holocellulose purification pretreatment of Platanus acerifolia leaf waste for second-bioethanol production. Delignification was accomplished by acid-oxidative digestion using green reagents: acetic acid and 30% hydrogen peroxide 1:1. The effect of reaction time (30–90 min), temperature (60–90 °C), and solid loading (5–15 g solid/20 g liquid) on delignification and solid fraction yield were studied. The process parameters were optimised using the Box–Behnken experimental design. The highest attained lignin removal efficiency was larger than 80%. The optimised conditions of delignification, while maximising holocellulose yield, pointed to using the minimum temperature of the examined range. Analysis of variance on the solid fraction yield and the lignin removal suggested a linear model with a negative influence of the temperature on the yield. Furthermore, a negative effect of the solid loading and low effect of temperature and time was found on the degree of delignification. Then the temperature range was extended back to 60 °C, providing 71% holocellulose yield and 70% while improving energy efficiency by working at a lower temperature. Successful lignin removal was confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. As evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, the solid structure presented an increased exposition of the cellulose fibre structure.

Species Diversity and Carbon Sequestration Oxygen Release Capacity of Dominant Communities in the Hancang River Basin, China

Plants play an important role in the storage of organic carbon as a carbon reservoir, mainly reflected in the absorption of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen by plants through photosynthesis, which plays an important role in regulating regional carbon balance. This study aimed to explore the pattern of dominant vegetation species diversity in small basin ecosystems, analyze the photosynthetic carbon sequestration characteristics of dominant vegetation and its carbon sink potential, and use the Hancang River Basin as the research area to obtain species abundance data using the sampling method. The community characteristics were analyzed from the aspects of species richness, α diversity index, dominant population spatial pattern, and interspecific correlation. Fifteen typical plants were selected; the photosynthetic carbon sequestration capacity of the plants was measured and quantified, and the correlation of the nitrogen ecological measurement characteristics of the leaves were analyzed. The results showed that all 15 dominant vegetation types were clustered, and the aggregation intensity and interspecific correlation were closely related. Spearman’s analysis showed that the dominant vegetation community structure and diversity in the Hancang River Basin were unstable, and there may be strong interspecies competition and frequent species replacement in the future succession process. The daily trend of the net photosynthetic rate of dominant vegetation tended to be bimodal or nearly bimodal, and the peak generally appeared at 10:00 or 14:00. The leaf area index of the dominant species was greater than 3.0, of which the largest was Platanus acerifolia at 5.31. The smallest was Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L., which was 1.16. The average carbon sequestration per unit leaf area and unit land area of the dominant species was 10.02 g·m−2·d−1 and 42.35 g·m−2·d−1, respectively, and the average oxygen release was 7.29 g·m−2·d−1 and 30.8 g·m−2·d−1, respectively. The average maintenance breathing volume of the leaves was 2.94 μmol CO2 m−2s−1. Comprehensive analysis of the ecological restoration process of the Hancang River Basin should focus on Platanus acerifolia, Prunus serrulata var. lannesiana, Prunus cerasifera, Ligustrum lucidum, and other highly efficient carbon sequestration plants, to carry out rational planting and to build a multilayer composite configuration of forest shrub and grass models to improve the ecological problems of the basin.

Performance of corrosion inhibitor extracted from enzymatic hydrolysate of waste Platanus acerifolia leaves

In this study, an ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UEE) method was proposed to augment the anti-corrosion performance of the green inhibitor extracted from waste Platanus acerifolia leaves. Chemical compositions and anticorrosive properties of UEE extract were characterized via multiple technologies. The adsorption film on the steel surface was characterized via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface information of corroded steel was also analyzed. Results showed that, compared with the ultrasound-assisted alkali extraction (UAE), UEE increased the utilization rate of raw plant materials by 22%∼39%. After optimized via response surface methodology, the maximum yield of UEE extract could reach 27.081 mg/g. Electrochemical results showed, compared with 3% UAE extract, the inhibition efficiency of 3% UEE extract after 72 h in 0.5 M NaCl was increased by 22% while the extraction time was saved by 90%. Microscopic observations also proved that UEE extract can effectively mitigate the corrosion degree where the roughness of steel surface decreased by 63.67%. XPS results revealed that a carbonaceous protecting layer was formed on steel surfaces. The inhibition mechanism analysis suggested that flavonoids and their derivatives were apt to adsorb on the steel surface via chelation and surface physical adsorption, which could block the pathway of chloride attack.

Regulation of alternative splicing of PaFT and PaFDL1, the FT and FD homologs in Platanus acerifolia

Alternative splicing (AS) selects different alternative splice sites and produces a variety of transcripts with different exon/intron combinations, which may result in multiple protein isoforms. The splicing signals include cis-elements and RNA structures; however, the mechanisms of AS regulation in plants have yet to be elucidated. Previous studies have shown that in Platanus acerifolia, the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) homolog PaFT has a unique and complex AS pattern, in which most of the splice forms of PaFT involve the first and/or second intron, and the FD homolog PaFDL1 produces two transcripts via AS, whereas the other FT homolog PaFTL is not regulated by AS. In this study, the regulatory mechanism of the AS of PaFT was demonstrated to be conserved in different plant species. To define the distribution of the AS regulatory signals, the intron-swap, site-directed mutagenesis of alternative splice sites, and deletion experiment were performed. For the PaFT gene, all the signals that regulate the AS of the first intron were located within this intron, while the usage of the first alternative splice site in the second intron was determined by the first intron. Meanwhile, the AS of PaFDL1 might be co-regulated by exons and the first intron. Additionally, the first alternative splice site and adjacent region in PaFT intron 1 might contain cis-elements and/or RNA structures that affect the use of the other sites. This study had provided a deeper insight into the distribution of AS signals in plants, namely the AS signals of different splice sites might exist in the intron where the sites were present, and might also be distributed in exons or other introns.

Platanus hybrida’s Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant Power, and Antibacterial Activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are a threat to public health as they frequently reveal a multidrug-resistant pattern. Researchers all over the world are on an urgent hunt for new treatments to help fight infections before antibiotics become obsolete, and some natural alternatives, such as polyphenols, have already exhibited therapeutic properties. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity against MRSA of the leaf, fruit, and stem bark extracts of Platanus hybrida. The polyphenols were extracted with a water/ethanol (20:80) mixture and the methodology included HPLC-DAD, DPPH, FRAP, and CuPRAC. To address this issue from a One Health perspective, the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method was performed against nine MRSA strains from three different sources (livestock, wild animals, and humans). Fourteen phenolics were identified and the leaf extract showed the highest phenolic content, followed by the fruit extract. The leaf extract also showed the highest antioxidant capacity while the fruit extract had the lowest antioxidant capacity. Both leaf and fruit extracts inhibited the growth of strains from all sources, while the stem bark extract did not inhibit the growth of human strains. This work highlights the complex chemical composition and the antioxidative and antimicrobial potential of extracts derived from P. hydrida.

Molecular profile of specific IgE to allergenic components in allergic adults using allergen nano-bead array.

An increasing interest in the field of molecular diagnosis of allergy has been developed in recent years and it goes to be as the routine in vitro protocol in allergy diagnosis. friendly allergen nano-bead array (FABER) is a new multiplex assay for the evaluation of specific IgE against 244 allergens including whole extracts and allergenic molecules. The research intended to assess the pattern of IgE sensitization to allergenic components of allergens in allergic adults using FABER 244. Sixty patients with allergic diseases entered this cross-sectional study. Specific IgE to 122 whole allergens extracts and 122 allergenic components were assessed using an allergen nano-bead array (FABER) for all patients. This test includes inhalant and food allergens. Thirty-seven patients were male (61.7%). The mean (SD) age of patients was 30.73(±6.87) years. As the allergen nano-bead array results showed, Lolium perenne (63.3%), Phleum pratense (60%) and Platanus acerifolia (51.7%) were considered as the most common IgE sensitizations to the aeroallergen extracts. Moreover, Lol p 1, Phl p 1.0102 and Cup a 1 were found as the most frequent allergenic components in our allergic patients. Among protein families, CCD-bearing proteins, expansin, cysteine protease and profilin families illustrated the highest allergic sensitization. The results of the present study demonstrated that despite the higher prevalence of sensitization to Salsola kali (47.2%) using extract-based assays in the previous phase of this research, allergenic components of grasses (Lol p 1, Phl p 1.0102), Cup a 1 as well as Sal k1 as the major components of Cupressuss arizonica and Salsola kali showed the higher sensitization, respectively, in adults' allergic patients using FABER test.

The Nature and Size Fractions of Particulate Matter Deposited on Leaves of Four Tree Species in Beijing, China

Particulate matter (PM) in different size fractions (PM0.1–2.5, PM2.5–10 and PM>10) accumulation on four tree species (Populus tomentosa, Platanus acerifolia, Fraxinus chinensis, and Ginkgo biloba) at two sites with different pollution levels was examined in Beijing, China. Among the tested tree species, P. acerifolia was the most efficient species in capturing PM, followed by F. chinensis, G. biloba, and P. tomentosa. The heavily polluted site had higher PM accumulation on foliage and a higher percentage of PM0.1–2.5 and PM2.5–10. Encapsulation of PM within cuticles was observed on leaves of F. chinensis and G. biloba, which was further dominated by PM2.5. Leaf surface structure explains the considerable differences in PM accumulation among tree species. The amounts of accumulated PM (PM0.1–2.5, PM2.5–10, and PM>10) increased with the increase of stomatal aperture, stomatal width, leaf length, leaf width, and stomatal density, but decreases with contact angle. Considering PM accumulation ability, leaf area index, and tolerance to pollutants in urban areas, we suggest P. acerifolia should be used more frequently in urban areas, especially in “hotspots” in city centers (e.g., roads/streets with heavy traffic loads). However, G. biloba and P. tomentosa should be installed in less polluted areas.

Molecular and immunochemical characterization of profilin as major allergen from Platanus acerifolia pollen

BackgroundThe Platanus acerifolia (P. acerifolia) pollen is one of the most common causes of allergic respiratory symptoms in China. However, the allergenic components in P. acerifolia are not fully studied yet. The study aimed to determine the molecular and immunochemical characterization of the profilin from P. acerifolia pollen. MethodsThe coding sequence of profilin was amplified, cloned, and then expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 cells and purified by nickel affinity chromatography. Protein refolding was followed by structural characterization and homology 3D model building. The allergenicity and cross-reactivity were assessed by ELISA, immunoblotting, or basophil activation test (BAT) using the sera of P. acerifolia allergic patients. ResultsThe cDNA sequence of profilin was cloned with a 396 bp open reading frame coding for 131 amino acids. The molecular weight of the profilin was approximately 14 kDa, and the predicted structure consisted of 3 α-helixes and 7 β-sheets. Physicochemical analysis indicated the profilin was a stable, relatively thermostable, and relatively conserved protein. The allergenicity determined by ELISA, western blot, and BAT suggested 76.9% (30/39) of the P. acerifolia pollen allergic patients displayed specific IgE recognition of the profilin. The profilin shared > 80% sequence identity with Pop n 2, the profilin from Populus nigra, and observed a significant cross-reactivity with Pop n 2 in IgE-inhibition assay. ConclusionProfilin, as one of the major component allergens in P. acerifolia pollen, was identified and characterized at molecular and immunochemical levels in this study. These findings would contribute to developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for P. acerifolia pollen allergic patients.