DNA methylation in bryophytes as a biomarker for monitoring environmental pollution

Rapidly growing industrialization and increased need for transportation have led to environmental pollution, particularly heavy metals. Efficient monitoring would help planning effective strategies to curb such increasing pollution. In this context, we studied the epigenetic changes in the bryophyte Greater Fork-moss, Dicranum majus Turner so as to use to monitor the environmental stress conditions due to accumulation of heavy metals and toxic organic compounds. The hypothesis is that the DNAm (DNA methylation) signatures reflect changes in the environmental conditions, and thus could serve as an alternate monitoring tool to study environmental pollution. The vegetative form of D. majus was collected from two different geographical locations where one was near the main road (MR) and another in the forest area (FS). DNAm rate was found 10.41±2.009 and 23.37±2.94 in MR and FS, respectively (P <0.005). The only difference between the two samples were traffic related pollutants. Thus, the reuslts suggest that vehicle pollution induces epigenetic changes in bryophytes, particularly DNA methylation, and could serve as a valuable biomarker to assess pollution risk due to vehicle traffic.

Gastrotrichs and tardigrades in a remnant of Atlantic Forest (Serra do Japi, SP, Brazil) / Gastrótricos e tardígrados em um remanescente de Mata Atlântica (Serra do Japi, SP, Brasil)

Abstract: Serra do Japi, located in the southeast of São Paulo State, is considered a priority area for conservation, as it houses original Atlantic Forest cover remains. Despite the significant number of studies about vertebrates and invertebrates that were carried out in this region, the meiofauna biodiversity is completely unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate for the first time freshwater Gastrotricha and limnoterrestrial Tardigrada in Serra do Japi Biological Reserve. Samples of sediments, periphyton and floating vegetation in reservoirs and natural lagoons, and mosses growing on native and non-native tree trunks were collected in May 2019. At least five gastrotrichs morphotypes were identified and three of them were formally described: Chaetonotus acanthocephalus, C. dadayi (first record in Brazil), and Heterolepidoderma mariae (first record outside the type locality). In regards to tardigrades, twelve morphotypes were identified and four of them were formally described: Pseudechiniscus juanitae, Minibiotus cf. acontistus, Echiniscus dreyfusi and Itaquascon umbellinae (last two species reported for the first time outside the type locality). This study reinforces that meiofaunal diversity and distribution have been underestimated, even in one of the five largest hotspots in the world.

Resumo: A Serra do Japi, localizada no sudeste do Estado de São Paulo, é considerada uma área prioritária para conservação, por abrigar vestígios de cobertura original de Mata Atlântica. Apesar do número significativo de estudos sobre vertebrados e invertebrados realizados nesta região, a biodiversidade de grupos meiofaunais é completamente desconhecida. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar pela primeira vez Gastrotricha de água doce e Tardigrada limnoterrestre na Reserva Biológica da Serra do Japi. As amostras de sedimentos, perifíton e vegetação flutuante em reservatórios e lagoas naturais, e musgos presentes em troncos de árvores nativas e não nativas foram coletadas em maio de 2019. Foram encontrados cinco morfotipos de gastrótricos, sendo que apenas três deles já foram formalmente descritos: Chaetonotus acanthocephalus, C. dadayi (primeiro registro no Brasil) e Heterolepidoderma mariae (primeiro registro fora da localidade-tipo). Em relação aos tardígrados, foram identificados doze morfotipos, sendo que quatro deles já formalmente descritos: Pseudechiniscus juanitae, Minibiotus cf. acontistus, Echiniscus dreyfusi e Itaquascon umbellinae (as duas últimas espécies relatadas pela primeira vez fora da localidade-tipo). Este trabalho reforça que a diversidade e distribuição da meiofauna têm sido subestimadas, mesmo em um dos cinco maiores hotspots do mundo.

Bioactivity And Apoptotic Efficacy Of The Purified Terpenoid Extract From The Moss Brachythecium Buchananii (Hook.) A. Jaeger Against Mg 63 Cells

Bryophytes are primitive non vascular plants. A little is explored regarding the medicinal effects of bryophytes on carcinoma. This study investigated the biological effects of purified terpenoids from Brachythecium buchananii on selected cell lines such as HeLa, MDAMB-231 and MG63 human osteosarcoma cells and also elucidating the regu­latory signaling pathways underlying the effects of terpenoids towards caspase cascade and the antioxidant enzyme system. The cell lines were treated with various concentrations of purified terpenoid extracts interms of evaluating viability (MTT assay). Interestingly, MG63 cell lines showed poor viability as compared to other ongo cells and was subjected to further molecular evaluations. Migration and invasion assay results using wound-healing and transwell assays, respectively reveal the pro-antimetastatic potential of the purified terpenoids from the moss. The flow cytometry study substantiated terpenoid induced apoptosis in MG63 cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed the significant increase in the number of cells arrested at the S growth phase. Terpenoid extract also displayed DNA fragmentation in the cells. Western blot analysis revealed the down regulation of the anti‑apoptotic proteins Bcl‑2, pro‑caspase 3 and over expression of the pro‑apoptotic protein Bax. In addition, the caspase cascade profile of the terpenoid extract substantiated their efficacy in tumour inhibition. Thus, the overall results confirmed the biological features of terpenoid induced apoptosis in the MG63 cells.

Growth supression of plant pathogenic fungi using bryophite extracts / Supressão de crescimento de fungos patogênicos de plantas usando extratos de briófitas

Chemicals are often used in attempts to control diseases caused by plant pathogenic fungi during food production. However, chemicals can have adverse effects not just on food, but they also remain active for a long time within ecosystems, and thus are not environmentally friendly. Therefore,development of bio-treatment and avoiding use of chemicals are urgently needed. With the aim of studying and developing new environmentally-friendly treatments, we tested extracts from selected bryophyte species(Porella platyphylla, Cinclidotus fontinaloides and Anomodon viticulosus) on five plant pathogenic fungi under controlled conditions. The fungi (Botryosphaeria dothidea, Phomopsis viticola, Calosphaeria sp., Colletotrichum acutatum and Monilinia laxa) were selected based on common diseases they cause on fruits and grapevine. They were isolated in cultures and treated with bryophyte extracts. Bryophyte extracts were shown to be effective in suppression of certain plant pathogenic fungi growth and to have a huge potential in development of novel biotechnological treatments and biofungicides. The best results were achieved in inhibition of B. dothidea, P. viticola and Calosphaeria sp.

Fungos fitopatogênicos são controlados com produtos químicos para combater doenças causadas por eles durante a produção de alimentos. Tais produtos são ruins não apenas para a alimentação, mas também podem permanecer por muito tempo nos ecossistemas, portanto, não são ecologicamente corretos. Desta forma, os biotratamentos e a prevenção de usos químicos são urgentemente necessários no futuro próximo. Com o objetivo de estudar e desenvolver nova alternative decontrole de doenças de plantas, testamos os extratos de espécies de briófitas selecionadas (Porella platyphylla, Cinclidotus fontinaloides e Anomodon viticulosus) em cinco fungos fitopatogênicos (Botryosphaeria dothidea, Phomopsis viticola, Calosphaeria sp., Colletotrichum acutatum e Monilinia laxa) em condição controlada. Estes fungos, selecionados com base nas doenças que causam em frutos e videiras, foram isolados em culturas puras e tratados com os respectivos extratos de briófitas. Os extratos de briófitas demonstraram ser eficazes na supressão de certos fungos fitopatogênicos e têm um enorme potencial no desenvolvimento de novos biofungicidas e tratamentos biotecnológicos. Os mais interessantes resultados foram obtidos na inibição de B. dothidea, P. viticola eCalosphaeria sp.

Photoprotection enhanced by red cell wall pigments in three East Antarctic mosses

BACKGROUND: Antarctic bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) are resilient to physiologically extreme environmental conditions including elevated levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to depletion of stratospheric ozone. Many Antarctic bryophytes synthesise UV-B-absorbing compounds (UVAC) that are localised in their cells and cell walls, a location that is rarely investigated for UVAC in plants. This study compares the concentrations and localisation of intracellular and cell wall UVAC in Antarctic Ceratodon purpureus, Bryum pseudotriquetrum and Schistidium antarctici from the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica. RESULTS: Multiple stresses, including desiccation and naturally high UV and visible light, seemed to enhance the incorporation of total UVAC including red pigments in the cell walls of all three Antarctic species analysed. The red growth form of C. purpureus had significantly higher levels of cell wall bound and lower intracellular UVAC concentrations than its nearby green form. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses showed that the red colouration in this species was associated with the cell wall and that these red cell walls contained less pectin and phenolic esters than the green form. All three moss species showed a natural increase in cell wall UVAC content during the growing season and a decline in these compounds in new tissue grown under less stressful conditions in the laboratory. CONCLUSIONS: UVAC and red pigments are tightly bound to the cell wall and likely have a long-term protective role in Antarctic bryophytes. Although the identity of these red pigments remains unknown, our study demonstrates the importance of investigating cell wall UVAC in plants and contributes to our current understanding of UV-protective strategies employed by particular Antarctic bryophytes. Studies such as these provide clues to how these plants survive in such extreme habitats and are helpful in predicting future survival of the species studied.

Heterologous protein production in the moss Physcomitrella patens

Over the last decades plants have been used for the heterologous production of pharmaceuticals, industrial enzymes and edible vaccines. The moss Physcomitrella patens is considered as an experimental model of choice for basic molecular, cytological and developmental questions in plant biology, as well as an outstanding plant model system for heterologous protein production. Here we use P. patens to produce osmotin, a tobacco protein with fungicidal properties. We have generated a transgenic plant able to synthesize and secrete a biologically active osmotin protein(AU)

Durante las últimas décadas las plantas han sido utilizadas para la producción heteróloga de farmacéuticos, enzimas de uso industrial y vacunas. El musgo Physcomitrella patens es considerado como un modelo de experimentación de elección para abordar preguntas en las áreas de biología molecular, citología y de biología del desarrollo en plantas; así como un excelente sistema modelo para la producción de proteínas heterólogas. En este trabajo se utilizó P. patens para la producción de osmotina, una proteína de tabaco con propiedades fungicidas. Se generó una planta transgénica capaz de sintetizar y secretar osmotina biológicamente activa(AU)

Distribution and Speciation of Lead in Moss Collected from a Lead-Zinc Mining Area by Micro-X-Ray Fluorescence and X-Ray Absorption Near Edge Structure Analysis / 分析化学

Moss has high tolerance and accumulating capacity to heavy metal.In this study, the distribution of heavy metal elements in moss sampled from lead-zinc mine was analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.The speciation of lead was analyzed by X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy.Research showed that the contents of Pb, Zn, Cd and As in the moss of the mining area were extremely high, and their maximum concentration were 1.06 mg/g , 1.23 mg/g, 30.5 μg/g, 13.2 μg/g, respectively.Besides, the shoots especially the new tissue of the moss were the major sites for accumulation and storage of heavy metals.The micro-distribution characteristics varied among Hypnum plumaeforme and Brachytheciumprocumbens, indicating the difference of different species of moss in absorption pathway, accumulation and tolerance mechanisms for heavy metal.Linear combination fitting results indicated that the main lead speciation in moss was lead phosphate (78%) and lead oxide (22%), which suggested that the precipitation of lead phosphate might be the main mechanism of tolerance for moss.

Impact of adherence of pus moss on the efficacy of different surgical procedures for perforated peptic ulcers / 实用医学杂志

Objective To study the effects of intraperitoneal adherence of pus mosses on the efficacy of open repair(OR)and laparoscopic repair(LR)for perforated peptic ulcers(PPUs). Methods Intraperitonealad-herence of pus mosses was divided into the first,second and third stage,respectively. Surgical duration,volume of peritoneal drainage ,rate of abnormal wound healing ,number of intensive care unit transfer ,recovery time of bowel function ,ambulation time ,length of hospital stay ,and postoperative treatment abandonment rate were compared. Results There were 78 ,46 ,and 29 patients for the three stages in OR group ,and 71 ,39 ,and 15 patients in LR group,respectively. There were significant differences insurgical duration,volume of peritoneal drainage,rate of abnormalwound healing,number of ICU transfer,recovery time of bowel function,ambulation time,length of hospital stay about the first stage between the two surgical methods(P values were 0.000,0.000, 0.015,0.000,0.000,0.000,and 0.043 respectively)except for treatment abandonment rate(P value was 0.209). There were significant differences in volume of peritoneal drainage ,rate of abnormal wound healing ,number of ICU transfer,recovery time of bowel function,ambulation time,and length of hospital stay(P values were 0.000, 0.033,0.000,0.000,0.001,and 0.028 respectively)for the second stage except surgical duration and treatment abandonment rate(P values were 0.196 and 0.358 respectively) between the two procedures. The differences were significant in surgical duration ,volume of peritoneal drainage ,and length of hospital stay between the two methods (P values were 0.039 ,0.003 ,0.024 ,and 0.002 respectively) for the third stage but there were no significant differencesin rate of abnormal wound healing , number of ICU transfer , recovery time of bowel function ,ambulation time ,and treatment abandonment rate (P values were 0.175 ,0.173 ,0.766 ,and 0.757 respectively). Conclusions LR is superior to OR under the first stage of pus moss and still has advantages under the second stage. However,LR may be inferior to OR under the third stage.

Unearthing the Medicinal Properties of Tillandsia recurvata (Ball Moss): A Mini Review.

Background: More than half of traditional medicines are of natural origin and research has shown that these are associated with fewer side effects than the synthetic ones, since less than 10% of the 350,000 identified plant species have been exposed to some amount of bioactive screens, it is now the aim of researchers to screen more plants and also identify the active ingredients responsible for detected bioactivities. These we believe may provide the foundation for identifying new drug leads that may prove useful against chronic lifestyle diseases. This review takes a look at the work that has currently been conducted on Tillandsia recurvata commonly known as ball moss which is believed to assist with future research. Results: The chloroform, methanol and water extracts of ball moss have shown cytotoxicity against several human cancer cell lines and the methanol extract induces apoptosis in some. Further the chloroform extract was shown to reduce angiogenesis and the methanol extract inhibited particular kinases (CSNK2A2, MEK5, GAK, FLT and DRAK1) of which MEK5 and GAK have been implicated in prostate cancer. The same extract was further shown to display promising anti-diabetic properties via a reduction in fasting blood glucose (P<0.05), fructosamine levels (P<0.05), serum CRP and insulin levels when compared to the control mice. Phytochemical screens identified a novel glycoside and several cycloartanes and dicinnamtes; 1,3-di-O-Cinnamoyl-glycerol and (E)-3-(cinnamoyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)acrylate. Further bioactive screens on these isolates showed that cycloartane-3,24,25-triol reduced the viability of prostate PC-3 and DU145 cell lines. This isolate was further shown to inhibit MRCKα kinase implicated in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer. Conclusions: This review confirms the promising efficacy of the T. recurvata plant and so its worth for further research which may prove useful in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Such benefits have already begun with the introduction of the alpha prostate formula, now on the market for improved prostate health.

Cycloartanes with Anticancer Activity Demonstrate Promising inhibition of the Mrckα and Mrckβ Kinases.

Aim: The role of Kinases in cancer onset and progression has made kinases a target for the control of some cancers. Recent discoveries that kinases are most effectively inhibited by small molecules have also resulted in an increased search for small molecule kinase inhibitors. Cycloartanes are small molecules found in many medicinal plants including the Jamaican Ball Moss (Tillandsia recurvata). Recent studies on T. recurvata have demonstrated that it possesses anticancer activity. Cycloartane-3,24,25- triol, an analog of a cycloartane identified in Ball moss was also shown to have inhibitory activity against MRCKα kinase. This study was as such set up to determine the MRCKα/β kinase inhibition activity of other cycloartanes in Ball Moss and their analogs. MRCKα/β kinases has been identified as an important kinase implicated in cancer onset and progression and as such a potential drug target. Methodology: Kinase inhibition activity of 6 cycloartanes was investigated using the ligand-kinase binding assay. The WST-1 reagent assay was also used to determine the antiproliferation activity of the cycloartanes against some prostate and breast cancer cell lines. Results: Cycloart-23-ene-3,25-diol (1), Cycloartane-3,24,25-triol (2), Cycloart-25-ene- 3,24-diol (3), 3,23-Dioxo-9,19-cyclolanost-24-en-26-oic acid (4), 24,25- Dihydroxycycloartan-3-one (5) inhibited the MRCKα kinase with Kd of 0.21 μM, 0.25μM, 0.36 μM, 3.0 μM and 2.1 μM respectively. Hydroxycycloart-23-en-3-one,25, (6) showed no inhibition against the MRCKα kinase. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 5 inhibited the MRCKβ kinase with Kd of 4.7 μM, 1.10 μM, 3.2 μM and 9.8 μM, respectively. Three of the six cycloartanes exhibited antiproliferation activity against two prostate and breast cancer cell lines each. Conclusion: Cycloart-23-ene-3,25-diol (1) showed the most promising activity against the MRCKα/β kinase out of the 6 cycloartanes screened demonstrating an interesting structure activity relationship profile when compared with the other molecules. Cycloart- 23-ene-3,25-diol (1) deserves further studies to determine its in vivo activity as well.

Estimation of antioxidant, antimicrobial activity and brine shrimp toxicity of plants collected from Oymyakon region of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia

BACKGROUND: Several plants are reported to be produced various biological active compounds. Lichens from the extreme environments such as high altitude, high UV, drought and cold are believed to be synthesized unique types of secondary metabolites than the other one. Several human pathogenic bacteria and fungi have been muted into drug resistant strains. Various synthetic antioxidant compounds have posed carcinogenic effects. This phenomenon needs further research for new effective drugs of natural origin. This manuscript aimed to screen new source of biological active compounds from plants of subarctic origin. RESULTS: A total of 114 plant species, including 80 species of higher plants, 19 species of lichens and 15 species of mosses, were collected from Oymyakon region of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia (63˚20′N, 141˚42′E - 63˚15′N, 142˚27′E). Antimicrobial, DPPH free radical scavenging and brine shrimp (Artemia salina) toxicity of all crude extract were evaluated. The obtained result was analyzed and compared with commercial standards. A total of 28 species of higher plants showed very strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50, 0.45-5.0 µg/mL), 13 species showed strong activity (DPPH IC50, 5-10 µg/mL), 22 species showed moderate antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50,10-20 µg/mL) and 17 species showed weak antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 more than 20 µg/mL). Similarly, 3 species of lichen showed strong antioxidant activity, one species showed moderate and 15 species showed weak DPPH reducing activity. In addition, 4 species of mosses showed moderate antioxidant activity and 11 species showed weak antioxidant activity. Similarly, extracts of 51 species of higher plants showed antimicrobial (AM) activity against Staphylococcus aureus and 2 species showed AM activity against Candida albicans. Similarly, 11 species of lichen showed AM activity against S. aureus and 3 species showed AM activity against Escherichia coli. One species of moss showed AM activity against S. aureus. And finally, one species of higher plant Rheum compactum and one species of lichen Flavocetraria cucullata showed the toxicity against Brine shrimp larvae in 100 µg/mL of concentration. CONCLUSION: The experimental results showed that subarctic plant species could be potential sources of various biologically active natural compounds.

A primary assessment of the endophytic bacterial community in a xerophilous moss (Grimmia montana) using molecular method and cultivated isolates

Investigating the endophytic bacterial community in special moss species is fundamental to understanding the microbial-plant interactions and discovering the bacteria with stresses tolerance. Thus, the community structure of endophytic bacteria in the xerophilous moss Grimmia montana were estimated using a 16S rDNA library and traditional cultivation methods. In total, 212 sequences derived from the 16S rDNA library were used to assess the bacterial diversity. Sequence alignment showed that the endophytes were assigned to 54 genera in 4 phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Cytophaga/Flexibacter/Bacteroids). Of them, the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria (45.9%) and Firmicutes (27.6%), the most abundant genera included Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Leclercia, Microvirga, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Planococcus, Paenisporosarcina and Planomicrobium. In addition, a total of 14 species belonging to 8 genera in 3 phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria) were isolated, Curtobacterium, Massilia, Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas were the dominant genera. Although some of the genera isolated were inconsistent with those detected by molecular method, both of two methods proved that many different endophytic bacteria coexist in G. montana. According to the potential functional analyses of these bacteria, some species are known to have possible beneficial effects on hosts, but whether this is the case in G. montana needs to be confirmed.

In vitro and In vivo anti-cancer effects of Tillandsia recurvata (Ball Moss) from Jamaica / Efectos Anticancerosos In vitro e In vivo de la Tillandsia recurvata (Bola de Musgo) de Jamaica

OBJECTIVE: Tillandsia recurvata, also commonly known as Ball Moss, is endemic to Jamaica and some parts of the Caribbean and South America. The plant, despite being reported to be used in folk medicine, had not previously been evaluated for its anti-cancer potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of Ball Moss. METHODS: The anti-proliferation activity of the crude methanolic extract of the T recurvata was evaluated in vitro in five different histogenic cancer cell lines (prostate cancer - PC-3, breast cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, B-16 melanoma and a B-cell lymphoma from a transgenic mouse strain) using the trypan blue assay. The crude extract was also evaluated in vivo in tumour-bearing mice. Immunohistochemistry staining with Apoptag was used for histology and determination of apoptosis. RESULTS: The crude methanolic extract of T recurvata demonstrated anti-proliferation activity against all the cell lines, killing > 50% of the cells at a concentration of 2.5 µg/ml. Kaposi sarcoma xenograft tumours were inhibited by up to 75% compared to control in the in vivo study (p < 0.05). There was evidence of DNA fragmentation and a decrease in cell viability on histological studies. The methanolic extract showed no toxic effect in the mice at a dose of 200 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that T recurvata has great potential as an anti-cancer agent and that one of its mechanisms of cell kill and tumour inhibition is by the induction of apoptosis.

OBJETIVO: La Tillandsia recurvata, también conocida como bola de musgo, es endémica en Jamaica, así como en algunas partes del Caribe y América del sur. Si bien se había reportado su uso como parte de la medicina popular, esta planta no había sido evaluada previamente en relación con su potencial para la lucha contra el cáncer. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad anticancerígena de la bola de musgo. MÉTODOS: La actividad antiproliferativa del extracto metanólico crudo de la T recurvata, fue evaluada in vitro en cinco líneas celulares diferentes de cáncer histogenético (cáncer de próstata - PC-3, cáncer de mama, sarcoma de Kaposi, melanoma B-16 y un linfoma de células B de una cepa de ratón transgénico) usando el ensayo con azul de tripano. El extracto crudo también se evaluó in vivo en ratones portadores de tumor. La tinción inmunohistoquímica con ApopTag fue utilizada para la histología y determinación de la apoptosis. RESULTADOS: El extracto metanólico crudo de T recurvata demostró la actividad proliferativa frente a todas las líneas celulares, matando > 50% de las células a una concentración de 2,5 µg/ml. Los tumores de xenoinjerto de sarcoma de Kaposi fueron inhibidos hasta un 75% en comparación con el control en el estudio in vivo (p < 0.05). Hubo evidencia de fragmentación de DNA y una disminución en la viabilidad celular en los estudios histológicos. El extracto metanólico no mostró ningún efecto tóxico en los ratones a dosis de 200 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros datos sugieren que la T recurvata tiene gran potencial como agente anticanceroso, y que uno de sus mecanismos de inhibición de tumores y muerte de las células tiene lugar mediante la inducción de la apoptosis.

VARIACIÓN DEL CONTENIDO DE AZÚCARES TOTALES Y AZÚCARES REDUCTORES EN EL MUSGO Pleurozium schreberi (HYLOCOMIACEAE) BAJO CONDICIONES DE DÉFICIT HÍDRICO / Variation in Total Sugars and Reductive Sugars in the Moss Pleurozium schreberi (HYLOCOMIACEAE) Under Water Deficit Conditions

Los briófitos por su simplicidad estructural se ven expuestos a estrés hídrico con facilidad, por lo que presentan mecanismos fisiológicos y bioquímicos que les permita sobrevivir. En el presente trabajo se evaluó la variación del contenido de azúcares totales solubles y azúcares reductores en relación con el contenido hídrico relativo, en Pleurozium schreberi cuando se enfrenta a contenidos hídricos bajos en el Páramo de Chingaza (Colombia) y bajo condiciones simuladas de déficit hídrico en laboratorio. Se encontró que los azúcares totales aumentan cuando la planta se deshidrata y vuelve a su contenido normal cuando el musgo se rehidra, esto puede ser interpretado como un posible mecanismo de ajuste osmótico de la célula y osmoprotección del contenido celular y de la estructura celular. Los azúcares reductores no presentaron variación significativa, mostrando que los monosacáridos no tienen una función protectora durante la deshidratación.

The structural simplicity of the bryophytes exposed them easily to water stress, forcing them to have physiological and biochemical mechanisms that enable them to survive. This study evaluated the variation of total soluble sugars and reducing sugars in relation to relative water content, in Pleurozium schreberi when faced with low water content in the Páramo de Chingaza (Colombia) and under simulated conditions of water deficit in the laboratory. We found that total sugars increase when the plant is dehydrated and returned to their normal content when re-hydrated moss, this could be interpreted as a possible mechanism of osmotic adjustment and osmoprotection of the cell content and cellular structure. Reducing sugars showed no significant variation, showing that monosaccharides do not have a protective role during dehydration.

Análisis de los usuarios del programa "Medellín en Movimiento" a la luz del cuestionario de apoyo social / Analysis of the users of the "Medellín en Movimiento" program in light of the social support questionnaire

La atención integral que presta el Instituto de Deporte y Recreación, Inder Medellín, a sus usuarios es un objetivo vital para su estrategia de intervención social. De allí, su interés por evidenciar los avances que la población atendida ha obtenido durante un periodo de tiempo, implicando realizar un rastreo a las diferentes acciones que el programa Medellín en Movimiento contempla, como por ejemplo: Canas al Aire, Nocturnos y Madrugadores, Deporte sin Límite, aeróbicos y centros de promoción de la salud. Este rastreo se realiza con una actividad conocida con el nombre de "Seguimiento a Usuario", que consta de diversas áreas, entre ellas: la médica, la nutricional, la relacionada con la actividad física y de apoyo social. Las personas entrevistadas pasaron por cada una de ellas, respondiendo las preguntas diseñadas, permitiendo recolectar información valiosa y precisa para direccionar la intervención en el siguiente año.El método utilizado fue aleatorio, con una muestra representativa de 1.171 personas ofreciendo un universo amplio, por esta razón la herramienta para el análisis de datos fue el R.En este artículo se encontrará la información exclusivamente del área de apoyo social, indagación que fue recolectada con el cuestionario de apoyo social Moss. Herramienta que posibilita hacer seguimiento a los usuarios a través de las subescalas que posee el instrumento como: apoyo emocional, instrumental, interacción positiva y apoyo afectivo involucrando características específicas del acompañamiento social, población y personalidad.

Integral attention given by Instituto de Deporte y Recreación, INDER Medellín, to its users, is a main goal to its social intervention strategy. Therefore, its interest to show the upgrades that the attended population has obtained during a period of time, involving a tracking to the different actions that the program Medellín en Movimiento contemplate, for example: white-hair in the air, nocturne and early riser, sports without limits, aerobics and promotion health centers. This tracking is done by an activity known as "user monitoring", which has diverse areas, among them: medical, nutritional, physical activity related and psychological. Interviewed people pass through them, answering the design questions, allowing to collect precious and precise information to direct the intervention in the following year. The used method was random with a representative sample of people offering a wide universe that is why the data analysis tool was the R. In this article you will find exclusively the information related to the psychology area, inquiry that was collected with the social support questionnaire Moss. This tool makes possible a user monitoring through subscales that the test itself has, like emotional and instrumental support, positive interaction and affective support, involving specific features of social support, population and personality.

Estructura de la comunidad de colémbolos (Hexapoda: Collembola) en musgos corticícolas en el gradiente altitudinal de un bosque subhúmedo de México

Structure of the Collembolan community (Hexapoda: Collembola) in bark mosses along an altitudinal gradient of a subhumid forest in Mexico. The structure of the community of moss springtails on oak and fir bark in the forests at the NW slope of iztaccíhuatl Volcano, State of Mexico, is analyzed. The study included four samplings (November 2003, March-June-August 2004), carried out in three altitudes I: 2 750 m, II: 2 930 and 3 250 m a.s.l. Calculated indexes were: species richness (S), Shannon’s diversity index (H’), Pielou’s evenness index (J’) and Simpson dominance (). An ANOVA of two way test was used to evaluate the effect of altitude and sampling date on the total density of the springtails. The total number of species was 24 (altitude I=17, altitude II=14, altitude III=13). The greatest density was at altitude III and the highest species richness at altitude I. Americabrya arida and Willowsia mexicana were dominant. There is a positive significant effect of altitude on their density. The highest Sörensen similarity between communities was 59 % ( altitudes II and III). Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (2): 739-748. Epub 2008 June 30.

Se presentan datos sobre la estructura de la comunidad de colémbolos en musgos corticícolas, de un bosque de encino y abetos en la vertiente NW del Volcán Iztaccíhuatl, Estado de México, México. El estudio comprendió cuatro muestreos (noviembre de 2003, marzo, junio y agosto de 2004), realizados en tres altitudes I: 2 750 m; II: 2 930 m y III: 3 350 m snm. En cada altitud, se calculó la riqueza de especies (S), los índices de diversidad de Shannon (H’), Equitatividad de Pielou (J’) y, dominancia de Simpson (). Se utilizó un análisis de varianza de dos vías (ANOVA) para evaluar el efecto de la altitud y fecha de muestreo, sobre la densidad total de los colémbolos. El número total de especies fue de 24, variando de 13 para la altitud mayor a 17 en la menor. La mayor densidad se encontró a mayor altitud. Americabrya arida y Willowsia mexicana fueron las especies dominantes, y se encontró un efecto positivo significativo de la altitud sobre sus densidades. La mayor similitud entre comunidades de acuerdo con el índice de Sörensen se presentó entre las altitudes II y III, con un 59%.

Potencial abortivo de Tillandsia usneoides L. (Barba-de-pau) em coelhas gestantes - nota prévia / Abortive potential of Tillandsia usneoides L. in pregnant rabbits - preliminary report / Potencial abortivo de tillandsia usneoides l. en conejas gestantes ­ relato preliminar

Tillandsia usneoides L., também conhecida como barba-de-pau ou barba-de-velho, é uma Bromeliaceae presente em grande parte do território brasileiro, e em áreas úmidas desde o sudoeste dos EUA até o Chile e centro da Argentina. Relatos de criadores de animais relacionam essa planta à ocorrência de abortos em éguas e vacas. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram a análise fitoquímica de partes totais de Tillandsia usneoides e a avaliação preliminar do potencial abortivo de seu extrato hidroalcoólico em coelhas. Na análise fitoquímica observou-se a presença de flavonóides, esteróides, antraquinonas, cumarinas, micotoxinas, antocianinas, saponinas, taninos e aminogrupos. Os resultados da administração do extrato hidroalcoólico liofilizado a coelhas gestantes foram inconclusivos, em função da ocorrência de pseudogestação e da alta variação do número de filhotes nascidos dentro dos grupos de estudo.

Tillandsia usneoides L., also known as Spanish moss, is a Bromeliaceae present to a large extent of the Brasilian territory, and in humid areas from southeastern U.S.A. to Chile and central Argentina. Farmers report a relation of this plant to the occurrence of abortions in mares and cows. The objectives of this study were the phytochemical analysis of total parts of Tillandsia usneoides and the evaluation of the abortive potential of its hydroalcoholic extract in female rabbits. The phytochemical analysis showed fl avonoids, steroids, antraquinons, coumarins, micotoxins, antocianins, saponins, tannins, and aminogroups. The results of administration of the lyophilized hidroalcoolic extract to pregnant rabbits were not conclusive due the occurrence of pseudopregnancy and the high variation in number of younglings born within the studied groups.

Tillandsia usneoides L. es una Bromeliaceae presente en gran parte del territorio brasileño, y en áreas húmedas del sudeste de los EUA hasta Chile y centro de Argentina. Granjeros mencionan una relación de esta planta con la ocurrencia de abortos en yeguas y vacas. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron el análisis fi toquímico de partes totales de Tillandsia usneoides y la evaluación del potencial abortivo de su extracto hidroalcohólico en conejas. En el análisis fi toquímico se observaron fl avonoides, esteroides, antraquinonas, cumarinas, micotoxinas, antocianinas, saponinas, taninos y aminogrupos. Los resultados de la administración del extracto hidroalcohólico liofi lizado a conejas preñes no fueron conclusivos debido la ocurrencia de pseudopreñez y a la alta variación en el número de conejitos nacidos dentro de los grupos estudiados.

Moss Miami system fixation through posterior approach for thoracolumbar burst fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Moss Miami pedicle sc re w system in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods A total of 2 7 cases of thoracolumbar burst fractures were operated on with Moss Miami pedicl e screw system through posterior approach to provide spreading, reduction and fi xation. The bilateral posterolateral bone-graft spinal fusion was also done at the same time. Results The 27 patie nts were followed up for 6 to 30 months. The heights of compressed vertebral bod y and the cross spinal canal were significantly increased after treatment (P

The Causes of Metallic Failure and Loosening of MOSS Transpedicular Spinal Instrumentation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

With the increasing use of pedicular system to fix the spine, many complications are being reported. Recently many systems are available to fix the spine. However, each system has own advantages and disadvantages. The causes of metallic failure of Modular Segmental Spinal (MOSS) instrumentation on 42 consecutive patients undergone in Kang-Nam St. Mary's hospital since 1989 were reviewed. The specific aim of this investigation was to assess causes of metallic failure and loosening of this system on various spinal disorders. Of these, 8 cases had metallic failure and loosening. Breakage of screw and rod developed in 6 cases and dislodgement of rod from screw in 2 cases. In case of degenerative spondylolisthesis (unstable phase) with stenosis, however, the complications were closely correlated to expansile decompressive laminectomy to widen the narrowed spinal canal and the instrumental distraction to gain normal intervertebral disc space at the operation. Bony union and back pain were not correlated to metallic failure and loosening. Therefore, the main causes of metallic failure and loosening were (1) preoperative instability undergone expansile decompressive laminectomy including total bilateral facetectomy that aggravated preoperative instability, and (2) forceful instrumental dis traction. In cases needed these requirements, combined anterior interbody fusion or posterior interbody fusion should be added, heavier rods and screws larger than 3.5mm, 4.0mm in diameter, respectively, should be used. In addition to postoperatively sufficient bed rest and immobilization using rigid braces should be recommended to reduce these complications.

A case of contact dermatitis due to oak moss / 대한피부과학회지

Oak moss is a lichen extract obtained from Evernia prunastri and Pseudovernia furfuracea. It is the potent,ial allergen in contact dermatitis to perfumes. Sensitivity to oak moss has been atributed mainly to atranorin, evernic acid, usnic acid and fumarprotocetraric acid. We report a 44-year-old female patient presenting with features of contact dermatitis due to oak moss in perfumes. Patch test results revealed positive reactions to fragrance mix, oak moss, atranorin and evernic acid.