Root Parts Research Articles

Effects of Moringa oleifera in Two Independents Formulation and as Neuroprotective Agent Against Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice

BackgroundThe cognitive deficit has frequently been found in the elderly population. Several studies have shown that every single part of Moringa oleifera, including leaves, roots, and seeds, has abundant micronutrients, such as flavonoids, which improve the neurobehavioral capacity. However, herb parts that display optimal neuropharmacological properties remain unknown.ObjectiveWe investigate whether M. oleifera seed oil (MOO) or aqueous M. oleifera leaves extracts (MOEs) may ameliorate memory impairment in mice induced with scopolamine (Sco). Additionally, the phytochemical analyses of those two independent formulations were analyzed.MethodsIn this study, 2 ml/kg body weight (BW) of MOO and 500 mg/kg BW of MOE were orally administered to the mice for 28 days, followed by intraperitoneal injection of Sco (1 mg/kg) at the day 22–28 to induce cognitive impairment in those mice.ResultsThe Sco group showed memory retention impairment represented by the Y-maze and novel object recognition tests, significant enhancement of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in hippocampus tissue (p < 0.0001), and increased the level of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) in serum. Interestingly, the Sco-induced memory defect was improved and completely blunted the AChE exacerbation in Sco+MOO-treated mice (p < 0.0001), although the TAOC level was comparable among the groups. Mechanistically, both tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), as a brain-derived neurotrophic factor-receptor, and nuclear factor-kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) protein expressions were enhanced with the hippocampus isolated from the Sco group. Nonetheless, pretreatment with MOO only, but not with MOE, ameliorated the enhanced protein expression levels of TrkB and NF-κB (p < 0.05 and p = 0.09, respectively).ConclusionOur data reveal that MOO is preferable to MOE as a neuroprotective as evidenced by improving memory impairment. This effect, at least in part, through inhibiting the AChE and NF-κB activities and modulating the TrkB expression level.

Comparison of the features of the formation of joints of aluminum alloy 7075 (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu) by laser, microplasma, and laser-microplasma welding

This paper reports a study into features of the formation of structures of permanent butt joints of plates with a thickness of 1.5 mm made from the high-strength aluminum alloy 7075 of the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu system. Welding by melting these joints was performed using three techniques: laser, microplasma, and hybrid laser-microplasma. To implement the latter two, a compressed arc on a multipolar asymmetric current was used. The purpose of the research was to establish the tendency to the formation of characteristic defects and the possibility of their elimination. It has been determined that during laser welding a small (~5 %) volumetric fraction of defects in the form of pores is formed, residual welding deformations are minimized. There is a decrease in the hardness of the melted metal by 15 % with a simultaneous increase in the hardness of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) by 8...12 % relative to the base metal. In the melted metal, cavities up to 100 μm in size are formed, which are the center of the origin of hot cracks with a length of 25‒30 μm. There are oxide inclusions in the root part of the seam. With microplasma welding, the volume fraction of defects of the melted metal in the form of pores with a size of 10...105 μm increases (up to 25 %). The hardness of the melted metal is reduced by 30 % with the hardness of the HAZ metal close to the base metal. In laser-microplasma welding, the volumetric fraction of defects of the melted metal in the form of pores with a size of 15...25 μm is reduced to 5 %. The hardness of the melted metal is reduced by 15...20 % with the hardness of the HAZ metal close to the base metal. In the lower part of the melted metal, cavities of ~100 μm are formed. No microcracks were found in the seam metal. Analysis of the research results showed the advantage of the laser-microplasma technique. This method reduces the use of laser energy by 40...50 %, the lifetime of the welding pool (0.03...0.05 s) approaches laser welding, it eliminates the danger of burnout of alloying elements.

A new cyanobacterial species with a protective effect on lettuce grown under salinity stress: Envisaging sustainable agriculture practices

In this work, a new terrestrial cyanobacterial species, Oculatella lusitanica LEGE 161147, was isolated and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Morphologically, O. lusitanica shares characteristics with different Oculatella species (mainly with O. crustae-formantes), lacking distinctive features. However, the phylogeny based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence and the 16S-23S ITS secondary structures support the establishment of this isolate as a new species. O. lusitanica is placed within a clade mainly composed by other Oculatella terrestrial strains; however, it forms a separate lineage. In addition, our species differs from the other Oculatella described so far by lacking the V2 helix within the ITS region. Since cyanobacteria are known to release compounds that promote plant growth and/or increase their tolerance to stresses, the effect of this newly described cyanobacterial species on Lactuca sativa (lettuce) plants development and salinity stress resistance was evaluated. Our results showed that, although the cyanobacterium had no impact on plant growth under the conditions tested, it was able to mitigate the deleterious salinity stress effects on plant size, root and aerial part fresh weight, by eliciting the non-enzymatic antioxidant response system (proline, H2O2 and reduced glutathione). In addition, the microorganism was able to induce a priming effect on lettuce plants by stimulating defensive mechanisms under non-stress conditions, and enhances the activity of nitrogen metabolism-related enzymes glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamine synthetase and nitrate reductase. These results indicate that this native terrestrial cyanobacterial species could be employed as a tool in sustainable agricultural practices.

Lingual papillary system of the Egyptian mouse-tailed bat (Rhinopoma hardwickii): New insights to its feeding strategies using scanning electron microscope, and immunohistochemical analysis of keratin.

The current investigation described the ultrastructural and histological features of the lingual papillary system in 14 adult Rhinopoma hardwickii using scanning electron and light microscopy, and immunohistochemical staining of keratin. Three types of lingual papillae were recognized; one filiform mechanical and two gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) of three directions: posterior, posteromedian, and median. Five filiform papillae subtypes were observed in four regions. The lingual tip had numerous giant filiform papillae. The lingual root was divided into two regions, an anterior papillary and a posterior non-papillary region that had only three circumvallate papillae in a triangular pattern. Histologically, the papillae exhibited detached thick keratin that spread over the dorsal epithelial surface. The dorsal surface of the root had stratified keratinized circumvallate papillae. Concerning the pan-cytokeratin (CK) antibody staining, moderate CK expression was observed in the superficial corneal layer of the apical lingual mucosa. While the superficial corneal cell layer in both body and root exhibited increasing of CK antibody. Morphometrically, there was a significantly increased, region-specific number of triangular, pointed filiform papillae, which were relatively increased in length and width. However, the round conical blunt filiform papillae and fungiform papillae were sparse. We concluded that our results showed distinguished adaptations in the lingual structure and its different papillae established on the nutritional and energetic demand of this bat species. This lingual adaptation is summarized in number, position, taste buds, direction, ultrastructural features, and histological that concerned with its ability in eating during the night flight. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Three types of lingual papillae; one mechanical (filiform) and two gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) in which there were three circumvallate papillae on the posterior part of the lingual root in a triangular arrangement with an irregular surface, but the filiform papillae had five subtypes arranged in four regions. The lingual root was divided into two regions, an anterior papillary region and a posterior non-papillary region that only had three circumvallate papillae. Concerning staining with a pan-cytokeratin (CK) antibody, moderate CK expression was observed in the superficial corneal layer of the lingual mucosa of the tongue apex while the superficial corneal cell layer of the body and root exhibited increased expression of the CK antibody compared to the lingual apex.

Salvia cadmica extracts rich in polyphenols neutralize a deleterious effects of oxidative stress driven by Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide in cell cultures of gastric epithelial cells or fibroblasts

IntroductionPlant ingredients are candidates for new therapeutic formulations against bacterial pathogens with high rate of antibiotic resistance and deleterious inflammation. Helicobacter pylori Gram-negative rods causing gastritis, gastric/duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer, which show high antibiotic resistance require new effective drugs. AimTo examine antibacterial activity of Salvia cadmica Boiss. extracts (roots and aerial parts) towards H. pylori strains resistant to clarithromycin and/or metronidazole. To determine whether extracts neutralize deleterious effects driven by H. pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS) such as elevated oxidative stress and apoptosis, and promote cell regeneration of gastric epithelial cells or fibroblasts in vitro. Material and methodsHydromethanolic extracts (20:80 v/v) from roots and aerial parts of seed-derived plants of S. cadmica were used for biological study. Biocompatibility was tested according to the ISO norm 10993–5 in the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)− 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) reduction assay. Antibacterial activity against H. pylori (two reference strains and five clinical isolates clarithromycin and/or metronidazole resistant) was tested in the broth microdilution assay as recommended by The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility (EUCAST). Cell cultures of guinea pig gastric epithelial cells or fibroblasts exposed to H. pylori LPS, and/or S. cadmica extracts, were tested for the rate of oxidative stress (3-nitrotyrosine-3NT), apoptosis (immunostaining of pro- or anti-apoptotic proteins, DNA degradation), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase - pErk (immunostaining), cell migration (scratch assay), collagen I and interleukin (IL)− 33 (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay – ELISA). ResultsThe minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of root extract for H. pylori reference strains ranged from 39 to 78 µg/mL whereas minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) was in the range of 78–310 µg/mL. The MIC for clinical H. pylori isolates ranged from 195 to 1560 µg/mL while MBC from 390 to 1560 µg/mL. Aerial part extract showed a weaker inhibitory and bactericidal effects towards H. pylori reference strains (MIC/MBC range 78 −156 µg/mL), and to clinical isolates (MIC/MBC range 390 −1560 µg/mL). S. cadmica extracts effectively diminished oxidative stress, cell apoptosis rate and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pErk) level, which were driven by H. pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS). ConclusionsThe hydromethanolic extracts from S. cadmica (root and aerial part) show anti-H. pylori activity, in conjunction with anti-oxidative/anti-apoptotic effects in cell cultures of gastric epithelial cells and fibroblasts. These effects are promising for the development of potentially therapeutic formulations.

Mobile-device-based two-dimensional measurement for estimating the embryo and endosperm areas of brown rice.

The rice kernel inside a hull is composed of the embryo and endosperm. The embryo or germ of the rice seed will grow and become the shoot and the root parts of a seedling, while the endosperm is an important nutrient source for the embryo in the early stages. Hence, the health of seedlings depends particularly on the sizes of the embryo and endosperm. In this work, we propose and experimentally demonstrate how the embryo and endosperm areas of brown rice can simply be determined. Our key idea is based on the utilization of a smart mobile device equipped with our specifically designed lens module arranged in a simple cross-polarization imaging configuration for acquiring a rice grain image upon the illumination of a white light source and then spatially analyzing the sizes of embryo and endosperm areas. The prototype shows promising results in identifying the sizes of the embryo and endosperm within 2 s per seed with a measurement error of <9% compared with the use of off-the-shelf image editing software. In addition, the prototype is in a small package of 20×32.5×6.5cm3 with 4 kg weight, thus showing high potential to perform in the real scenario.

Vitisin A, a Resveratrol Tetramer, Improves Scopolamine-Induced Impaired Learning and Memory Functions in Amnesiac ICR Mice.

Resveratrol has been reported to exhibit neuroprotective activities in vitro and in vivo. However, little is known about resveratrol tetramers of hopeaphenol, vitisin A, and vitisin B with the same molecular mass in the improvement of degenerative disorders. In this study, two 95% ethanol extracts (95EE) from stem parts of Vitis thunbergii Sieb. & Zucc. (VT-95EE) and from the root (R) parts of Vitis thunbergii var. taiwaniana (VTT-R-95EE) showed comparable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. It was found that VT-95EE and VTT-R-95EE showed different distribution patterns of identified resveratrol and resveratrol tetramers of hopeaphenol, vitisin A, and vitisin B based on the analyses of HPLC chromatographic profiles. The hopeaphenol, vitisin A, and vitisin B, showed AChE and monoamine oxidase-B inhibitions in a dose-dependent manner, among which vitisin B and vitisin A exhibited much better activities than those of resveratrol, and had neuroprotective activities against methylglyoxal-induced SH-SY5Y cell deaths. The scopolamine-induced amnesiac ICR mice treated with VT-95EE and its ethyl acetate-partitioned fraction (VT-95EE-EA) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, or vitisin A at a dose of 40 mg/kg, but not vitisin B (40 mg/kg), were shown significantly to improve the impaired learning behaviors by passive avoidance tests compared to those in the control without drug treatments (p < 0.05). Compared to mice in the control group, the brain extracts in the vitisin A-treated mice or donepezil-treated mice showed significant reductions in AChE activities and malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05), and elevated the reduced protein expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and BDNF receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). These results revealed that vitisin A was the active constituent in the VT-95EE and VTT-95EE, and the VT medicinal plant and that the endemic variety of VTT has potential in developing functional foods for an unmet medical need for neurodegenerative disorders.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis in Taraxacum koksaghyz to Identify Genes that Determine Root Volume and Root Length.

The Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz, family Asteraceae) produces large amounts of natural rubber in the laticifers of its roots. This species has been proposed as an alternative source of natural rubber to augment or partly replace the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) but domestication would require genetic improvement to increase rubber yields and agronomic optimization to facilitate harvesting and processing. Optimization has focused thus far on the size and shape of the roots, the primary storage organ for natural rubber and inulin. However, the corresponding genetic factors are poorly understood. Here we describe the comparative transcriptomic analysis of root tissues from T. koksaghyz plant sets featuring different root sizes and shapes, aiming to identify differentially expressed genes correlating with root length or root diameter in the upper root and root tip. The resulting datasets revealed multiple candidate genes for each trait and root part, including a glucan endo-1,3-β-d-glucosidase, an allene oxide synthase 3, and a TIFY10A/JAZ1 homolog. These three genes were tested by qRT-PCR in outdoor-grown plants with diverse root morphology, and the expression of two genes correlated with the appropriate root morphotype, confirming the effectiveness of our method. We evaluated the candidate genes to gain insight into their potential functions in root development. Such candidate genes could be suitable for marker-assisted breeding programs in the future.

Quality study on different parts of Panax notoginseng root drying with a hybrid drying system powered by a solar photovoltaic/thermal air collector and wind turbine

In order to improve the utilization rate of renewable energy in the drying system and further solve the problem of insufficient solar energy supply, a novel hybrid drying system powered by a solar photovoltaic/thermal air collector and wind turbine was proposed. The heat energy and electricity required for drying process are provided entirely by solar energy and wind energy. In this paper, the drying kinetics, colour parameters, microstructure, thermal stability and ginsenoside contents of different parts of Panax notoginseng dried using the drying system and open sun were studied. Additionally, the economic analysis on the drying system was also conducted on. The drying time using the dryer to dry the main root slices was shortened by 33.3% compared with natural sun drying when the moisture content decreased from the initial value to 13%. For rhizome and fibrous roots, the drying time was shortened by 74.1% and 53.8%, respectively, when the moisture content was decreased to approximately 15% and 12%. Meanwhile, the total saponin contents of the main root slices and rhizome in the dryer were higher, exhibiting average values of 9.1% and 12.2%, respectively. Thus, the drying system is suitable for drying Panax notoginseng, and the payback period was approximately 1.03 year.

Spatial Distribution of the Pepper Blight (Phytophthora capsici) Suppressive Microbiome in the Rhizosphere.

The properties of plant rhizosphere are dynamic and heterogeneous, serving as different habitat filters for or against certain microorganisms. Herein, we studied the spatial distribution of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of pepper plants treated with a disease-suppressive or non-suppressive soil. The bacterial richness was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in plants treated with the disease-suppressive soil than in those treated with the non-suppressive soil. Bacterial richness and evenness greatly differed between root parts, with decrease from the upper taproot to the upper fibrous root, the lower taproot, and the lower fibrous root. As expected, the bacterial community in the rhizosphere differed between suppressive and non-suppressive soil. However, the spatial variation (36%) of the bacterial community in the rhizosphere was much greater than that explained by soils (10%). Taxa such as subgroups of Acidobacteria, Nitrosospira, and Nitrospira were known to be selectively enriched in the upper taproot. In vitro Bacillus antagonists against Phytophthora capsici were also preferentially colonized in the taproot, while the genera such as Clostridium, Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Hydrogenophaga, and Magnetospirillum were enriched in the lower taproot or fibrous root. In conclusion, the spatial distribution of bacterial taxa and antagonists in the rhizosphere of pepper sheds light on our understanding of microbial ecology in the rhizosphere.

Sediment formation and analysis of the main chemical components of aqueous extracts from different parts of ginseng roots

Sediment is a key issue in the production and marketing of plant beverages, as is ginseng beverages. The formation of sediment in ginseng beverages is a gradual process. This work describes the formation of sediment from different parts of ginseng and describes the color and clarity of the liquid and the amount and morphology of the sediment. The results showed there are significant differences in the sediment formation speed, morphology and transmittance for the aqueous extracts prepared from different parts of ginseng. The amounts of sediment generated from the different parts of ginseng is as follows: main root > rhizome > fibrous root. Free amino acids, Ba, Ca, Ni, and Sr concentrations are significantly and positively correlated with the transmittance. The total saponins, Al, Fe, and Mn concentrations are significantly and negatively correlated with the transmittance. There are obvious crystals and more Ca in the fibrous root sediment. We analyzed and compared the chemical components in the sediment and extract. The results show that the main components of the sediment are carbohydrates and protein. According to the partition coefficient the contents of protein, ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rf) and some ions (Al, Fe, Ca, and Na) contribute more to the formation of the sediment than the other investigated components.

CuO nanoparticles modify bioaccumulation of perfluorooctanoic acid in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

ABSTRACT Research on combined phytotoxicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and nanoparticles is very important for the remediation of PFOA contaminated soil and further assessment for the potential of nano-enhanced phytoremediation. Here, joint effects of PFOA and CuO nanoparticles (nCuO) in plants were studied by exposing radish (Raphanus sativus L.) to PFOA (4 mg/kg) and nCuO (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 30 days, and measuring for contaminant accumulation, radish biomass, photosynthesis profiles and nutrient contents. Results showed that PFOA accumulated highly in radish organs but showed limited effects on radish biomass. nCuO could increase the transfer rate of PFOA from root to shoot and reduce PFOA accumulation in edible root part, but higher nCuO lead to decreased radish biomass. Reversely, PFOA alleviated the adverse effects of nCuO on leaf photosynthesis and root metabolism of vitamins and amino acids. These results provided basics for exploring possibility of nano-enhanced phytoremediation for PFOA soil pollution.

Quantification of genetic variability and stable genotype selection over the years in the germplasm of critically endangered Prishanparni (Uraria picta Desv.).

Prishanparni (Uraria picta Desv.), a critically endangered annual shrub belonging to the family 'Papillionaceae'. It is widely distributed throughout India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tropical Africa, Malay Islands, and the Philippines. The consistent performances of U. picta accessions based on ten economic traits studied were identified as P-12, P-16, P-21, P-22, P-31, P-47, and P-48. These accessions could be used for commercial cultivation in northern Indian plains. Among the total twenty-three studied accessions P-50, P-21, P-48, and P-47 were found superior for rhoifolin content in their aerial as well as root part, which may have various therapeutic potentials used in traditional and modern systems of medicines. These accessions can be exploited for commercial cultivation or in a hybridization program for further crop improvement. Wide range cultivation of the selected accessions in the Indo-Gangetic plains will fit in the existing cropping systems of this region, resulting in comparatively better supplementation of herb to the pharmaceutical and herbal drug industries and reducing the pressure on the wild populations.

Evaluation of neuroprotective effects of Canna indica L against aluminium chloride induced memory impairment in rats

Memory disorders are the progressive neurological disorder, mainly causing dementia, memory loss and cognitive dysfunctions. The current study is aimed to experimentally validate the crude extract of Canna indica aerial parts (CIA) and root (CIR) against aluminium chloride induced altered memory in rats. Initially, methanolic extract of CIA, hydroalcoholic extract of CIR, and their combination of CIA + CIR were screened for Invitro antioxidant activity via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) assays, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory assay and were also screened for their memory enhancing activity by in-vivo models such as elevated plus maze (EPM), morris water maze (MWM), cooks pole climb (CPC), Actophotometer, novel object recognition (NOR), and T-maze. Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) (17 mg/kg/day p.o.) for 21 days, was used as an Alzheimer’s disease inducing agent and Donepezil (AChE inhibitor) as a standard treatment agent. The AChE, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were significantly increased, and glutathione (GSH), total protein (TP), catalase (CAT), and Dopamine were decreased only in AlCl3 treated rats and treatment with CIA 200 mg/kg and CIA + CIR 200 mg/kg significantly reversed these mechanisms.Histopathology of cortex and hippocampus was examined at 40× magnification, indicating maintain of integrity and architecture of CA1 and CA3 neuronal cells compared to control and standard groups. The in vivo studies of interospective and exteroceptive behavior models (EPM), MWM, CPC, Actophotometer, NOR, T-maze revealed that AlCl3 administration enhanced transfer latency (TL), escape latency time (ELT) and decreases locomotion, discriminatory index, and percentage alternation respectively. However, treatment with CIA and CIA + CIR 200 mg/kg highly significantly reversed the pathological changes of disease, extracts of Canna indica of both root and aerial parts phyto constituents are rich in flavonoids, phlobatannins, anthocyanin pigments, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids etc. Which will decipher the acetylcholinestrase inhibitory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, will ameliorate the pathological state of Alzheimer disease.Graphical abstract Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13596-021-00627-x.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anticholinesterase Properties of the Aerial and Root Parts of Centaurea acaulis Essential Oils: Study of the Combinatorial Activities of Aplotaxene with Reference Standards

In recent years, growing attention has been given to essential oils. Essential oils obtained from medicinal plants show high therapeutic potential against various types of pathologies, including Alzheimer's, cancer and inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this work was to study the chemical composition of the aerial and root parts of Centaurea acaulis essential oils by GC/FID and GC/MS, to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, and in-vitro combinatory effect of aplotaxene isolated from the roots with reference standards, in order to find new and more effective agents for the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory diseases. The statistical analysis clustered the essential oil aerial parts into two distinct groups. The specimens characterized by a humid climate and low altitude was mainly discriminated by the high contents of (E)-β-caryophyllene (3.4-8.4%), hexadecanoic acid (6.3-10.8%) and caryophyllene oxide (6.2-9.9%). While the second group characterized by a humid climate and higher altitudes was characterized by high levels of limonene (15.2-19.2%) and τ-muurolol (12.6-17.2%). In contrast, essential oils of roots were dominated by aplotaxene whatever the climate type. All samples showed very good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The combination of aplotaxene with references gave synergistic effects with excellent activities about 2 times higher than the synthetic references. The neuroprotective activity of essential oils and aplotaxene did not show inhibition against AChE, whereas they inhibited BChE with IC50 values comparable to Galantamine.

Selection of green manures to provide ecosystem services in a semi-arid environment

Green manure is a soil management technique which provides several benefits to agroecosystems, improving the chemical, physical and biological quality of the soil, allowing them to provide different ecosystem services. Thus, the purpose of this work was to select green manures to compose multifunctional agroecosystems that provide ecosystem services in a semi-arid environment through the addition of biomass, C and N, and nutrient cycling. Thus, 29 treatments were evaluated in two cultivation cycles, using 14 species of legumes, oilseeds and grasses, distributed in single and intercropped crops. The green manures were cut at 70 days after sowing, and samples of the shoot and root parts were collected, with the production of fresh and dry biomass and the N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S levels being evaluated. C and biomass from rhizodeposition were also estimated. From these data, the accumulation of nutrients in the shoot and root biomass was calculated. Data were compared using descriptive and multivariate statistics. There is a positive relationship between the growing number of species used in consortium and the greater production of shoot and root biomass, favoring the increase in the capacity of the agroecosystem to provide provision and regulation services, with the latter being associated with climate change mitigation measures, highlighting the importance of biodiversity.

Развитие аэренхимальных лакун в корнях Hordeum vulgare в условиях гидропоники

Plants growing in hypoxic conditions need to adapt to oxygen deficiency in substrate, including with the formation of lysigenous aerenchyma formation. Although lysigenous aerenchyma formation is well understood, its creation on different plant age is not well studied. In current article is described aerenchyma formation in roots of barley growing in hydroponic conditions up to 30 day after germination (DAG). It is shown that aerenchyma in primary roots developed on 7 DAG, and its volume in root cortex significantly enlarged, especially in basal root part, up to 30 DAG. H2O2 content increased from basal to apical part of roots and rose in 3-4 times on 30 DAG in all root parts. Guaiacol peroxidase (GP) demonstrated high activity on 27-30 DAG, and it coincided with aerenchymal lacunae origin. Superoxide dismutase activated earlier than GP and its activity may be involved in initial stage of aerenchyma formation. A clear correlation between H2O2 and antioxidative enzymes was not found, probably due to activation of the other processes of synthesis and degradation of H2O2.

Accuracy of Four Apex Locators in Premolars with Root Resorption: An In vitro Study.

The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the accuracy of the working length measurements of four foramen locators: Root ZX mini, Raypex 6, Woodpex III and Propex Pixi in uniradicular premolars with simulated root resorption. For this study, 30 single-rooted permanent premolars were selected. The samples were divided into two groups: 15 teeth with simulated external root resorption and 15 teeth with internal resorption. Each sample was immersed in containers with alginate covering only the root part. Measurements were acquired from the four foramen locators and compared with the working length measurements that have been previously obtained with the direct visual technique and the use of a Digital USB Microscope under 5×. Next, the Shapiro-Wilk normality test was applied. The ANOVA test and t-test for related samples were performed, in order to analyze the measurements obtained. In the teeth with external resorption, no statistically significant differences in the measurements were obtained with Raypex 6 and Propex Pixi foramen locators, but there were statistically significant differences with Root ZX mini and Woodpex III Root Zx mini [Root Zx mini (P=0.040) and Woodpex III (P=0.000)]. On the other hand, in the samples with internal root resorption, there were no statistically significant differences in measurements with the Root ZX mini, Propex Pixi and Raypex 6 foramen locators. However, there were significant differences with Woodpex III. Based on this in vitro study, Raypex 6 had the highest accuracy in premolars with simulated external resorption and Root ZX mini was the most accurate in teeth with simulated internal resorption. Furthermore, external root resorption affects the accuracy of foramen locators more than internal resorption.

Evaluation of vegetables grown in dry mountainous regions for soil transmitted helminths contamination.

Infection caused by geo-helminth parasites are called geohelminthiasis are one of the global health problems. Vegetables eaten raw is the principal source of transmission of geo-helminth parasites. Pakistani people believe that eating raw vegetables are a significant source to get important vitamins and minerals. Based on the high incidence of pathogenic parasites and cultivating different vegetable types in the study areas, we conducted this study to evaluate the geo-helminth contamination of raw vegetables in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This is a descriptive study comprised, 1942 samples of 25 various types of vegetables. The samples were examined in physiological saline solution using sedimentation and centrifugation methods. The findings were analyzed by Graph-Pad version 5. P value less than 0.05 (95% CI) was considered significant. Results showed that 16.5% (n=322) of all vegetables were contaminated with one or more type of geo-helminth parasites. Garlic was the highest (35%) and cauliflower the lowest (4%) contaminated samples respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common geo-helminth found followed by hook worm species while Trichuris trichura was the least in all the vegetable samples. Leafy vegetables were highly contaminated 25.3% than vegetables with root parts 21.2% and fruity 9.09%. More than half of the contaminated vegetables were contaminated with single species of geo-helminth (P<0.05) while less than half with multiple types of geo-helminth contamination. Ninety two vegetables samples were contaminated with 2 species of parasites (P<0.05) and 45 with 3 (P>0.05) species of geo-helminth parasites. Education level of vendors and means of display were not significantly associated while types of vegetable used were significantly associated with the prevalence of parasites. The findings of this study provide evidence that consumption of raw vegetable has a high risk of acquiring geo-helminth infections. The authors believe that preventing the human to enter to the vegetable farmland for defecation, avoiding the irrigation of agricultural fields via night soil, and educating the people on proper washing and cooking of vegetables may be useful in reducing parasitic infections.

J. curcas and Manihot esculenta are potential super plants for phytoremediation in multi-contaminated mine spoils

Phytoremediation approaches have increasingly been applied in environmental remediation projects. In this study, the potentials of Manihot esculenta (M. esculenta), Vigna unguiculata (V. unguiculata) and J. curcas curcas (J. curcas) in remediating multi-contaminated mine spoils was evaluated. The target potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are Cd, As, Zn, Pb, and Hg. The test plants were grown and monitored under growth stress conditions for 270 days. Using inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometry and EPA method 200.8, the total elemental contents in the shoot and root parts of the plants were determined. Significant differences (p&lt; 0.01) were observed in the uptake performance of the test plants. For example, M. esculenta and J. curcas, bioaccumulated 50- 80 % of the various baseline PTE contents in their root parts at 270 days after planting. In contrast, &lt; 27 % of PTEs were found in the root parts of V. unguiculata, except Zn at 70 %. Growth stressors and soil PTEs were factors that reduced biomass production in respective plants by 25 %. Cummulatively, the performance order M. esculenta&gt; J. curcas&gt; V. unguiculata was observed for multi-contaminant removal in soils. Techniques for enhancing the easy cultivation of the test plants are recommended to enhance their applicabilities in phytoremediation projects.