Progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment are the main clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Currently,there is no effective drug available for the treatment of AD.Previous studies have demonstrat...Progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment are the main clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Currently,there is no effective drug available for the treatment of AD.Previous studies have demonstrated that the cognitive impairment of AD is associated with oxidative stress and the inhibition of AKT and ERK phosphorylation.Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract(GSPE)has been shown to have strong antioxidant effect and can protect the nervous system from oxidative stress damage.This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of GSPE on the cognitive and synaptic impairments of AD using a sporadic AD rat model induced by intracerebroventricular(ICV)injection of streptozotocin(STZ)(ICV-STZ).Rats were treated with GSPE(50,100,or 200 mg/kg every day)by intragastrical(ig.)administration for continuous 7 weeks,and ICV-STZ(3 mg/kg)was performed on the first day and third day of week 5.Learning and memory abilities were assessed by the Morris water maze(MWM)test at week 8.After behavioral test,hippocampal long-term potentiation(LTP)was recorded,and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutases(SOD),glutathione(GSH)and the protein expression of AKT and ERK were measured in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats.Our study revealed that ICV-STZ significantly impaired the working learning ability and hippocampal LTP of rats,significantly increased the levels of MDA,and decreased the activity of SOD and GSH in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.In contrast,GSPE treatment prevented the impairment of cognitive function and hippocampal LTP induced by ICV-STZ,decreased the level of MDA,and increased the level of SOD and GSH.Furthermore,Western blot results showed that GSPE treatment could prevent the loss of AKT and ERK activities in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex induced by ICV-STZ.Our findings demonstrate that GSPE treatment could ameliorate the impairment of cognitive ability and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in a rat model of sporadic AD by inhibiting oxidative stress and preserving AKT and ERK activities.Therefore,GSPE may be an effective agent for the treatment of cognitive deficits associated with sporadic AD.展开更多
Auxin distribution during embryogenesis and seed germination were studied with transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GUS gene driven by a synthetic DR5 promoter,an auxin responsive promoter. The results showed that...Auxin distribution during embryogenesis and seed germination were studied with transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GUS gene driven by a synthetic DR5 promoter,an auxin responsive promoter. The results showed that GUS activity is higher in ends of hypophysis and cotyledon primordia of heart-, torpedo- and cotyledon-stage embryos, leaf tip area, lateral root primordia, root apex and cotyledon of young seedlings. And GUS accumulated in root apex of the seedlings grown on auxin transport inhibitor containing media. All these suggested that above-mentioned part of the organs and tissues have a higher level of auxin, and auxin polar transport inhibitor could cause the accumulation of auxin in root apex. And auxin transport inhibitor also resulted in aberration of Arabidopsis leaf pattern formation, root gravitropism and elongation.展开更多
[ Objective] The paper was to understand allelopathy of gaseous volatiles of Eupatorium adenophorum stems and leaves on seed germination and seedling growth of P/nus yunnanens/s. [ Method] P. yunnanens/s seeds were tr...[ Objective] The paper was to understand allelopathy of gaseous volatiles of Eupatorium adenophorum stems and leaves on seed germination and seedling growth of P/nus yunnanens/s. [ Method] P. yunnanens/s seeds were treated by fresh stems and leaves of E. adenophorum in translucent airtight container under high concentration (0.069 4 g/cm3 ), middle concentration (0.023 1 g/cm3 ) and lower concentration (0. 007 7 g/cm3 ), respectively. [ Result] Gaseous volatiles affected seed germination process; with the increasing processing concentration, the day on which seeds began to germinate and the day reaching germination peak were delayed, and the germination quantity on the day reaching germination peak was decreased ; the day on which the germination quantity began to significantly re- duce was delayed ; the process curve was developed from sudden increase and sudden decrease to gentle change, and nearly became a beeline at high concentration. The effects of gaseous volatiles on seed germination ( seed germination rate, germination potential, germination index) and seedling growth (fresh weight, dry weight, radicle length, hypceotyl length) of P. yunnanens/s were basically consistent, showing a regularity that high concentration had stronger inhibition effect and the inhibition effect became weaker with the decreasing concentration of E. adenophorum. E. adenophorum was widely distributed under P. yunnanens/s forests, and might affect natural regeneration and growth of P. yunnanens/s via allelopathy. [ Conclusion ] The paper provides reference for scientific management of P. yunnanens/s forests.展开更多
This study examined whether low-density co-inoculation of Myanmar Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense strain MAS34 and Streptomyces griseoflavus P4 would enhance nodulation, N2 fixation, and seed yield in two soybean varietie...This study examined whether low-density co-inoculation of Myanmar Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense strain MAS34 and Streptomyces griseoflavus P4 would enhance nodulation, N2 fixation, and seed yield in two soybean varieties. A field experiment was conducted during the July to November 2012 growing season at Kyushu University Farm, Japan, using a split-plot design with three replications and the following four treatments: T1, an uninoculated treatment with peat moss (uninoculated);T2, a single inoculation with S. griseoflavus P4 (P4);T3, a single inoculation of B. yuanmingense MAS34 (MAS34);and T4, a dual inoculation of P4 with MAS34 (P4 + MAS34). Two varieties of soybean, Yezin-3 (Rj4) and Yezin-6 (non-Rj), were used. The N2 fixation activity of soybean was evaluated by the relative ureide method using xylem solute from root bled sap at the early pod-fill stage (R3.5). Dry matter production, N2 fixation, and seed yield were significantly (P 0.01) different between the inoculated treatments. The effect of variety was also significant (P 0.05) for nodule dry weight at the V6 stage, percentage of N derived from the atmosphere at the R3.5 stage, and seed yield at the maturity stage. The number of nodules on the tap roots was significantly higher in Yezin-3 than in Yezin-6. The single inoculation of P4 did not have a significant effect on dry matter production, N2 fixation, and seed yield in either soybean variety. The dry matter production, relative ureide index, percentage of N derived from the atmosphere, and seed yield were significantly (P 0.01) enhanced by a single inoculation of MAS34 in Yezin-3 and by dual inoculation of P4 + MAS34 in Yezin-6. These results indicate that low inoculum concentrations (105 cells seed-1) increase N2 fixation and seed yield in these soybean varieties under open field conditions. Myanmar B. yuanmingense MAS34 and S. griseoflavus P4 are expected to be useful biofertilizers for soybean production.展开更多
Figs (Moracea: Ficus) and fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Chlocloids: Agaonideae) depend on each other to complete their reproduction. Monoecious fig species and their pollinating wasps are in conflict over the use of fig ov...Figs (Moracea: Ficus) and fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Chlocloids: Agaonideae) depend on each other to complete their reproduction. Monoecious fig species and their pollinating wasps are in conflict over the use of fig ovaries which can either produce one seed or one wasp. From observation on Ficus virens Ait., we showed that female flowers with outer layer of ovaries (near to the wall of syconium) had no significant difference from that with inner and interval layer of ovaries (near to the syconium cavity), in which most seeds and wasps were produced. This meant that fig tree provided the same potential resource for seed and wasps production. Observation indicated that there was usually only one foundress in syconium at female flower phase and no com- petition pollinators. Measurement of the style length of female flowers and the ovipositor of pollinators indicated that most ovaries could be reached by pollinator’s ovipositor. However, at the male flower phase, production of seeds was significantly more than that of wasps including non-pollinating wasps but there was no significant difference between seed and pollinating wasp production when without non-pollinating wasps produced. This result indicated that non-pollinating wasps competed ovaries not with seeds but with pollinating wasps for ovipositing. Bagged experiment showed that the sampling fig species was not self-sterile which was important for figs and wasps to survive bad season. Seed production in self-pollinated figs was not significantly different from total wasps in- cluding non-pollinating ones. This might be related with the weaker competition among wasps since bagged figs were not easy to reach by wasps from outside.展开更多
The drug L-DOPA has been widely used against Parkinson's disease and is extracted from plants.Due to the increasing demand of this drug,new plant sources need to be discovered in addition to the existing sources.T...The drug L-DOPA has been widely used against Parkinson's disease and is extracted from plants.Due to the increasing demand of this drug,new plant sources need to be discovered in addition to the existing sources.The paper embodies results on Mucuna monosperma,which can be a promising candidate for L-DOPA.The seed powder of this plant contains 5.48%of(dry weight)the drug and when the seeds were soaked in distilled water,content was increased to 6.58%.Different elicitors when added,enhanced the drug level in seed up to 11.8%.The possible rationale behind this increase was confirmed by increase in tyrosinase activity in the seeds.Presence of L-DOPA was confirmed using various analytical techniques as HPLC,HPTLC and NMR.The work demonstrates a potential candidate plant as a source for L-DOPA when a novel method was adopted as described here.展开更多
Neurodegenerative pathology can be seeded by introduction of misfolded proteins and peptides into the nervous system. Models of Alzheimer's disease(AD) and Parkinson's disease(PD) have both demonstrated suscep...Neurodegenerative pathology can be seeded by introduction of misfolded proteins and peptides into the nervous system. Models of Alzheimer's disease(AD) and Parkinson's disease(PD) have both demonstrated susceptibility to this seeding mechanism, emphasizing the role of misfolded conformations of disease-specific proteins and peptides in disease progression. Thinking of the amyloidogenic amyloid-beta peptide(Aβ) and alpha-synuclein(α-syn), of AD and PD, respectively, as prionoids requires a comparison of these molecules and the mechanisms underlying the progression of disease. Aβ and α-syn, despite their size differences, are both natively unstructured and misfold into β-structured conformers. Additionally, several studies implicate the significant role of membrane interactions, such as those with lipid rafts in the plasma membrane, in mediating protein aggregation and transfer of Aβ and α-syn between cells that may be common to both AD and PD. Examination of inter-neuronal transfer of proteins/peptides provides evidence into the core mechanism of neuropathological propagation. Specifically, uptake of aggregates likely occurs by the endocytic pathway, possibly in response to their formation of membrane pores via a mechanism shared with pore-forming toxins. Failure of cellular clearance machinery to degrade misfolded proteins favours their release into the extracellular space, where they can be taken up by directly connected, nearby neurons. Although similarities between AD and PD are frequent and include mechanistically similar transfer processes, what differentiates these diseases, in terms of temporal and spatial patterns of propagation, may be in part due to the differing kinetics of protein misfolding. Several examples of animal models demonstrating seeding and propagation by exogenous treatment with Aβ and α-syn highlight the importance of both the environment in which these seeds are formed as well as the environment into which the seeds are propagated. Although these studies suggest potent seeding effects by both Aβ and α-syn, they emphasize the need for future studies to thoroughly characterize "seeds" as well as analyze changes in the nervous system in response to exogenous insults.展开更多
SEEDS are the matrix of agriculture. The seed is to grain production what chips are to the technology industry. Sustainable development of the seed industry is vital to food safety.Since its founding in 1949, the Peo...SEEDS are the matrix of agriculture. The seed is to grain production what chips are to the technology industry. Sustainable development of the seed industry is vital to food safety.Since its founding in 1949, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has paid particular attention to the seed industry in developing agriculture. Notably after the reform and opening-up policy was launched in 1978, China achieved marked progress in crop growing and grain production, feeding 22 percent of the world’s population with only seven percent of the total arable land.展开更多
Olive (Olea europaea L.) tree is one of the most extensive and important agricultural crop in Mediterranean countries due to its beneficial health and nutritional properties and its high economic value. Currently, oli...Olive (Olea europaea L.) tree is one of the most extensive and important agricultural crop in Mediterranean countries due to its beneficial health and nutritional properties and its high economic value. Currently, olive tree constitutes the sixth most important cultivated plant in the world, spreading from the Mediterranean region of origin to new production areas such as Australia, South and North America and South Africa. However, the mobilization processes of storage materials i.e. reserve proteins during seed germination, which are largely involved in essential physiological process including plant growth and development, remain poorly understood. Morphometric and immunohistochemistry analyses of protein bodies contained in olive seed storage tissues, cotyledon and endosperm, were performed by using different microscopy techniques, including light (bright-field and fluorescence) microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, we used legumin-like proteins (11S-type globulins) as a molecular marker to study the mobilization of reserve proteins from PBs of cotyledons at germinating seedling stages by using immunofluorescence assays. Results demonstrated that cotyledon and endosperm are characterized by distinct PBs populations containing legumin-like proteins, distinctly discriminated by the number of PBs per cell and tissue, size, immunofluorescence and histochemical staining. These features reflect differential PBs biogenesis during development and maturation processes in olive seed tissues endosperm and cotyledon, in relation to proteins (polypeptides) final composition, SSPs processing and/or packaging during seed maturation. Three different mobilization patterns of legumin-like proteins were identified for the first time in cotyledon PBs during seedling germinating process. Mature proteins composition and/or processing, cell types and enzyme composition and/or differential activation have been discussed as key features determining how proteins mobilize from PBs for further degradation in the cotyledon.展开更多
The predicated changes in precipitation and temperature associated with the continued elevation of atmospheric CO2 concentration will trigger the northward shift of the Climate Envelopes for 130 North America tree spe...The predicated changes in precipitation and temperature associated with the continued elevation of atmospheric CO2 concentration will trigger the northward shift of the Climate Envelopes for 130 North America tree species by as much as 10 degrees. However, climate envelope models do not take into account changes in other factors that may also influence the survival and growth of plants at the predicted new locations, such as photoperiod and nutrient regimes. This study investigated how photoperiod and nitrogen supply would affect the ecophysiological traits of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill) B. S. P.) that are critical for survival and growth at new locations predicted by climate envelope models. We exposed black spruce seedlings to the photoperiod regime at the seed origin (PS) and that 10° north of the seed origin (PNM) as predicted by climate envelope models under the current and doubled atmospheric CO2 concentration and different levels of N supply (30 vs. 300 μmol·mol-1 N). We found that the PNM and the 30 μmol·mol-1 N supply both had negative impact on the development of seedling cold hardiness in the fall, and led to earlier burst of the terminal bud and greater rate of mortality in the following growing season. While the PNM stimulated seedling growth in the first growing season, the effect was not sustained in the second growing season. Our results suggest that the photoperiod regimes and poor nutrient conditions at higher latitudes will likely constrain the scope of the northward migration or seed transfer of black spruce.展开更多
Chinese agricultural industry and rural economy are currently undergoing a strategic restructuring. The Seed Act has been thoroughly enforced. The Development of West China program has also got started in an all-round...Chinese agricultural industry and rural economy are currently undergoing a strategic restructuring. The Seed Act has been thoroughly enforced. The Development of West China program has also got started in an all-round way. Not long ago China entered the World Trade Organization. All these not only present great opportunities but also severe challenges to China.展开更多
Patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity and their relationships with environmental correlates can help reveal the origin and evolutionary history of regional biota.The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)harbors a...Patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity and their relationships with environmental correlates can help reveal the origin and evolutionary history of regional biota.The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)harbors an exceptionally diverse flora,however,a phylogenetic perspective has rarely been used to investigate its beta diversity and floristic regions.In this study,we used a phylogenetic approach to identify patterns of beta diversity and quantitatively delimit floristic regions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.We also examined the relationships between multifaceted beta diversity,geographical distance,and climatic difference,and evaluated the relative importance of various factors(i.e.,climate,topography and history)in shaping patterns of beta diversity.Sørensen dissimilarity indices indicated that patterns of species turnover among sites dominated the QTP.We also found that patterns of both taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity were significantly related to geographical distance and climatic difference.The environmental factors that contributed most to these patterns of beta diversity include annual precipitation,mean annual temperature,climatic gradients and climatic instability.Hierarchical dendrograms of dissimilarity and non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination based on phylogenetic beta diversity data identified ten floristic subregions in the QTP.Our results suggest that the contemporary environment and historical climate changes have filtered species composition among sites and eventually determined beta diversity patterns of plants in the QTP.展开更多
From Nongken 58s/Laser 4 // Xiandang, aphotoperiod-sensitive genic male sterile indicarice line, Hunong 5s was developed, and au-thorized by Hubei Province in 1992, and by theCommittee of the State Science Foundation ...From Nongken 58s/Laser 4 // Xiandang, aphotoperiod-sensitive genic male sterile indicarice line, Hunong 5s was developed, and au-thorized by Hubei Province in 1992, and by theCommittee of the State Science Foundation ofChina in 1993. Hunong 5s was crossed to a in-dica restorer line Teqing 2 to produce a two-line Fhybrid Hunong 5s/Teqing 2. Growth and blossom characteristics of thetwo parents and the seed production propertieswere studied in this experiment. The resultswere as follows: Hunong 5s and Teqing 2 wereboth medium-maturing rice in Jingsha, Hubei,and their photo-thermo-growing properties展开更多
基金This work was supported by grants from the Scientific Research Projects of the Education Department of Hubei of China(No.D20162801)Open Fund Project of Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular,Cerebrovascularand Metabolic Disorders(No.2019-20XZ06).
文摘Progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment are the main clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Currently,there is no effective drug available for the treatment of AD.Previous studies have demonstrated that the cognitive impairment of AD is associated with oxidative stress and the inhibition of AKT and ERK phosphorylation.Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract(GSPE)has been shown to have strong antioxidant effect and can protect the nervous system from oxidative stress damage.This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of GSPE on the cognitive and synaptic impairments of AD using a sporadic AD rat model induced by intracerebroventricular(ICV)injection of streptozotocin(STZ)(ICV-STZ).Rats were treated with GSPE(50,100,or 200 mg/kg every day)by intragastrical(ig.)administration for continuous 7 weeks,and ICV-STZ(3 mg/kg)was performed on the first day and third day of week 5.Learning and memory abilities were assessed by the Morris water maze(MWM)test at week 8.After behavioral test,hippocampal long-term potentiation(LTP)was recorded,and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutases(SOD),glutathione(GSH)and the protein expression of AKT and ERK were measured in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats.Our study revealed that ICV-STZ significantly impaired the working learning ability and hippocampal LTP of rats,significantly increased the levels of MDA,and decreased the activity of SOD and GSH in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.In contrast,GSPE treatment prevented the impairment of cognitive function and hippocampal LTP induced by ICV-STZ,decreased the level of MDA,and increased the level of SOD and GSH.Furthermore,Western blot results showed that GSPE treatment could prevent the loss of AKT and ERK activities in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex induced by ICV-STZ.Our findings demonstrate that GSPE treatment could ameliorate the impairment of cognitive ability and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in a rat model of sporadic AD by inhibiting oxidative stress and preserving AKT and ERK activities.Therefore,GSPE may be an effective agent for the treatment of cognitive deficits associated with sporadic AD.
文摘Auxin distribution during embryogenesis and seed germination were studied with transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GUS gene driven by a synthetic DR5 promoter,an auxin responsive promoter. The results showed that GUS activity is higher in ends of hypophysis and cotyledon primordia of heart-, torpedo- and cotyledon-stage embryos, leaf tip area, lateral root primordia, root apex and cotyledon of young seedlings. And GUS accumulated in root apex of the seedlings grown on auxin transport inhibitor containing media. All these suggested that above-mentioned part of the organs and tissues have a higher level of auxin, and auxin polar transport inhibitor could cause the accumulation of auxin in root apex. And auxin transport inhibitor also resulted in aberration of Arabidopsis leaf pattern formation, root gravitropism and elongation.
基金Supported by Provincial Level Key Constructive Disciplines of Yunnan Province"Silviculture Fund"(xkz200906)
文摘[ Objective] The paper was to understand allelopathy of gaseous volatiles of Eupatorium adenophorum stems and leaves on seed germination and seedling growth of P/nus yunnanens/s. [ Method] P. yunnanens/s seeds were treated by fresh stems and leaves of E. adenophorum in translucent airtight container under high concentration (0.069 4 g/cm3 ), middle concentration (0.023 1 g/cm3 ) and lower concentration (0. 007 7 g/cm3 ), respectively. [ Result] Gaseous volatiles affected seed germination process; with the increasing processing concentration, the day on which seeds began to germinate and the day reaching germination peak were delayed, and the germination quantity on the day reaching germination peak was decreased ; the day on which the germination quantity began to significantly re- duce was delayed ; the process curve was developed from sudden increase and sudden decrease to gentle change, and nearly became a beeline at high concentration. The effects of gaseous volatiles on seed germination ( seed germination rate, germination potential, germination index) and seedling growth (fresh weight, dry weight, radicle length, hypceotyl length) of P. yunnanens/s were basically consistent, showing a regularity that high concentration had stronger inhibition effect and the inhibition effect became weaker with the decreasing concentration of E. adenophorum. E. adenophorum was widely distributed under P. yunnanens/s forests, and might affect natural regeneration and growth of P. yunnanens/s via allelopathy. [ Conclusion ] The paper provides reference for scientific management of P. yunnanens/s forests.
文摘This study examined whether low-density co-inoculation of Myanmar Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense strain MAS34 and Streptomyces griseoflavus P4 would enhance nodulation, N2 fixation, and seed yield in two soybean varieties. A field experiment was conducted during the July to November 2012 growing season at Kyushu University Farm, Japan, using a split-plot design with three replications and the following four treatments: T1, an uninoculated treatment with peat moss (uninoculated);T2, a single inoculation with S. griseoflavus P4 (P4);T3, a single inoculation of B. yuanmingense MAS34 (MAS34);and T4, a dual inoculation of P4 with MAS34 (P4 + MAS34). Two varieties of soybean, Yezin-3 (Rj4) and Yezin-6 (non-Rj), were used. The N2 fixation activity of soybean was evaluated by the relative ureide method using xylem solute from root bled sap at the early pod-fill stage (R3.5). Dry matter production, N2 fixation, and seed yield were significantly (P 0.01) different between the inoculated treatments. The effect of variety was also significant (P 0.05) for nodule dry weight at the V6 stage, percentage of N derived from the atmosphere at the R3.5 stage, and seed yield at the maturity stage. The number of nodules on the tap roots was significantly higher in Yezin-3 than in Yezin-6. The single inoculation of P4 did not have a significant effect on dry matter production, N2 fixation, and seed yield in either soybean variety. The dry matter production, relative ureide index, percentage of N derived from the atmosphere, and seed yield were significantly (P 0.01) enhanced by a single inoculation of MAS34 in Yezin-3 and by dual inoculation of P4 + MAS34 in Yezin-6. These results indicate that low inoculum concentrations (105 cells seed-1) increase N2 fixation and seed yield in these soybean varieties under open field conditions. Myanmar B. yuanmingense MAS34 and S. griseoflavus P4 are expected to be useful biofertilizers for soybean production.
基金Supported by the Knowledge Innovation Research Program,Chinese Academy of Sciences (KSCX2-SW-105)
文摘Figs (Moracea: Ficus) and fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Chlocloids: Agaonideae) depend on each other to complete their reproduction. Monoecious fig species and their pollinating wasps are in conflict over the use of fig ovaries which can either produce one seed or one wasp. From observation on Ficus virens Ait., we showed that female flowers with outer layer of ovaries (near to the wall of syconium) had no significant difference from that with inner and interval layer of ovaries (near to the syconium cavity), in which most seeds and wasps were produced. This meant that fig tree provided the same potential resource for seed and wasps production. Observation indicated that there was usually only one foundress in syconium at female flower phase and no com- petition pollinators. Measurement of the style length of female flowers and the ovipositor of pollinators indicated that most ovaries could be reached by pollinator’s ovipositor. However, at the male flower phase, production of seeds was significantly more than that of wasps including non-pollinating wasps but there was no significant difference between seed and pollinating wasp production when without non-pollinating wasps produced. This result indicated that non-pollinating wasps competed ovaries not with seeds but with pollinating wasps for ovipositing. Bagged experiment showed that the sampling fig species was not self-sterile which was important for figs and wasps to survive bad season. Seed production in self-pollinated figs was not significantly different from total wasps in- cluding non-pollinating ones. This might be related with the weaker competition among wasps since bagged figs were not easy to reach by wasps from outside.
文摘The drug L-DOPA has been widely used against Parkinson's disease and is extracted from plants.Due to the increasing demand of this drug,new plant sources need to be discovered in addition to the existing sources.The paper embodies results on Mucuna monosperma,which can be a promising candidate for L-DOPA.The seed powder of this plant contains 5.48%of(dry weight)the drug and when the seeds were soaked in distilled water,content was increased to 6.58%.Different elicitors when added,enhanced the drug level in seed up to 11.8%.The possible rationale behind this increase was confirmed by increase in tyrosinase activity in the seeds.Presence of L-DOPA was confirmed using various analytical techniques as HPLC,HPTLC and NMR.The work demonstrates a potential candidate plant as a source for L-DOPA when a novel method was adopted as described here.
基金Supported by In part by CIHR MOP#102467(Mc Laurin J)Cryptic Rite Charitable Foundation(Mc Laurin J)
文摘Neurodegenerative pathology can be seeded by introduction of misfolded proteins and peptides into the nervous system. Models of Alzheimer's disease(AD) and Parkinson's disease(PD) have both demonstrated susceptibility to this seeding mechanism, emphasizing the role of misfolded conformations of disease-specific proteins and peptides in disease progression. Thinking of the amyloidogenic amyloid-beta peptide(Aβ) and alpha-synuclein(α-syn), of AD and PD, respectively, as prionoids requires a comparison of these molecules and the mechanisms underlying the progression of disease. Aβ and α-syn, despite their size differences, are both natively unstructured and misfold into β-structured conformers. Additionally, several studies implicate the significant role of membrane interactions, such as those with lipid rafts in the plasma membrane, in mediating protein aggregation and transfer of Aβ and α-syn between cells that may be common to both AD and PD. Examination of inter-neuronal transfer of proteins/peptides provides evidence into the core mechanism of neuropathological propagation. Specifically, uptake of aggregates likely occurs by the endocytic pathway, possibly in response to their formation of membrane pores via a mechanism shared with pore-forming toxins. Failure of cellular clearance machinery to degrade misfolded proteins favours their release into the extracellular space, where they can be taken up by directly connected, nearby neurons. Although similarities between AD and PD are frequent and include mechanistically similar transfer processes, what differentiates these diseases, in terms of temporal and spatial patterns of propagation, may be in part due to the differing kinetics of protein misfolding. Several examples of animal models demonstrating seeding and propagation by exogenous treatment with Aβ and α-syn highlight the importance of both the environment in which these seeds are formed as well as the environment into which the seeds are propagated. Although these studies suggest potent seeding effects by both Aβ and α-syn, they emphasize the need for future studies to thoroughly characterize "seeds" as well as analyze changes in the nervous system in response to exogenous insults.
文摘SEEDS are the matrix of agriculture. The seed is to grain production what chips are to the technology industry. Sustainable development of the seed industry is vital to food safety.Since its founding in 1949, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has paid particular attention to the seed industry in developing agriculture. Notably after the reform and opening-up policy was launched in 1978, China achieved marked progress in crop growing and grain production, feeding 22 percent of the world’s population with only seven percent of the total arable land.
文摘Olive (Olea europaea L.) tree is one of the most extensive and important agricultural crop in Mediterranean countries due to its beneficial health and nutritional properties and its high economic value. Currently, olive tree constitutes the sixth most important cultivated plant in the world, spreading from the Mediterranean region of origin to new production areas such as Australia, South and North America and South Africa. However, the mobilization processes of storage materials i.e. reserve proteins during seed germination, which are largely involved in essential physiological process including plant growth and development, remain poorly understood. Morphometric and immunohistochemistry analyses of protein bodies contained in olive seed storage tissues, cotyledon and endosperm, were performed by using different microscopy techniques, including light (bright-field and fluorescence) microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, we used legumin-like proteins (11S-type globulins) as a molecular marker to study the mobilization of reserve proteins from PBs of cotyledons at germinating seedling stages by using immunofluorescence assays. Results demonstrated that cotyledon and endosperm are characterized by distinct PBs populations containing legumin-like proteins, distinctly discriminated by the number of PBs per cell and tissue, size, immunofluorescence and histochemical staining. These features reflect differential PBs biogenesis during development and maturation processes in olive seed tissues endosperm and cotyledon, in relation to proteins (polypeptides) final composition, SSPs processing and/or packaging during seed maturation. Three different mobilization patterns of legumin-like proteins were identified for the first time in cotyledon PBs during seedling germinating process. Mature proteins composition and/or processing, cell types and enzyme composition and/or differential activation have been discussed as key features determining how proteins mobilize from PBs for further degradation in the cotyledon.
文摘The predicated changes in precipitation and temperature associated with the continued elevation of atmospheric CO2 concentration will trigger the northward shift of the Climate Envelopes for 130 North America tree species by as much as 10 degrees. However, climate envelope models do not take into account changes in other factors that may also influence the survival and growth of plants at the predicted new locations, such as photoperiod and nutrient regimes. This study investigated how photoperiod and nitrogen supply would affect the ecophysiological traits of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill) B. S. P.) that are critical for survival and growth at new locations predicted by climate envelope models. We exposed black spruce seedlings to the photoperiod regime at the seed origin (PS) and that 10° north of the seed origin (PNM) as predicted by climate envelope models under the current and doubled atmospheric CO2 concentration and different levels of N supply (30 vs. 300 μmol·mol-1 N). We found that the PNM and the 30 μmol·mol-1 N supply both had negative impact on the development of seedling cold hardiness in the fall, and led to earlier burst of the terminal bud and greater rate of mortality in the following growing season. While the PNM stimulated seedling growth in the first growing season, the effect was not sustained in the second growing season. Our results suggest that the photoperiod regimes and poor nutrient conditions at higher latitudes will likely constrain the scope of the northward migration or seed transfer of black spruce.
文摘Chinese agricultural industry and rural economy are currently undergoing a strategic restructuring. The Seed Act has been thoroughly enforced. The Development of West China program has also got started in an all-round way. Not long ago China entered the World Trade Organization. All these not only present great opportunities but also severe challenges to China.
基金This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.31901212)Talent Start-up Foundation of Guangzhou University(grant no.RP2020079).
文摘Patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity and their relationships with environmental correlates can help reveal the origin and evolutionary history of regional biota.The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)harbors an exceptionally diverse flora,however,a phylogenetic perspective has rarely been used to investigate its beta diversity and floristic regions.In this study,we used a phylogenetic approach to identify patterns of beta diversity and quantitatively delimit floristic regions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.We also examined the relationships between multifaceted beta diversity,geographical distance,and climatic difference,and evaluated the relative importance of various factors(i.e.,climate,topography and history)in shaping patterns of beta diversity.Sørensen dissimilarity indices indicated that patterns of species turnover among sites dominated the QTP.We also found that patterns of both taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity were significantly related to geographical distance and climatic difference.The environmental factors that contributed most to these patterns of beta diversity include annual precipitation,mean annual temperature,climatic gradients and climatic instability.Hierarchical dendrograms of dissimilarity and non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination based on phylogenetic beta diversity data identified ten floristic subregions in the QTP.Our results suggest that the contemporary environment and historical climate changes have filtered species composition among sites and eventually determined beta diversity patterns of plants in the QTP.
文摘From Nongken 58s/Laser 4 // Xiandang, aphotoperiod-sensitive genic male sterile indicarice line, Hunong 5s was developed, and au-thorized by Hubei Province in 1992, and by theCommittee of the State Science Foundation ofChina in 1993. Hunong 5s was crossed to a in-dica restorer line Teqing 2 to produce a two-line Fhybrid Hunong 5s/Teqing 2. Growth and blossom characteristics of thetwo parents and the seed production propertieswere studied in this experiment. The resultswere as follows: Hunong 5s and Teqing 2 wereboth medium-maturing rice in Jingsha, Hubei,and their photo-thermo-growing properties