Significant Stimulatory Effect Research Articles

Allelopathic Effect of Vicia faba L. Extracts on Stimulating or Inhibiting the Seeds Germination and Seedling Growth of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill

inhibitory effects of the aqueous extracts of Vicia faba on the seed germination and the growth of the Lycopersicon esculentum seedlings. The experiment was carried out at the research stations and laboratories of College of Agriculture, Tikrit University, and the Department of Examination and Certification of Seeds in Tikrit, Salah Aldeen, Iraq. In this study, different concentrations of the aqueous extracts of various parts of Vicia faba were tested in this study, namely (4, 8 and 12% root extracts; 4, 8 and 12% stem extracts; 4, 8 and 12 % leaf extracts) for determining their effects on the seed germination and the seedling growth of the Lycopersicon esculentum plant. Water was used as the control treatment. All parameters used in the experiments were randomly distributed based on the Completely Randomised Design (CRD). The results were the mean of 4 replicate experiments. The results indicated that the aqueous root extracts (4%) of Vicia faba showed a significant stimulatory effect on the different growth parameters like radicle length and the dry weight of the radicle of the Lycopersicon esculentum. The different aqueous extracts of the Vicia faba showed differing effects (either stimulatory or inhibitory) on the seedling growth. The mode of action was dependent on the extracts of the plant parts that were used. The results indicated that the different concentrations of aqueous extracts of various parts of Vicia faba showed an allelopathic effect.

Vermicompost Amendment in Soil Affects Growth and Physiology of Zea mays Plants and Decreases Pb Accumulation in Tissues

Minimization of the possible harmful effects of soil pollution on agricultural production and food safety are the major challenges in modern agriculture. There is great scientific interest in the detailed understanding of the physiology of lead uptake and toxicity in Zea mays, together with the search for approaches to minimizing Pb accumulation in tissues. The aim of the present study was to explore the possibility of reducing Pb accumulation in Z. mays plants cultivated in Pb-contaminated soil, by means of vermicompost amendment. Z. mays plants were cultivated at three soil vermicompost amendment rates (10, 20, and 30%), with the addition of 1000 mg L−1 of Pb in the form of Pb(NO3)2 or an equivalent amount of nitrogen in the form of NH4NO3. Additional nitrogen had a significant stimulatory effect on plant growth and physiology, but only for control plants, and at a low vermicompost amendment rate. Independently, Pb had an insignificant negative effect on plant growth and biomass partitioning, but significantly negatively affected the mineral nutrition of Z. mays plants. At a 10 and 20% soil vermicompost amendment rate, the Pb concentration in plant leaves and roots decreased by 65%, while plant biomass increased four to five times in comparison to soil-grown control plants, together with accelerated flowering. It was concluded that vermicompost is one of the most promising soil amendments for reducing heavy metal uptake and accumulation in crop plants, while also being an efficient organic fertilizer.

Cholangiocarcinoma cell proliferation is enhanced in primary sclerosing cholangitis: A role for IL-17A.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the biliary tree and a risk factor for development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The pathogenesis of PSC-related CCA is largely unclear, although it is assumed that chronic inflammatory environment plays a pivotal role. We aimed to investigate the effect of inflammation-related cytokines in PSC on the proliferation rate of cancer cells. For this, the proliferation index in PSC-CCA and sporadic CCA was determined by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. The percentage of Ki-67 positivity in cancer cells was significantly higher in PSC-CCA than in sporadic CCA (41.3% ± 5.7% vs 25.8% ± 4.1%; P=.038). To assess which cytokines in the inflammatory environment have the potential to stimulate cancer cell proliferation, patient-derived CCA organoids (CCAOs) were exposed to five cytokines related to PSC (Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha). Only IL-17A showed a significant stimulatory effect on cell proliferation in CCAOs, increasing organoid size by 45.9% ± 16.4% (P < .01) and proliferation rate by 38% ± 16% (P < .05). IL-17A immunohistochemistry demonstrated that PSC-CCA might express more IL-17A than sporadic CCA. Moreover, correlation analysis in sporadic CCA and PSC-CCA found a significant correlation between IL-17A expression and proliferation. In conclusion, tumor cell proliferation is increased in PSC-CCA cells compared with sporadic CCA cells. IL-17A increases CCA cell proliferation in vitro and may contribute to the high proliferation rate in PSC-CCA in situ. Therefore, IL-17A represents a new potential therapeutic target in (PSC-)CCA, to be tested in future trials.

Effects of Intercropping Pandanus amaryllifolius on Soil Properties and Microbial Community Composition in Areca Catechu Plantations

The areca nut (Areca catechu L.) and pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb.) intercropping cultivation system has been widely practiced to improve economic benefits and achieve the development of sustainable agriculture in Hainan Province, China. However, there is a lack of research on the relationships among soil properties, soil enzyme activities, and microbes in this cultivation system. Therefore, a random block field experiment of pandan intercropped with areca nut was established to investigate the effects of environmental factors on the diversity and functions of soil microbial communities in Lingshui county, Hainan Province. The diversity and composition of soil microbial communities under different cropping modes were compared using Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA (bacteria) and ITS-1 rRNA (fungi) genes, and FAPROTAX and FUNGuild were used to analyze and predict the bacteria and fungi community functions, respectively. Correlation analysis and redundancy analysis were used to explore the responses of soil microbial communities to soil environmental factors. The results showed that the bacterial community was more sensitive to the areca nut and pandan intercropping system than the fungal community. The functional predictions of fungal microbial communities by FAPROTAX and FUNGuild indicated that chemoheterotrophy, aerobic chemoheterotrophy, and soil saprotroph were the most dominant functional communities. The intercropping of pandan in the areca nut plantation significantly enhanced the soil bacterial Ace and Chao indices by reducing the soil organic carbon (SOC) and total phosphorus (TP) content. In the intercropping system, urease (UE) and acid phosphatase were the key factors regulating the soil microbial community abundance. The dominant bacterial and fungal phyla, such as Firmicutes, Methylomirabilota, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Verrucomicrobia, and Ascomycota significantly responded to the change in planting modes. Soil properties, such as UE, total nitrogen, and SOC had a significant stimulating effect on Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Ascomycota. In summary, soil bacteria responded more significantly to the change in cropping modes than soil fungi and better reflected the changes in soil environmental factors, suggesting that intercropping with pandan positively affects soil microbial homeostasis in the long-term areca nut plantation.

Ultrasonic Treatment Enhances Germination and Affects Antioxidant Gene Expression in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr)

Ultrasound technology has been recently used to enhance and increase seed germination with no negative effect on seedling development. This study investigated the effects of ultrasound exposure for 10, 20, and 30 min on seed germination, seedling growth, and gene expression of three soybean varieties grown under glasshouse conditions. Ultrasonic treatments showed different effects on most of the studied traits compared with the untreated controls. Ultrasonic exposure increased germination percentage, root and shoot lengths, seedling dry matter, and vigor index of the three soybean varieties. Antioxidant gene expression was examined in the seedling tissues and indicated a significant stimulatory effect of ultrasonication on catalase and superoxide dismutase antioxidant gene expression. Scanning electron microscopy results showed multiple changes in soybean varieties. Seed coat rupturing appeared as pores and cracks on the waved seed coat and possibly increased seed germination. Soybean varieties revealed different abilities to germinate, grow, and develop, as well as different antioxidant gene expression in response to ultrasound treatments. In light of the results obtained, ultrasonication can be widely used to include other crops that face serious challenges in germination.

IMPACT OF CALORIC VESTIBULAR STIMULATION ON CO-ORDINATION IN PARKINSON DISEASE INDUCED MICE

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of vestibular stimulation on motor coordination in Parkinson’s disease (PD) induced mice. Methods: 18 healthy adult male Swiss albino mice were used in this study. Vestibule was stimulated by caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS). Pesticide Rotenone was used to induce Parkinson’s disease (PD). Motor coordination was assessed by the fall-off time and the activity score using the rotarod and actophotometer, respectively. Results: In the rotarod test, there was a significant increase in the fall-off time (p&lt;0.01) in the CVS PD group (131.63±18.34) on the 30th day when compared to the PD group (95.33±15.17). In the actophotometer, the activity score improved in the PD CVS group on the 15 (235±47.09) and 30th days (251.38±25.76), while there was no improvement in the PD group. This shows the significant effect of caloric vestibular stimulation on motor coordination in Parkinson’s disease. Conclusion: This study confirms that caloric vestibular stimulation with hot water resulted in the improvement of motor coordination in PD. Hence this study certainly merits further studies with a higher sample size to confirm the effect of caloric vestibular stimulation on the enhancement of motor coordination in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Metagenomic insights into the modulatory effects of kelp powder (Thallus laminariae)-Treated dairy milk on growth performances and physiological lipometabolic processes of kunming mice.

Kelp powder, supplemented with a dairy cow diet, effectively improved the milk polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content. However, little information exists on the downstream effects of the kelp-treated milk on body health, gut microbiota, and nutrient metabolism. For this purpose, 48 3-week old Kunming (KM) male mice with an average body weight of 16.1 g ± 0.2 g were randomly divided into the control treatment (CON, fed with standard chow), the common milk supplement treatment (Milk), and the kelp powder-treated milk supplement treatment (KPM). The experiment lasted for 35 days, with a 7-day long adaptive period and a 28-day long main trial. Phenotypic parameters including growth performances and serum lipids-related parameters were first measured, and results indicated that Milk and KPM supplement significantly promoted the total body weight gain (P < 0.05), while significantly decreasing the feed conversion ratio compared with CON (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the blood lipids content among all three treatments, however, the triglyceride content showed a decreasing trend after KPM supplement treatment. Further, activities of liver lipometabolic-related enzymes were investigated to determine the underlying factors that impacted physiological lipid metabolism. KPM treatment showed a significant reductive effect on the activity of lipogenesis-related enzymes, such as FAS and ACC, while a significant stimulative effect on the activity of lipolysis-related enzymes included the ATGL and CPT1 compared with CON (P < 0.05). Finally, gastrointestinal tract development and cecal microbiota community that correlated with body lipid degradation and absorption were measured to determine the underlying mechanism of KPM supplementation on physiological lipid metabolism. Results indicated that supplementation with KPM significantly enhanced cecal bacteria diversity which was reflected in the significant increase of Chao1 and ACE indexes. Besides, starch-degraded bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcaceae, and Streptococcus are significant decreased (P < 0.05), while cellulose-degraded bacteria including Parabacteroides, Prevotella, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, and Bifidobacterium are significantly increased (P < 0.05) after KPM supplement, which may further restrict the energy generation and therefore reduce the lipid deposition. In summary, kelp supplement helped increase the milk PUFAs content, enhance the bacterial diversity and relative abundances of probiotics, which finally modulated physiological lipid metabolism, and promote growth performances.

Polymerization of chondroitin sulfate and its stimulatory effect on cartilage regeneration; a bioactive material for cartilage regeneration

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is one of the major glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). GAGs are linear polymers comprising disaccharide residues and are found as the side chains of proteoglycans. CS has significant stimulatory effects on cell behavior and is widely used in tissue-engineered and drug delivery devices. However, it is difficult to incorporate a sufficient amount of CS into biopolymer-based scaffolds such as collagen to take full advantage of its benefit. In this study, CS has been polymerized to an 11 times higher molecular weight polymer (PCS) in an attempt to overcome this deficiency. We have previously shown that PCS was significantly more effective than CS in chondrogenesis. This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties of the manufactured PCS. PCS was characterized by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy together with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to obtain information about its chemical structure and elemental composition. Its molecular size was measured using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and its viscoelastic properties were determined by rheology measurements. The average PCS diameter increased 5 times by polymerization and PCS has significantly enhanced viscoelastic properties compared to CS. The molecular weight of PCS was calculated from the rheological experiment to give more than an order of magnitude increase over CS molecular weight. Based on these results, we believe there is a great potential for using PCS in regenerative medicine devices.

Behavioral and biochemical alterations induced by acute clothianidin and imidacloprid exposure in the killer shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus

Neonicotinoids are widely used insecticides around the world and are preserved permanently in soils and appear in surface waters posing an increased threat to ecosystems. In the present study, we exposed adult specimens of amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus to environmentally relevant and higher concentrations of two widely used agricultural neonicotinoids, clothianidin (CLO) and imidacloprid (IMI), for 2 days. The acute effects were investigated at the behavioral (immobility time and swimming activity) and biochemical (glutathione S-transferase [GST] and acetylcholine esterase [AchE] activity) levels. All CLO concentrations used (64 nM, 128 nM, 192 nM) significantly decreased the immobility time and swimming activity. In the case of IMI, the immobility time decreased significantly only at the highest concentration applied (977 nM), but the distance travelled by the animals significantly decreased even at lower concentrations (78 nM and 313 nM). The GST enzyme activity did not change in the CLO-treated groups, however, the 626 nM and 977 nM IMI concentrations significantly increased the GST activity. Similarly, to the behavioral level, all CLO concentrations significantly decreased the AchE activity. In contrast, IMI has a significant stimulating effect on the AchE activity at the 313 nM, 626 nM, and 977 nM concentrations. Based on the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of CLO and IMI at environmentally-relevant concentrations on D. villosus. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the physiological effects of neonicotinoids.

The BMP and FGF pathways reciprocally regulate odontoblast differentiation

ABSTRACT Purpose Previous studies demonstrated that the exposure of primary dental pulp (DP) cultures to fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) between days 3–7 exerted significant and long-lasting stimulatory effects on odontoblast differentiation and Dspp expression. These effects involved the increased expression of components of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and were reverted by a BMP inhibitor noggin. FGF2 also transiently stimulated osteoblast differentiation and the expression of Ibsp and Dmp1. The present study aimed to further explore interactions between BMP and FGF signaling during odontoblast and osteoblast differentiation in DP cultures. Materials and Methods Cultures were established using DP tissue isolated from non-transgenic and fluorescent reporter (DSPP-Cerulean, BSP-GFP, and DMP1-mCherry) transgenic mice and exposed to BMP2, FGF2, SU5402 (an FGF receptor inhibitor), and noggin between days 3–7. Mineralization, gene expression, fluorescent protein expression, and odontoblast formation were examined using xylenol orange, quantitative PCR, fluorometric analysis, and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Results BMP2 activated SMAD1/5/8 but not ERK1/2 signaling, whereas FGF2 exerted opposite effects. BMP2 did not affect mineralization, the expression of Ibsp and Dmp1, and the percentage of DSPP-Cerulean+ odontoblasts but significantly increased Dspp and DSPP-Cerulean. In cultures exposed to BMP2 and FGF2, respectively, both SU5402 and noggin led to long-lasting decreases in Dspp and DSPP-Cerulean and transient decreases in Dmp1 and DMP1-mCherry without affecting Ibsp and BSP-GFP. Conclusion BMP2 and FGF2 exerted reciprocal stimulatory effects on odontoblast differentiation, whereas their effects on osteoblast differentiation were mediated independently. These data will further elucidate the perspectives of using BMP2 and FGF2 for dentin regeneration/repair.

Efficacy of native Trichoderma asperellum in managing Alternaria solani causing early blight of Solanum lycopersicum Mill

The biocontrol efficacy of Trichoderma asperellum strain M23 (bioagent) was tested against early blight pathogen (Alternaria solani strain NO4) of tomato. These fungi were co-inoculated on tomato plants (variety UC82B and Ibadan local) at different spore concentrations, viz., 1.0 × 105, 1.0 × 107 and 1.0 × 109 while untreated plant served as control. The effect of these treatments was studied based on growth parameters, biomass and symptoms observed on disease incidence scale of 1–7. The pathogen exerted varying effects on the tomato plants as Ibadan local was more susceptible compared to UC82B. The bioagent M23 exhibited significant growth stimulatory effect (p < 0.05) on the two varieties of tomato. The antagonistic effect of M23 against NO4 was confirmed on the growth, biomass accumulation (phytomass) and fruit weight of tomato plants co-inoculated with the pathogen and the antagonist. This study demonstrated the potentials of Trichoderma asperellum not only as biocontrol agent against early blight of tomatoes but also as growth stimulatory agent for the crop.

Іnfluence of aquatic extracts from the rhizomes of Еlytrigia repens l. on the progress of maize seeds

Aim. To summarize the results of the study of allelopathic pressure of water-soluble secretions of Elytrigia repens L. in the laboratory. Methods. The rhizomes of creeping wheatgrass were dried to an air-dry state and ground into 3-4 mm particles. To extract, a weighed portion of weed rhizome (0.5, 1 and 10 g) was transferred to a glass container and 100 ml of distilled water at room temperature was added. The extraction process according to the method lasted 1 day at a temperature of +200°C. The experiments were performed with aqueous extracts at a concentration of 1:1000, 1:100 and 1:10. Results. As a result of our research, it was found that the presence of water-soluble secretions from the rhizomes of creeping wheatgrass inhibits the energy of germination of corn seeds, regardless of their level of concentration. On the fourth day of the survey, it was determined that the concentrations of water extracts of wheatgrass 1:100 and 1:10 significantly suppressed the length of the germinal root of corn: 2.37 cm and 2.78 cm, respectively. Measurements of the length of the coleoptile on the 7th day of germination of corn seeds showed a decrease in this indicator in the above options by 29.5% and 30.3%, respectively, compared to the control variant. Also, the total length of the root system in these variants was 44.2% and 44.6% shorter. On the germination and subsequent growth of maize seedlings aqueous extract with a concentration of 1:1000 gave a significant stimulating effect compared to the control variant, in which the seeds were germinated in distilled water. Conclusion. Therefore, depending on the concentration in the aqueous solution of allelopathically active substances from the rhizome of creeping wheatgrass can be either stimulating or inhibiting their effect on the processes occurring during the germination of corn seeds. The results of the research explain the appearance of unfriendly maize seedlings and the lag in the growth and development of cultivated plants in locked areas.

Effects of Vestibular Stimulation on Balance in Children with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of vestibular stimulation on balance in quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Methodology: This was quasi experimental study in which total 44 quadriplegic cerebral palsy children were included who have no associated neurogenic conditions which may be aggravated with vestibular stimulation such as epilepsy or other orthopedic or functional complication. The children were assessed by an independent assessor before and after 6 weeks of vestibular stimulation. The assessment was made on gross motor measure and pediatric evaluation disability index. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Paired sample t test was used for pre-post testing. Results: The descriptive statistics of paired samples regarding Gross Motor Function Measure showed mean and standard deviation to be 49.61±1.75 and 64.54±1.04 before and after treatment, respectively. Paired sample testing for pre-post treatment measurement of mean score of Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) showed that mean difference and standard deviation found to be 14.93±1.90 with a significant p value 0.00. The descriptive statistics of paired samples regarding Total PEDI score showed mean and standard deviation to be 42.88±0.86 and 51.47±1.24 before and after treatment, respectively. Paired sample testing for pre-post treatment measurement of mean score of total Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory (PEDI) showed that mean difference and standard deviation found to be 8.59±1.48 with a significant p value 0.00. Conclusion: The findings of study concluded that vestibular stimulation has significant effect of vestibular stimulation on balance in quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Moreover, there were seen significant improvement in other domains such as behavior, emotions, psychology and interactive learning approach. Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Quadriplegia, Child, Vestibular Stimulation

Effectiveness of non-pharmacological rehabilitation interventions in pain management in patients with multiple sclerosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive inflammatory and autoimmune neurological disease caused by inflammation and demyelination of the central nervous system. Pain is a typical symptom of central nervous system demyelination, affecting 63% of adults with MS. Recently, the role of non-pharmacological pain management in patients is growing because the non-pharmacological interventions are considered safe, affordable, easy, and accessible. However, to date, no systematic reviews or meta-analyses have comprehensively examined the therapeutic effects of the variety of non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions in the management of pain in patients with MS. The study aimed to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of the non-pharmacological rehabilitation interventions in pain management in patients with MS. A comprehensive search using PubMed, Cochrane, and Science Direct databases was performed and included all randomized controlled trials, randomized cross-over trials, and quasi-experimental trials assessing the effect of non-pharmacological interventions for managing pain in patients with MS. This study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines of a systematic review and pair-wise meta-analysis. Meta-analyses were performed by calculating the standardized mean difference at a 95% confidence interval using Review Manager software. Twenty-nine papers were included in the systematic review, and only 22 of them were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed a significant effect of neuromodulation and transcranial direct current stimulation on pain intensity reduction in patients with MS (SMD -0.51, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.09, P = 0.02), (SMD -0.67, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.16 P = 0.01), respectively. The analysis showed significant improvement in pain intensity in patient with MS after mind-body therapies (SMD -0.45, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.7, P = 0.02), mindfulness (SMD -0.55, 95% CI -0.96 to -0.14, P = 0.009), hypnosis (SMD -0.88, 95% CI -1.30 to -0.46, P = 0.0001), trigger point therapies (SMD -0.83, 95% CI -1.65 to -0.01, P = 0.05) and cognitive behavioral therapy (SMD -0.64, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.11, P = 0.02). However, there is no significant effect of relaxation therapy on pain reduction in patients with MS (SMD -0.82, 95% CI -1.94 to 0.31, P = 0.15). The results indicated that the majority of the non-pharmacological rehabilitation interventions showed potential therapeutic effects in reducing pain intensity in patients with MS.

Comparison of Selenium-Enriched Lactobacillusparacasei, Selenium-Enriched Yeast, and Selenite for the Alleviation of DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been found to have decreased immune function. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that is beneficial for human health, which has a significant stimulating effect on immune function. We compared the effects of different Se forms on the alleviation of colitis in DSS-induced mice. Moreover, we also aimed to determine whether Se-enriched Lactobacillus paracasei CCFM 1089 could be used as a new organic Se supplement. Different Se supplements (Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089, Se-enriched yeast and sodium selenite) were given to Se-deficient mice suffering from colitis. Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089, which is based on selenocysteine (SeCys), had similar effects in terms of reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors to Se-enriched yeast; however, selenase activity in the Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089-treated mice was higher than that in other treatment groups. In addition, Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089 could better protect the intestinal mucosa, which increased the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) in mice. Thus Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089 was shown to alleviate IBD, suggesting that it has potential as a good organic Se supplement.

Enhancement of Androgenesis and Plant Regeneration From Wheat Anther Culture by Seed Pre-Sowing Gamma Irradiation

Combination breeding and mutation breeding are widely used methods in plant breeding. Intensive studies are carried out on biotechnological methods that will allow obtaining homozygous lines in a short time in populations obtained with these two techniques. Numerous studies have been carried out by different researchers on mutation breeding in wheat. There are few studies on anther culture response in mutagen-treated genotypes. Two different bread wheat promising advanced lines were used as the material in the study, in which the possibilities of combining mutation breeding with anther culture through ionizing radiation in high quality wheat breeding were investigated. In the study, the responses of advanced bread wheat mutant lines to anther culture, to which eight different doses of gamma rays (0, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400 Gy) were applied, including the control, were investigated. There are significant differences between genotypes and irradiation doses for all traits studied. It has been shown that it is possible to decrease albinism and increase the response of anther culture with dose-dependent gamma irradiation depending on bread wheat varieties. In the multiple comparison test to classify the difference between doses; statistically, 150 gray dose 5.60 is in the first statistical class and in the first place with the number of transferred green plants. After that, it ranks second in the same class with the number of green plants transferred with a 300 gray dose of 5.21. In the total number of regenerated green plants excluding controls (888), 635 unit (71.5%) and 205 unit (23.1%) haploids and spontaneous double haploid plants were obtained, respectively. In the study integrated into the bread wheat breeding program, a total of 205 spontaneous double haploid mutant lines were produced. According to the data obtained, it was shown that the gamma ray doses of 150 and 200 Gy had a significant stimulation effect on all parameters studied and ultimately the success index of anther culture in bread wheat compared to control.

Inhibitory Effect of Isolated Bacteria from the Phycosphere of Levanderina fissa on the Growth of Different Microalgae

Levanderina fissa (formerly Gyrodinium instriatum) frequently causes blooms in the Pearl River Estuary and has few advantages in interspecific competition with other bloom-forming algal species. Phycosphere bacteria, which closely interact with algal cells, may play an ecologically functional role in the population dynamics and bloom occurrence. To test this hypothesis, we isolated and identified cultivable bacteria coexisting in different growth stages of L. fissa by the gradient dilution method and investigated the characteristics of the bacterial interactions with three diatom species (Chaetoceros curvisetus, Skeletonema dohrnii, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum) and three dinoflagellate species (Scrippsiella acuminata, Karenia mikimotoi, and the host algae) after screening for functional bacteria. One of the isolated bacterial strains, Lf7, which was phylogenetically identified as an Alteromonas species, showed significant inhibitory effects on different algal species except its host. Moreover, all algal species, especially their hosts, showed significant stimulatory effects on bacterial Lf7 growth. These results indicate that the phycosphere bacterium Lf7 may play some ecological roles in the competition between its host alga L. fissa and other phytoplankton. The study also highlights the complicated interactions between phycosphere bacteria and host algae.

Terpenoids from Glechoma hederacea var. longituba and their biological activities.

Glechoma hederacea var. longituba (common name: ground ivy) has been used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, cholelithiasis, colds, and inflammation. In the present study, three new sesquiterpene glycosides (1–3), two new diterpene glycosides (4 and 5), and four known compounds (6–9) were isolated from its MeOH extract. A structure elucidation was performed for the five new compounds (1–5) using 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, DP4+ and ECD calculations, and chemical methods. All the isolates (1–9) were assessed for their antineuroinflammatory activities on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 cells, nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion stimulation activities in C6 glioma cells, and cytotoxic activities against four human cancer cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT15). Compounds 2 and 5–7 exhibited inhibitory effects on the NO production with IC50 values of 52.21, 47.90, 61.61, and 25.35 μM, respectively. Compound 5 also exhibited a significant stimulating effect on NGF secretion (122.77 ± 8.10%). Compound 9 showed potent cytotoxic activity against SK-OV-3 (IC50 = 3.76 μM) and SK-MEL-2 (IC50 = 1.48 μM) cell lines, while 7 displayed a strong cytotoxic activity against the SK-MEL-2 (IC50 = 9.81 μM) cell line.

Involution Effect: Does China’s Rural Land Transfer Market Still Have Efficiency?

Sustainable agricultural economic growth emphasizes the improvement of agricultural technical efficiency. This paper examines the impact of the rural land transfer market on agricultural technical efficiency by constructing a theoretical framework of the impact mechanism of the rural land transfer market on agricultural technical efficiency. The data of rural land transfer market in 30 provinces from 2005 to 2020 in China were used in this paper, and the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and Tobit model equation linkage was applied. The results showed: (1) In terms of time differences, the rural land transfer market had a significant stimulating and involution effect on agricultural technical efficiency. In 2006–2015, the rural land transfer market had a significant stimulating effect on agricultural technical efficiency, and, in 2016–2020, the rural land transfer market entered the stage of involution, and the rural land transfer market had a involution effect on agricultural technical efficiency. (2) In terms of regional differences, the stimulating effect of the rural land transfer market on agricultural technical efficiency was mainly concentrated in the main grain producing areas, and the involution effect was mainly concentrated in the non-main grain producing areas. (3) The involution effect of the rural land transfer market exceeded the stimulating effect, which made the rural land transfer market have a inhibition effect on agricultural technical efficiency from a comprehensive view of the overall trend.

Comparative in vitro efficacy of a hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix ingredient containing HA, dermatan sulphate and collagen (Dermial®) versus pure HA from extraction or fermentation origin

IntroductionHyaluronic acid (HA) is a high‐molecular‐weight polysaccharide composed of glucuronic acid and N‐acetylglucosamine. HA constitutes a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the skin. With aging, the amount of HA in skin decreases, which implies a loss of skin moisture causing wrinkles, sagging and aging of the skin. Oral supplementation with HA has been widely studied in order to provide an anti‐aging effect on the skin. There are mainly two types of HA: HA of fermentation and HA of extraction from a natural source. Dermial® is a HA matrix ingredient composed of HA and other naturally occurring components such as, dermatan sulphate and collagen, which have been shown to exert beneficial effects for skin health.This study was performed to determine the comparative in‐vitro effects of Dermial®, pure HA from extraction (HA‐E), and pure HA from fermentation (HA‐F).MethodsThe effect of the HA products on cell proliferation was assessed in Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF) and in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (HEK) using the method bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, detected by ELISA. The cell migration was evaluated in HDF and in HEK using the Oris™ Cell Migration Assay. The inductive capacity on ECM protein synthesis was evaluated by immunolocalization‐ELISA.ResultsThe results showed that the rate of cell proliferation in HDF with respect to untreated HDF was significantly higher in Dermial® showing a dose‐dependent response and reaching a proliferation rate of 1.81 (± 27) times with the highest concentration tested (1mg/mL) in comparison to HA‐E and HA‐F. Regarding HEK cell proliferation, Dermial® showed a significant capacity to induce this mechanism, increasing a rate of 85‐95% at 25 and 50 µg/mL. HA‐E and HA‐F showed similar effects, with significant increases on HEK cell proliferation (88% increase at 50 µg/mL of HA‐E and 100% at 25 µg/mL of HA‐F).Dermial®, HA‐E and HA‐F induced the migration of HDF with significant increases equal to or greater than 50%. However, only Dermial® showed a significant stimulatory effect on HEK migration, showing an increase of 102.77% (± 40.86) at 200 µg/mL.Dermial® showed a significant effect on the production of type I collagen, with an increase of 48.04% (± 11.49%) at 1 mg/mL. The quantification of type III collagen showed a significant effect of Dermial® and HA‐F, with increases of 77% for 1mg/mL Dermial® and 89‐118% for 50 µg/mL and 1 mg/mL HA‐F. Regarding the quantification of elastin, all evaluated products showed a significant effect, with increases of 17‐38%. Only Dermial® showed significant effect on the production of three proteins tested.ConclusionsThe overall results showed a superior effect of HA matrix ingredient (Dermial®) as compared to pure HA, either HA‐E or HA‐F, on HDF cell proliferation, on HEK cell migration and in the stimulation of the synthesis of type I collagen. Dermial® presents better regenerative properties of the dermis and epidermis, in addition to stimulating the synthesis of ECM proteins, favouring the maintenance and functionality of the dermis. Thus, Dermial® may be beneficial as an ingredient with antiaging activity in nutricosmetic applications.