Showing papers in "Acta Biologica Hungarica in 2010"
TL;DR: Abamectin was found to pose risks of renal- and hepato-toxicity in rats, since the biochemical parameters of liver function and kidney function were severely affected, and the above-mentioned lesions were less pronounced in the case of Bacillus thuringiensis -treated rats.
Abstract: The renal- and hepato-toxicity induced by abamectin pesticide (Vertimec) and a commercial form of a bio-insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Agerin) in male albino rats were evaluated. Blood picture and blood glucose level were investigated. Male albino rats were administered dietary doses each equivalent to 1/10 or 1/100 of the LD 50 values of each toxicant for 30 consecutive days. Abamectin was found to pose risks of renal- and hepato-toxicity in rats, since the biochemical parameters of liver function (i.e. aspartate aminotransferase activity, alanine aminotransferase activity, acid phosphatase activity, albumin, and total protein levels) and kidney function (uric acid and creatinine concentration) were severely affected. These effects were verified by histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues. Likewise, some haematological indices (i.e. erythrocyte count, leukocyte count and haemoglobin concentration) were also influenced; in addition abamectin might cause hypoglycaemia. On the other ha...
53 citations
TL;DR: The results show that the effect of ELF-EMF on biological systems depends on the status of the cell: while in cells not exposed to oxidative stress it is able to decrease the number of apoptotic cells by inducing an increase in hsp levels, it increases the number in oxidative stress-induced cells.
Abstract: It is by now accepted that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields ELF-EMF (0-300 Hz) affect biological systems although the mechanism has not been elucidated yet. In this study the effect of ELFEMF on the number of apoptotic cells of K562 human leukemia cell line induced or not with oxidative stress and the correlation with heat-shock protein 70 (hsp70) levels was investigated. One sample was treated with H 2 O 2 while the other was left untreated. ELF-EMF (1 mT, 50 Hz) was applied for 3 hours. ELF-EMF alone caused a decrease in the number of apoptotic cells and a slight increase in viability. However, it increased the number of apoptotic cells. In cells treated with H 2 O 2 . hsp70 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were increased by ELF-EMF. These results show that the effect of ELF-EMF on biological systems depends on the status of the cell: while in cells not exposed to oxidative stress it is able to decrease the number of apoptotic cells by inducing an increase in hsp levels, it increases the number of apoptotic cells in oxidative stress-induced cells.
41 citations
TL;DR: The hepatocurative potential of ethanolic extract and sesquiterpene lactones enriched fraction of Taraxacum officinale roots was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in mice and results indicate that sesQuiterpenes lactones have a protective effect against acute hepatot toxicity induced by the administration of CCl 4 in mice.
Abstract: The hepatocurative potential of ethanolic extract (ETO) and sesquiterpene lactones enriched fraction (SL) of Taraxacum officinale roots was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The diagnostic markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin contents were significantly elevated, whereas significant reduction in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and enhanced hepatic lipid peroxidation, liver weight and liver protein were observed in CCl 4 induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Post-treatment with ETO and SL significantly protected the hepatotoxicity as evident from the lower levels of hepatic enzyme markers, such as serum transaminase (ALT, AST), ALP and total bilirubin. Further, significant reduction in the liver weight and liver protein in drug-treated hepatotoxic mice and also reduced oxidative stress by increasing reduced glutathione content and decreasing lipid peroxidation level has been noticed. The histopathological evaluation of the liver also revealed that ETO and SL reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by CCl 4 . The results indicate that sesquiterpene lactones have a protective effect against acute hepatotoxicity induced by the administration of CCl 4 in mice. Furthermore, observed activity of SL may be due to the synergistic action of two sesquiterpene lactones identified from enriched ethyl acetate fraction by HPLC method.
41 citations
TL;DR: The five stress genes examined in this study exhibited a unique, tissue-specific basal expression pattern and a characteristic sensitivity to metal treatments and temperature shocks.
Abstract: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) and metallothioneins (MTs) play important roles in protection against environmental stressors. The present study analyzes and compares the regulation of heat shock ( hsp70, hsc70-1 and hsp90alpha ) and metallothionein (MT-1 and MT-2) genes in the heart of common carp, in response to elevated temperature, cold shock and exposure to several heavy metal ions (As 3+ , Cd 2+ and Cu 2+ ), in whole-animal experiments. Among these metals, arsenate proved to be the most potent inducer of the examined stress genes; the hsp90alpha and MT-1 mRNA levels were elevated 11- and 10-fold, respectively, after a 24-h exposure. In contrast, Cd 2+ at 10 mg/L had no impact on the expression of hsp90alpha , and the MT genes also proved to be rather insensitive to Cd 2+ treatment in the heart: only a 2-2.5-fold induction was observed in response to 10 mg/L Cd 2+ . Heat shock resulted in a transient induction of hsp70 (19-fold) and hsp90alpha (15-fold), while elevated temperature had no effect on the expression of the MTs. Direct cold shock induced hsp70 expression (14-fold), while the hsp90alpha (26-fold) and MT-2 (2-fold) expressions peaked after the recovery period following a direct cold shock. The five stress genes examined in this study exhibited a unique, tissue-specific basal expression pattern and a characteristic sensitivity to metal treatments and temperature shocks.
28 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of maternal lead exposure on the learning and memory ability and expression of tau protein phosphorylation (P-tau) and beta amyloid protein (Aβ) in hippocampus of mice offspring were investigated.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal lead exposure on the learning and memory ability and expression of tau protein phosphorylation (P-tau) and beta amyloid protein (Aβ) in hippocampus of mice offspring. Pb exposure initiated from beginning of gestation to weaning. Pb acetate administered in drinking solutions was dissolved in distilled deionized water at the concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% groups. On the 21 th of postnatal day, the learning and memory ability of the mouse pups was tested by Water Maze test and the Pb levels in blood and hippocampus of the offspring were also determined. The expression of P-tau and Aβ in hippocampus was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The Pb levels in blood and hippocampus of all exposure groups were significantly higher than that of the control group ( P < 0.05). In Water Maze test, the performances of 0.5% and 1% groups were worse than that of the control group ( P < 0.05). The expression of P-tau and Aβ was increas...
26 citations
TL;DR: Comparison of the effects of two cyanobacterial toxins of different chemical structure cylindrospermopsin and microcystin-LR on the white mustard seedlings provides experimental evidence of developmental alterations induced by protein synthesis and protein phosphatase inhibitory cyanotoxins in a model dicotyledonous plant.
Abstract: This work focuses on the comparative analysis of the effects of two cyanobacterial toxins of different chemical structure cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and microcystin-LR (MC-LR) on the white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seedlings. Both cyanotoxins reduced significantly the fresh mass and the length of cotyledons, hypocotyls and main roots of seedlings in a concentration dependent manner. For various mustard organs the 50% inhibitory concentration values (IC50) of growth were between 3–5 μg ml−1 for MC-LR and between 5–10 μg ml−1 for CYN, respectively. Cyanotoxins altered the development of cotyledons, the accumulation of photosynthetically active pigments and anthocyanins. Low MC-LR concentrations (0.01 and 0.1 μg ml−1) stimulated anthocyanin formation in the cotyledons but higher than 1 μg ml-1 MC-LR concentrations strongly inhibited it. The CYN treated chlorotic cotyledons were violet coloured in consequence of high level of anthocyanins, while MC-LR induced chlorosis was accompanied by the appearance of necro...
26 citations
TL;DR: The results show the principal role of antioxidant enzymes in the complicated process of organogenesis with a similar pattern of changes, according to which their concentrations increased in the first stages of development and then decreased.
Abstract: Among the different concentrations of Thidiazuron (TDZ) and between the two media Gamborg (B5) and Murashige and Skoog (MS), the highest frequency of shoot formation could be seen in the MS medium with TDZ concentration of 4.54 μM. Among the different concentrations of Naphtalene acetic acid (NAA) and Benzyl adenine (BA) in the two aforementioned media, the maximum proliferation and rooting of saffron shoots were obtained in a B5 medium containing 2.22 μM NAA and 2.68 μM BA. Peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), esterase (EST) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) measurements proved that all the enzymes had a similar pattern of changes, according to which their concentrations increased in the first stages of development and then decreased. The same pattern was observed for polyphenoloxidase in a B5 medium while in the MS medium a reverse pattern was observed. The enzyme concentration decreased and then increased during shoot formation. The results show the principal role of antioxidant enzymes in the complicated process of organogenesis.
19 citations
TL;DR: Results suggest that statins combined with amphotericin B have a therapeutic potential against fungal infections caused by Zygomycetes species.
Abstract: The in vitro antifungal activity of different statins and the combinations of the two most effective ones (fluvastatin and rosuvastatin) with amphotericin B were investigated in this study on 6 fungal isolates representing 4 clinically important genera, namely Absidia, Rhizomucor, Rhizopus and Syncephalastrum . The antifungal effects of statins revealed substantial differences. The synthetic statins proved to be more effective than the fungal metabolites. All investigated strains proved to be sensitive to fluvastatin. Fluvastatin and rosuvastatin acted synergistically and additively with amphotericin B in inhibiting the fungal growth in clinically available concentration ranges. Results suggest that statins combined with amphotericin B have a therapeutic potential against fungal infections caused by Zygomycetes species.
19 citations
TL;DR: Protease isoenzyme activity gels showed significant alterations of enzyme activities under the influence of CYN, and several isoenzymes were far more active and new ones appeared in CYN-treated plants.
Abstract: The toxic effects of cylindrospermopsin (cyanobacterial toxin) on animals have been examined extensively, but little research has focused on their effects on plants. In this study cylindrospermopsin (CYN) caused alterations of growth, soluble protein content and protease enzyme activity were studied on two aquatic plants Lemna minor and Wolffia arrhiza in short-term (5 days) experiments. For the treatments we used CYN containing crude extracts of Aphanizomenon ovalisporum (BGSD-423) and purified CYN as well. The maximal inhibitory effects on fresh weight of L. minor and W. arrhiza caused by crude extract were 60% and 54%, respectively, while the maximum inhibitory effects were 30% and 43% in the case of purified CYN at 20 μg ml(-1) CYN content of culture medium. In CYN-treated plants the concentration of soluble protein showed mild increases, especially in W. arrhiza. Protease isoenzyme activity gels showed significant alterations of enzyme activities under the influence of CYN. Several isoenzymes were far more active and new ones appeared in CYN-treated plants. Treatments with cyanobacterial crude extract caused stronger effects than the purified cyanobacterial toxins used in equivalent CYN concentrations.
19 citations
TL;DR: Water deficit during leaf rolling antioxidant enzymes are induced to scavenging of ROS produced in symplast and apoplast, and the highest increase occurred in APX and GPX activities, whilst a slight increase in CAT and SOD activities was found.
Abstract: The correspondence among apoplastic and symplastic antioxidant status, stomatal conductance and water potential was investigated during leaf rolling in Ctenanthe setosa (Rosc.) Eichler (Marantaceae) under drought stress. Apoplastic and symplastic extractions of leaf and petiole were performed at different visual leaf rolling scores from 1 to 4 (1 is unrolled, 4 is tightly rolled and the others are intermediate form). In the leaf symplast, the highest changes were found in catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activities when compared to score 1 during leaf rolling. No significant change was observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities in the symplast of leaf during the rolling. The same phenomenon was also present in the symplast of petiole except APX activity. In the leaf apoplast, the highest increase occurred in APX and GPX activities, whilst a slight increase in CAT and SOD activities. In the apoplast of petiole, the highest increment was found only in GPX activity, while there were small increases in SOD, APX and CAT activities. Hydrogen peroxide content increased up to score 3 in the apoplast and symplast of leaf and petiole but then slightly decreased. Also, superoxide production increased in the leaf and petiole apoplast but its quantity in the apoplast was much more than that of the symplast. On the other hand, NAD(P)H oxidase activity increased in the leaf but no change was observed in the petiole. In conclusion, as a result of water deficit during leaf rolling antioxidant enzymes are induced to scavenging of ROS produced in symplast and apoplast.
18 citations
TL;DR: To set up a viral vector for Medicago truncatula, an infectious cDNA clone of Sunnhemp mosaic virus is prepared and two VIGS vectors differing in the promoter element to drive foreign gene expression are constructed, which were effective both in the expression and in the silencing of a transgene Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP).
Abstract: Medicago truncatula, the model plant of legumes, is well characterized, but there is only a little knowledge about it as a viral host. Viral vectors can be used for expressing foreign genes or for virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), what is a fast and powerful tool to determine gene functions in plants. Viral vectors effective on Nicotiana benthamiana have been constructed from a number of viruses, however, only few of them were effective in other plants. A Tobamovirus, Sunnhemp mosaic virus (SHMV) systemically infects Medicago truncatula without causing severe symptoms. To set up a viral vector for Medicago truncatula, we prepared an infectious cDNA clone of SHMV. We constructed two VIGS vectors differing in the promoter element to drive foreign gene expression. The vectors were effective both in the expression and in the silencing of a transgene Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and in silencing of an endogenous gene Phytoene desaturase (PDS) on N. benthamiana. Still only one of the vectors was able to successfully silence the endogenous Chlorata 42 gene in M. truncatula.
TL;DR: Increased solute accumulation associated with water retention, and steady intracellular ion homeostasis confirms the "includer" strategy of salt tolerance previously demonstrated, but salt excretion at leaf surface also participated in conferring to this species a capacity in high salinity tolerance.
Abstract: Suaeda fruticosa is a perennial “includer” halophyte devoid of glands or trichomes with a strong ability of accumulating and sequestrating Na+ and Cl-. We were interested in determining whether leaf cuticle salt excretion could be involved as a further mechanism in salt response of this species after long-term treatment with high salinity levels. Seedlings had been treated for three months with seawater (SW) diluted with tap water (0, 25, 50 and 75% SW). Leaf scanning electron microscopy revealed a convex adaxial side sculpture and a higher accumulation of saline crystals at the lamina margin, with a large variability on repartition and size between treatments. No salt gland or salt bladder was found. Three-dimensional wax decorations were the only structures found on leaf surface. Washing the leaf surface with water indicated that sodium and chloride predominated in excreted salts, and that potassium was poorly represented. Optimal growth of whole plant was recorded at 25% SW, correlating with maximum Na+ and Cl- absolute secretion rate. The leaves of plants treated with SW retained more water than those of plants treated with tap water due to lower solute potential, especially at 25% SW. Analysis of compatible solute, such as proline, total soluble carbohydrates and glycinebetaine disclosed strong relationship between glycinebetaine and osmotic potential (r = 0.92) suggesting that tissue hydration was partly maintained by glycinebetaine accumulation. Thus in S. fruticosa, increased solute accumulation associated with water retention, and steady intracellular ion homeostasis confirms the “includer” strategy of salt tolerance previously demonstrated. However, salt excretion at leaf surface also participated in conferring to this species a capacity in high salinity tolerance.
TL;DR: The haematological and blood chemistry values of yellow-legged gulls showed some differences between breeding and non-breeding individuals as well as between sexes.
Abstract: We compared the haematological and biochemical values within a population of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) in the Chafarinas Islands (Northern Africa), in non-breeding (February) and breeding (May) animals. We collected blood samples from 51 adults. We found that according to the haematological data, there was a significant variation in haemoglobin content, and a higher proportion of heterophils, thrombocytes, and Haemoproteus infection in breeding individuals with a lower level in basophils. Blood biochemistry showed a higher level in plasmatic proteins, calcium, phosphorus, thiobarbituric acidreactive substances and alkaline phosphatase as well as alanine aminotransferase activity in breeding animals while cholesterol and phospholipid levels showed a lower level. There was also a sexual difference in triglycerides, albumin, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and alkaline phosphatase activity. Hence, the haematological and blood chemistry values of yellow-legged gulls showed some differenc...
TL;DR: Changes in lysine decarboxylase activity caused by Sitobion avenae (F.) feeding on two winter triticale cultivars (cvs) showed that cv Witon was less susceptible to S. avenae than cv Tornado.
Abstract: Changes in lysine decarboxylase (LDC) activity caused by Sitobion avenae (F.) feeding on two winter triticale cultivars (cvs) were studied. The aphid fecundity and values of intrinsic rate of natural increase showed that cv Witon was less susceptible to S. avenae than cv Tornado. The grain aphid feeding on more susceptible triticale caused a decrease in the LDC activity, with exceptions of root tissues after two weeks of the feeding. In case of less susceptible cv Witon reduction of the LDC activity was observed only during initial period of S. avenae feeding. Later the aphid infestation induced activity of the LDC within tissues of cv Witon.
TL;DR: Glucose was a strong inhibitor for each fungal beta-glucosidase tested but some of them showed ethanol tolerance up to 20% (v/v).
Abstract: Extracellular β-glucosidase activity of 94 strains, representing 24 species of the genera Gilbertella, Mucor, Rhizomucor , and Rhizopus was evaluated in submerged culture and under solid state fermentation on wheat bran. Gilbertella persicaria G1 isolate showed the highest activity (70.9 U ml −1 ) followed by other Gilbertella (58.6–59.0 U ml −1 ) and Rhizomucor miehei isolates (29.2–42.0 U ml −1 ). Optimum temperature for enzyme production was 25 °C for Gilbertella and Mucor , and 30 °C for Rhizomucor and Rhizopus strains. Enzymes of R. miehei strains proved to be thermotolerant preserving up to 92.8% residual activity after heating to 75 °C in the presence of cellobiose substrate. Enzymes of Mucor racemosus f. chibinensis, R. miehei and Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus strains were activated at acidic condition (pH 4). Glucose was a strong inhibitor for each fungal β-glucosidase tested but some of them showed ethanol tolerance up to 20% (v/v). Ethanol also activated the enzyme in these strains sugg...
TL;DR: Long-term cryopreservation of U. glabra seeds in gene banks is feasible because seeds desiccated to the safe WC and stored in LN for two years had similar germination as seeds stored at -3 degrees C forTwo years.
Abstract: In order to evaluate the feasibility of cryopreservation of Wych elm ( Ulmus glabra Huds.) seeds, we evaluated the seeds sensitivity to extreme desiccation and/or the ultra-low temperature of liquid nitrogen (LN; −196 °C). We also determined the critical water content (WC) of desiccated seeds and the high-moisture freezing limit of seeds desiccated or moistened to various WCs and frozen for 24 h or up to two years in LN. Germination tests revealed no critical WC for seeds to 0.03 g H 2 O g −1 dry mass, g g −1 . Seeds tolerated freezing in LN within safe ranges of WC 0.03–0.21 g g −1 (nuts). Seeds desiccated to the safe WC and stored in LN for two years had similar germination as seeds stored at −3 °C for two years. Therefore, long-term cryopreservation of U. glabra seeds in gene banks is feasible.
TL;DR: Treatment with XA and VC ameliorated the radiation-induced decreases in antioxidant status of the animals, suggesting that XA could have beneficial effect by inhibiting oxidative damage in brain of exposed rats.
Abstract: Xylopia aethiopica (XA) (Annonaceae) possesses great nutritional and medicinal values. This study was designed to investigate the effects of XA fruit methanol extract on oxidative stress in brain of rats exposed to whole body γ-radiation (5 Gy). Vitamin C (VC) served as standard antioxidant. Forty-four rats were divided into 4 groups of 11 rats each. One group served as control, two different groups were treated with XA and VC (250 mg/kg), 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after irradiation, and fourth group was only irradiated. Rats were sacrificed 1 and 8 weeks after irradiation. The antioxidant status, viz. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and glutathione (GSH) were estimated. Results indicate a significant increase ( p < 0.05) in levels of brain LPO after irradiation. LPO increased by 90% and 151%, after 1 and 8 weeks of irradiation, respectively. Irradiation caused significant ( p < 0.05) decreases in levels of GSH and GST by 61% and 43% a...
TL;DR: TLC showed that fructans form a homologous series of increasing DP in a similar manner to fructANS in Angiosperms and belong to the inulin type, indicating the existence of a well-buffered carbohydrate pool, although changes in the ratio of fructan of different molecular weight can be detected.
Abstract: Photosynthetic responses, the non-structural carbohydrate pool and its alterations, and the acid invertase activity under different environmental conditions in the fructan synthesising Porella platyphylla and Sphagnum flexuosum are discussed. Sucrose and fructan are the major soluble carbohydrates in both species. TLC showed that fructans form a homologous series of increasing DP in a similar manner to fructans in Angiosperms and belong to the inulin type. Exogenous sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose) applied in light and dark resulted in down-regulation of photosynthetic activity, but a long period (1 week) of dark starvation did not cause a significant decrease in the photosynthetic capacity. Light and exogenous sugars increased soluble carbohydrate content due to fructan-accumulation. Dark starvation, desiccation and low temperature did not influence significantly the amount of the total soluble carbohydrates, indicating the existence of a well-buffered carbohydrate pool, although changes in the ratio of fructans of different molecular weight can be detected. Alterations in the activity of acid invertase correlated well with the changes of the amount of the main soluble carbohydrates, showing the role of the enzyme in general carbohydrate and fructan metabolism.
TL;DR: The optimal medium makes the culture of the probiotic bacterium L. rhamnosus OXY more cost effective and the predicted model carried out in bioreactor conditions confirmed the usefulness of the new medium.
Abstract: The central composite design was developed to search for an optimal medium for the growth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus OXY. The effect of various media components, such as carbon sources, simple and complex nitrogen sources, mineral agents, and growth factors (vitamins B, amino acids) was examined. The first-order model based on Plackett-Burman design showed that glucose, sodium pyruvate, meat extract and mineral salts significantly influenced the growth of the examined bacteria. The second-order polynomial regression confirmed that maximum biomass production could be achieved by the combination of glucose (12.38 g/l), sodium pyruvate (3.15 g/l), meat extract (4.08 g/l), potassium phosphate (1.46 g/l), sodium acetate (3.65 g/l) and ammonium citrate (1.46 g/l). The validation of the predicted model carried out in bioreactor conditions confirmed the usefulness of the new medium for the culture of L. rhamnosus OXY in large scale. The optimal medium makes the culture of the probiotic bacterium L. rhamnosus OXY more cost effective.
TL;DR: The mountain meadow seems to be more vulnerable to droughts, while the sandy grassland is better adapted to water shortage, because the precipitation threshold, below which the grassland turns into source of carbon dioxide on annual basis, is only 50-80 mm higher than the 10 years average precipitation sum.
Abstract: The carbon balance of the sandy pasture (Bugac) and the mountain meadow (Matra) varied between −171 and 96 gC m−2 year−1, and −194 and 14 gC m−2 year−1, respectively, during the study period (2003–2009). Large part of interannual variability of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) was explained by the variation of the annual sum of precipitation in the sandy grassland ecosystem, while this relationship was weaker in the case of the mountain meadow on heavy clay soil. These different responses are largely explained by soil texture characteristics leading to differences in soil water contents available to plants at the two grasslands. The grassland on heavy clay soil was more sensitive to temporal distribution of rainfall for the same reason. The mountain meadow therefore seems to be more vulnerable to droughts, while the sandy grassland is better adapted to water shortage. The precipitation threshold (annual sum), below which the grassland turns into source of carbon dioxide on annual basis, is only 50–80 mm higher than the 10 years average precipitation sum. In extremely dry years (2003, 2007 and 2009), even the sandy grassland ecosystem was not stable enough to maintain its sink character.
TL;DR: Observations suggest that fungi belonging to the genus Epulorhiza are more tolerant of water-stress than the other investigated genera.
Abstract: Symbionts and endophytes of Hungarian orchids were studied at diverse habitats. Mycobionts of roots and in situ germinated protocorms of 15 orchid species were identified by molecular methods. Four fungal groups could be distinguished from orchids living at diversely wet treeless habitats: Ceratobasidiaceae, Epulorhiza 1, Epulorhiza 2 and Sebacinaceae. While the groups Ceratobasidiaceae and Sebacinaceae were detected only at habitats with medium water supply, members of clade Epulorhiza occurred at all of the treeless study sites. These observations suggest that fungi belonging to the genus Epulorhiza are more tolerant of water-stress than the other investigated genera. An ascomycetous fungus from the family Pezizaceae could be identified from the roots of Orchis coriophora. Further Ascomycetes were identified at forest habitats. Tuber maculatum was detected from the roots of Epipactis helleborine and Cephalanthera damasonium, and Tuber excavatum from Epipactis microphylla.
TL;DR: The results suggest that grassland vegetation can be recovered by sowing low diversity mixtures followed up by yearly mowing, and suppression of perennial weed cover needs more frequent mowing (multiple times a year) or grazing.
Abstract: We studied the early vegetation dynamics in former croplands (sunflower and cereal fields) sown with a low-diversity seed mixture (composed of 2 native grass species) in Egyek-Pusztakocs, Hortobagy National Park, East-Hungary. The percentage cover of vascular plants was recorded in 4 permanent plots per field on 7 restored fields between 2006 and 2009. Ten aboveground biomass samples per field were also collected in June in each year. We addressed two questions: (i) How do seed sowing and annual mowing affect the species richness, biomass and cover of weeds? (ii) How fast does the cover of sown grasses develop after seed sowing? Weedy species were characteristic in the first year after sowing. In the second and third year their cover and species richness decreased. From the second year onwards the cover of perennial grasses increased. Spontaneously immigrating species characteristic to the reference grasslands were also detected with low cover scores. Short-lived weeds were suppressed as their cover and biomass significantly decreased during the study. The amount of litter and sown grass biomass increased progressively. However, perennial weed cover, especially the cover of Cirsium arvense increased substantially. Our results suggest that grassland vegetation can be recovered by sowing low diversity mixtures followed up by yearly mowing. Suppression of perennial weed cover needs more frequent mowing (multiple times a year) or grazing.
TL;DR: An efficient in vitro plant regeneration system was established for elite, recalcitrant Malaysian indica rice, Oryza sativa L. CV.
Abstract: An efficient in vitro plant regeneration system was established for elite, recalcitrant Malaysian indica rice, Oryza sativa L CV MR 219 using mature seeds as explant on Murashige and Skoog and Chu N6 media containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and kinetin either alone or in different combinations L-proline, casein hydrolysate and L-glutamine were added to callus induction media for enhancement of embryogenic callus induction The highest frequency of friable callus induction (84%) was observed in N6 medium containing 25 mg l(-1) 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, 02 mg l(-1) kinetin, 25 mg l(-1) L-proline, 300 mg l(-1) casein hydrolysate, 20 mg l(-1) L-glutamine and 30 g l(-1) sucrose under culture in continuous lighting conditions The maximum regeneration frequency (71%) was observed, when 30-day-old N6 friable calli were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 3 mg l(-1) 6-benzyl aminopurine, 1 mg l(-1) naphthalene acetic acid, 25 mg l(-1) L-proline, 300 mg l(-1) casein hydrolysate and 3% maltose Developed shoots were rooted in half strength MS medium supplemented with 2% sucrose and were successfully transplanted to soil with 95% survival This protocol may be used for other recalcitrant indica rice genotypes and to transfer desirable genes in to Malaysian indica rice cultivar MR219 for crop improvement
TL;DR: In spite of such stressful conditions, salt-treated plants maintained adequate K+, Ca²+, and Mg²+ status even under severe saline conditions, mainly due to their aptitude to selectively acquire these essential cations and efficiently use them for biomass production.
Abstract: In the present investigation, we studied uptake and management of the major cations in the xerohalophyte, Tecticornia indica (Willd.) subsp. indica as subjected to salinity. Plants were grown under greenhouse conditions at various salinity levels (0, 100, 200 and 400 mM NaCl) over 110 days. At harvest, they were separated into shoots and roots then analyzed for water contents, dry weights (DW), and Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ contents. Plants showed a growth optimum at 200 mM NaCl and much better tissue hydration under saline than non-saline conditions. At this salt concentration (200 mM NaCl), shoot Na+ content reached its highest value (7.9 mmol · g−1 DW). In spite of such stressful conditions, salt-treated plants maintained adequate K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ status even under severe saline conditions. This was mainly due to their aptitude to selectively acquire these essential cations and efficiently use them for biomass production.
TL;DR: The fibrolytic enzymes of the isolate GMLF5 were observed to be capable of hydrolyze the avicel and was found to be virtually stable at 50 degrees C, CMCase and lichenase were stable at 40 degrees C for 200 min, however amylase was found more sensitive to heat treatment.
Abstract: Extracellular and cell-associated enzyme preparations were obtained from ruminal anaerobic fungi Orpinomyces sp. GMLF5 grown in culture containing microcrystalline cellulose (avicel) as sole energy source and degradation capacities of the preparations towards several polysaccharides and glycosides were studied. Fungus showed substantial increases in xylanase, carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase), lichenase, amylase, β-xylosidase, β-glucosidase and α-L-arabinofuranosidase activities between 72 and 168 hours. High amounts of cell associated β-xylosidase were noted in 4 and 5 days old cultures. Optimum temperature and pH of the polysaccharidases were found at 50 °C and 6.0–6.5, respectively. Xylanase was found to be virtually stable at 50°C, CMCase and lichenase were stable at 40 °C for 200 min, however amylase was found more sensitive to heat treatment. The fibrolytic enzymes of the isolate GMLF5 were observed to be capable of hydrolyze the avicel.
TL;DR: It was found that Schoenus nigricans, Carex appropinquata and C. davalliana have persistent seed banks, because some of their four-year-old seeds have emerged, and these species may only have a limited role in restoration from seed banks.
Abstract: Fens are among the most threatened habitats in Europe as their area has decreased considerably in the last centuries. For successful management and restoration conservationists need detailed knowledge about seed bank formation and seed longevity of plants, as these features are closely related to successional and vegetation dynamical processes. I analysed seed longevity and the germination characteristics of six fen plant species by seed burial experiments. Based on seed weight, seed bank was expected for long-term persistent for the light-seeded Schoenus nigricans, Carex appropinquata, C. pseudocyperus, C. davalliana and Peucedanum palustre and also that for the medium-seeded Cicuta virosa. It was proved that, the latter two species have short-term persistent seed banks, while Carex pseudocyperus has a transient seed bank, therefore these species may only have a limited role in restoration from seed banks. It was found that Schoenus nigricans, Carex appropinquata and C. davalliana have persistent seed banks, because some of their four-year-old seeds have emerged. Fresh seeds had low germination rate in all studied species and majority of seeds emerged after winter, except for Carex pseudocyperus. After the germination peak in spring, the majority of the ungerminated seeds of Schoenus nigricans, Peucedanum palustre, Carex appropinquata, C. davalliana and Cicuta virosa entered a secondary dormancy phase that was broken in autumn. I found the seasonal emergence of the latter three species highly similar.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the supplementation of Se in diet had beneficial effects on hypothyroidism during a critical period of life.
Abstract: The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of selenium (Se) on hypothyroidism induced by methimazole (MMI) in lactating rats and their pups Rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as a negative control which received standard diet; group II received orally MMI (250 mg L −1 ); group II received both MMI (250 mg L −1 , orally) and Se (05 mg/kg of diet); group IV served as a positive control and received Se (05 mg Na 2 SeO 3 /kg of diet) Treatments were started from the 14th day of pregnancy until postnatal day 14 In the MMI-exposed group, the body weight of 14-day-old pups diminished compared to controls; besides, a hypertrophy of the thyroid glands was observed Co-administration of Se through the diet restored these parameters to near normal values In the MMI-treated group, thyroid iodine contents and plasma thyroid hormone levels significantly decreased, while plasma TSH levels increased in pups and their mothers These biochemical modifications correspond
TL;DR: The high polyphenol/flavonoid content in plant drug mixtures may restore the redox imbalance and contribute to the prevention of diabetic complications.
Abstract: Plant drug mixtures are widely used in the adjuvant therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus for the prevention of complications. The drug mixtures generally contribute to the efficiency of the therapy and may also reduce undesirable side effects. Two herbal extracts (lyophilized aqueous extracts of plant drug mixtures 1: Myrtilli folium, Phaseoli fructus sine seminibus and 2: Myrtilli folium, Phaseoli fructus sine seminibus, Salviae folium) were investigated in in vitro rat models. The content of bioactive constituents (polyphenol, flavonoid and vitamin C) in plant drug mixtures and lyophilized samples was evaluated. The antioxidant activity of lyophilized extracts was determined by measuring the ferric reducing ability of the plant, Fe2+ induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rat brain homogenates and NADPH (beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced form) induced LPO in cerebral microsomes. The antioxidant activity of lyophilized extracts was compared to that of quercetin and rutin. Both teas of lyophilized extracts had significant reducing ability (2694 and 2771 micromol/l) and inhibited LPO (IC50 28.0 and 20.6 microl in NADPH induced LPO, 17.3 and 8.7 microl in Fe2+ induced LPO). The high concentration of polyphenol/flavonoid (12.38-13.00 and 1.45-5.22 g/100 g, respectively) and vitamin C (0.099-0.165 g/100 g) in the herbal extracts is related to their significant antioxidant properties. The tea mixtures have significant nutritional value, since the consumption of 2 or 3 cups of tea a day covers 50% of the daily requirement of vitamin C and it is also relevant polyphenol source. The high polyphenol/flavonoid content may restore the redox imbalance and contribute to the prevention of diabetic complications.
TL;DR: The aim of the present study was to identify gene expression changes in the rapid cardiac pacing-induced delayed antiarrhythmic protection in the canine, using cDNA microarrays and quantitative real-time PCR (QRT -PCR) techniques.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to identify gene expression changes in the rapid cardiac pacing-induced delayed antiarrhythmic protection in the canine, using cDNA microarrays and quantitative real-time PCR (QRT -PCR) techniques. In all dogs under light pentobarbitone anaesthesia, a pacing electrode was introduced into the right ventricle, and then the animals were divided into three groups: (1) sham-operated and sham-paced group (SP, n = 3) (2) ischaemic control group (IC; n = 3); these were without cardiac pacing and subjected only to a 25 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), and (3) paced group (PC, n = 3); these animals were paced at a rate of 220–240 beats min−1 24 h prior to ischaemia. With cDNA chip 23 genes were found with altered expression in response to rapid cardiac pacing and 10 genes in the IC group when compared to SP dogs. These genes encode transcription factors (MEF2); members of signaling pathways (TGFβ2, PDE4D9), hormone related proteins (e.g. vasopress...