Optimized biotransformation of acid-treated water melon peel hydrolyzate into ethanol / Biotransformação otimizada de hidrolisado de casca de melancia tratada com ácido em etanol

Today, global focus of research is to explore the solution of energy crisis and environmental pollution. Like other agricultural countries, bulk quantities of watermelon peels (WMP) are disposed-off in environment as waste in Pakistan and appropriate management of this waste is the need of hour to save environment from pollution. The work emphasizes the role of ethanologenic yeasts to utilize significant sugars present in WMP for low-cost bioethanol fermentation. Dilute hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of WMP was carried out on optimized conditions employing RSM (response surface methodology) following central composite design (CCD). This experimental design is based on optimization of ethanologenesis involving some key independent parameters such as WMP hydrolysate and synthetic media ratio (X1), incubation temperature (X2) and incubation temperature (X3) for maximal ethanol yield exploiting standard (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) as well as experimental (Metchnikowia cibodasensisY34) yeasts. The results revealed that maximal ethanol yields obtained from S. cerevisiae K7 was 0.36±0.02 g/g of reducing sugars whereas M. cibodasensisY34, yielded 0.40±0.01 g ethanol/g of reducing sugars. The yeast isolate M. cibodasensisY34 appeared as promising ethanologen and embodies prospective potential for fermentative valorization of WMP-to-bioethanol.

Hoje, o foco global da pesquisa é explorar a solução da crise energética e da poluição ambiental. Como em outros países agrícolas, grandes quantidades de cascas de melancia (WMP) são descartadas como resíduos no meio ambiente no Paquistão, mas a gestão adequada desses resíduos é a mais recente solução para salvar o meio ambiente da poluição. O trabalho enfatiza o papel das leveduras etanologênicas para utilizar açúcares significativos presentes no WMP para fermentação de bioetanol de baixo custo. A hidrólise de ácido clorídrico diluído de WMP foi realizada em condições otimizadas empregando RSM (metodologia de superfície de resposta) e seguindo o projeto de composto central (CCD). Este projeto experimental é baseado na otimização da etanologenesis envolvendo alguns parâmetros independentes importantes, como hidrolisado de WMP e razão de meio sintético (X1), temperatura de incubação (X2) e temperatura de incubação (X3) para rendimento máximo de etanol explorando o padrão (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) também como leveduras experimentais (Metchnikowia cibodasensis Y34). Os resultados revelaram que os rendimentos máximos de etanol obtidos a partir de S. cerevisiae K7 foi de 0,36 ± 0,02 g / g de açúcares redutores, enquanto M. cibodasensis Y34 rendeu 0,40 ± 0,01 g de etanol / g de açúcares redutores. O isolado de levedura M. cibodasensis Y34 apareceu como um etanologeno promissor e incorpora um potencial prospectivo para a valorização fermentativa de WMP em bioetanol.

Optimized biotransformation of acid-treated water melon peel hydrolyzate into ethanol

Abstract Today, global focus of research is to explore the solution of energy crisis and environmental pollution. Like other agricultural countries, bulk quantities of watermelon peels (WMP) are disposed-off in environment as waste in Pakistan and appropriate management of this waste is the need of hour to save environment from pollution. The work emphasizes the role of ethanologenic yeasts to utilize significant sugars present in WMP for low-cost bioethanol fermentation. Dilute hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of WMP was carried out on optimized conditions employing RSM (response surface methodology) following central composite design (CCD). This experimental design is based on optimization of ethanologenesis involving some key independent parameters such as WMP hydrolysate and synthetic media ratio (X1), incubation temperature (X2) and incubation temperature (X3) for maximal ethanol yield exploiting standard (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) as well as experimental (Metchnikowia cibodasensisY34) yeasts. The results revealed that maximal ethanol yields obtained from S. cerevisiae K7 was 0.36±0.02 g/g of reducing sugars whereas M. cibodasensisY34, yielded 0.40±0.01 g ethanol/g of reducing sugars. The yeast isolate M. cibodasensisY34 appeared as promising ethanologen and embodies prospective potential for fermentative valorization of WMP-to-bioethanol.

Resumo Hoje, o foco global da pesquisa é explorar a solução da crise energética e da poluição ambiental. Como em outros países agrícolas, grandes quantidades de cascas de melancia (WMP) são descartadas como resíduos no meio ambiente no Paquistão, mas a gestão adequada desses resíduos é a mais recente solução para salvar o meio ambiente da poluição. O trabalho enfatiza o papel das leveduras etanologênicas para utilizar açúcares significativos presentes no WMP para fermentação de bioetanol de baixo custo. A hidrólise de ácido clorídrico diluído de WMP foi realizada em condições otimizadas empregando RSM (metodologia de superfície de resposta) e seguindo o projeto de composto central (CCD). Este projeto experimental é baseado na otimização da etanologenesis envolvendo alguns parâmetros independentes importantes, como hidrolisado de WMP e razão de meio sintético (X1), temperatura de incubação (X2) e temperatura de incubação (X3) para rendimento máximo de etanol explorando o padrão (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) também como leveduras experimentais (Metchnikowia cibodasensis Y34). Os resultados revelaram que os rendimentos máximos de etanol obtidos a partir de S. cerevisiae K7 foi de 0,36 ± 0,02 g / g de açúcares redutores, enquanto M. cibodasensis Y34 rendeu 0,40 ± 0,01 g de etanol / g de açúcares redutores. O isolado de levedura M. cibodasensis Y34 apareceu como um etanologeno promissor e incorpora um potencial prospectivo para a valorização fermentativa de WMP em bioetanol.

Optimized biotransformation of acid-treated water melon peel hydrolyzate into ethanol / Biotransformação otimizada de hidrolisado de casca de melancia tratada com ácido em etanol

Abstract Today, global focus of research is to explore the solution of energy crisis and environmental pollution. Like other agricultural countries, bulk quantities of watermelon peels (WMP) are disposed-off in environment as waste in Pakistan and appropriate management of this waste is the need of hour to save environment from pollution. The work emphasizes the role of ethanologenic yeasts to utilize significant sugars present in WMP for low-cost bioethanol fermentation. Dilute hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of WMP was carried out on optimized conditions employing RSM (response surface methodology) following central composite design (CCD). This experimental design is based on optimization of ethanologenesis involving some key independent parameters such as WMP hydrolysate and synthetic media ratio (X1), incubation temperature (X2) and incubation temperature (X3) for maximal ethanol yield exploiting standard (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) as well as experimental (Metchnikowia cibodasensisY34) yeasts. The results revealed that maximal ethanol yields obtained from S. cerevisiae K7 was 0.36±0.02 g/g of reducing sugars whereas M. cibodasensisY34, yielded 0.40±0.01 g ethanol/g of reducing sugars. The yeast isolate M. cibodasensisY34 appeared as promising ethanologen and embodies prospective potential for fermentative valorization of WMP-to-bioethanol.

Resumo Hoje, o foco global da pesquisa é explorar a solução da crise energética e da poluição ambiental. Como em outros países agrícolas, grandes quantidades de cascas de melancia (WMP) são descartadas como resíduos no meio ambiente no Paquistão, mas a gestão adequada desses resíduos é a mais recente solução para salvar o meio ambiente da poluição. O trabalho enfatiza o papel das leveduras etanologênicas para utilizar açúcares significativos presentes no WMP para fermentação de bioetanol de baixo custo. A hidrólise de ácido clorídrico diluído de WMP foi realizada em condições otimizadas empregando RSM (metodologia de superfície de resposta) e seguindo o projeto de composto central (CCD). Este projeto experimental é baseado na otimização da etanologenesis envolvendo alguns parâmetros independentes importantes, como hidrolisado de WMP e razão de meio sintético (X1), temperatura de incubação (X2) e temperatura de incubação (X3) para rendimento máximo de etanol explorando o padrão (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) também como leveduras experimentais (Metchnikowia cibodasensis Y34). Os resultados revelaram que os rendimentos máximos de etanol obtidos a partir de S. cerevisiae K7 foi de 0,36 ± 0,02 g / g de açúcares redutores, enquanto M. cibodasensis Y34 rendeu 0,40 ± 0,01 g de etanol / g de açúcares redutores. O isolado de levedura M. cibodasensis Y34 apareceu como um etanologeno promissor e incorpora um potencial prospectivo para a valorização fermentativa de WMP em bioetanol.

Why does ingestion of watermelon trigger headache attacks in patients with migraine? / Por que a ingestão de melancia desencadeia crises de dor de cabeça em pacientes com enxaqueca?

Several triggers can trigger a migraine attack, including food. By the way, food only triggers headache in migraine sufferers. The foods that most trigger headache attacks are these: cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits and some sweet fruits, such as watermelon.

Vários gatilhos podem desencadear uma crise de enxaqueca, incluindo alimentos. Aliás, a comida só provoca dor de cabeça em quem sofre de enxaqueca. Os alimentos que mais desencadeiam as crises de dor de cabeça são estes: queijo, chocolate, frutas cítricas e algumas frutas doces, como a melancia.

Effect of Novel Watermelon Mouthwash on Oral Micro Flora in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment undergo various changes in their oral microbiological profile, which are attributed to the accumulation of plaque and calculus around various orthodontic attachments. Plaque and calculus are primarily composed of various salivary mineral particles and bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans. These changes in the oral cavity will result in the formation of white spot lesions around the bracket surface. The aim of this research was to study the antibacterial effect of watermelon mouthwash on Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans. MethodsThis is an in-vitro study to determine the antibacterial activity of watermelon mouth wash against Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans. Fresh cut watermelon is used to prepare the watermelon mouth wash. The extract of watermelon is concentrated by boiling and mixed with various additives to prepare the mouthwash. The antibiotic sensitivity is studied using well diffusion methods in culture plates under three different concentrations [50%, 100% and 150%]. After an incubation period of 24 hours, antibiotic sensitivity is studied by measuring the area of inhibition. ResultsArea of inhibition was seen in all three different concentrations against both Lactobacillus [50 % - 20 mm, 100 % - 23 mm and 150 % - 29 mm] and Streptococcus mutans [50 % - 10 mm, 100 % - 15 mm and 150 % - 18 mm]. ConclusionsThe antibacterial effect of the novel watermelon mouthwash showed that there was significant activity of the mouthwash against Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans. The antibacterial activity was more significant against Lactobacillus than Streptococcus mutans. To support the in vitro results, planned clinical trials will be conducted to study the effect of the watermelon mouth wash against oral microflora in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Organic matter and moringa leaf extract's effects on the physiology and fruit quality of red seedless watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) / Efeitos da matéria orgânica e do extrato da folha de moringa sobre a fisiologia e qualidade do fruto da melancia vermelha sem sementes ( Citrullus lanatus )

This study was designed to assess the effects of different types of organic matter on the quality and biochemical properties of red seedlesswatermelon.The research was a single factor experiment, which involved six (6) treatments and four (4) replications. Watermelon grown and harvested from five (5) different organic matter sources, namely; vermicompost (VC), poultry manure (PM), cow dung (CD), goatdung (GD), and moringa leaf extract (MLE), at the rates of 10 ton, 20 ton, 30 ton, 30 ton, and 3000 L ha-1, respectively, were used in this study. The results revealed that the treatment of vermicompost improved the chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, stomatal conductance, internal carbon dioxide, net photosynthetic rate, fruit weight and mineral nutrient content of watermelon. The application of cow dung reduced the rind thickness and increased the TSS and antioxidant activity of the watermelon. The goat dung treatment significantly affected fruit size, juice content and the pH content of the watermelon's fruit juice. The poultry manure (PM) and moringa extract (MLE) treatments resulted in the highest anthocyanin content of all the watermelon. Although all the organic matter, in their unique ways, improved the quality of red seedless watermelon, the study shows that the vermicompost application had better growth, yield and improvement in the quality of watermelon.

Este estudo foi desenhado para avaliar os efeitos de diferentes tipos de matéria orgânica sobre a qualidade e propriedades bioquímicas da melancia vermelha sem sementes. A pesquisa foi um experimento de fator único, que envolveu seis (6) tratamentos e quatro (4) repetições. Melancia cultivada e colhida de cinco (5) diferentes fontes de matéria orgânica, nomeadamente; vermicomposto (VC), esterco de galinha (PM), estrume de vaca (CD), esterco de cabra (GD) e extrato de folhas de moringa (MLE), nas doses de 10 ton, 20 ton, 30 ton, 30 ton e 3000 L ha-1, respectivamente, foram utilizados neste estudo. Os resultados revelaram que o tratamento do vermicomposto melhorou o teor de clorofila, a fluorescência da clorofila, a condutância estomática, o dióxido de carbono interno, a taxa fotossintética líquida, o peso do fruto e o teor de nutrientes minerais da melancia. A aplicação de esterco bovino reduziu a espessura da casca e aumentou o TSS e a atividade antioxidante da melancia. O tratamento com esterco de cabra afetou significativamente o tamanho do fruto, o teor de suco e o teor de pH do suco de fruta da melancia. Os tratamentos com esterco de galinha (PM) e extrato de moringa (MLE) resultaram no maior teor de antocianina de todas as melancias. Apesar de toda a matéria orgânica, em seus meios únicos, melhorar a qualidade da melancia vermelha sem sementes, o estudo mostra que a aplicação do vermicomposto apresentou melhor crescimento, rendimento e melhora na qualidade da melancia.

Effect of Watermelon Rind (Citrullus lanatus) Addition on the Functional, Pasting and Microbiological Quality of Sorghum Based Mumu

The effect of watermelon rind powder addition on the functional, pasting and microbiological quality of Sorghum based mumu was evaluated. Sorghum-based mumu was prepared from composite flours of 85:15, 75:15, 70:15 and 65:15% roasted sorghum flour and roasted partially defatted groundnut flour respectively and included with 0, 10, 15 and 20% watermelon rind powder respectively which were known as sample A, B, C and D accordingly. Subsequently, the functional, pasting properties and microbial quality was assessed. Functional properties values; Bulk density (0.89 to 0.80mg/100g), reconstitution index (4.99 to 4.89) and swelling index (2.35 to 2.20) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increase in watermelon powder addition while water absorption (10.36 to 10.97g/g), oil absorption (10.33 to 10.79) and foam capacities (12.46 to 13.85%) increased with increase in watermelon rind powder. The pasting properties; peak (302.22 to 292.44 RVU), trough (156.44 to 150.00 RVU) and Final viscosities (412.69 to 400.76RVU), and breakdown (149.95 to 140.59RVU) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increased in watermelon rind powder while setback viscosity (101.05 to 115.59RVU), pasting temperature (59.32 to 62.02oC) and pasting time (4.93 to 5.13mins) increased. Microbial analysis revealed the following ranges: Total viable count, 0.5x102 to1.0x102 cfu/g, fungi count of 6.1x101- 9.9x101 cfu/g and no coliform was detected. Overall, addition of watermelon rind powder showed good functional, pasting and microbiological qualities of sorghum based mumu.

Chemical Composition, Nutritional Values and Antibacterial Activities of Watermelon Seed (Citrullus lanatus)

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as the sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness. Plants are traditionally used for treatment of bacterial infections. The aim of this study was to investigate chemical composition, nutritional evaluation and antibacterial activities of watermelon seeds. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of watermelon indicated that alkaloids were moderately present, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols were allpresent. The quantitative analysis of watermelon indicated 3.080mg/g for alkaloids, 0.304mg/g for phenols, 0.117mg/g for tannins, 0.200mg/g for saponins and 2.675mg/g for flavonoids. The vitamin composition of watermelon seeds indicated 0.03mg/100g for vitaminB1, 0.01 vitaminB2, 0.64 mg/100g for vitaminB3, 0.24mg /100g vitaminB6and 0.01 for vitaminB12.The bioactivities of extract were tested, against Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Necropsobacter rosorum, Tsukamurella hongkongensis, Lactobacillus sp, Staphylococcus petrasii, Neisseria sicca, Dietzi amaris, Pseudomonas oryzyhabitans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Advenella incenata, Neiserria subflava and Serriatia marcescens. Researchers are advised to turn their attention towards plants products, which is most promising area in search of new biologically activity compounds with better activity against multi drug resistant strains and reduced antibiotic related side effects

Biogenic synthesis of gold nanoparticles from waste watermelon and their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis

Background: Globally, large quantities (tonnes) of diverse sources of food wastes derived from horticulture are produced and offer a valuable renewable source of biochemical compounds. Developing new recycling and food waste utilisation strategies creates unique opportunities for producing gold (Au) nanoparticles with desirable antibacterial properties. The present study used an eco-friendly procedure for biologically synthesizing gold (Au) nanoparticle shapes from waste Citrullis lanatus var (watermelon).Methods: The green chemistry-based procedure used in this study was straightforward and used both red and green parts of waste watermelon. The generated Au nanoparticles were subsequently evaluated using several advanced characterization techniques. The antibacterial properties of the various extracts and synthesised nanoparticles were evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer sensitivity method.Results: The advanced characterization techniques revealed the Au particles ranged in size from nano (100 nm) up micron (2.5 µm) and had a variety of shapes. The red watermelon extract tended to produce spheres and hexagonal plates, while the green watermelon extract tended to generate triangular shaped nanoparticles. Both red and green watermelon extracts produced nanoparticles with similar antibacterial properties. The most favourable response was achieved using a 5:1 green watermelon-based mixture for Staphylococcus epidermidis, which produced a maximum inhibition zone of 12 mm. While gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli produced a maximum inhibition zone of 10 mm for the same mixture.Conclusions: The study has shown both red and green parts of waste watermelon can be used to produce Au nanoparticles with antibacterial activity towards both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The study has also demonstrated an alternative method for producing high-value Au nanoparticles with potential pharmaceutical applications.

Screening and analysis on the differentially expression genes between diploid and autotetraploid watermelon by using of digital gene expression profile / Triagem e análise da expressão diferencial dos genes entre melancia diplóide e autotetraplóide através do perfil de expressão gênica digital

Abstract Synthetic polyploids are key breeding materials for watermelon. Compared with diploid watermelon, the tetraploid watermelon often exhibit wide phenotypic differences and differential gene expression. Digital gene expression (DGE) profile technique was performed in this study to present gene expression patterns in an autotetraploid and its progenitor diploid watermelon, and deferentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the abiotic and biotic stress were also addressed. Altogether, 4,985 DEGs were obtained in the autotetraploid against its progenitor diploid, and 66.02% DEGs is up-regulated. GO analysis shows that these DEGs mainly distributed in 'metabolic process', 'cell' and 'catalytic activity'. KEGG analysis revealed that these DEGs mainly cover 'metabolic pathways', 'secondary metabolites' and 'ribosome'. Moreover, 134 tolerance related DEGs were identified which cover osmotic adjustment substance, protective enzymes/protein, signaling proteins and pathogenesis-related proteins. This study present the differential expression of stress related genes and global gene expression patterns at background level in autotetraploid watermelons. These new evidences could supplement the molecular theoretical basis for the better resistance after the genome doubling in the gourd family.

Resumo Poliploides sintéticos são materias fundamentais para melhoramento genético da melancia. Comparativamente ao seu homólogo diploide, a melancia tetraploide apresenta amplas diferenças genotípica e fenotípica e diferença de expressão gênica. A expressão gênica digital ou DGE (digital gene expression) foi utilizada neste estudo para representar o perfil de expressão gênica da melancia autotetraploide e seu progenitor diploide e a expressão diferencial de genes relacionados ao estresse biótico e abiótico. Os resultados mostraram que 4.985 DEGs foram observados no organismo autotetraploide, sendo que, deste total, 66.02%foram supra-regulados. A análise de ontologia gênica (GO) mostrou que estes DEGs estão relacionados principalmente com processos metabólicas, célula e atividade catalítica, abrangendo de acordo com a análise de genes e genoma (KEGG) rotas metabólicas, metabolismo secundário e ribossomos. Além disso, 134 genes de defesa foram identificados, abrangendo substâncias de ajuste osmótico, enzimas/proteínas de proteção, proteínas sinalizadoras e proteínas relacionadas à patogênese. Este estudo mostrou a expressão diferencial de genes relacionados ao estresse e o perfil global de expressão gênica de melancia autotetraploide, estes resultados podem complementar, a nível molecular, o entendimento do fator resistência após a duplicação do genoma em cucurbitáceas.

Screening and analysis on the differentially expression genes between diploid and autotetraploid watermelon by using of digital gene expression profile

Abstract Synthetic polyploids are key breeding materials for watermelon. Compared with diploid watermelon, the tetraploid watermelon often exhibit wide phenotypic differences and differential gene expression. Digital gene expression (DGE) profile technique was performed in this study to present gene expression patterns in an autotetraploid and its progenitor diploid watermelon, and deferentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the abiotic and biotic stress were also addressed. Altogether, 4,985 DEGs were obtained in the autotetraploid against its progenitor diploid, and 66.02% DEGs is up-regulated. GO analysis shows that these DEGs mainly distributed in metabolic process, cell and catalytic activity. KEGG analysis revealed that these DEGs mainly cover metabolic pathways, secondary metabolites and ribosome. Moreover, 134 tolerance related DEGs were identified which cover osmotic adjustment substance, protective enzymes/protein, signaling proteins and pathogenesis-related proteins. This study present the differential expression of stress related genes and global gene expression patterns at background level in autotetraploid watermelons. These new evidences could supplement the molecular theoretical basis for the better resistance after the genome doubling in the gourd family.

Resumo Poliploides sintéticos são materias fundamentais para melhoramento genético da melancia. Comparativamente ao seu homólogo diploide, a melancia tetraploide apresenta amplas diferenças genotípica e fenotípica e diferença de expressão gênica. A expressão gênica digital ou DGE (digital gene expression) foi utilizada neste estudo para representar o perfil de expressão gênica da melancia autotetraploide e seu progenitor diploide e a expressão diferencial de genes relacionados ao estresse biótico e abiótico. Os resultados mostraram que 4.985 DEGs foram observados no organismo autotetraploide, sendo que, deste total, 66.02%foram supra-regulados. A análise de ontologia gênica (GO) mostrou que estes DEGs estão relacionados principalmente com processos metabólicas, célula e atividade catalítica, abrangendo de acordo com a análise de genes e genoma (KEGG) rotas metabólicas, metabolismo secundário e ribossomos. Além disso, 134 genes de defesa foram identificados, abrangendo substâncias de ajuste osmótico, enzimas/proteínas de proteção, proteínas sinalizadoras e proteínas relacionadas à patogênese. Este estudo mostrou a expressão diferencial de genes relacionados ao estresse e o perfil global de expressão gênica de melancia autotetraploide, estes resultados podem complementar, a nível molecular, o entendimento do fator resistência após a duplicação do genoma em cucurbitáceas.

Determination of Polysaccharide Content in Dried Peel of Seeding Watermelon and Its Mechanism of Lowering Blood Glucose / 医药导报

Objective Determination of polysaccharide content in dried peel seeding watermelon, and its mechanism of lowering blood glucose.Methods The content of polysaccharides in dried peel of seeding watermelon was determined by the method of phenol-sulfuric acid.Mice were given starch and sucrose load,and the mouse blood glucose was examined.The inhibitory activities of seeding watermelon against α-glucosidase were tested by the colorimetry of pNPG.Results The calibration of polysaccharide was A=0.066 4 C+0.022 6, R2=0.999 5, the content of polysaccharide in dried peel of seeding watermelon was 4.45% (n=10,RSD=1.80%);50,100 and 150 mg·kg-1 of polysaccharide could significantly reduce the starch load in mice blood glucose(P<0.01);100 and 150 mg·kg-1 of polysaccharide significantly reduced sucrose load blood glucose(P<0.01);polysaccharide concentration in 18 mg·mL-1 could significantly inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase as the inhibitory rate was (73.19±3.45)% (n=10).Conclusion Seeding watermelon polysaccharide has effect on lowering blood glucose in starch and sucrose load mice, and inhibits α-glucosidase significantly.

Experimental research on Qingyan Droping Pills for treatment of oral ulcer in rats / 中草药

Objective: To study the treatment effect of Qingyan Droping Pills (QDP) for oral ulcer. Methods: SPF level 60 rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive control (Guilin Watermelon Frost 200 mg/kg) group, high-, mid-, and low-dose QDP groups (n = 10). The oral ulcer model of rat was established by injection of acetic acid on the oral mucosa of left cheek in rat, at 24 h immediately after the formation of ulcers. The first two days after the start of the administration modeling, continuous administration of 10 d was performed. The ulcer diameters before the administration and 4, 7, 10 d after administration were recorded by vernier caliper. Rats in each group after the last measurement were sacrificed and part of oral ulcers were removed, some of ulcers tissue were homogenized by TNF-α assay kit. The remaining ulcers were sliced and the ulcer morphology was observed. Results: Mouth ulcer areas of high-dose QDP group and Watermelon Frost group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01), ulcer tissue lesions and TNF-α levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Conclusion: QDP on acetic acid-induced oral ulcers has some therapeutic effect.

Alternativas terapéuticas para el manejo de la ectasia vascular gástrica antral (GAVE) / Alternatives for the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE)

Gastric antral vascular ectasia is an unusual cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The most frequent clinical presentation is iron deficiency anemia in a female patient older than 60 years. A third of patients have liver cirrhosis or a connective tissue disease, especially those related to Raynaud’s syndrome and scleroderma. The severity of this condition is variable, in some cases iron supplements are enough, while in other transfusion requirements are permanent. Currently the therapies most frequently reported in literature are argon plasma coagulation, radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic band ligation of antral mucosa. This article aims to review the available evidence for the management of this condition.

La ectasia vascular gástrica antral es una causa infrecuente de hemorragia digestiva alta cuya forma de presentación más habitual es la anemia ferropriva en una mujer mayor de 60 años. Un tercio de los pacientes tiene antecedente de cirrosis hepática o enfermedades del tejido conectivo relacionadas al síndrome de Raynaud o esclerodermia. El compromiso es de intensidad variable, sin embargo, en casos graves los pacientes pueden requerir transfusiones en forma permanente. En la actualidad las terapias más frecuentemente reportadas en la literatura son la termocoagulación con argón plasma, la ablación con radiofrecuencia y la ligadura de mucosa antral con bandas elásticas. El objetivo principal de este artículo es revisar la evidencia disponible para el manejo de esta condición.

Serological Identification of Virus in Watermelon Production Fields in the Tocantins State

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivated in almost all tropical and subtropical regions of the world, has its largest output in China, and then, according to FAO data, Turkey, Iran and Brazil, being one of the main crops cultivated in State of Tocantins, Brazil. In this work was investigated the occurrence and distribution of the watermelon viruses, totaling 752 samples taken in a stratified experimental design in four representative regions of production: Gurupi (150), Lagoa da Confusao (232), Formoso do Araguaia (265) and Porto Nacional (105). The sampling and collecting the leaves of plants with the presence of symptoms were performed once a week during the entire cultivation cycle. As a result, were observed by Dot-ELISA method, different types of viruses, such as Papaya ringspot W (PRSV-W), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) (potyvirus), Cucumber mosaic virus ( CMV) (Cucumovirus) and Zucchini lethal chlorosis virus (ZLCV) (Tospovirus). Of these, PRSV-W was predominant (22%), followed by WMV (15%), ZLCV (11%), CMV (5%) and ZYMV (4%). Mixed infections with PRSV-W + WMV and PRSV-W + ZLCV were also observed around 20% frequency (expressed with symptoms differently from a single infection). The results provide important support for the program management viruses.

Quantitative analysis of multi-components and volatile contituents in watermelon frost powder by HPLC and GC / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Watermelon frost powder (WFP, Mirabilitum Praeparatum) is a Chinese patent drug commonly used for external application, consisting of dozens of Chinese materia medica. To determine the contents of the multi-components in WFP. Methods: Quantitative analysis of 10 principal constituents and three principal volatile constituents had been taken in this experiment to investigate the quality of Glycyrrhizae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Phellodendri Cortex, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Borneolum, and menthol in WFP by HPLC and GC. Results: Comparing with raw materials, the contents of liquirtin and glycyrrhetinic acid were distinct, and the contents of rhein in WFP and raw Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were different. The possible reasons might lie in the input status of raw materials in the processes of production or others. In GC test, isoborneol, the constituent in Borneolum syntheticum, had been detected out, and should not exist in nature Borneolum. Conclusion: The inspection standard of WFP should be perfected and some weakness involved in this experiment requires further explanation and research. © 2014 Tianjin Press of Chinese Herbal Medicines.

Construction of cDNA expression library of watermelon for isolation of ClWRKY1 transcription factors gene involved in resistance to Fusarium wilt.

Full-length cDNAs are very important for genome annotation and functional analysis of genes. The number of full-length cDNAs from watermelon remains limited. Here we report first the construction of a full-length enriched cDNA library from Fusarium wilt stressed watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) cultivar PI296341 root tissues using the SMART method. The titer of primary cDNA library and amplified library was 2.21 × 106 and 2.0 × 1010 pfu/ml, respectively and the rate of recombinant was above 85%. The size of insert fragment ranged from 0.3 to 2.0 kb. In this study, we first cloned a gene named ClWRKY1, which was 1981 bp long and encoded a protein consisting of 394 amino acids. It contained two characteristic WRKY domains and two zinc finger motifs. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that ClWRKY1 expression levels reached maximum level at 12 h after inoculation with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum. The full-length cDNA library of watermelon root tissues is not only essential for the cloning of genes which are known, but also an initial key for the screening and cloning of new genes that might be involved in resistance to Fusarium wilt.

Danos e sintomatologia de vírus associado à cultura da melancia no estado do Tocantins / Damage and symptoms associated with watermelon virus in Tocantins state

A baixa produtividade e a qualidade dos frutos de melancia estão quase sempre associadas à ocorrência de fitopatogenos, dentre estes destacam as doenças de etiologia viral. Visando o entendimento do complexo vírus/planta de melancia, este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar os danos e sintomas induzidos pelos vírus PRSV-W, CMV, ZYMV e WMV, quando inoculados em plantas de melancia, cv. 'Crimson sweet', aos 5, 12 e 19 dias após a emergência (DAE). Os vírus PRSV-W, CMV, ZYMV e WMV influenciaram significativamente (p<0,05) na redução do peso da matéria fresca da parte aérea, na coloração da polpa e redução no peso dos frutos da melancia. Assim como, no teor de sólidos solúveis (ºBrix). Sendo mais significativa em plantas inoculadas com CMV. De modo geral, os vírus PRSV-W, WMV, CMV e ZYMV afetaram o desenvolvimento, a produção da planta da melancia e consequentemente, limita a qualidade do fruto.

Watermelon is one of the most important vegetables grown in Brazil. However, there are several factors responsible for low productivity of crops. Among these stands out the occurrence of associated virus culture. Thus, this study aimed to assess the damage and symptoms of PRSV-W, CMV, ZYMV and WMV inoculated at 5, 12 and 19 days after emergence (DAE). According to the results, PRSV-W viruses, CMV, ZYMV and WMV influenced significantly (p <0.05) reduction in the fresh weight of shoots and on pulp and reduction of fruit weight of inoculated plants. As noted on pulp plants inoculated with PRSV-W, at 5 DAE. With regard to the soluble solids content (° Brix) was dramatically reduced by the virus and inoculation period, in this case being more significant fruits of plants inoculated with CMV presented Brix 3.67 to 5.11 depending on the inoculation period. In general, viruses PRSV-W, WMV, CMV, ZYMV and influence the development and consequently the production of watermelon. Thus, an important factor for the reduction in the quality of fruit produced.

Antisecretory Effects of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Juice in Male Albino Rats.

Aims: To evaluate the effects of the juice of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) on gastric acid secretion and pH in Indomethacin-induced ulceration in male albino rats. Study Design: The experiment was divided into two studies. Under each study, four groups of rats were pre-treated with distilled water (control), 25% watermelon, 50% watermelon and 100% watermelon juice respectively for 30 days. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, between June, 2011 and July, 2012. Methodology: Sixty-four animals in total were used for the experiment. The animals were divided into two experimental studies: Study I contained thirty-two rats which were used for the study on ulcerogenesis. Study II also contained thirty-two rats which were used for the study on gastric acid secretion. Each of the experimental studies was further divided into four groups in accordance with the study design. Results: Rats pre-treated with Citrullus lanatus juice exhibited significant dose-dependent reduction of gastric lesions formation (P<0.05). Also, ulcerogenesis in the pretreated groups was significantly lower than that observed with the control (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) juice has a significant gastroprotective effect in Indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. One of the mechanisms by which this protective effect is carried out is by its inhibition of gastric acid secretion.

Determination of Survival Rates of Bacteria in Contaminated Fresh Fruit Juice Samples.

Aims: To determine the survival rates of bacteria in contaminated fresh fruit juice samples Place and Duration of Study: Biosciences and Biotechnology Department, Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, between November, 2012 and May, 2013. Methodology: Freshly extracted juice samples were obtained from intact pineapple (Ananas comosus Merr.) and watermelon (Citrillus lanatus Thunb.) were pasteurized before being contaminated with Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Lactobacillus acidophilus. While the pH and the sugar contents were determined at interval after being contaminated with the bacterial strains, the contaminated juice samples were sampled for 150 min to determine colony forming unit per milliliter (cfu/ml) at different sampling time. Results: In pineapple juice, the log of concentration of E. coli was reduced from 6.452 at 0 min to 5.079 at 150min. In watermelon, the log of concentration of E. coli was reduced from 6.301 at 0min to 5.954 at 150min. While the log of concentration of L. acidophilus in pineapple juice was between 6.204 at 0 min and 6.262 at 150min, its log of concentration in watermelon juice ranged between 6.228 at 0 min and 6.291 at 150min. The pH was reduced to 2.9 and 3.7 by E. coli while L. acidophilus reduced the pH to 2.5 and 3.0 for pineapple and watermelon juices respectively. After 150min, the sugar contents of pineapple and watermelon juices decreased from 1.181 and 1.060mg/ml to 0.011 and 0.004mg/ml by the E. coli while L. acidophilus reduced the sugar contents to 0.003mg/ml for pineapple juice and 0.018mg/ml for watermelon juice. The reduction in the pH values of each of the fruit juices showed that the activities of each bacterial strain resulted in increase in the production of acid in the growth medium. Conclusion: The inability of coli form (E. coli) to survive in the fruit juices suggested that the fruit juices may not harbor and/or disseminate enteric pathogens if allowed to stay for a while before packaging.