Stem Bud Research Articles

Changes in the Shoot Apical Meristem with Decrease in Illumination within the Crown of <i>Pseudotsuga menziesii</i> (Pinaceae) Introduced in St. Petersburg

Abstract—In Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. Franco introduced in St. Petersburg, the changes in the apical meristem morphogenesis during the formation of a short bud shoot with covering scales and meristematic primordium of shoot with needles, under the decrease in illumination within the crown were studied. Terminal 1–4-year-old shoots of the third-order branches in the lower part of the crown with a relative light availability (RLA) in the range of 23.9–18.3% perform full annual cycle of morphogenesis of the shoot apical meristem. Before each stage of morphogenesis, the apical meristem performs independent volume growth associated with the formation of mother groups of phytomer cells of covering scales and needles in the peripheral meristem. With RLA reducing to 15.1–15.4%, in terminal 5–6-year-old shoots over the growing season, the apical meristem performs only formation of a short bud shoot with covering scales and stops volume growth. This is because in the vascular bundles of the stele of the short bud stem, the sieve cells of the phloem are not formed, and the xylem part is poorly developed. The direct contact of the apex with the stele of the bud stem is blocked by procambium bundles, since their cells are differentiated and crystalline cellulose is accumulated in the cell walls. The cell walls of the bark parenchyma of the short bud stem contains significantly less birefringent inclusions, and only single small resin receptacles.

The Pathogenesis of COVID-19-Related Taste Disorder and Treatments.

COVID-19, mainly manifested as acute respiratory distress syndrome, has afflicted millions of people worldwide since 2019. Taste dysfunction is a common early-stage symptom of COVID-19 infection that burdens patients for weeks or even permanently in some cases. Owing to its subjectivity and complexity, the mechanism of taste disorder is poorly studied. Previous studies have reported that the COVID-19 entry receptors are highly expressed in taste buds, thereby intensifying the cytocidal effect. Taste receptor cells are vulnerable to inflammation, and the COVID-19-induced cytokine storm causes secondary damage to taste function. Interferon and various proinflammatory cytokines can trigger cell apoptosis and disrupt the renewal of taste bud stem cells. This immune response can be further enhanced by the accumulation of Angiotensin II (Ang II) caused by an unbalanced local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) system. In addition, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is neurotropic and can invade the brain through the olfactory bulb, affecting the nervous system. Other factors, such as host zinc deficiency, genetic susceptibility, sialic acid, and some neurotransmitters, also contribute to the pathogenesis process. Although several medical interventions have displayed effectiveness, only a few strategies exist for the treatment of postinfectious dysgeusia. Stem cell-based taste regeneration offers promise for long-term taste disorders. Clinical studies have demonstrated that stem cells can treat long COVID-19 through immune regulation. In dysgeusia, the differentiation of taste bud stem cells can be stimulated through exogenous epithelial-derived and neural-derived factors to regenerate taste buds. Tongue organoids are also emerging as functional taste buds, offering new insights into the study of taste regeneration. This review presents the current evidence of the pathogenesis of COVID-19-related dysgeusia, summarizes currently available treatments, and suggests future directions of taste regeneration therapy.

Antiplatelet and thrombolytic activity of phenolic-insistent fractions from the new-fangled stem of Ficus benghalensis with concurrent GC-MS analysis

Ficus benghalensis is the ingredient of a variety of Ayurvedic herbal formulations for the management of blood-related illnesses. In the current study, the new-fangled stem ethanol extract fractions in chloroform and methanol (CFFB & MFFB) were assessed for antiplatelet, thrombolytic and toxicity studies, as well as for phytoconstituent identification GC/MS was performed. The dried powdered stem bud was extracted with 80% ethanol and successively fractionated by chloroform and methanol (CFFB & MFFB). The anti-platelet, anti-thrombotic, and thrombolytic, activity of CFFB & MFFB were tested in ex vivo mode and toxicity of methanol fraction (MFFB) was tested in in vivo. The chief feasible marker components for antiplatelet activity recognized by GC-MS in the MFFB are Diethyl phthalate, (E)-4-(3-Hydroxyprop-1-en-1-yl)-2-methoxyphenol, 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro (4,5) deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione and trans-Sinapyl alcohol might act as irreversible cyclooxygenase inhibitors like Aspirin. In the study, at 50 ​μg/mL, the antiplatelet activity of CFFB, MFFB, and aspirin was 50.41, 82.19, and 86.34%, and a substantial adjournment in clot development was observed whereas CFFB at different dosages did not exhibit significant outcome on the adjournment of clot formation, antiplatelet, and antioxidant activity. The toxicity examination of MFFB did not confirm any substantial signs of toxicity and mortality up to 1.5 ​g/kg, b.w and non-toxic up to 1.0 ​g/kg, b.w which is capable of the comportment of atherothrombotic ailments. The MFFB exhibited anti-platelet, anti-thrombotic, thrombolytic, and anti-oxidant activity, and capacity to prevent cardiovascular disorders without causing toxicity.

Molecules Inducing Dental Stem Cells Differentiation and Bone Regeneration: State of the Art.

Teeth include mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are multipotent cells that promote tooth growth and repair. Dental tissues, specifically the dental pulp and the dental bud, constitute a relevant source of multipotent stem cells, known as dental-derived stem cells (d-DSCs): dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and dental bud stem cells (DBSCs). Cell treatment with bone-associated factors and stimulation with small molecule compounds are, among the available methods, the ones who show excellent advantages promoting stem cell differentiation and osteogenesis. Recently, attention has been paid to studies on natural and non-natural compounds. Many fruits, vegetables, and some drugs contain molecules that can enhance MSC osteogenic differentiation and therefore bone formation. The purpose of this review is to examine research work over the past 10 years that has investigated two different types of MSCs from dental tissues that are attractive targets for bone tissue engineering: DPSCs and DBSCs. The reconstruction of bone defects, in fact, is still a challenge and therefore more research is needed; the articles reviewed are meant to identify compounds useful to stimulate d-DSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. We only consider the results of the research which is encouraging, assuming that the mentioned compounds are of some importance for bone regeneration.

Ex Vivo Antiplatelet and Thrombolytic Activity of Bioactive Fractions from the New-Fangled Stem Buds of Ficus religiosa L. with Simultaneous GC-MS Examination.

Different parts of Ficus religiosa are the common components of various traditional formulations for the treatment of several blood disorders. The new-fangled stem buds' powder was extracted with 80% ethanol and successively fractionated by chloroform and methanol. Chloroform and methanol fractions of Ficus religiosa (CFFR and MFFR) were tested for antiplatelet, antithrombotic, thrombolytic, and antioxidant activity in ex vivo mode. The MFFR was particularly investigated for GC-MS and toxicity. The antiplatelet activity of the CFFR, MFFR, and standard drug aspirin at 50 μg/mL was 54.32%, 86.61%, and 87.57%, and a significant delay in clot formation was noted. CFFR at different concentrations did not show a significant effect on the delay of clot formation, antiplatelet, and free radical scavenging activity. The most possible marker compounds for antiplatelet and antioxidant activity identified by GC-MS in the MFFR are salicylate derivatives aromatic compounds such as benzeneacetaldehyde (7), phenylmalonic acid (13), and Salicylic acid (14), as well as Benzamides derivatives such as carbobenzyloxy-dl-norvaline (17), 3-acetoxy-2(1H)-pyridone (16), and 3-benzylhexahydropyrrolo [1,2-a] pyrazine-1,4-dione (35). A toxicity study of MFFR did not show any physical indications of toxicity and mortality up to 1500 mg/kg body weight and nontoxic up to 1000 mg/kg, which is promising for the treatment of atherothrombotic diseases.

Microscopical and phytochemical exploration of traditionally utilized new-fangled stem buds from Ficus religiosa L and Ficus benghalensis L

Microscopical and phytochemical exploration of traditionally utilized new-fangled stem buds from Ficus religiosa L and Ficus benghalensis L

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Regularity Mechanism Underlying Stem Bulblet Formation in Oriental Lily ‘Siberia’; Functional Characterization of the LoLOB18 Gene

The formation of underground stem bulblets in lilies is a complex biological process which is key in their micropropagation. Generally, it involves a stem-to-bulblet transition; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. It is important to understand the regulatory mechanism of bulblet formation for the reproductive efficiency of Lilium. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanism of underground stem bulblet formation under different conditions regarding the gravity point angle of the stem, i.e., vertical (control), horizontal, and slanting. The horizontal and slanting group displayed better formation of bulblets in terms of quality and quantity compared with the control group. A transcriptome analysis revealed that sucrose and starch were key energy sources for bulblet formation, auxin and cytokinin likely promoted bulblet formation, and gibberellin inhibited bulblet formation. Based on transcriptome analysis, we identified the LoLOB18 gene, a homolog to AtLOB18, which has been proven to be related to embryogenic development. We established the stem bud growth tissue culture system of Lilium and silenced the LoLOb18 gene using the VIGS system. The results showed that the bulblet induction was reduced with down-regulation of LoLOb18, indicating the involvement of LoLOb18 in stem bulblet formation in lilies. Our research lays a solid foundation for further molecular studies on stem bulblet formation of lilies.

Antagonistic Effect of Sucrose Availability and Auxin on Rosa Axillary Bud Metabolism and Signaling, Based on the Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis

Shoot branching is crucial for successful plant development and plant response to environmental factors. Extensive investigations have revealed the involvement of an intricate regulatory network including hormones and sugars. Recent studies have demonstrated that two major systemic regulators—auxin and sugar—antagonistically regulate plant branching. However, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in this crosstalk. We carried out two complementary untargeted approaches—RNA-seq and metabolomics—on explant stem buds fed with different concentrations of auxin and sucrose resulting in dormant and non-dormant buds. Buds responded to the combined effect of auxin and sugar by massive reprogramming of the transcriptome and metabolome. The antagonistic effect of sucrose and auxin targeted several important physiological processes, including sink strength, the amino acid metabolism, the sulfate metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, the nucleic acid metabolism, and phytohormone signaling. Further experiments revealed a role of the TOR-kinase signaling pathway in bud outgrowth through at least downregulation of Rosa hybrida BRANCHED1 (RhBRC1). These new findings represent a cornerstone to further investigate the diverse molecular mechanisms that drive the integration of endogenous factors during shoot branching.

Common problems of <i>Rhododendron</i> L. in the Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus

Rhododendrons are some of the most attractive flowering shrubs in the landscape. The article presents the results of studying the common problems of Rhododendron collection in the Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, conducted in 2012-2020. There are several diseases and pests that commonly occur on rhododendrons every year. These include powdery mildew (Erysiphe azaleae), fungal leaf spots (Pestalotiopsis rhododendri, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria spp., Sphaerulina azaleae, Phyllosticta concentrica, Phyllosticta rhododendricola), black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus), garden foliage beetle (Phyllopertha horticola), click beetle (Hemicrepidius niger), red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), physiological leaf spots, oedema, winter injury, chlorosis. Less common on rhododendrons are stem diseases (Botryosphaeria dothidea, Cadophora spp., Hymenoscyphus spp.), wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), bud blight (Seifertia azaleae), leaf and flower gall (Exobasidium rhododendri), rhododendron lacebug (Stephanitis rhododendri), greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum). There were identified that all evergreen and half evergreen rhododendrons have some resistance to powdery mildew, deciduous rhododendrons are more resistant to fungal leaf spots than evergreens. Damage to rhododendrons by insect pests usually does not cause significant harm but heavy feeding results in an unsightly plants.

Establishment of Tissue Culture System of Actinidia deliciosa Cultivar “Guichang”

In order to breed virus-free plantlets of the kiwifruit cultivar “Guichang,” which belongs to Actinidia deliciosa, in this study, stem segments with buds were used as explants, the establishment of a tissue culture rapid propagation system was carried out, and then the virus status of tissue culture plantlets was detected via the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method. The tissue culture rapid propagation system proved that the contamination and browning rates could be controlled below 20% and the survival rate could be exceeded by 70% when the single bud stem segment of “Guichang” kiwifruit was sterilized with 70% alcohol for 30–60 s and 15% NaClO for 15 min, respectively. Meanwhile, we screened the hormone concentration to get better results, and the appropriate medium for adventitious bud induction was MS + 6-BA (1.0 mg/L) + IBA (0.2 mg/L); for proliferation, it was MS + 6-BA (1.0 mg/L) + IBA (0.1 mg/L); and for rooting, it was 1/2 MS + IBA (0.3 mg/L), and the efficiency of induction, proliferation, and rooting could reach 74.07%, 79.63%, and 85.18%, respectively. In addition, the RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the infection rate of 9 viruses: apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Actinidia virus X (AVX), cucumber necrosis virus (CNV), ribgrass mosaic virus (RMV), citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV), Actinidia virus B (AcVB), Pelargonium zonate spot virus (PZSV), and cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV) in the “Guichang” kiwifruit tissue culture plantlets was 0. This study could lay a foundation for the production of “Guichang” kiwifruit tissue culture seedlings, and the medium formula provided in this study was useful for the industrial rapid propagation of “Guichang” plantlets.

The Survival Rate and Starch Histochemical Assay of Various Stem Cutting Conditions of Mentega 2 Cassava Genotype at Initial Growth Stage

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the growth ability of cassava mini stem cuttings with different node number and a variety of stem cutting shapes and their correlation with starch content in the stems at initial growth stages. Methods. In this study, the viability of cassava stem cuttings was identified in two type experiments i.e. mini-stem cuttings consisting 1 and 2 nodes and shape variation of single node mini-stem cutting. Parameters observed were shoots emergence period, number of sprouting cuttings, shoots number of individual stem cuttings, shoots height and number of leaves. In addition, starch histochemical test was also carried out on stems of young shoots and initial stem cuttings using Lugol’s solution. Results. Both cassava stem cuttings consisting of 1 and 2 buds indicated the same survival rate of 100%. 1 bud stem cuttings with different shapes showed different survival rate, i.e. 60-80% for semicircular and fully circular cuttings and 30-40% for box shape cuttings. The difference in survival rate with different stem size is probably related to the availability of the amount of starch to support shoots growth. Observations at week 3 after planting generally showed that the stem cuttings with 2 buds were higher than those of stem with 1 bud. Conclusion: There were differences in the scores on the starch content test qualitatively with Lugol staining, in various parts of the plant originating from 1 bud and 2 bud cuttings which may indicate a breakdown of starch during shoot development.

Is sonic hedgehog expression in saliva related to taste sensitivity in adults?

Recent studies have demonstrated the critical role of the sonic hedgehog in the sensory perception of taste. Salivary sonic hedgehog stimulates taste bud stem cells, also acts as a taste bud growth factor, and contributes to the receptors' development and longevity in the taste buds. This study's objective was to investigate the possible relationship between taste sensitivity and sonic hedgehog expression in saliva in normal-weight and pre-obese/obese participants (totally 46 male (47.8%) and female (52.2%) aged 19–44 were recruited). Thresholds for the six tastes (sweet, salty, bitter, sour, umami and fat) were investigated using 3-Alternate Forced Choice Methodology. Saliva was collected with the draining method for sonic hedgehog expression analysis. The results indicated significantly higher thresholds for sweet, bitter and fat in pre-obese /obese adults than normal-weight adults (p<0.05). The sonic hedgehog expression was also lower in pre-obese /obese participants than normal-weight participants (p<0.05). Furthermore, sonic hedgehog expression was higher in hypersensitive participants than hyposensitive participants (p<0.05) only among normal-weight individuals, with no significant difference in sonic hedgehog expression level by taste sensitivity in pre-obese/obese individuals (p>0.05). Sonic hedgehog expression level was negatively correlated with body mass index, sweet, salty, bitter and fat taste threshold. The study results indicated that sonic hedgehog expression level acted on taste sensitivity in normal-weight participants, with greater expression in hypersensitive individuals than hyposensitive individuals.

The Myokine Irisin Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Dental Bud-Derived MSCs.

Simple SummaryIrisin is a recently discovered protein, mainly produced in the muscle tissue, whose action is proving effective in many other tissues. The crosstalk between muscle and bone has been long since demonstrated, and physical activity has shown to have an impressive positive effect in both tissues. Irisin production increases with exercising and drops with sedentariness and aging, indicating that the molecule is involved in sarcopenia and in bone mass reduction. Although skeleton is target of irisin, its mechanism of action on bone cells has not yet been completely elucidated. The aim of this work is to analyze the effect of irisin on osteoblast differentiation; to this purpose, we used a stem cell model reproducing the osteoblastogenesis and the bone-forming processes. We performed an in vitro study exploring the main osteoblast markers in the presence of irisin. We found that irisin has an impressive effect on the most peculiar osteoblast feature: the bone mineral matrix secretion process. Moreover, irisin demonstrated an inductive effect on osteoblast osteocalcin production. Both results suggest a stimulating effect of irisin in bone formation. The association we observed between irisin addition and osteoblast osteocalcin production should be further investigated.The myokine irisin, well known for its anabolic effect on bone tissue, has been demonstrated to positively act on osteoblastic differentiation processes in vitro. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have captured great attention in precision medicine and translational research for several decades due to their differentiation capacity, potent immunomodulatory properties, and their ability to be easily cultured and manipulated. Dental bud stem cells (DBSCs) are MSCs, isolated from dental tissues, that can effectively undergo osteoblastic differentiation. In this study, we analyzed, for the first time, the effects of irisin on DBSC osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Our results indicated that DBSCs were responsive to irisin, showed an enhanced expression of osteocalcin (OCN), a late marker of osteoblast differentiation, and displayed a greater mineral matrix deposition. These findings lead to deepening the mechanism of action of this promising molecule, as part of osteoblastogenesis process. Considering the in vivo studies of the effects of irisin on skeleton, irisin could improve bone tissue metabolism in MSC regenerative procedures.

Genomic imprinted genes in reciprocal hybrid endosperm of Brassica napus

BackgroundGenomic imprinting results in the expression of parent-of-origin-specific alleles in the offspring. Brassica napus is an oil crop with research values in polyploidization. Identification of imprinted genes in B. napus will enrich the knowledge of genomic imprinting in dicotyledon plants.ResultsIn this study, we performed reciprocal crosses between B. napus L. cultivars Yangyou 6 (Y6) and Zhongshuang 11 (ZS11) to collect endosperm at 20 and 25 days after pollination (DAP) for RNA-seq. In total, we identified 297 imprinted genes, including 283 maternal expressed genes (MEGs) and 14 paternal expressed genes (PEGs) according to the SNPs between Y6 and ZS11. Only 36 genes (35 MEGs and 1 PEG) were continuously imprinted in 20 and 25 DAP endosperm. We found 15, 2, 5, 3, 10, and 25 imprinted genes in this study were also imprinted in Arabidopsis, rice, castor bean, maize, B. rapa, and other B. napus lines, respectively. Only 26 imprinted genes were specifically expressed in endosperm, while other genes were also expressed in root, stem, leaf and flower bud of B. napus. A total of 109 imprinted genes were clustered on rapeseed chromosomes. We found the LTR/Copia transposable elements (TEs) were most enriched in both upstream and downstream of the imprinted genes, and the TEs enriched around imprinted genes were more than non-imprinted genes. Moreover, the expression of 5 AGLs and 6 pectin-related genes in hybrid endosperm were significantly changed comparing with that in parent endosperm.ConclusionThis research provided a comprehensive identification of imprinted genes in B. napus, and enriched the gene imprinting in dicotyledon plants, which would be useful in further researches on how gene imprinting regulates seed development.

EFEKTIFITAS FORMULASI CAIR KONSORSIUM BAKTERI SEBAGAI PENGENDALI HAMA DAN PENYAKIT PADA PADI SAWAH ORGANIK

One of the obstacles in increasing organic rice production in Indonesia is decreased land productivity and the attack of armyworm pests (Spodoptera litura F.) which is one of the main pests in rice plants.   The attack of Spodoptera litura can cause 20-80% damage, if not controlled, it can cause crop failure.  Meanwhile, one of the most dangerous diseases in rice is blast disease caused by the fungus Pirycularia oryzae. Blast disease can attack the leaves, stems, panicles, and grain, but is common in the leaves and on the neck of the panicles with a level of attack until the crop fails. Therefore, in the development of organic rice, the use of local microorganisms (MOL) as biological agents is an alternative that needs to be developed. The research objective was to determine the effectiveness of the liquid formulation of a bacterial consortium from banana stem bud (LMO) as a biological agent of Spodoptera. litura and blast disease caused by Pirycularia oryzae.  The consortium bacteria were Bacillus cereus strain ATCC 14579,  Bacillus subtillis subsp.subtilis strain 168 and Bacillus siamensis strain KCTC13613, Azotobacter sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The research was conducted in certified organic farmer group rice fields, from February to August 2020. The study used a randomized block design with 8 treatments, namely A = coconut water + molases + CMC + Arginine, B = coconut water + molases + CMC + Arginine + VCO, C = Soybean soaking water + molases + CMC + Arginine, D = Soybean soaking water + Molases + CMC + Arginine + VCO, E = Soybean boiled water + Molases + CMC + Arginine, F = Soybean boiled water + Molases + CMC + Arginine + VCO, G = Liquid Nutrient Broth (NB), H. Without treatment. The results showed that 7 forms of liquid formulations were tested to be effective for controlling Spodoptera litura and leaf blast disease with the criteria of being effective and very effective.

Effect of Explants and Low Cost Medium on Morphogenic Response of Aerial Stem and Rhizome Bud Explants of Turmeric (&lt;i&gt;Curcuma longa &lt;/i&gt;L.) for Plant Regeneration

This study was done to select suitable explants and low cost medium for plant regeneration of turmeric. Therefore, the different explants were excised from the aerial stems and rhizome buds and surface sterilized. The sterilized explants were cultured on MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg/l BAP. From the survived aerial stem explants, 0.5 cm long vertical half of the aerial stem explants exhibited somatic embryogenic response (69.7%). The highest morphogenic response (74%) of shoot bud initiation was observed from the top slice of the surviving rhizome bud explants. Further, Yara Mila complex fertilizer, which is an ideal granular fertilizer mixture, was used as an alternative to MS medium. Three different concentrations of Yara Mila complex fertilizer (1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 g/l ) supplemented with 2.0 mg/l BAP each were tested with the MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg/l BAP (control treatment) for in vitro establishment from aerial stem explants and top slice of the rhizome bud explants. Both explants were surface sterilized and cultured on MS medium and different concentrations of Yara Mila complex fertilizer fortified with 2.0 mg/l BAP. From the survived explants, aerial stem explants exhibited somatic embryogenic response (69.7%) and shoot bud initiation (74%) on normal MS media. The higher performances were observed in 1.0 g/l concentration of complex fertilizer incorporated medium with 51% embryogenic response from the aerial stem explants and 52.3% shoot bud formation response from the top slice of the rhizome bud. The cost of 1 kg complex fertilizer was Rs. 182. It could be concluded that complex fertilizer is a cost effective alternative medium for MS medium for in vitro propagation reducing the cost of the substituted ingredients by 99.87% in the tissue culture of turmeric.

Osteogenic and Chondrogenic Potential of the Supramolecular Aggregate T-LysYal®.

Hard tissue regeneration represents a challenge for the Regenerative Medicine and Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be a successful therapeutic strategy. T-LysYal® (T-Lys), a new derivative of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) possessing a superior stability, has already been proved efficient in repairing corneal epithelial cells damaged by dry conditions in vitro. We investigated the regenerative potential of T-Lys in the hard tissues bone and cartilage. We have previously demonstrated that cells isolated from the tooth germ, Dental Bud Stem Cells (DBSCs), differentiate into osteoblast-like cells, representing a promising source of MSCs for bone regeneration. Herewith, we show that T-Lys treatment stimulates the expression of typical osteoblastic markers, such as Runx-2, Collagen I (Col1) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), determining a higher production of mineralized matrix nodules. In addition, we found that T-Lys treatment positively affects αVβ3 integrin expression, key integrin in the osteoblastic commitment, leading to the formation of focal adhesions (FAs). The efficacy of T-Lys was also tested on chondrogenic differentiation starting from human articular chondrocytes (HACs) resulting in an increase of differentiation markers and cell number.

Anti-browning in Tissue Culture of ‘Donghong’ Kiwifruit

The bud stem segment of ‘Donghong’ kiwifruit was selected to study the anti-browning problem in kiwifruit tissue culture. The effects of different antioxidants and adsorbents added to the culture medium and cold treatment on the browning of explants in vitro were studied. The results showed that except for cold treatment at 4°C for 24 h, other treatments could effectively reduce the browning rate of explants. Among them, the addition of citric acid(CA) to the medium had the best anti-browning effect, and the browning phenomenon did not occur in the treatment of 0.5 mg/L of CA, but the axillary bud germination rate of the stem segment was low. Polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP) and activated carbon(AC) were added to the medium to have a high germination rate. When the concentration of PVP was 300 mg/L, the germination rate was the highest, reaching 50.00%, and the browning rate was 30.00%. In general, the addition of 300 mg/L of PVP to the culture medium was the optimal treatment in the tissue culture of ‘Donghong’ kiwifruit.

Effect of Several Types and Concentrations of Complex Organic Compounds on Growth of Pineapple In Vitro

Pineapple plants are usually propagated vegetatively by utilizing the base of the fruit (ratoone), stem buds (sucker), fruit buds (slip) and crown (crown). Propagation of plants by utilizing parts of the plant is less effective in meeting the needs because the planting material produced is small and requires a long time. An alternative to the propagation of pineapple to increase the amount of planting material is by tissue culture techniques. This study aims to obtain the best types of complex organic compounds and the right concentration for the growth of pineapple shoots in vitro. The research was conducted in June 2017 until October 2017 at the Laboratory of Agronomy at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu. Complete randomized design with 3 replications was used to allocate 9 treatments of complex organic compounds. The basic media used are the composition of Murashige and Skoog (MS). Treatment consists of 1) Coconut water 100 ml / l, 2) Coconut water 150 ml / l, 3) Coconut water 200 ml / l, 4) Banana porridge 100 gl / l, 5) Banana pulp 150 g / l, 6) Banana slurry 200 g / l, 7) Bean sprout extract 100 g / l, 8) Bean sprout extract 150 g / l, 9) Bean sprout extract 200 g / l. The results showed that at 16 weeks after MS media planting the addition of 100 g / l banana pulp was able to produce the highest plant height with an average of 3.45 cm. MS media with the addition of 200 ml coconut water resulted in the highest shoot height of 1.5 cm and followed by MS with the addition of 100 g / l media of banana pulp with an average of 0.9 cm. MS media with the addition of 100 ml / l of coconut water is suitable for the growth of pineapple roots with the average value of the number of roots and the highest length of roots. MS media with the addition of bean sprout extract with various concentrations is not able to stimulate shoot growth and has a growth response that tends to be slow. Keywords: Pineapple, In Vitro, Complex Organic Compounds.

Botanical novelties from the Sierra de Maigualida, southern Venezuela III: revision and two new species of the genus &lt;em&gt;Ilex (Aquifoliaceae)&lt;/em&gt;

The Sierra de Maigualida is a poorly explored mountain range in the central Guayana Shield with high levels of endemism. In the present installment, this area is further delimited and mapped, toponymy is reviewed, and the genus Ilex L. is locally reviewed, with two species, namely I. huberi J.R.Grande sp. nov. and I. maigualidensis J.R.Grande sp. nov., described as new to science. Ilex huberi sp. nov. can be distinguished by its leaf blades strongly revolute, mucronate, and with obscure secondary venation, simple dichasia, and depressed-lunate sepals; I. maigualidensis sp. nov. by its dull leaves, flowers with undeveloped styles, and capitate-subcoronate stigmata. Stem buds and cataphylls are proposed as useful characters in species delimitation within the genus, while I. magnifructa Edwin is illustrated for the first time. A key is presented to differentiate all the species of Ilex of the Sierra de Maigualida.