A comparative study of mangrove floras in China and India

Species compositions in the mangrove habitats of China and India, especially on Hainan Island （China） and on the Sun- darbans and the Andaman ＆ Nicobar Islands （India）, are of interest, showing several similarities and differences. The total mangrove areas of India cover about 6419 km^2 with 43 species （23 major and 20 minor species）, while the mangrove areas of China cover about 150 km^2 with 26 speices （19 major and 7 minor speices）. We carried out a comparison of mangrove floras in the Indian Sundarbans, Andaman ＆ Nicobar Islands and in Hainan Island. The mangrove areas of the Indian Sundarbans comprise about 66.5% of the total Indian mangroves, presently covering an area of 4267 km^2 with 35 species from 22 genera and 16 families. There are 34 species from 17 genera and l 3 families in the Andaman ＆ Nicobar Islands. Hainan Island is considered a distribution center of mangroves; it has the largest number of mangrove species in China, i.e., 25 species from 15 genera and 12 families, accounting for about 96% of the total number of mangrove species in China. The mangroves of Hainan Island and the Andaman ＆ Nicobar Islands belong to island types, while those of Sundarbans belong to inter-tidal deltaic types. Differences in soil type, rainfall, temperature, tidal fluctuation and other climatic features possibly cause variations in floristic composition of these regions.

ON PHYTOGEOGRAPHICAL AFFINITIES OF THE FOREST FLORAS BETWEEN EAST CHINA AND JAPAN

The flora of the eastern China is the main part of Sino-Japaners floristic region. It shows from the analysis and comparison that the floristic relation of East China with Japan is closer than that with northeast China and Korea. The similarity indices of genera and species of seed plants in the two regions are very high, being 72.6% and 43.3% respectively. The structure and species composition of broad-leaval evergreen forests in the two regions are also similar, and there exist many corresponding communities, such as the forests of Castanopsis carlesii and C. sieboldii. Many plants in East China are conspecific with there in Japan, such as Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Magnolia sieboldii, Nandina domestica etc. Though the genera of Ginkgo, Liriodendron, Sassafras etc. existing now in China are extinct from Japan, their fossils have been discovered from the Tertiary strata in Japan. It seems to indicate that the phytogeographical affinities between East China and Japan are closer in ancient the than it is now, and both of the forest floras originated from the same flora. The flora in Japan did not evolve independently until it separated from Chinese continent and drifted northeastwards in the late period of the Tertiary.

Normal Bacterial Floras in Intestinal Tract of Ring-Necked Pheasant

The normal bacterial floras in intestinal tract of ring-necked pheasant were investigated. Eight age groups were chosen. Samples of intestines were diluted in 10 fold series and incubated on different selective media. Atter incubation. aimed bacterial colonies were counted then the number of CFU/g of gut inclusions was evaluated. The data were analyzed in statistics. The physiological values of eight main normal bacterial floras were obtained. The eubiosis of normal bacterial floras in intestinal tract of ring-necked pheasant was established from its age of 10 days old to 30 days old. The dominant bacterial floras were bifidobacterium, lactobacillus and bacteroideceae.

Phytogeographical Affinities of Forest Floras between China and Japan

The flora of eastem China is the main part of Sino-Japanese floristic region. It shows by the analysis and com-parison that the floristic relations of Eastem China with Japan are closer than that ofnortheast China with Korea. The simi-larity indices of genera and species of seed plants in the two regions are very high, being 72.6% and 43.3% respectively.The strure and species compositi6n of broad-leaved evergreen forests in the two regions are also similar, in which there'exist the corresponding communities, such as the forests of Castanopsis carlesii,C.Sieboldii.. Many plants in Easter Chinaare nonspecilic with those in Japan, e. g, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Magolia sieboldii, Nandina domestica etc.. Though thegnera Ginkgo, Liriodendron, Sassafixis etc. existing now in China are extinct from Japan, their fossils have been discov-ered from the Tertiary Strata in Japan. It seems to indicate that the Phytogeographical affinities between Japan and E. Chinawas closer in ancient time than it is now; and both of the forest floras originated from one same flora. The flora in Japan did not evolve indepently until it separated from Chinese continent and drifted to northeast in the late period of the Tertiary.

Gut flora in multiple sclerosis:implications for pathogenesis and treatment

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disorder chara cterized by inflammation,demyelination,and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system.Although current first-line therapies can help manage symptoms and slow down disease progression,there is no cure for multiple sclerosis.The gut-brain axis refers to complex communications between the gut flo ra and the immune,nervous,and endocrine systems,which bridges the functions of the gut and the brain.Disruptions in the gut flora,termed dys biosis,can lead to systemic inflammation,leaky gut syndrome,and increased susceptibility to infections.The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors,and gut flora may play a pivotal role in regulating immune responses related to multiple scle rosis.To develop more effective therapies for multiple scle rosis,we should further uncover the disease processes involved in multiple sclerosis and gain a better understanding of the gut-brain axis.This review provides an overview of the role of the gut flora in multiple scle rosis.

How to fill the biodiversity data gap:Is it better to invest in fieldwork or curation?

Data gaps and biases are two important issues that affect the quality of biodiversity information and downstream results.Understanding how best to fill existing gaps and account for biases is necessary to improve our current information most effectively.Two current main approaches for obtaining and improving data include(1)curation of biological collections,and(2)fieldwork.However,the comparative effectiveness of these approaches in improving biodiversity data remains little explored.We used the Flora de Bogota project to study the magnitude of change in species richness,spatial coverage,and sample coverage of plant records based on curation versus fieldwork.The process of curation resulted in a decrease in species richness(synonym and error removal),but it significantly increased the number of records per species.Fieldwork contributed to a slight increase in species richness,via accumulation of new records.Additionally,curation led to increases in spatial coverage,species observed by locality,the number of plant records by species,and localities by species compared to fieldwork.Overall,curationwas more efficient in producing new information compared to fieldwork,mainly because of the large number of records available in herbaria.We recommend intensive curatorial work as the first step in increasing biodiversity data quality and quantity,to identify bias and gaps at the regional scale that can then be targeted with fieldwork.The stepwise strategy would enable fieldwork to be planned more costeffectively given the limited resources for biodiversity exploration and characterization.

The Cathaysia Flora and the Mixed Late Permian Cathaysian-Angaran Floras in East Asia

The Cathaysla flora, one of the most prominent floras of the Carboniferous and Permian, was mainly distributed In East Asia and was characterized by numerous endemic elements. China Is one of the most Important localities of the Cathaysla flora and It ;s also the center of origin of this flora. This paper reviews and discusses the characteristics of the Cathaysla flora and the blogeographlcally mixed Permian Cathayslan-Angaran floras of East Asia. In addition, the formative mechanism of the mixed Permian floras Is also discussed.

Nestedness in insular floras:spatiotemporal variation and underlying mechanisms

Aims Nestedness is a characteristic of insular metacommunity structure.Relatively few studies,however,have attempted to evaluate temporal changes in nestedness,or elucidate the mechanisms underlying nestedness.I evaluated both spatial and temporal patterns of nestedness in the insular floras of four archipelagoes of small islands in the Bahamas and the potential underlying environmental gradients.Methods The NODF(a nestedness metric based on overlap and decreasing fill)and the matrix temperature measure,T,were used to quantify nestedness in insular floras on small islands near Abaco,Andros,Great Exuma and the Exuma Cays,Bahamas.Two different null models were employed for each nestedness measure.Six environmental variables were evaluated in relation to nestedness by ordering islands according to gradients and recalculating NODF scores.Important Findings All archipelagoes were significantly nested.Nestedness among sites contributed more to overall nestedness than did nestedness among species.NODF scores varied among archipelagoes,but were surprisingly constant over time.Ordering islands by vegetated area yielded the highest nestedness scores for three archipelagoes;ordering islands by protection from exposure yielded the highest nestedness score for one archipelago.Nestedness scores varied little over time even though species compositions changed,indicating that extinctions occurred in a deterministic manner.The relative importance of area suggests extinction is an important mechanism in producing nestedness.Attempting to determine the relative importance of immigrations or extinctions requires some assumptions,however,and both processes are likely cumulative in most cases.

Palaeoclimate background of the diverse Eocene floras of South China

Hainan and Guangdong provinces,located in north tropical area and south subtropical area of China respectively,bear one of the highest levels of biodiversity in China.The modern floras of Hainan and Guangdong are dominated by pantropical and tropical-subtropical taxa and many of their representative families appeared as early as in the Eocene[1].The Eocene,therefore,represents a crucial stage in the formation of the extant flora.However,previously the Eocene floras and vegetation were largely studied in mid-

Damage on intestinal barrier function and microbial detoxification of deoxynivalenol:A review

Deoxynivalenol(DON)is a mycotoxin that is produced by various species of Fusarium and is ubiquitous in food and feed.At low concentrations,it can cause metabolic disorders in animals and humans and,at high concentrations,it can lead to pathological changes in the body.The impact of DON on human/animal health and animal productivity has thus attracted a great deal of attention around the world.DON causes severe damage to the intestine,including compromised intestinal barrier,mucosal damage,weakened immune function,and alterations in gut microbiota composition.These effects exacerbate intestinal infections and inflammation in livestock and poultry,posing adverse effects on overall health.Furthermore,research into biological methods for DON detoxification is a crucial avenue for future studies.This includes the utilization of adsorption,enzymatic degradation,and other biological approaches to mitigate DON's impact,offering new strategies for prevention and treatment of DON-induced diseases.Future research will focus on identifying highly efficient detoxifying microorganisms or enzymes to reduce DON levels in food and feed,thereby mitigating its risks to both animals and human health.

Effect of dietary supplement of inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum Ep-M 17 on growth performance,immune response,disease resistance,and intestinal microbiota in Penaeus vannamei

Our previous study found that feeding with Lactobacillus plantarum Ep-M17 could effectively affect the growth performance,immune response,and gut microbiota of Penaeus vannamei.However,high temperature and pressure during feed pelletizing is the main problem that can lead to a decrease in the activity of probiotics or cause their inactivation.Further investigation needs to investigate whether inactivated Ep-M17 can exert similar effects as live Ep-M17.Therefore,we evaluated the effects of inactivated L.plantarum Ep-M17 on growth performance,immune response,disease resistance,and gut microbiota in P.vannamei.Results show that adding inactivated Ep-M17 to the feed also promoted body weight gain and increased relative immune protection in shrimp.Also,histological examination revealed that the administration of inactivated Ep-M17 led to improvements in the density and distribution of microvilli in the intestines and enhancements in the abundance of B and R cells in the hepatopancreas.Additionally,the inactivated Ep-M17 supplementation resulted in increased activity levels of nutrient immune-related enzymes in both the shrimp hepatopancreas and intestines.Moreover,it stimulated the expression of Lvlec,PEN-3a,Crustin,LGBP,Lysozyme,and proPo genes in both the hepatopancreas and intestines.Furthermore,the inactivated Ep-M17 also increased bacterial diversity in the gut of shrimp and promoted the abundance of specific flora,facilitating the host organism’s metabolism and immunity to improve the disease resistance of shrimp.Therefore,supplementation of inactivated L.plantarum Ep-M17 in shrimp diets can exert similar effects as live L.plantarum Ep-M17 effectively improving growth performance,gut microbiota,immune response,and disease resistance in P.vannamei.

Anemarsaponin B mitigates acute pancreatitis damage in mice through apoptosis reduction and MAPK pathway modulation

Background:Acute pancreatitis(AP),known for its rapid onset and significant incidence and mortality rates,presents a clinical challenge due to the limited availability of effective treatments and preventive measures.Anemarsaponin B(ASB)has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent,demonstrating capabilities in reducing immune inflammation,positioning it as a promising candidate for AP treatment.Methods:We investigated the effects of ASB on AP in mice,induced by caerulein and lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Peripheral blood samples were collected 24 h post-induction with caerulein to assess of key biomarkers including lipase,amylase,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,SOD,and GSH-Px.A range of techniques such as immunohistochemistry staining,immunofluorescence staining,Western blotting,and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction(q-PCR),were employed to measure the expression of critical genes.Additionally,pancreas samples from the mice were harvested for microbiome and metabolome sequencing,with the data analyzed to understand the impact of ASB on AP.Results:Our study revealed that,compared to the sham group,the AP group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of lipase,amylase,and cytokines,while levels of SOD and GSH Px were notably lower.Treatment with ASB led to a substantial decrease in the levels of lipase,amylase,and cytokines,and an increase in SOD and GSH-Px levels.q-PCR analysis of pancreatic histiocytes corroborated these serum findings.Hematoxylin and Eosin(H&E)staining indicated significant alterations in the pathological changes in the pancreas,lungs,and small intestine of the AP model due to ASB.Immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that ASB alleviated the apoptosis of pancreatic histiocytes in the AP model.Western Blot and histological analyses showed that ASB reduced the phosphorylation of TAK,p38,JNK,and ERK proteins,as well as the levels of TRAF6 protein in the AP model.Furthermore,metabolomic and gut microbiota analysis identified 27 differential metabolites and 34 differential species.The combined metabolome and microbiome analysis suggested an association between certain microbes(e.g.,unclassified-Saprospiraceae and unclassified-Micavibrionales)and metabolites(e.g.,LysoPE(0:0/20:0),PC(DiMe(13,5)/PGJ2)),and Heptanoic acid,indicating potential pathways through which ASB may exert its therapeutic effects in AP.Conclusions:ASB exhibits therapeutic efficacy in treating AP induced by caerulein combined with lipopolysaccharide(LPS),primarily through modulating the mitogenactivated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway.This discovery offers fresh perspectives for AP drug development,underscoring the potential of targeting specific cellular pathways.Additionally,the intricate interplay observed between the gut microbiota and metabolites following ASB treatment highlights novel therapeutic targets,suggesting that manipulating the gut microbiome and metabolome could be a viable strategy in AP management.These findings pave the way for further research into comprehensive treatment approaches that incorporate both pharmacological intervention and microbiota modulation.

Assessment of plant diversity of endemic species of the Saharo-Arabian region in Egypt

Savanna, semi-deserts, and hot deserts characterize the Saharo-Arabian region, which includes Morocco, Mauretania, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, southern Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. Its neighboring regions, the Sudano-Zambezian region belonging to the Paleotropical Kingdom and the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions included in the Holarctic Kingdom, share a large portion of their flora with the Saharo-Arabian region. Despite the widespread acknowledgment of the region's global importance for plant diversity, an up to date list of the Saharo-Arabian endemics is still unavailable. The available data are frequently insufficient or out of date at both the whole global and the national scales. Therefore, the present study aims at screening and verifying the Saharo-Arabian endemic plants and determining the phytogeographical distribution of these taxa in the Egyptian flora. Hence, a preliminary list of 429 Saharo-Arabian endemic plants in Egypt was compiled from the available literature. Indeed, by excluding the species that were recorded in any countries or regions outside the Saharo-Arabian region based on different literature, database reviews, and websites, the present study has reduced this number to 126 taxa belonging to 87 genera and 37 families. Regarding the national geographic distribution, South Sinai is the richest region with 83 endemic species compared with other eight phytogeographic regions in Egypt, followed by the Isthmic Desert(the middle of Sinai Peninsula, 53 taxa). Sahara regional subzone(SS1) distributes all the 126 endemic species, Arabian regional subzone(SS2) owns 79 taxa, and Nubo-Sindian subzone(SS3) distributes only 14 endemics. Seven groups were recognized at the fourth level of classification as a result of the application of the two-way indicator species analysis(TWINSPAN) to the Saharo-Arabian endemic species in Egypt, i.e., Ⅰ Asphodelus refractus group, Ⅱ Agathophora alopecuroides var. papillosa group, Ⅲ Anvillea garcinii group, Ⅳ Reseda muricata group, V Agathophora alopecuroides var. alopecuroides group, Ⅵ Scrophularia deserti group, and Ⅶ Astragalus schimperi group. It's crucial to clearly define the Saharo-Arabian endemics and illustrate an updated verified database of these taxa for a given territory for providing future management plans that support the conservation and sustainable use of these valuable species under current thought-provoking devastating impacts of rapid anthropogenic and climate change in this region.

Unraveling colorectal cancer prevention:The vitamin D-gut flora-immune system nexus

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the world.Although environmental and genetic factors play a major role in the pathogenesis of CRC,extensive research has suggested that vitamin D may play a pivotal role in the development of CRC.Vitamin D,primarily obtained through sunlight exposure,dietary sources,and supplements,has long been recognized for its essential functions in maintaining health,including immune regulation.This article delves into the intricate relationship between vitamin D,the immune system,gut flora,and the prevention of CRC.It presents a synthesis of epidemiological data,experimental studies,and clinical trials,highlighting the mechanisms by which vitamin D influences immune cell function,cytokine production,and inflammation.By enhancing the immune system’s surveillance and antitumor activity,vitamin D may offer a promising avenue for CRC prevention.Furthermore,this comprehensive review delves into the prospective clinical applications of vitamin D supplementation and delineates the forthcoming avenues of research in this dynamic domain.Additionally,the paper tentatively outlines a spectrum of prophylactic impacts of vitamin D on CRC,emphasizing its significant potential in reducing CRC risk through shedding light on its mechanisms,encompassing antineoplastic mechanisms,influences on the immune system,and modulation of the gut microbiome.

The role of intestinal flora on tumorigenesis,progression,and the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in colorectal cancer

Intestinal flora affects the maturation of the host immune system,serves as a biomarker and efficacy predictor in the immunotherapy of several cancers,and has an important role in the development of colorectal cancer(CRC).Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies have shown satisfactory results in MSI-H/d MMR CRC but performed poorly in patients with MSS/p MMR CRC.In recent years an increasing number of studies have shown that intestinal flora has an important impact on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy in CRC patients.Preclinical and clinical evidence have suggested that anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy can be improved by altering the composition of the intestinal flora in CRC.Herein,we summarize the studies related to the influence of intestinal flora on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy in CRC and discuss the potential underlying mechanism(s).We have focused on the impact of the intestinal flora on the efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in CRC and how to better utilize the intestinal flora as an adjuvant to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies.In addition,we have provided a basis for the potential of the intestinal flora as a new treatment modality and indicator for determining patient prognosis.

Intestinal flora: New perspective of type 2 diabetes

Diabetes comprises a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia stemming from various factors.Current diabetes management primarily focuses on blood glucose control,yet it is inherently progressive,necessitating increased reliance on exogenous blood glucose control methods over time.Therefore,there is an urgent need to explore novel intervention strategies addressing both diabetes and its complications.The human intestinal microbiota,often referred to as the"second genome",exhibits significant diversity and plays a pivotal role in insulin resistance,glucose and lipid metabolism,and inflammatory response.Notably,Li and Guo have elucidated the involvement of intestinal flora in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and proposed a novel therapeutic approach targeting intestinal microbes.This advancement enhances our comprehension of the multifaceted and multi-target regulation of T2DM by intestinal microflora,thereby offering fresh avenues for understanding its pathogenesis and clinical management.This letter briefly summarizes the role of intestinal flora in T2DM based on findings from animal experiments and clinical studies.Additionally,it discusses the potential clinical applications and challenges associated with targeting intestinal flora as therapeutic interventions.

Grid System Analysis of Urban Flora of Bukhara City (Uzbekistan)

This article presents information on the study of the flora of Uzbekistan based on grid system mapping. The urban flora of the city of Bukhara was researched in it. As a result of research, the territory of Bukhara city was divided into 85 indexes based on 1 × 1 km2 grid mapping system. The diversity and density of species in the indexes are determined. The influence of anthropogenic factors on the diversity of species in the indexes is determined.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of post-operative intestinal flora disorder following laparoscopic colonic surgery:A propensityscore-matching analysis

BACKGROUND Intestinal flora disorder(IFD)poses a significant challenge after laparoscopic colonic surgery,and no standard criteria exists for its diagnosis and treatment.AIM To analyze the clinical features and risk factors of IFD.METHODS Patients with colon cancer receiving laparoscopic surgery were included using propensity-score-matching(PSM)methods.Based on the occurrence of IFD,patients were categorized into IFD and non-IFD groups.The clinical characteristics and treatment approaches for patients with IFD were analyzed.Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of IFD.RESULTS The IFD incidence after laparoscopic surgery was 9.0%(97 of 1073 patients).After PSM,97 and 194 patients were identified in the IFD and non-IFD groups,respectively.The most common symptoms of IFD were diarrhea and abdominal,typically occurring on post-operative days 3 and 4.All patients were managed conservatively,including modulation of the intestinal flora(90.7%),oral/intravenous application of vancomycin(74.2%),and insertion of a gastric/ileus tube for decompression(23.7%).Multivariate regression analysis identified that preoperative intestinal obstruction[odds ratio(OR)=2.79,95%CI:1.04–7.47,P=0.041]and post-operative antibiotics(OR=8.57,95%CI:3.31–23.49,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for IFD,whereas pre-operative parenteral nutrition(OR=0.12,95%CI:0.06–0.26,P<0.001)emerged as a protective factor.CONCLUSION A stepwise approach of probiotics,vancomycin,and decompression could be an alternative treatment for IFD.Special attention is warranted post-operatively for patients with pre-operative obstruction or early use of antibiotics.

Research Progress of Intestinal Flora in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer, as a common malignant tumor, has been increasing in incidence year by year and has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Meanwhile, researchers have found a close relationship between dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and colorectal cancer, which has further triggered indepth exploration of the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that there are specific microbial changes in colorectal cancer tissues, including enrichment or depletion of certain bacterial species, which may be associated with tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Additionally, gut microbiota has been found to be closely linked to tumor microenvironment, tumor immune response, chemotherapy drug metabolism, and other factors. In this context, it is imperative to study the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer. A comprehensive understanding of the interaction between gut microbiota and colorectal cancer is not only helpful in revealing novel mechanisms of colorectal cancer development, but also holds promise in providing new strategies and targets for early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and prevention of colorectal cancer. This review aims to thoroughly discuss the research progress of gut microbiota in colorectal cancer, including its compositional characteristics, its role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer, and its potential clinical applications. The goal is to provide references and insights for further research in this field.

Diversity and Structure of the Woody Stand in a Sudano-Sahelian Transition Zone in Senegal

The main objective of the study was to investigate the diversity of the woody stratum of the vegetation in intercommunity rangelands in the department of Koungheul based on an ecological inventory using vegetation surveys. The results indicate a rich flora of 70 species divided into 54 genera and 27 families where Ceasalpiniaceae and Rubiaceae are dominant (5 genera each). They are followed by Combretaceae and Euphorbiacea (4 genera each) and by Capparaceae, Fabaceae and Mimosaceae (3 genera for each family). But at the specific level, it is the Combretaceae which dominates with 10 species and Rubiaceae (7 species). It is more representative at the level of the rural community of Lour Esacale. The different values of vegetation parameters from one site to another indicate variability in community rangeland management practices. The woody stand, dominated by small Combretaceae, shows a relatively stable level of organization with an average equitability of about 45% for the two rural communities studied. Species such as Cordyla pinnata, Sclerocarya birrea, Adansonia digitata and Sterculia setigera contributed strongly to the basal and aerial cover of the overall stand. The regeneration of the stand is very good (about 85% on average) but it represents very few species, especially of the Combretaceae family. This shows a tendency to a progressive loss of species richness in the woody stratum.