东南亚地区五加科植物进化关系的初步研究(英文)

东南亚五加科包含14个属约500种,本文应用ITS片段对该区五加科植物的进化关系作了初步研究。研究显示该地区五加科植物具有复杂的起源,很多属属于亚洲掌状复叶类群或Hedereae族的一支中。该区特有类群Harmsiopanax形态上非常特殊,但其系统位置尚未不明朗。在Brassaiopsis属中,有几种形态差异较大的种,但它们属同一单系,加之各种间ITS序列差异较小,故应是新近起源于马来亚半岛和苏门达腊岛的种类。Wardenia simplex聚类在Brassaiopsis一支中,故不支持将Wardenia作为独立的属。东南亚地区对于Schefflera属的发育非常重要,已有的证据显示该区的Schefflera属植物属于该属的Heptapleurum类群。马来亚与泰国南部的Dendropanax lancifolius并没有与Dendropanax属的核心类群聚在一起,其系统地位需进一步研究。Macropanax maingayi是非常特殊的一个种,曾被独立分出,成立了单种属Hederopsis。本文的分析清楚表明它属于Macropanax属。Aralia merrillii因为其不同寻常的攀缘特性而被独立出来,建立了单种属Acanthophora,但ITS序列分析支持将它置于Aralia属中。新增的取样继续支持Arthrophyllum的单系性。Os-moxylon的原初分布范围在东南亚,它是五加科系统进化树上孤立的类群。

Genetic transformation of cry1A(b) gene into teak

Teak (Tectona grandis) provides one of the most highly sought after timber in the world and is a widely recommended species for reforestation. As such teak is widely planted in Malaysia. Though no serious outbreaks have been recorded for teak in Malaysia, but insect attack remains the most important threat to the timber industry. Thus, in efforts to overcome the problem, an integrated pest management system needs to be developed. Spraying of commercial Bt has been a common practice in addressing minor outbreaks. However, one of the main limitations of the spraying technique is poor coverage, especially on plant surfaces. Poor coverage, however, could be overcome by planting insect resistant trees. In addition, the approach of using genetic engineering in addressing the above problem proves to be possible with the advancement made in genetic transformation of trees especially in the last decade. This, together with improved knowledge on gene function following improved DNA recombinant techniques promises the major advancement in pest management of forest species. This report demonstrates the possibility of transferring foreign gene into teak cells. In this study, nodal segments of teak were subjected to particle bombardment. Nodal segments bombarded with gold particles coated with plasmid DNA carrying hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt), β glucuronidase (gus) and cry1A(b) genes were then transferred onto medium for shoot development. The shoots were than transferred onto the same medium supplemented with 10mg/L hygromycin for selection. Selection was repeated several times with six week subculture intervals on the same Hm containing media. The presence of the transgenes in the Hmr plants was confirmed using PCR.

Bending Strength Properties of Finger Jointed Off-Cut Yellow Meranti （Shorea spp.） Wood

This study was undertaken to determine the bending strength properties of off-cut Yellow Meranti wood by applying the finger jointed techniques. The finger orientations that were used in this study are vertical and horizontal finger orientation. Specimens were bonded with PVAc （polyvinyl acetate）. The bending strength properties were determined by the three point and four point bending test method. The results show that vertical finger orientation has the higher mean of modulus of rupture and the modulus of elasticity value of 24.49 MPa （28.91 MPa） and 8,814 MPa （11,668 MPa） respectively. However, the tested specimen properties did not meet the minimum strength of the solid （control） specimens.

Assessment of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of standardized aqueous extract from leaves of Erythroxylum cuneatum in human HepG2 and WRL68 cells line

Objective:To investigate the cytotoxicity and the genotoxicity of standardized aqueous of dry leaves of Erythroxylum cuneatum(E.cuneatum)in human HepG2 and WRL68 cells.Methods:The cytoloxicity of E.cuneatum extract was evaluated by both MTS and LDH assays.Genotoxicity study on E.cuneatum extract was assessed by the single cell gel electrophoresis(comet assay).The protective effect of E.cuneatum against menadione-induced cytotoxicity was also investigated.Results:Results from this study showed that E.cuneatum extract exhibited cytotoxic activities towards the cells with IC_(50)value of(125±12)and(125±14)μg/mL for HepG2and WRL68 cells respectively,after 72 h incubation period as determined by MTS assay.LDH leakage was detected at(251±19)and(199.5±12.0)μg/mL for HepG2 and WRL68 respectively.Genotoxicity study results showed that treatment with E.cuneatum up to 1 mg/mL did not cause obvious DNA damage in WRL68 and HepG2 cells.Addition of E.cunaetum did not show significant protection towards menadione in WRL68 and HepG2 Cells.Conclusions:E.cuneatum standardized aqueous extract might be developed in onler to establish new pharmacological possibilities for its application.

Social and Ecnomic Values of Urban Forestry:Malaysian Perspective

The concept of urban forestry is not a new one for town planners and foresters in Malaysia. The difference between the concept now and in the early days is that, in the past, people associated urban forestry primarily with the planting of trees, rather than seeing it as involving the total development of a designated area. Urban forestry activity in Malaysia started way back in 1778 with the planting of Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus) trees in Malacca, followed by large-scale planting of trees in Penang in 1802. A majority of trees planted at that time were exotic species, such as Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus), rain tree (Samanea saman), and broad-leaved mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), which were meant to provide instant shade and greenery. A more holisticconcept of urban forestry, which not only encompasses simply planting trees but also involves making provisions for preserving the ecosystem, started only in the 1980s. Sincethen, the concept of urban forestry has begun to gain interestand appreciation, encouraging localsto get involved with tree-planting campaigns aspart and parcel of many urban forestry activities. Today, efforts of government agencies such as theForest Research InstituteMalaysia(FRIM), together with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)and the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur, have helped to inculcate interestin planting trees or greening the nation and to enhance appreciation of the concept of urban forestry as a whole. The importance of urban forestry from the perspective of both economic and social values is reflected not only in the prices of homes located in urban green areas but also in theamountof budget allocated formaintenance and further development of those areas. Everyoneliving in an urban area knows how important urban forestry activities are in day-to-day activities. Therefore, to help readers better understand and appreciate the needs ofan urban population, thispaper highlights not only the roles of urban green spaces butalso discusses the social and economicvalues thatMalaysiansplace on urban forestry.

Nature experience promotes preference for and willingness to coexist with wild animals among urban and suburban residents in Malaysia

Introduction:A decline in direct experience with nature can lead to disaffection of natural environments,wildlife,and public indifference towards biodiversity conservation.This study measured on affective attitude towards wildlife(i.e.,preferences for and willingness to coexist with 22 animal species)and examined the relationships between these attitudes and childhood experiences with nature.Methods:A face to face interview was carried out in rapidly urbanizing Malaysia for both urban and suburban 357 adults(age>20 years old).Results:It found that Malaysian people liked several insects and squirrels,but disliked mammals generally.Mediation analysis,with controlling sociodemographic factors(gender,age and ethnicity),showed that childhood nature experience was positively associated with preference for wild animals(standardized path coefficient=0.18;p<0.001),and the preference had a strong correlation with willingness to coexistence(standardized path coefficient=0.61;p<0.001)with the animals.Childhood nature experience,however,had limited effects on willingness to coexist with the animals via the preference,particularly for unfavourable animals.These results suggest that preference and willingness scores,even though they were significantly correlated,were different sides of affective attitudes toward animals.Conclusions:Therefore,to promote biodiversity conservation programs,we need strategies to increase acceptance of wild animals via relevant environmental education and public communication,as well as opportunities for nature activities for children.

Piper betle leaf extract enhances the cytotoxicity effect of 5-fluorouracil in inhibiting the growth of HT29 and HCT116 colon cancer cells

Objective： The combination effect of Piperbetle （PB） and 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） in enhancing the cytotoxic potential of 5-FU in inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells was investigated. Methods： HT29 and HCT116 cells were subjected to 5-FU or PB treatment. 5-FU and PB were then combined and their effects on both cell lines were observed after 24 h of treatment. PB-5-FU interaction was elucidated by isobologram analysis. Apoptosis features of the treated cells were revealed by annexin V/PI stain. High-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） was performed to exclude any possible chemical interaction between the compounds. Results： In the presence of PB extract, the cytotoxicity of 5-FU was observed at a lower dose （IC^0 12.5 pmol/L） and a shorter time （24 h） in both cell lines. Both cell lines treated with 5-FU or PB alone induced a greater apoptosis effect compared with the combination treatment. Isobologram analysis indicated that PB and 5-FU interacted synergistically and antagonistically in inhibiting the growth of HT29 and HCT116 cells, respectively. Conclusions： In the presence of PB, a lower dosage of 5-FU is required to achieve the maximum drug effect in inhibiting the growth of HT29 cells. However, PB did not significantly reduce 5-FU dosage in HCT116 cells. Our result showed that this interaction may not solely contribute to the apoptosis pathway.

Taxonomic study of Favolus and Neofavolus gen. nov. segregated from Polyporus (Basidiomycota, Polyporales)

We present a taxonomic study of‘group Favolus’and related species in Polyporus.Phylogenetic analyses of nurLSU and ITS regions revealed that the infrageneric‘group Favolus’is divided into two main clades.Fungi within the group share laterally stipitate basidiocarps,with non-crustose stipe surfaces,and are distinguishable by the morphology of the pileus surface.One clade is characterized by species with hyaline to brown cutis,composed of hyaline to brown agglutinated generative hyphae.The other clade accommodates species with radially striate pileus,and lacks any distinct cutis of agglutinated hyphae.We propose Neofavolus gen.nov.,typified by N.alveolaris,for the former clade,and revise the genus Favolus,typified by F.brasiliensis,for the latter clade.Neofavolus includes N.mikawai and N.cremeoalbidus sp.nov.,known only from temperate eastern Asia,in addition to N.alveolaris.Favolus includes members of the Polyporus grammocephalus complex,the P.tenuiculus complex,and P.pseudobetulinus.We reveal that the polypore known as‘P.grammocephalus’in Asia includes F.acervatus and F.emerici(0 P.grammocephalus),whereas‘P.tenuiculus’includes three distinct species;F.brasiliensis from tropical America,and F.spathulatus and F.roseus from tropical Asia.Detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided for the accepted species in Favolus and Neofavolus.