The Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Physico-Chemical Properties of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Derived Biodiesel

Global concerns about the environmental impact of combustion emissions from petroleum fuels influence new research to seek for alternative energy sources. The current study investigates the possibility of using safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) as an alternative biodiesel raw material. Four plant growth regulators (PGR) were used to boost the production of safflower. Thirteen treatments were constituted from the four plant regulators and applied to the safflower crop arranged in completely randomised design, repeated three times. The results show that the effect of plant growth regulators was not more than that of the control. More studies have to be channelled towards the relationship between safflower and plant growth regulators.

Comparative genomic analysis of N6-methyladenosine regulators in nine rosaceae species and functional characterization in response to drought stress in pear

N 6-methylated adenine(m6 A)is an emerging epigenetic marker in eukaryotic organisms that plays an important role in biological functions and in enriching genetic information.m6 A exerts these functions via the dynamic interplay among m6 A writers,erasers,and readers.However,little is known about the underlying mechanisms of m6 A in plant growth and stress responses.Here,we identified 276 masked m6 A regulators from nine Rosaceae species(Pyrus bretschneideri,Pyrus betulifolia,Pyrus communis,Malus domestica,Fragaria vesca,Prunus avium,Prunus mume,Prunus persica,and Rubus occidentalis).We classified and named these genes in more detail based on phylogenetic and synteny analysis.The expansion of m6 A regulators in Maloideae was dated back to the recent whole-genome duplication(WGD)in Rosaceae.Based on the expression pattern analysis and gene structure analysis of m6 A regulators,m6 A was shown to be a significant factor in regulating plant development and resistance.In addition,PbrMTA1-silenced pear plants displayed significantly reduced drought tolerance and chlorophyll content,as well as increased electrolyte leakage and concentrations of malondialdehyde and H2 O2.

Regulators of liver cancer stem cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a leading cause of cancer deaths.It is often detected at a stage when there are few therapeutic options.Liver cancer stem cells(LCSCs)are highly tumorigenic and resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.Their presence in HCC is a major reason why HCC is difficult to treat.The development of LCSCs is regulated by a variety of factors.This review summarizes recent advances on the factors that regulate the development of LCSCs.Due to the importance of LCSCs in the development of HCC,a better understanding of how LCSCs are regulated will help to improve the treatments for HCC patients.

Effects of plant growth regulators, carbon sources and pH values on callus induction in Aquilaria malaccensis leaf explants and characteristics of the resultant calli

The endangered tropical tree, Aquilaria malaccensis, produces agarwood for use in fragrance and medicines. Efforts are currently un-derway to produce valuable agarwood compoundsn tissue culture. The purpose of this study was to develop an optimal growth medium, specif-ically, the best hormone combination for callus suspension culture. Using nursery-grown A. malaccensis, sterilized leaf explants were first incu-bated on basic Murashige and Skoog （MS） gel medium containing 15g/L sucrose and at pH 5.7. Different auxin types including 1-naphthaleneacetic acid （NAA）, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid （2,4-D）, and indole-3-butyric acid （IBA）, were tested at various concentrations （0.55, 1.1 and 1.65 μM） using the basic medium. Leaf explants were incubated for 30 days in the dark. Callus induced by 1.1 μM NAA had the highest biomass dry weight （DW） of 17.3 mg;however the callus was of a compact type. This auxin concentration was then combined with either 6-benzylaminopurine （BAP） or kinetin at 0.55, 1.1, 2.2 or 3.3 μM to induce growth of friable callus. The 1.1μM NAA＋2.2μM BAP com-bination produced friable callus with the highest biomass （93.3mg DW）. When testing the different carbon sources and pHs, sucrose at 15g/L and pH at 5.7 yielded highest biomasses at 87.7mg and 83mg DW, respec-tively. Microscopic observations revealed the arrangement of the friable cells as loosely packed with relatively large cells, while for the compact callus, the cells were small and densely packed. We concluded that MS medium containing 15 g/L sucrose, 1.1 μM NAA ＋ 2.2 μM BAP hor-mone combination, and a pH of 5.7 was highly effective for inducing friable callus from leaf explants of A. malaccensis for the purpose of establishing cell suspension culture.

Effects of variety and chemical regulators on cold tolerance during maize germination

Maize growth and development is affected by low temperature(LT) especially at the early stages of development. To describe the response of different varieties to LT stress and determine an effective method to cope with LT stress, maize hybrids Zhengdan 958(ZD 958) and Danyu 39(DY 39) were planted and grown at 10 and 25°C, respectively. Effects of the chemicals potassium chloride(KCl), gibberellin(GA), 2-diethylaminoethyl-3,4-dichlorophenylether(DCPTA), and all three combined chemicals(KGD) on coping with LT stress were tested by seed priming. The varieties performed significantly different at 10°C. Compared to leaf, root growth was more severely affected by LT stress. Root/leaf ratio is likely a more reliable parameter to evaluate cold tolerance based on its close correlation with leaf malondialdehyde(MDA) content(R=–0.8). GAadvanced seed germination by about 2 days compared with control treatment of water. GAand DCPTA both resulted in lower leaf MDA content and higher leaf and root area, and root/leaf ratio. KCl resulted in the highest evenness of plant height. KGD performed the best in increasing cold tolerance of maize morphologically and physiologically. Strategies to increase maize tolerance of cold stress, such as variety breeding or chemical selection, would increase maize yield especially at high-latitude regions and have great implications for food security.

Small regulators making big impacts:regulation of neural stem cells by small non-coding RNAs

Neurodegeneration and traumatic brain injuries are leading causes of disability and present an enormous disease burden both in terms of patient suffering and healthcare cost.Treatment of brain lesions remains as a major challenge in medicine largely because of the limited regenerative capacity of the adult brain.

Prognostic Evaluation for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma:A Novel Method Based on m6A Methylation Regulators

Objective:This study aimed to examine a novel method for prognostic evaluation of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)based on the expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C(HNRNPC),YTH domain-binding protein 2(YTHDF2),and methyltransferase 14(METTL14).Methods:We obtained the RNA sequence and clinical information of OSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database.An optical method was established by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression algorithm,which was used to calculate the risk score of every sample.In addition,all samples(n=239)were classified into high-risk(n=119)and low-risk(n=120)groups,and the overall survival(OS)time and clinical characteristics were compared between groups.Moreover,bioinformatics analysis was carried out.Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the signaling pathways of HNRNPC,YTHDF2,and METTL14.Results:The two groups showed significantly different OS time,tumor grades,tumor stages,and pathologic T stages(P<0.05).The receiver operating characteristic analysis identified that our method was effective and it was more accurate than use of age,gender,tumor grade,tumor stage,pathologic T stage,and pathologic N stage in OSCC prognostic prediction.Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that HNRNPC,YTHDF2,and METTL14 were mainly associated with ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis,cell cycle,RNA degradation,and spliceosome signaling pathways.Conclusion:The method based on the expression of HNRNPC,YTHDF2,and METTL14 can predict the prognosis of patients with OSCC independently,and its prognostic value is better than that of clinicopathological characteristic indicators.

Joint Toxicity of Beauveria bassiana and Two Insect Growth Regulators on Beet Armyworm,Spodoptera exigua(Hübner)

Joint toxicity of Beauveria bassiana and two insect growth regulators, methoxyfenozide and hexaflumuron, on beet annywonn larvae, Spodoptera exigua （ Htthner）, were investigated. An obvious synergism effect of the two insect growth regulators with B. beauveria was observed. When the insect growth regulators at LC50 concentrations （25 × 10^-6 g/L for methoxyfenozide and 1 000 × 10^ -6 g/L for hexaflumuren） were mixed with B. bassiana at the volume ratio of 4： 1, the mixtures achieved the best efficacy. The co-toxicity co-efficient （CTC） of methexyfenozide and B. bass/ana was 285, and that of hexaflumuron and B. bass/ana was 208. Scanning electron microscope observation of the longitudinal section of S. exigua revealed obviously different patterns of integument in different treatment groups.

Improved germination of threatened medicinal Prunus africana for better domestication: effects of temperature, growth regulators and salts

Prunus africana is an endangered medicinal species and has been classified as a priority for domestication in Cameroon.However,the seeds rapidly lose their viability during storage at room temperature after 2–3 months.This study aimed to improve seed germination of P.africana by germinating at different temperatures(4℃,28℃)using different concentrations of growth stimulators(sodium nitrate and gibberellic acid)and different concentrations of salts.P.africana seeds had 91.7%germination at 4C after 1 month of storage.Growth regulators considerably influenced germination after 6 months and reached 66.0%with 10 mM gibberellic acid and 100%with 10 mM sodium nitrate.Approximately three shoots per seed were developed,an indication of polyembryony.Histochemical analyses revealed the presence of protein-like bodies close to the embryo axis and accumulations of starch after 7 days of germination.After 14 days,amyloplasts and dark protein bodies of various sizes were observed.The outcome of this study will contribute to improve the germination of P.africana for better domestication and conservation.

Influences of Plant Growth Regulators， Basal Media and Carbohydrate Levels on Cell Suspension Culture of Panax ginseng

A cell suspension culture of Panax ginseng which may be continuously subcultured has been established. Embryogenic callus derived from clutured young leaves was used to initiate the culture.Plant growth regulators, basal medium formula and carbohydrate levels were examined to determine their various effects on suspension culture cell growth and development. The best selection of plant growth regulator, hasal medium and carbohydrate level is 2 mg / L 2,4-D: 0.5 mg / L KT,MS and 3% sucrose respectively.

Influencing in vitro clonal propagation of Chonemorpha fragrans(moon) Alston by culture media strength,plant growth regulators,carbon source and photo periodic incubation

Chonemorpha fragrans is an endangered medicinal woody climber,regarded among alternative plant sources of camptothecin.Camptothecin is a monoterpene indole anti-cancer alkaloid with annual trade value of over three billion U.S.dollars in the recent,and is used in the production of its analog drugs approved for the chemotherapy of cancer of varied types.Effects of plant growth regulators,culture media strength and photoperi-odic duration on the micropropagation ef ciency of C.fragrans from nodal segment explants were studied on Murashige and Skoog(MS)medium amended with Thidiazuron(TDZ),Benzylaminopurine(BAP)or Kinetin(Kin).Thidiazuron was more ef cient over BAP and Kin when half basal MS medium was used over full or quarter strength.Results of carbon source experiment showed sucrose as the most effective over glucose,fructose,and maltose in the clonal production.Studies on the photope-riodic incubation duration showed 12 h as the best light period and sub or supra-optimal resulted in the production of abnormal and albino micro shoots.Experimental results on the evaluation of physiological,biochemical parameters showed the role of pigment molecules and antioxidant systems in the production of albino micro shoots.

Effects of Growth Regulators on Biomass and the Production of Secondary Metabolites in Peppermint (<i>Mentha pi-perita</i>) Micropropagated <i>in Vitro</i>

The effects of plant growth regulators on peppermint (Mentha piperita) cultured in vitro were studied for the purpose of maximizing growth and essential oil production in micropropagated plants. The basal medium was experimentally supplemented with the auxin 4-indol-3-ylbutyric acid (IBA) and the cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) individually and in combination. Supplementation with BAP alone resulted in the highest values for root length, root dry weight, shoot length, and numbers of nodes, leaves, and ramifications. Treatment with IBA alone or with IBA + BAP resulted in a ~50% increase in shoot fresh weight. The production of secondary metabolites was affected only by the addition of cytokinin, which resulted in a ~40% increase in the total yield of essential oils (EOs). Similar trends were observed for yields of the major EO components (menthone, menthol, pulegone, and menthofuran). Our findings demonstrate that the application of growth regulators increases EO production and biomass concomitantly in an herbaceous species rich in commercially valuable terpenes.

Effect of Growth Regulators on Seed Germination and Its Significance in the Management of <i>Aeginetia indica</i>L. —A Root Holoparasite

Seed germination in root holoparasites depends on receipt of certain chemical signals from the host plant. It is possible to induce germination in such seeds without the association of hosts by using growth regulators under in vivo and in vitro conditions. IAA, GA3 and Kinetin have been used to induce seed germination in Aeginetia indica L. to analyse the possible ways of exploiting knowledge of germination for the management of this weed. Seeds pre treated with 50 mg·L–1 of GA3 showed the production of aseptate, uninucleate root hair-like tubules, which probably help in the anchorage with host root. Under in vitro, GA3 (5.0 and 7.5 mg·L–1) has been found to induce and enhance percentage of seed germination. Therefore, it is concluded that GA3 could be used to bring suicidal germination of seeds thereby manage this parasitic weed effectively. Further production of uninucleate tubules and organisation of conventional bi-polar seedling under the influence of GA3 is being reported for the first time in this taxon.

Effects of Various Growth Regulators on in Vitro Rootingof Globe Artichoke （Cynara scolymus L.）

Since micropropagation is useful tool to get healthy initial material, main target of many researches on this subject is todevelop and/or optimize an efficient protocol for artichoke cultivars. In this study, influences of different doses of growth regulatorsindole-3-butyric acid （IBA）, naphthalene acetic acid （NAA）, gibberellin （GA3） in combination with/without activated charcoal （AC）,putrescine acid and jasmonic acid, added to Murashige and Skoog （MS） basal medium have been investigated on the rooting of globeartichoke （Cynara scolymus L.）. Artichoke offshoots from 4-year-old mother plants of globe artichoke cultivars Sakiz andBayrampasa were used. Results showed that the highest rooting percentage 63.35% and 36.6% was obtained in Sakiz andBayrampasa, respectively, from the 5 mg/L GA3 with 1 g/L AC added to MS medium.

Targeting transcriptional regulators to regenerate midbrain dopaminergic axons in Parkinson's disease

Introduction： Parkinson＇s disease （PD） is a chronic, age-re- lated neurodegenerative disorder that affects 1-2% of the population over the age of 65. PD is characterised by the progressive degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic （DA） neurons. This leads to disabling motor symptoms, due to the striatal DA denervation. Despite decades of research, there is still no therapy that can slow, stop or regenerate the dying midbrain DA neurons in PD.

Bio-efficacy and persistence evaluation of Dimilin^®GR-2% and Mosquiron^®10 EC insect growth regulators against <i>Anopheles gambiae</i>s.l (diptera: Culicidae) larvae

Expansive chemical-based vector control has resulted in development of vector resistance to different insecticides harnessed for prevention of disease transmission in public health. The environmentally safe insect growth regulators and microbial larvicides provide potential tools for insecticide resistance management. The efficacy and persistence of Dimilin GR-2% and Mosquiron 10 EC insect growth regulators were evaluated against Anopheles gambiae s.l larvae under laboratory and simulated field conditions. In laboratory bio-efficacy trials, complete emergence inhibition was achieved at higher concentrations with 96 hours post exposure of mosquito aquatic stages to the two larvicides. In simulation field trials, persistence of both larvicides at higher concentrations increased gradually with complete inhibition attained at 7 days and maintained up to 21 days. In the quest of deploying non insecticide based interventions for a sustainable environment, insect growth regulators can be recommended for operational scale larviciding for mosquito larval control in the context of integrated vector management.

Bifidobacteria Upregulate Expression of Toll-Like Receptor Negative Regulators Counteracting Enterotoxigenic <i>Escherichia coli</i>Mediated Inflammation in Bovine Intestinal Epitheliocytes

We previously established a bovine intestinal epithelial cell line (BIE cells) and showed that BIE cells are useful in vitro model system for the study of interactions between pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms and bovine intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). In the present study, we aimed to select potential immunomodulatory bifidobacteria that may be used to beneficially modulate the inflammatory response in bovine IECs. We also aimed to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of bifidobacteria by evaluating the role of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR negative regulators in the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines production and MAPK, NF-κB and PI3K pathways activation in BIE cells. Five bifidobacteria strains were evaluated in this study and according to their capacity to modulate the inflammatory response of BIE cells. Despite the unique effect of each strain, four common points were found when comparing the effect of the high and moderate anti-inflammatory strains: 1) Upregulation of TLR negative regulators and the intensity of that upregulation was related to the different immunomodulatory capacity of each bifidobacteria strain;2) The balance between MAPK activation and MKP-1 upregulation affected the anti-inflammatory effect of bifidobacteria in BIE cells;3) The inhibition of PI3K pathway was related to the anti-inflammatory effect of bifidobacteria;4) The immunoregulatory effect of bifidobacteria in BIE cells is partially dependent on TLR2. This study shows that BIE cells can be used for the selection of immunoregulatory bifidobacteria and for studying the mechanisms involved in the protective activity of immunobiotics against TLR4-induced inflammatory damage. In addition, we have demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory effect of bifidobacteria was achieved by a complex interaction of multiple TLRs negative regulators as well as the inhibition/activation of multiple signaling pathways.

Development of Pre-Broken Sugar Cane Submitted to Treatments with Fertilizer and Vegetable Regulators

The objective of this work was to evaluate the development of pre-budded sugarcane seedlings from buds submitted to treatments with fertilizer and plant regulators. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with six replicates. The treatments of the yolks were carried out in the concentration of 1% of volume with the following products: Witness—without treatment of the gems;Kinetin 0.009% + Gibberellic acid 0.005% + 4-Indole-3-butyric acid 0.005% (Stimulate&#174;);Seaweed Extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) and Potassium Hydroxide—3.5% K2O (ExpertGrow&#174;) and ethephon 72% (Ethrel&#174;) + pH Reducer (Kill&#174;). The percentage of shoot buds, number of tillers, number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter, shoot dry mass, root and total were evaluated. The control, as well as Stimulate&#174;and Ethrel&#174;provided higher sprouting percentages. Ethrel&#174;was the product that promoted the highest number of tillers and leaves. The leaf area did not change due to the use of the products or not. The dry mass of both shoot, root and total leaves showed no significant weight changes among the evaluated treatments. It is concluded that the use of ExpertGrow&#174;is not recommended for treatment of pre-sprouted sugarcane seedlings because it provided fewer shoots at 28 days after planting of the yolk and that Ethrel&#174;is recommended because it provided a larger number of the buds evaluated.

Analysis and Design Aspects of a Series Power Semiconductor Array with Digital Waveform Control Capability for Single Phase AC Voltage Regulators and Other Applications

A series connected power semiconductor array, with digital control capability could be used for developing single phase AC regulators or other applications such as AC electronic loads. This technique together with an ordinary gapless transformer could be used to develop a low cost AC voltage regulator (AVR) to provide better or comparable specifications with bulky ferro-resonant AVR types. One primary advantage of the technique is that digital control can be used to minimize harmonics. Commencing with a review of AC voltage regulator techniques for single phase power conditioning systems, an analysis and design aspects of this technique is presented with experimental results for AVRs. Guidelines on how to utilize the technique in a generalized basis is also summarized together with a summary of a technique for achieving harmonic control.

On the Biological Regulators of Bloodsucking Blackflies(Diptear:Simuliidae)of Mixed Forests of Belorussian and Ukrainian Woodlands

This article considers the natural regulators of blood-sucking Simuliidae subzone of mixed forests on the territory of Belarus and Ukraine.In the mixed forests,the major regulators of preimaginal phases of bloodsucking blackflies are microsporidia(Polidyspirenia simulii,Polidyspirenia sp.,Thelohania fibrata,Amblyospora bracteata,A.varians),fungi and mermithides(Gastromermis boophthorae).Caddisfly larvae(Hydropsyche angustipennis,Neureclipsis bimaculata,Polycentropus flavomaculatus,Cyrnus flavidus,Oligostomis reticulata,Brachycentrus subnubilus and Rhyacophila nubila)and fishes(Scardinius erythrophthalmus,Rutilus rutilus,Carassius carassius,Gobio gobio)significantly reduce the number of blackflies larvae and pupae.Adult blackflies are eaten by spiders(Araneus diadematus)dragonflies,robberflies,wasps,frogs(Rana temporaria and Rana terrestris),and insectivorous birds(Delichon urbicum,Hirundo rustica,Apus apus).Bactolarvicid and BLP-2477 are among the most effective biological products.