Patrones de distribución y estructura de la vegetación en el gradiente de humedales costeros El Castaño, Chiapas, México

Introducción: Las características de los humedales costeros son resultado de las interacciones hidrogeomorfológicas entre el continente y el océano, que causan un gradiente ambiental, que resulta en diferentes tipos de vegetación como manglares, popales, tulares, selvas y palmares inundables. Objetivo: Caracterizar las variables del hidroperiodo y fisicoquímicas del agua y suelo para determinar la relación que existe en el patrón de distribución de la vegetación en el Sistema de Humedales El Castaño (SHC). Metodología: Se establecieron 11 unidades de muestreo (UM) permanentes por estrato definidos: cinco en el manglar, dos en selvas inundables, dos en tular y dos en pastizal inundable. De mayo 2016 a octubre 2017 se caracterizó la vegetación y se muestreó mensualmente los niveles de inundación y parámetros fisicoquímicos del agua (superficial, intersticial y subterránea): salinidad, conductividad y pH; y el suelo: densidad aparente, porcentaje de humedad y potencial redox. Resultados: El manglar es el más cercano al mar, tiene la menor diversidad (H:1.66) y especies registradas (14), está dominado por Laguncularia racemosa y Rhizophora mangle y tiene los valores más altos de salinidad intersticial y subterránea, mayores a 10.8 ups, se mantiene inundado de 4 a 12 meses, su potencial redox es de 14.57 mV. Seguido está el manglar, tierra adentro, se ubican los remanentes de la selva inundable, (H:2.18 y 18 especies), dominada por Pachiraaquatica, la salinidad intersticial y subterránea de 4.95 ups, permanece inundada de 0 a 6 meses y el potencial redox es de 119.07 mV. El tular, después de la selva, (H:1.92 y 16 especies), dominado por Typha domingensis, salinidad intersticial y subterránea de 6.1 ups, el tiempo de inundación es de 5 a 8 meses y potencial redox es de 125.9 mV. El pastizal inundable, con menor influencia marina, es un humedal herbáceo modificado para uso ganadero, presentó los valores más altos de diversidad (H:3.44 y 50 especies), Paspalum conjugatum es la especie dominante, la salinidad intersticial y subterránea es menor a 0.5 ups, se mantiene inundado de 5 a 9 meses y el potencial redox es de 151.23 mV. Conclusiones: En cada tipo de vegetación, la estructura, composición y diversidad es diferente, con un alto recambio de especies que indica un gradiente definido por la salinidad. La vegetación en el SHC sigue los patrones de organización típica de los humedales costeros tropicales, manglares, selvas inundables y humedales herbáceos, en este caso los tulares y pastizales inundables. El factor que define la distribución de la vegetación, es salinidad y el gradiente que se observa está en función de la dinámica hidrológica que depende de entradas de agua marina y de la bajada de agua dulce del interior del continente.

Introduction: The characteristics of coastal wetlands are the result of hydrogeomorphological interactions between the continent and the ocean, which cause an environmental gradient, hat results in different vegetation types such as mangroves, freshwater marshes, swamp forests and palm swamps. Objective: To characterize the hydroperiod and physicochemical variables of water and soil and their effect on the distribution of vegetation in the Sistema de Humedales El Castaño. Methods: A total of 11 permanent sampling units (UM) were established by defined strata: five in the mangrove, two in swamp forest, two in freshwater marshes and two in the flooded pasture. From May 2016 to October 2017 the vegetation was characterized and the water levels and physicochemical parameters (superficial, interstitial and groundwater) were sampled monthly for: salinity, and pH; and the soil for: bulk density, humidity percentage, and redox potential. Results: Mangroves are the closest to the sea, have the lowest diversity (H: 1.66) and species richness (14), they are dominated by Laguncularia racemosa and Rhizophora mangle, have the highest values of interstitial and groundwater salinity, (> 10.8 ups), remain flooded for 4 to 12 months per year, and have a redox potential of 14.57 mV. Immediately, inland, there are remnants of the swamp forests (H: 2.18 and 18 species), dominated by Pachira aquatica, with 5 ups interstitial and groundwater salinity, flooded from 0 to 6 months per year, with a redox potential of 119.07 mV. These forests are followed inland by freshwater marshes (H: 1.92 and 16 species), dominated by Typha domingensis with 6.1 ups interstitial and groundwater salinity, flooded for 5 to 8 months per year and a redox potential of 125.9 mV. Finally, furthest inland is the flooded pasture, a modified herbaceous wetland for cattle grazing (H: 3.44 and 50 species) dominated by Paspalum conjugatum, where interstitial and groundwater salinity is less than 0.5 ups, it stays flooded for 5 to 9 months and the redox potential is 151.23 mV. Conclusions: In each type of vegetation, the structure, composition, and diversity are different, with a high turnover of species that indicates a gradient defined by salinity. The vegetation in the SHC follows the patterns of typical organization of the tropical coastal wetlands, mangroves, swamp forests and herbaceous wetlands, in this case the freshwater marshes and flooded pastures. The factor that define the distribution of the vegetation is the salinity and the gradient that is observed are a function of the hydrological dynamics that depends on the mixing of marine and freshwater.

Responses of Soil Properties and Crop Productivity to Peat- Fertilizers in Russia

In the present study, four fractions were prepared from leaves extract of Atriplex nummularia. This study aimed to determineTPP (total polyphenols), FLV (flavonoids) and CT (condensed tannins) on one hand and on the other hand, to evaluate theantiradical activity of the hydroalcoholic and aqueous fractions by four different methods including: DPPH test (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil), FRAP test (antioxidant activity by the iron reduction method), BCB test (β-carotene bleaching),and TAC test (antioxidant capacity) total) by the phosphomolybdate method. High levels of total polyphenols and condensedtannins were found in F/DieEA (23,437 ± 0.251mgGEA/gE), and F/DcmEA (17,251 ± 0.354mgCE/gE), respectively.Therefore, flavonoid levels F/DieEA and F/DcmEA were almost identical (9.515 ± 0.277 mgQE/gE), (9.238 ± 0.119mgQE/gE). The F/DcmEA showed an interesting and significant antioxidant activity in all tests as the other F/DieEA, F/nBUOH, F/aqueous represented the activity of trapping the free radical DPPH of C50 = (3.073 ± 0.088mg/ml), a reducingpower of iron (433.55 ± 24.36mgQE/gE), and a total antioxidant capacity of the Mo (VI) reduction test of (20.28 ±1.96mgEAG/gE), and the determination of IC50 of β-carotene bleaching (0.92 ± 0.0175mg/ml).

The response of microbial community in aerobic rice rhizosphere that affected by various plant growth stages and soil types

Aims@#Aerobic rice is a potential crop introduced to encourage water conservation in rice planting. However, a decline of aerobic rice yield has been reported and thus this study was initiated with the aim to observe the response of microbial community in this environment which are exposed to various plant growth stage and soil types. @*Methodology and results@#To determine the effect of soil types such as peat and sandy clay loam on microbial community. A total of four growth stages were tested namely vegetative, reproductive, ripening and maturing. To determine the influence of growth stages and soil types towards microbial community in aerobic rice, Biolog Ecoplate™ technique was used to quantify the response of microbial community through microbial functional diversity and carbon source utilization. The abundance of culturable aerobic bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, nitrogen-fixing microorganism and phosphate-solubilizing microorganism were determined using five different selective media. Soil physical and chemical properties as well as total nitrogen in plant tissues were also determined. It was found that microbial functional diversity during plant growth (except for microbial evenness) varied between the soil types. Correlation analysis revealed different relationships between carbon source utilization and microbial functional diversity in both soil types. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Microbial community in rhizosphere responded according to plant development which is primarily determined by soil type. Therefore, it is concluded that soil type particularly the soil physical and chemical properties are important factors in shaping the microbial community by directly influencing the rhizosphere environment.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES AND AUXINS ON ROOTING OF Leucadendron sp. (PROTEACEAE) / EFECTO DE DIFERENTES SUSTRATOS Y AUXINAS EN EL ENRAIZAMIENTO DE Leucadendron sp. (PROTEACEAE)

ABSTRACT Colombian flower growers are faced with economic and social problems, so they are looking for alternatives, which include Proteas, ornamentals that require research that ensures an appropriate, local technical management. One of the Proteas most likely to be involved in this search is the genus Leucadendron. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the best basis for rooting its cuttings. The experimental design was a split plot design with a factorial arrangement. Four substrates were evaluated in combination with two auxins, naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and indolebutiric acid (IBA), three doses each, plus a commercial control. Each treatment was repeated three times and the experimental unit consisted of 30 stakes at the first locality and 25 at the second one. The most relevant results showed that vermiculite was the best substrate for rooting cuttings of Leucadendron at both localities. Also, it was identified that IBA is the growth regulator which improved the rooting percentage, the root volume, the stem decreased the percentage of losses.

RESUMEN Los cultivadores colombianos de flores tradicionales están confrontados con problemas, tanto económicos como sociales, por lo que están buscando alternativas, que incluyen a las Proteas, ornamentales que requieren investigación, que asegura un manejo técnico. Una de las Proteas con más posibilidad de estar involucrado en este desarrollo es el género Leucadendron. El diseño experimental empleado fue un diseño de parcelas, divididas con arreglo factorial. Así, que el objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la base para el enraizamiento de las estacas. En combinación con dos auxinas, ácido 1-naftalenacético (ANA) y ácido indolbutírico (AIB), tres dosis de cada una y el control comercial, se evaluaron cuatro sustratos. Cada tratamiento, se repitió tres veces y cada unidad experimental consistió en 30 estacas, para la primera localidad y de 25, para la segunda. Los resultados más relevantes mostraron que el mejor sustrato para el enraizamiento de estacas de Leucadendron fue la vermiculita, en ambas localidades. También, se identificó que AIB es el regulador de crecimiento que mejoró el porcentaje de enraizamiento, el volumen de raíces, la longitud del tallo disminuyó el porcentaje de pérdidas.

Colour changes as an indicator for estimating fungal growth in solid state fermentation

@#Aims:In this study, measurement of colour changes during solid state fermentation (SSF) are presented as one of the potential techniques that can be used to describe growth, complementary to other biomass estimation, such as weight of fungus, spores concentration, organic matter loss, glucosamine and enzyme activity, which is directly related to growth.Methodology and results: In this study, fungal fermentation of Aspergillus awamoriand A.oryzaeare carried out on complex heterogeneous solid media; wheat bran, soybean hull and rapeseed meal, which are constituted of various soluble and insoluble solid particles. Fermented mass was extracted using distilled water to obtain a cell free extract, which canbe determined quickly and accurately using UV-Visible spectrophotometermeasured absorbance at 300 nm. The results showed a significant correlation between colours produced from fungal SSF and the concentration of spores, weight of fungus cells, organic matter loss, glucosamine and enzyme activity. We found that the colour density proportionally increased when the studied parameters mentioned above increased.For the growth of A. awamoriand A. oryzaeon wheat bran, soybean hulls and rapeseed meal, it was confirmed that colour production was directly proportional to fungal growth. In general, colour-based methods seem to be the most promising approach for biomass estimation in SSF.Conclusions, significance and impacts of study:The theory of measuring colour changes in SSF by UV-visible spectroscopy demonstrates that the colour method gives some valuableinformation than just obtaining a visual observation or spore count to describe growth of fungal mycelium in SSF. The ideas obtained from this exercise might provide a quick and convenient method for quality control of fungal growth. The advantages of this method are that the procedure is simple to carry out, it is non-destructive and no special and expensive reagents are required and the process is very cheap.This newapproach is an important complimentation to the existing techniques especially for basic studies.

Comparison of various culture media effectiveness in the isolation of bacteria from Pekan peat swamp forest soil

Aims: Previously described as non-favorable-microbial habitat, peat swamp forest has its own features, which are extremely acidic, poor in nutrient, water-logged and anoxic environment where rate of decomposition of plant litters is quiet slow. Interestingly, current research has proven that there is diversity of microbial communities in this ecosystem. The main objective of this study is to isolate bacteria from Pekan peat swamp forest soil that play a role in the decomposition of plant litters through cultivation on different agar-based medium. The success of isolation of bacteria from this neglected habitat could open the opportunity in unleashing the specific role of bacteria in peat swamp plant litter degradation as well as potential biotechnological application of these bacteria in lignocellulose-related industry. Methodology and results: To mimic the peat condition that is low in nutrient and comprised of plant debris, M1 and peat agar supplemented with cellulose, glucose, lignin and xylan were used. Specifically, for the isolation of actinomycetes, dry and wet heat pre-treatments were applied to the soil samples. Then, the samples were cultivated on three different agars which were oatmeal agar as well as M1 and peat agar supplemented with glucose. Enrichment method was applied in the isolation of cellulase-producing bacteria. It was found that higher number of bacteria and actinomycetes were successfully isolated from peat agar, followed by oatmeal agar and M1. In fact, more actinomycetes were isolated from soil that was treated with wet heat pre-treatment compared to dry heat pre-treatment and on peat agar compared to M1 and oatmeal agar. This finding is promising, indicating that the application of peat water in the agar-based medium is useful to mimic the actual environment of peat swamp and increase the possibility to isolate indigenous bacteria. Primary screening of isolates from samples enriched with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) showed positive result of decolourisation zone on Azo-CM-Cellulose agar indicating the ability of isolates to degrade cellulose compound. Conclusions, significance and impacts of study: The study indicates the effectiveness of different culture media in successful isolation of bacteria including actinomycetes. Using the enrichment method, bacteria that are able to degrade cellulose compound was successfully isolated even though it is well known that plant litter degradation in the peat swamp environment happens at very slow rates.

Screening of ligninase-producing bacteria from south east Pahang peat swamp forest soil

Aims: Research on lignin degradation capability is previously restricted exclusively to fungal enzymes. However, recent studies had successfully revealed several soil bacterial strains that were able to produce ligninolytic enzymes. These bacterial ligninolytic enzymes were claimed to be more specific in catalysing cleavage of certain linkages between phenolic units of lignin polymers as compared to fungal enzymes. The present study focuses on screening for ligninaseproducing bacteria isolated from South East Pahang Peat Swamp Forest (SEPPSF) soil using agar-based assay. Methodology and results: Thirteen isolates used in this study, which were selected based on distinctive colony morphology from our previous isolation work, showed decolourisation zone on Azure B plates screening. The ratio of decolourisation zones were measured to the ratio of the colony size and the biggest ratio was 2.22 by isolate AR1. Only 4 out of the 13 isolates were able to grow on lignin plates. Subsequently, the 4 isolates, AR3, AR8, AR10 and AR13 were tested on M1 agar supplemented with 3 ligninolytic enzyme indicator compounds which were tannic acid (TA), guaiacol and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) respectively. All four isolates showed growth on TA plates while only AR10 showed a clear brown coloration. An Intense reddish-brown colour formation was observed around the colony of isolates AR3 and AR10 on guaiacol plates while none exhibited green coloration around the colonies when tested on ABTS plates. Conclusions, significance and impacts of study: Isolate AR10 that was identified as Serratia sp. was perceived to be a potential ligninase-producer, though in-depth analysis has to be conducted in the future to determine the specific ligninolytic enzyme activities and characteristics. The application of different substrates is essential to investigate the ligninolytic potential and reaction of those bacterial enzymes towards different indicator compounds. This study is a preliminary endeavour concerning potential ligninolytic enzymes from bacteria as biocatalysts in various industrial processes. This is the first report on preliminary study for ligninolytic activities of soil bacteria from SEPPSF soil.

Antimicrobial Producing Bacteria Isolated from Tropical Peat Swamp Soil

Aims: The aims of this study were to isolate and characterize antimicrobial producing bacteria from tropical peat swamp forest soils. Methodology and results: Bacteria isolated from peat soil were screened for antimicrobial properties via agar overlay assay. Broth microdilution was performed using crude-cell free supernatant (CCFS) to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). One isolate was selected due to its broad spectrum activity and identified as Burkholderia spp. with a maximum identity of 99% via 16s rRNA gene PCR. This isolate was able to produce antimicrobials that were active against several Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria and also yeast. The antimicrobial activity of the CCFS was stable at a pH range of 1 to 11, temperatures of −20 °C to 80 °C, and after treatment with several proteolytic enzymes: α-chymotrypsin, proteinase K and trypsin, indicating that the antimicrobial produced might not be proteinaceous in nature. It is possible that the isolate can produce polyketides, a type of antimicrobial compound produced by Burkholderia known to be resistant to proteolytic enzymes. However, further work needs to be done to confirm this. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The presence of antimicrobial producing bacteria signified that tropical peat swamps are indeed a potential source for antimicrobials to combat infections.

11-4 Osteoarthritis and Peat Mud Pack Therapy / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Objectives: To conduct a pilot study assessing the impact of a peat mud pack therapy (PMPT) protocol on patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Design: Quasi-experimental, repeated measures design Patients: Ten participants with previously diagnosed bilateral OA of the knees. Methods: Participants will receive PMPT twice a week for six weeks. Single-use peat mud packs heated to 42°C will be placed on the knees of seated participants for 20 minutes. Blood biomarkers will be collected at the beginning and end of the first, the sixth and the last treatment visits. Serum biomarkers TNF-a and hsCRP will assess changes in inflammation, and IGF-1 will be measured to assess potential chondroprotective effects. Questionnaires will be given at the screening visit, and the first, third, sixth, and last treatment visits to assess subjective levels of pain, stiffness, and mobility throughout the study. Significance: The majority of balneotherapy studies involve a 10-14 day course of daily spa therapy. Practical limitations (e.g. participants’ busy daily schedules, a lack of affordable access, insurance coverage to safe and effective spa therapies) in America make this type of approach infeasible. The current study is designed to reflect a more limited but realistic spa therapy schedule, given American cultural norms. Results will help researchers assess compliance to the proposed therapy regimen, and may improve understanding of the therapeutic activity of peat mud.

Combined SYBR Green Real-Time with Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol (RQ-TRAP) to Detect Telomerase Activity / 天津医药

Objective To establish methodology to detect telomerase activity based on real-time quantitative PCR technique combined with telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP). Methods RQ-TRAP system was developed by combining real-time quantitative PCR technique with conventional TRAP method. Telomerase activity was assessed and compared by RQ-TRAP assay and TRAP connected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TRAP-ELISA) respectively in 12 kinds of cells. Results The RQ-TRAP method was both accurate and specified in measuring telomerase activity in a series dilution of protein extracts from 293T cells. The sensitivity of this method was 8 cells and the amplification efficiency was 98.92%. Telomerase activity was not detected in negative control group. Statistical analysis revealed a strong correlation between the two assays (r2=0.762 5). Conclusion The feasibility of RQ-TRAP was proved in this article. Compared with TRAP-ELISA, RQ-TRAP has many advantages. Apart from sample extraction and real-time PCR cycling, no other extra time-consuming steps are needed for telomerase quantification;RQ-TRAP is less costly and more rapid and reliable than TRAP-ELISA for quantification of telomerase activity and it also support high throughput.

11-4Osteoarthritis and Peat Mud Pack Therapy / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

<b>Objectives: </b>To conduct a pilot study assessing the impact of a peat mud pack therapy (PMPT) protocol on patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. <BR><b>Design:</b> Quasi-experimental, repeated measures design<BR><b>Patients:</b> Ten participants with previously diagnosed bilateral OA of the knees.<BR><b>Methods:</b> Participants will receive PMPT twice a week for six weeks. Single-use peat mud packs heated to 42°C will be placed on the knees of seated participants for 20 minutes. Blood biomarkers will be collected at the beginning and end of the first, the sixth and the last treatment visits. Serum biomarkers TNF-a and hsCRP will assess changes in inflammation, and IGF-1 will be measured to assess potential chondroprotective effects. Questionnaires will be given at the screening visit, and the first, third, sixth, and last treatment visits to assess subjective levels of pain, stiffness, and mobility throughout the study. <BR><b>Significance:</b> The majority of balneotherapy studies involve a 10-14 day course of daily spa therapy. Practical limitations (e.g. participants’ busy daily schedules, a lack of affordable access, insurance coverage to safe and effective spa therapies) in America make this type of approach infeasible.The current study is designed to reflect a more limited but realistic spa therapy schedule, given American cultural norms. Results will help researchers assess compliance to the proposed therapy regimen, and may improve understanding of the therapeutic activity of peat mud.

Pequenos mamíferos não-voadores (Didelphimorphia, Rodentia) em dois fragmentos de mata de restinga de Rio Grande, planície costeira do Rio Grande do Sul / Non-volant small mammals ((Didelphimorphia, Rodentia) in two forest fragments in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul coastal plain, Brazil

As matas de restinga representam formações vegetais originais na Planície Costeira do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição de espécies de pequenos mamíferos não-voadores em dois fragmentos de matas de restinga (mata palustre e mata arenosa ciliar) no município de Rio Grande, região sul da Planície Costeira do Rio Grande do Sul. Um total de 234 indivíduos pertencentes a três espécies de marsupiais (Didelphidae: Cryptonanus guahybae, Didelphis albiventris, Lutreolina crassicaudata) e oito espécies de roedores (Cricetidae: Deltamys kempi, Holochilus brasiliensis, Oligoryzomys flavescens, O. nigripes, Oxymycterus nasutus, Scapteromys tumidus; Muridae: Mus musculus, Rattus rattus) foi capturado. As espécies C. guahybae, D. albiventris, D. kempi, H. brasiliensis, O. nigripes, S. tumidus e M. musculus foram registradas no fragmento de mata palustre, enquanto que C. guahybae, D. albiventris, Lutreolina crassicaudata, D. kempi, O. flavescens, O. nigripes, S. tumidus e R. rattus ocorreram no fragmento de mata arenosa ciliar. Oligoryzomys nigripes e S. tumidus foram as espécies mais abundantes no fragmento de mata palustre, representando respectivamente 40,4 e 22,1% do total de indivíduos capturados. No fragmento de mata arenosa ciliar, as espécies mais abundantes foram O. nigripes e D. albiventris, representando respectivamente 63,4 e 12,4% do total de indivíduos capturados. Indivíduos de C. guahybae e O. nigripes foram capturados em estrato arbóreo (alturas entre 0,50 e 1,65 m) enquanto que todos os indivíduos das demais espécies foram capturados no solo.

The restinga forests represent original vegetal formations in Coastal Plain of Rio Grande do Sul state. This work aimed to evaluate the species composition of non-volant small mammals in two restinga forests (peat forest and sandy riparian forest) in Rio Grande, Southern Rio Grande do Sul Coastal Plain. A total of 234 individuals belonging to three species of marsupials (Didelphidae: Cryptonanus guahybae, Didelphis albiventris, Lutreolina crassicaudata) and eight species of rodents (Cricetidae: Deltamys kempi, Holochilus brasiliensis, Oligoryzomys flavescens, O. nigripes, Oxymycterus nasutus, Scapteromys tumidus; Muridae: Mus musculus, Rattus rattus) was captured. The species C. guahybae, D. albiventris, D. kempi, H. brasiliensis, O. nigripes, S. tumidus and M. musculus were recorded in the peat forest while C. guahybae, D. albiventris, Lutreolina crassicaudata, D. kempi, O. flavescens, O. nigripes, S. tumidus and R. rattus occurred in the riparian sandy forest. Oligoryzomys nigripes and S. tumidus were the most abundant species in the peat forest, representing 40.4 and 22.1% of the total of captured individuals, respectively. The most abundant species in the riparian sandy forest were O. nigripes e D. albiventris, representing 63.4 and 12.4% of the total of captured individuals. Individuals of C. guahybae and O. nigripes were captured on trees (heights between 0.50 and 1.65 m) while all individuals of the remaining species were captured on the ground.