Effects of Incorporating Mango (Mangifera indica), Avocado (Persea americana) and Guava (Psidium guajava) Leaves Powder in the Ration on Growth Characteristics in Rabbits

A study conducted on burgundy rabbits evaluated the effects of rations containing mango (Mangifera indica), avocado (Persea americana) and guava (Psidium guajava) powder. For this purpose, 36 rabbits (20 males and 16 females) aged 60 to 70 days with an average weight of 1012 ± 133 g were divided randomly into 4 equal groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3) of 9 animals each according to body weight (bw). The rabbits were divided throughout the trial, the animals were fed, those of group T0 (control) with a standard feed without any type of leaf powder, while those of groups 1, 2 and 3 received the standard feed supplemented with Mangifera indica, Persea americana and Psidium guajava leaves powder at the rate of 0.5% respectively. After two months of treatment, the animals were fasted for 12 hours (20 h - 8 h) and sacrificed to evaluate carcass and digestive organ weights. The results revealed that the values of feed intake, live weight and weight gain were non-significantly (p > 0.05) increased in all animals regardless of the ration in reference to the control. The different leaves powder induced an increase in carcass yield in rabbits but this increase was only significant (p M. indica leaf powder (51.03 ± 0.24) as compared to the control (48.63 ± 0.74). Gut length was significantly increased in animals fed rations containing Psidium guajava and Persea americana leaves powder compared to the control. A significant increase in gut weight was observed in animals fed the Persea americana leaf supplemented ration. In general, mango leaf powder performed better than other types of powders.

Processing Effects on Selected Antioxidant Activities and Metabolizing Enzyme Inhibition of M. Koneigii (Curry Leaves) Extracts

Curry leaves, scientifically termed Murraya koenigii, are renowned in South Asian cuisine for their flavor enhancement and potential health benefits, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thermal processing methods on curry leaves by analysing Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and metabolizing enzyme inhibition. Fresh curry leaves were subjected to thermal treatments: Oven-dried at 60˚C and Air-dried at 25˚C for 2 weeks. Extracts were prepared using Ethanol and water solvents. Results indicated that Air-dried leaves exhibited significantly higher TPC (5132.65 mg GAE/100 g) and TFC (243.13 mg CE/100 g) compared to Fresh and Oven-dried leaves. Antioxidant assays show that oven-dried curry leaves at 60˚C displayed higher results in NORS, FRAP, and TEAC assays compared to Fresh and Air-dried leaves. Ethanol extracts showed better extraction of bioactive compounds than aqueous extracts. Moreover, Lipase inhibition activity was notably high, indicating potential health benefits. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of processing methods on curry leaf extracts, emphasizing the importance of solvent selection for optimal extraction of bioactive compounds.

Role of self-help groups on socioeconomic development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)among rural women in Cooch Behar District,India

This study examines the transformative role of self-help groups(SHGs)in the socioeconomic development of rural women in Cooch Behar District,India,and their contribution toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)of the United Nations.In this study,we explored the effect of SHGs on rural women by specifically addressing SDGs,such as no poverty(SDG 1),zero hunger(SDG 2),good health and well-being(SDG 3),quality education(SDG 4),and gender equality(SDG 5).Given this issue,a cross-sectional survey and comparison analyses are needed to assess the socioeconomic development of rural women and their awareness level before and after the participation of rural women in SHGs.The survey conducted as part of this study was divided into three sections,namely,demographic characteristics,socioeconomic development,and awareness level,with each focusing on different aspects.A group of 400 individuals who were part of SHGs completed the questionnaire survey form.The results showed that the participation of rural women in SHGs significantly improved their socioeconomic development and awareness level,as supported by both mean values and t test results.Memberships in SHGs and microcredit programs were the major elements that boosted the socioeconomic development of rural women,which also achieves SDGs 1,2,3,4,and 5.This study revealed that participation in SHGs and related financial services significantly aided rural women in economically disadvantaged communities in accumulating savings and initiating entrepreneurial ventures.Moreover,participation in SHGs was instrumental in enhancing the self-confidence,self-efficacy,and overall self-esteem of rural women.Finally,doing so enabled them to move more freely for work and other activities and to make family and common decisions.

Effects of Carrot (Daucus carota) Leaves Powder on Reproductive and Growth Characteristics of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Does

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of carrot leaf powder in the diet on reproductive and growth characteristics in rabbits. Thirty sexually matured rabbits does of 8 months old, 3.00 to 3.20 kg, were divided into three groups of 10 rabbits each, which were comparable in terms of body weight. Throughout the experiment, the rabbits of group 1 (control group) were fed ad libitum with a feed not containing carrot leaf powder (control ration), while those of groups 2 and 3 received the control ration supplemented with carrot leaf powder in concentrations of 0.5% and 1% respectively. Data was collected on feed intake, weight gain, receptivity, fertility, gestation length of does, litter size, weight, viability and sex ratio of the young rabbits till 5 weeks post-partum. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the fertility rate, gestation duration and sex ratio of the kits with reference to the control. Litter size at birth was not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced in does fed diets containing carrot leaf powder compared to the control. However, the reversed effects were observed at five weeks post-partum. The live weight of weaned kits and weight gain of rabbit does at birth were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in treated rabbits compared to the control. The supplementation of carrot leaf powder in feed can improve production performance in female rabbits, through their antioxidant activities thanks to their various components, thus fighting against oxidative stress effects to which animals are exposed both from endogenous and environmental sources.

Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets from sugarcane dry leaves by two-stage pyrolysis for antibacterial activity

Oxidative-exfoliation methods were in vogue in the production of rGO from graphite.Processing of such synthetic graphite needs high temperatures(2500℃).Thus,such process is not cost-effective.The present study is made on the dry leaves of sugarcane(Saccharum officinarum)as an alternative raw material so as to be economical and environmentally benign.The dry leaves are subjected to two-step pyrolysis without any catalyst or reducing agent in far divergent temperatures to produce as prepared and acid treated rGOs.They were evaluated by UV–Vis.,FTIR,XRD,Raman spectroscopy,TGA/DTG,BET,FESEM-EDS and TEM.The as prepared rGO has few layers with irregular and folded architecture whereas acid-treated rGO has thinly stacked crumpled sheets with many wrinkles on its surface.The prepared rGOs have multilayered graphitic structure due to the unique ratio between G and D bands.Acid treated rGO has poor thermal stability as compared to that of as-prepared rGO at high temperatures due to the variation in the oxygen-containing functional groups.Acid treated rGO has low antibacterial activity as compared to that of the as-prepared rGO due to the paucity of the functional groups.

Influence of soaking Malus domeri(Bois)Chev.leaves on gut microbiota and metabolites of long-living elderly individuals in Hezhou city,Guangxi,China

To investigate the effects of drinking the soaking of Malus domeri(Bois)Chev.leaves on gut microbiota and metabolites of long-living elderly individuals in Hezhou city,Guangxi,China.It has been reported that longevity is closely related to metabolism and the gut microbiota.The 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)were used to analysis fecal samples and explore the factors affecting longevity in the region.Interestingly,we discovered,that elderly individuals who had been drinking the soaking of M.domeri(Bois)Chev.leaves for a long time exhibited higher diversity of the gut microbiota than without drinking the soaking,notably.The proportions of Ruminococcaceae and Prevotella were decreased in those who did not drink this soaking.In addition,a total of 106 metabolites were characterized,and the people of long-lived people(>90 years old)and elderly people(<90 years old)who drinking soaking of M.domeri(Bois)Chev.leaves significantly altered the gut microbiota and upregulated levels of haplopine,farnesol,genipic acid,momordicinin,2-hydroxyestrone,hydroxyphenyllactic acid,caffeic acid,sophoraflavanone B,and soyasaponin I.We preliminarily determined that M.domeri(Bois)Chev.leaves consumption may be an important factor affecting longevity in this area.

The Protective Effects of Flavonoids from Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi Stems and Leaves on Oligodendrocyte Damage Induced by Aβ1-42

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of flavonoids from the stem and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SSFs) against Aβ1-42-induced oligodendrocytes (OL) damage. Methods: Immunofluorescence was used for the detection of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), a characteristic protein of rat oligodendrocytes (OLN-93 cells). To evaluate the potential protective effects of SSFs on OLN-93 cells injured by Aβ1-42, an injury model was established by subjecting OLN-93 cells to Aβ1-42 exposed. Cell morphology was examined using an inverted microscope, while cell viability was assessed using the colorimetric method of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Additionally, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured using the pyruvic acid reduction assay. The Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) injection was used as a positive control. Results: A total of >95% of the MAG immunofluorescence-positive cells were identified as oligodendrocytes. Gradually increasing concentrations of SSFs impaired the cells, and the maximum nondetrimental dose for OLN-93 cells was 75 mg/L. This study assessed the effects of SSFs on OLN-93 cells damaged by Aβ1-42. The results indicated that SSFs significantly improved OLN-93 cell morphological abnormal changes, increased the OLN-93 cell survival rate, and reduced LDH release. Conclusion: SSFs can alleviate Aβ1-42-induced damage of OL.

Effects of Different Exogenous Substances on Seed Germination of Isatis indigotica Under Drought Stress and Chemical Composition of Isatis indigotica leaves

This study was to investigate the effects of three exogenous substances on chemical constituents of Isatis indigotica leavesand their efficacy in alleviating drought stress, and explore the methods of applying exogenous substances to efficient cultivationof Isatis indigotica. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to simulate drought stress to deal with seeds of Isatis indigotica at thegermination stage (concentration: 0, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Simultaneous operation of exogenous growth regulators [microbialinoculum (MI), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and salicylic acid (SA)] and PEG were implemented in seeds of Isatis indigotica.The effects of drought stress and the mitigation of exogenous substances were observed by statistics of seed germination potential,germination rate, hypocotyl length, and radicle length of each treatment. The effects of exogenous substances on the content ofalkaloids, crude protein and free amino acids in the leaves of Isatis indigotica grown in a greenhouse were determined after sprayingexogenous substances on the plants. The differences of germination potential, germination rate, hypocotyl length, and radicle lengthamong 15% PEG stress treatment, 10% PEG stress treatment and the control were significant (P<0.05). According to the predesignedgermination standard, the seeds did not germinate under 20% PEG stress treatment. When the PEG concentration was 15%, the resultsof seed germination potential and germination rate after adding MI were significantly different from those under stress alone (P<0.05).When exposed to 10% PEG stress, the supplementation of GABA led to a notable increase in radicle length of Isatis indigotica seeds,showing significant differences compared to other three treatments. The application of MI and GABA under 15% PEG stress resultedin a significant increase in the radicle and hypocotyl length of Isatis indigotica seeds compared to other two treatments. The contentof the total alkaloids in leaves of Isatis indigotica was significantly increased after spraying GABA. Meanwhile, the contents of crudeprotein and the total free amino acids were kept constant after spraying exogenous substances. Application of MI and GABA couldalleviate drought stress of Isatis indigotica. The content of the total alkaloids in leaves of Isatis indigotica could significantly increaseafter spraying GABA.

Physicochemical Characterisation of Flours from Local Cereals and Powder from Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Leaves Varieties Cultivated in the Northern-Cameroon in Order to Supplement Infant Flours

The aim of the present study was to investigate on the inventory and determination of the nutritional value of cereals flour and cassava leaves powder in order to analyse their use in the production of infant flour. In this paper, a A survey to identify the cereals used in the preparation of infant porridge in the Northern Cameroon was done by using 447 mothers having children between 06 and 59 months from areas (Gbakoungue, Sassa-Mbersi, Sanguere-Ngal and Kotkong-Wouldata) with high rate on malnourished children. Flour was prepared from the most preponderant cereals and Cassava leaves powder from varieties identified by the Regional Centre of Agricultural Research (CRRA) of Wakwa and local population. Flour and powder samples obtained were subjected to chemical composition analysis. Parameters analysed were crude proteins, total carbohydrates, ash, total fats, total phenols, total tannins, total carotenoids, vitamin C or cyanide. Also Iron, calcium and zinc were determined. The results revealed that white maize (62%) was the main cereal used in the preparation of infant porridge followed respectively by red sorghum, white rice and muskwari. Ten cassava varieties were identified: three (03) by CRRA (TME, 96/1/14 and IRAD 4115) and seven (south, gambada, sweet, Benin, six months, M. glaziovii and grouna) by local population. Amongst cereals flour, those from white maize indicated high protein (10.09%), carbohydrates (84.46%) and total fat (7.46%) contents. The powder from 96/14/14 cassava variety showed high amount of iron (11.98 mg/100g), calcium (751.02 g/100g) and low cyanide content (1.21 ppm) amongst all the cassava leaves powder samples. The supplementation of white maize flour by cassava leaves powder from 96/14/14 variety could therefore be recommended for the preparation of infant flours.

Study on the Effect of Self-Help Mindfulness Therapy on Rumination in Patients with Depression

Objective:To evaluate the nursing effect of self-help mindfulness therapy for patients with depression.Methods:120 cases of depression patients admitted to the Department of Psychosomatic Disorders of our hospital between January 2020 and January 2023 were selected.After being grouped by the random draw method,60 cases in the observation group adopted self-help mindfulness therapy and 60 cases in the control group adopted conventional nursing care,the nursing effects were subsequently compared.Results:Before nursing,there was no difference in the comparison of clinical symptom scores,rumination scores,positive psychological scores,and self-esteem scores between the two groups(P>0.05).After nursing,the clinical symptom scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group;the rumination scores were lower than those of the control group;the positive psychological scores were higher than those of the control group;and the self-esteem scores were higher than those of the control group,and all of them were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Self-help mindfulness therapy can improve the clinical symptoms of patients with depression and their rumination,and enhance their positive psychological state and self-esteem level,which has high nursing advantages.

Chlorophyll Fluorescence Extraction from Water-Leaving Radiance of Algae-Containing Water Through Polarization

When measuring reflectance spectra, it is very important to accurately extract chlorophyll fluorescence from elastic-scattering light in water-leaving radiance. The elastic scattering of light by water particles produces partially polarized light. In contrast, chlorophyll fluorescence in planktonic algae yields completely unpolarized light. These properties can be used to separate fluorescent signals from the water-leaving radiance and thus to determine chlorophyll concentration. The algal species Aureococcus anophagefferens was used to conduct a laboratory polarization experiment. For the tests, we used a field spectroradiometer and a polarizer; measurements were collected using two different observation modes. The chlorophyll fluorescence curve extracted through polarization shows an excellent match with the results obtained using the fluorospectro photometer for both measurement modes, suggesting that polarization-based chlorophyll fluorescence extraction may be feasible. The extracted fluorescence is more reliable at incident zenith angles ranging from 30? to 60?. For algae-containing water, the results improve with increasing chlorophyll concentration. This method could help improve chlorophyll concentration measurement and the remote-sensing detection of resulting harmful algae blooms.

Physicians Leaving an Academic Position for Private Practice

Introduction When interviewing a medical resident for a potential fellowship in Cardiovascular medicine,the majority of candidates indicate an interest in academic cardiology.However,few opt for an academic career and many decide during fellowship that private practice is best for them.I have no problem with that decision.The focus of this manuscript in on those who opt for an academic career and for several reasons decide,after a few years,to leave the academic program and often leave gaping holes in the multiple aspects of the program,that require attention of the chief of cardiology.

The effect of ensiled paulownia leaves in a high-forage diet on ruminal fermentation,methane production,fatty acid composition,and milk production performance of dairy cows

Background:The use of industrial by-products rich in bioactive compounds as animal feeds can reduce greenhouse gas production.Paulownia leaves silage(PLS)was supplemented to dairy cows'diet and evaluated in vitro(Exp.1;Rusitec)and in vivo(Exp.2,cannulated lactating dairy cows and Exp.3,non-cannulated lactating dairy cows).The study investigated the PLS effect on ruminal fermentation,microbial populations,methane production and concentration,dry matter intake(DMI),and fatty acid(FA)proportions in ruminal fluid and milk.Results:Several variables of the ruminal fluid were changed in response to the inclusion of PLS.In Exp.1,the p H increased linearly and quadratically,whereas ammonia and total volatile fatty acid(VFA)concentrations increased linearly and cubically.A linear,quadratic,and cubical decrease in methane concentration was observed with increasing dose of the PLS.Exp.2 revealed an increase in ruminal p H and ammonia concentrations,but no changes in total VFA concentration.Inclusion of PLS increased ruminal propionate(at 3 h and 6 h after feeding),isovalerate,and valerate concentrations.Addition of PLS also affected several populations of the analyzed microorganisms.The abundances of protozoa and bacteria were increased,whereas the abundance of archaea were decreased by PLS.Methane production decreased by 11%and 14%in PLS-fed cows compared to the control in Exp.2 and 3,respectively.Exp.3 revealed a reduction in the milk protein and lactose yield in the PLS-fed cows,but no effect on DMI and energy corrected milk yield.Also,the PLS diet affected the ruminal biohydrogenation process with an increased proportions of C18:3 cis-9 cis-12 cis-15,conjugated linoleic acid,C18:1 trans-11 FA,polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA),and reduced n6/n3 ratio and saturated fatty acids(SFA)proportion in milk.The relative transcript abundances of the 5 of 6 analyzed genes regulating FA metabolism increased.Conclusions:The dietary PLS replacing the alfalfa silage at 60 g/kg diet can reduce the methane emission and improve milk quality with greater proportions of PUFA,including conjugated linoleic acid,and C18:1 trans-11 along with reduction of SFA.

Antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of saponin extracts from walnut(Juglans regia L.) leaves

Objective:To investigate the relationship between triterpenoid saponin content and antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of 70%ethanolic,butanolic,aqueous,supernate and precipitate extracts of Juglans regia leaves.Methods:Triterpenoid saponins of different Juglans regia leaf extracts were measured by the vanillin method.Antioxidant activity was evaluated against DPPH and ABTS free radicals.We also assessed α-glucosidase inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of the leaf extracts.Pearson’s correlation coefficient was evaluated to determine the correlation between the saponin content and biological activities.Results:The butanolic extract was most effective against DPPH with an IC50of 6.63μg/mL,while the aqueous extract showed the highest scavenging activity against ABTS free radical with an IC50of 42.27μg/mL.Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a strong negative correlation (r=-0.956) between DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50) and the saponin content in the samples examined.In addition,the aqueous extract showed the best α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared with other extracts.All the extracts had fair antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis,Escherichia coli,and Klebsiella pneumoniae except for the aqueous extract.Conclusions:Juglans regia extracts show potent antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.There is a correlation between saponin levels in Juglans regia leaf extracts and the studied activities.However,additional research is required to establish these relationships by identifying the specific saponin molecules responsible for these activities and elucidating their mechanisms of action.

Preventing of Early School Leaving: Sport as Protective Factor

The study aims to highlight the contribution of sport as a tool for preventing early school leaving and developing psychophysical well-being.School,territory and sports association can,with appropriate institutional partnership actions,implement training interventions in this sense.Through an analysis of the scientific literature we want to highlight the important value of sports practice especially in school age.Organized sports activities contribute to the development of skills related to socio-relational well-being.Full awareness of one’s own cognitive and social skills allows improving self-perception.Sport,therefore,becomes a tool for preventing and contrasting early school leaving,a real protective factor that limits the decrease in motivation to school attendance and favors school performance.

Diversity, Chemical Compositions and Beneficial Effects of Some Spices and Aromatic Leaves Consumed in Benin and in the World: Critical Review

Spices and aromatic plants are products of plant origin used in food. They are used for the preparation of remedies, for seasoning dishes or for preserving food. This review takes stock of the diversity of spices and aromatic herbs, the chemical composition, the different properties and forms of use of six spices and aromatic herbs commonly used in Benin and around the world. These are Zingiber officinalis (ginger), Curcuma longa (curcuma), Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and three aromatic herbs Petroselinum crispum (parsley), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Laurus nobilis (laurel). The methodology used is that of documentary research oriented towards the consultation of previous scientific documents that have highlighted the different pharmacological activities of the different species of spices and aromatic plants targeted. It is important to note that more than twenty plant species are used as spices and aromatic plants in Benin and around the world. Chemically, these different spices and aromatic herbs contain certain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, alkaloids, steroids, terpenes, saponins, and polyphenols. This diversity of secondary metabolites alone or in a possible synergy may be responsible for many beneficial properties attributed to spices and aromatic herbs.

Tomato LysM receptor kinase 4 mediates chitin-elicited fungal resistance in both leaves and fruit

Fungal infection is a major cause of crop and fruit losses.Recognition of chitin,a component of fungal cell walls,endows plants with enhanced fungal resistance.Here,we found that mutation of tomato LysM receptor kinase 4(SlLYK4)and chitin elicitor receptor kinase 1(SlCERK1)impaired chitin-induced immune responses in tomato leaves.Compared with the wild type,sllyk4 and slcerk1 mutant leaves were more susceptible to Botrytis cinerea(gray mold).SlLYK4 extracellular domain showed strong binding affinity to chitin,and the binding of SlLYK4 induced SlLYK4-SlCERK1 association.Remarkably,qRT–PCR analysis indicated that SlLYK4 was highly expressed in tomato fruit,andβ-GLUCURONIDASE(GUS)expression driven by the SlLYK4 promoter was observed in tomato fruit.Furthermore,SlLYK4 overexpression enhanced disease resistance not only in leaves but also in fruit.Our study suggests that chitin-mediated immunity plays a role in fruit,providing a possible way to reduce fungal infection-related fruit losses by enhancing the chitin-induced immune responses.

Spatiotemporal miRNA and transcriptomic network dynamically regulate the developmental and senescence processes of poplar leaves

Poplar is an important afforestation and urban greening species.Poplar leaf development occurs in stages,from young to mature and then from mature to senescent;these are accompanied by various phenotypic and physiological changes.However,the associated transcriptional regulatory network is relatively unexplored.We first used principal component analysis to classify poplar leaves at different leaf positions into two stages:developmental maturity(the stage of maximum photosynthetic capacity);and the stage when photosynthetic capacity started to decline and gradually changed to senescence.The two stages were then further subdivided into five intervals by gene expression clustering analysis:young leaves,the period of cell genesis and functional differentiation(L1);young leaves,the period of development and initial formation of photosynthetic capacity(L3-L7);the period of maximum photosynthetic capacity of functional leaves(L9-L13);the period of decreasing photosynthetic capacity of functional leaves(L15-L27);and the period of senescent leaves(L29).Using a weighted co-expression gene network analysis of regulatory genes,high-resolution spatiotemporal transcriptional regulatory networks were constructed to reveal the core regulators that regulate leaf development.Spatiotemporal transcriptome data of poplar leaves revealed dynamic changes in genes and miRNAs during leaf development and identified several core regulators of leaf development,such as GRF5 and MYB5.This in-depth analysis of transcriptional regulation during leaf development provides a theoretical basis for exploring the biological basis of the transcriptional regulation of leaf development and the molecular design of breeding for delaying leaf senescence.

VG,encoding a thylakoid formation protein,regulates the formation of variegated leaves in tomato

Leaf-color mutations have been studied extensively in plants.However,to better understand the complex mechanisms underlying the formation of leaf color,it is essential to continue discover novel genes involved in the process of leaf color development.In this study,we identified a variegated-leaf(vg)mutant in tomato that exhibited defective phenotypes in thylakoids and photosynthesis.To clone the vg locus,an F2population was constructed from the cross between the vg mutant(Solanum lycopersicum)and the wild tomato LA1589(S.pimpinellifolium).Using the map-based cloning approach,the vg locus was mapped on chromosome 7 and narrowed down to a 128 kb region that contained 21 open reading frames(ORFs).The expression levels of ORF9,ORF10,and ORF13 were significantly lower in vg than in the wild-type plants,while the ORF11 transcript level was elevated in vg.We then mutagenized ORF9,ORF10,and ORF13 by the CRISPR/Cas9 system in the wild-type tomato background and found that only the ORF10 mutation reproduced the phenotype of variegated leaves,indicating that ORF10 represents VG and its down-regulated expression was responsible for the variegated leaf phenotype.ORF10 encodes a thylakoid formation protein and its mutant lines showed reduced levels of chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis.Taken together,these results suggest that VG is necessary for chloroplast development,chlorophyll synthesis,and photosynthesis in tomato.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities, Safety of Use and Spasmolytic Effects of Aqueous Decoction Extract of Diospyros mespiliformis Leaves Hochst. ex A. DC. (Ebenaceae) on the Isolated Duodenum of Rat

Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC. (Ebenaceae) is a multi-use plant, including for therapeutic purposes. It is used in alternative medicine in Burkina Faso to treat conjunctivitis, menorrhagia, dysentery, and diarrhea. The aim of our study was to evaluate the chemical profile, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, safety of use and spasmolytic effects of the aqueous decoction of Diospyros mespiliformis leaves. Phytochemical screening by HPTLC and assay of compounds of interest were carried out. Four methods were used to assess antioxidant activity. Inhibitory activity against 15-lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2 was assessed. Acute oral toxicity of the extract was tested on female mice (NMRI). Following these tests, the extract contained bioactive compounds of interest such as flavonoids, tannins, sterols, triterpenes, and saponosides. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the aqueous decoctate were 70.59 ± 3.20 mg EAT/g and 31.57 ± 0.78 mg EQ/g respectively. The extract was less active than Trolox with inhibitory concentrations of 50% (IC50) for the ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and LPO tests of 7.53 ± 0.08 μg/mL, 29.47 ± 0.06 μg/mL, 1128.83 ± 4.82 mol EAA/g, and 32.30 ± 1.60 μg/mL respectively. The extract has an anti-inflammatory effect with inhibition of phospholipase A2 compared to betamethasone. In addition, the aqueous extract produced an antispasmodic effect with Emax of 70% and 80% respectively during contractions induced by BaCl2 and ACh. Finally, this study provided basic scientific data and could justify the use of D. mespiliformis leaves in the treatment of diarrhea.