Endophytic Bacillus subtilis P10 from Prunus cerasifera as a biocontrol agent against tomato Verticillium wilt / Bacillus subtilis P10 endofítico de Prunus cerasifera como agente de biocontrole contra murcha de Verticillium de tomate

Endophytic bacteria serve key roles in the maintenance of plant health and growth. Few studies to date, however, have explored the antagonistic and plant growth-promoting (PGP) properties of Prunus cerasifera endophytes. To that end, we isolated endophytic bacteria from P. cerasifera tissue samples and used a dual culture plate assay to screen these microbes for antagonistic activity against Verticillium dahliae, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Fusarium oxysporum, F. graminearum, and F. moniliforme. Of the 36 strains of isolated bacteria, four (strains P1, P10, P16, and P20) exhibited antagonistic effects against all five model pathogens, and the P10 strain exhibited the strongest antagonistic to five pathogens. This P10 strain was then characterized in-depth via phenotypic assessments, physiological analyses, and 16s rDNA sequencing, revealing it to be a strain of Bacillus subtilis. Application of a P10 cell suspension (1×108 CFU/mL) significantly enhanced the seed germination and seedling growth of tomato in a greenhouse setting. This P10 strain further significantly suppressed tomato Verticillium wilt with much lower disease incidence and disease index scores being observed following P10 treatment relative to untreated plants in pot-based experiments. Tomato plants that had been treated with strain P10 also enhanced defense-related enzymes, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity upon V. dahliae challenge relative to plants that had not been treated with this endophytic bacterium. The results revealed that the P10 bacterial strain has potential value as a biocontrol agent for use in the prevention of tomato Verticillium wilt.

As bactérias endofíticas desempenham papel fundamental na manutenção da saúde e do crescimento das plantas. Poucos estudos até o momento, no entanto, exploraram as propriedades antagônicas e promotoras de crescimento de plantas (PGP) de endófitos de Prunus cerasifera. Para esse fim, isolamos bactérias endofíticas de amostras de tecido de P. cerasifera e usamos um ensaio de placa de cultura dupla para rastrear esses micróbios quanto à atividade antagonista contra Verticillium dahliae, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Fusarium oxysporum, F. graminearum e F. moniliforme. Das 36 cepas de bactérias isoladas, quatro (cepas P1, P10, P16 e P20) exibiram efeitos antagônicos contra todos os cinco patógenos modelo, e a cepa P10 exibiu o antagonista mais forte para cinco patógenos. Essa cepa P10 foi então caracterizada em profundidade por meio de avaliações fenotípicas, análises fisiológicas e sequenciamento de rDNA 16s, revelando ser uma cepa de Bacillus subtilis. A aplicação de uma suspensão de células P10 (1 × 108 UFC / mL) aumentou significativamente a germinação das sementes e o crescimento das mudas de tomate em casa de vegetação. Essa cepa P10 suprimiu ainda mais a murcha de Verticillium do tomate com incidência de doença muito menor e pontuações de índice de doença sendo observadas após o tratamento com P10 em relação a plantas não tratadas em experimentos baseados em vasos. As plantas de tomate que foram tratadas com a cepa P10 também aumentaram as enzimas relacionadas à defesa, peroxidase, superóxido dismutase e atividade da catalase após o desafio de V. dahliae em relação às plantas que não foram tratadas com essa bactéria endofítica. Os resultados revelaram que a cepa bacteriana P10 tem valor potencial como agente de biocontrole para uso na prevenção da murcha de Verticillium em tomate.

Medicinal evolution and modern research progress on Mume Fructus / 中国中药杂志

Prunus mume is an edible and medicinal material, and Mume Fructus is its processed product, which was first recorded in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica(Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing). It is an effective drug for stopping diarrhea with astringents and promoting fluid production to quiet ascaris. By consulting the ancient herbal works of the past dynasties, modern codes, and other rela-ted literature, this paper sorted out the medicinal evolution of Mume Fructus, examined the ancient efficacy of Mume Fructus and the main indications, and summarized the inclusion of Mume Fructus in national and provincial standards. It is recorded in the ancient herbal works of the past dynasties that Mume Fructus can be processed by various methods such as roasting, stir-frying or micro-frying, stir-frying with charcoal, single steaming, steaming with wine, and steaming after soaking in wine or vinegar, and prepared into pills, powders, and ointments, which are used in the treatment of fatigue, diabetes, malaria, dysentery, ascariasis, and other diseases. Mume Fructus has been included in nine editions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia and 19 provincial and municipal preparation specifications. The processing method of Mume Fructus is determined, namely, clean P. mume should be softened by moistening in water or steaming and pitted. By reviewing the effects of processing on its chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and its modern clinical application, this paper identified the following issues. The ancient application methods of Mume Fructus are diverse but less commonly used in modern times, there is a lack of standardized research on the processing, and the research on the changes caused by the difference in Mume Fructus before and after processing is not deep. Therefore, it is necessary to further investigate the change pattern of its chemical composition before and after processing and its correlation between its medicinal activity to standardize the processing technology and provide a solid basis for the use of Mume Fructus in parts and its quality control.

Fenología reproductiva de Prunus lundelliana Standl. (Rosaceae), un árbol en peligro de extinción con potencial para restaurar bosques nubosos de Mesoamérica / Reproductive phenology of Prunus lundelliana Standl. (Rosaceae), an endangered tree with potential to restore cloud forests of Mesoamerica

La fenología estudia los cambios estacionales en los ciclos de vida de los organismos. Una utilidad de la fenología, es que permite establecer periodos en que se pueden colectar semillas para programas de restauración ecológica. Por lo que, de abril de 2017 a mayo de 2019, en el volcán Tacaná, San Marcos, Guatemala, se estableció la estaciona-lidad, variación anual, sincronía, intensidad y duración de las fenofases reproductivas de Prunus lundelliana Standl. Aproximadamente cada 15 días, en 10 individuos se registró la presencia e intensidad de las flores (botones y abiertas) y frutos (inmaduros y maduros). Los datos se analizaron con estadística circular, encontrándose que todas la fenofases fueron estacionales y que solo el patrón de los frutos inmaduros varió significativamente entre los dos periodos. La sincronía fue principalmente alta y la intensidad no superó el 40%. En ambos periodos las intensidades menores las presentaron los frutos maduros (17 y 25%). Los índices de actividad e intensidad se correlacionaron significativamente, por lo que los ángulos medios fueron semejantes en las fenofases y periodos de estudio. Los picos de actividad-in-tensidad de las flores abiertas y de los frutos maduros ocurrieron durante los meses secos (noviembre-abril), patrón que se ha registrado en otros bosques nubosos. La duración de las fenofases varió entre 2.5-3.5 meses, siendo la más pequeña la de frutos maduros. Para fines de manejo, la colecta de frutos maduros puede hacerse desde mediados de marzo hasta finales de mayo, sin embargo, se sugiere hacerlo principalmente entre el 15 de abril y el 15 de mayo.

Phenology studies the seasonal changes in the life cycle of organisms. Phenological data allow to set the periods in which the seeds can be collected for ecological restoration programs. From April, 2017 to May, 2019, in Taca-ná volcano, San Marcos, Guatemala, it was established the seasonality, annual variation, synchrony, intensity, and duration of the reproductive phenophases of Prunus lundelliana Standl. About every 15 days, 10 individuals were observed and it was recorded the presence and intensity of flowers (buds and blossom flowers) and fruits (immature and mature fruits). The data was analyzed with circular statistics, finding that all the phenophases were seasonally distributed and only the immature fruits pattern significantly variated between the two periods. The synchrony was mainly high and the intensity did not exceed 40%. In both of the study periods, the lesser intensities were presented by the mature fruits (17 and 25%). The activity and intensity indexes were significantly correlated; therefore the mid angles were alike in the phenophases and study periods. The activity-intensity highs of blossom flowers and of mature fruits happened in the dry months (November to April), a pattern that has been registered in other cloud forests. The duration of the phenophases ranged from 2.5 to 3.5 months, being the shortest the mature fruits phenophase. For environmental management purposes, the collection of mature fruits can be done from the middle of March to the end of May, nonetheless, it should be done mainly between April 15th and May 15th.

Antimicrobial effect against oral bacteria on bioactive compounds in a high-pressure enzymatic Prunus mume extract / Efeito antimicrobiano contra bactérias orais sobre compostos bioativos em um extrato enzimático de Prunus mume de alta pressão

To evaluate high-pressure processing combined with enzymatic treatment for extraction of Prunus mume by determining the optimum extraction conditions for the antimicrobial activity against oral bacteria. Highpressure enzymatic extraction was used to isolate biologically active components from P. mume. The effects of process variables such as enzyme type (Pectinex Ultra SP-L, Novozym 33095 and Viscozyme L), enzyme concentration, incubation time/temperature, pH, and ratio of enzymes antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens related to dental caries and periodontal diseases were determined by disk diffusion assay. The optimal conditions for enzymatic extraction from P. mume were pH 6.0, 45°C, 20 h, and 5 v/v% with Pectinex Ultra SP-L. The maximum antimicrobial activity of P. mume extract obtained using Novozym 33095 was at pH 7.0, 45°C, 20 h, and 5 v/v%. The Viscozyme L extract showed the maximum inhibitory effect at pH 6.0, 45°C, 20 h, and 5 v/v%. Use of combinations of enzymes did not result in significantly different antimicrobial activity (p < 0.05) compared with each enzyme alone. Minimum inhibitory concentration values were 3.125 to 12.50%. These results indicated that high-pressure enzymatic extraction yielded P. mume extract with antimicrobial activity which has the potential for improving oral environment.

Avaliar o processamento de alta pressão combinado com o tratamento enzimático para a extração de Prunus mume, determinando as condições ótimas de extração para a atividade antimicrobiana contra as bactérias orais. A extração enzimática de alta pressão foi utilizada para isolar os componentes biologicamente ativos de P. mume. Os efeitos das variáveis do processo como o tipo enzimático (Pectinex Ultra SP-L, Novozym 33095 e Viscozyme L), a concentração de enzima, o tempo/temperatura de incubação, pH, e a relação da atividade antimicrobiana de enzimas contra os patógenos orais relacionados à cárie dentária e doenças periodontais foram determinados pelo ensaio de difusão em disco. As condições ótimas para a extração enzimática de P. mume foram pH 6.0, 45°C, 20 h, e 5 v/v% com Pectinex Ultra SP-L. A máxima atividade antimicrobiana do extrato de P. mume obtida usando Novozym 33095 foi em pH 7.0, 45°C, 20 h, e 5 v/v%. O extrato de Viscozyme L apresentou o efeito inibitório máximo em pH 6.0, 45°C, 20 h, e 5 v/v%. O uso de combinações de enzimas não resultou em uma atividade antimicrobiana significativamente diferente (p < 0.05) em comparação com cada enzima por separada. Os valores mínimos da concentração inibitória foram de 3.125 a 12.50%. Estes resultados indicaram que a extração enzimática de alta pressão produziu o extrato de P. mume com atividade antimicrobiana,o qual tem o potencial para melhorar o ambiente bucal.

Antimicrobial effect of Prunus mume extracts against cariogenic bacteria / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine whether Prunus mume extracts have an antimicrobial effect against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus). METHODS: The study used crushed and dried Prunus mume, to which 80% methanol was added to obtain extracts. The extracts then underwent a demarcation process, sequentially using hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, all of which have different polarities, followed by a reduction in pressure . The disc diffusion method was then used to measure the clear zone diameter to identify the antimicrobial effect of Prunus mume extracts using the different solvents. The methanol extracts that presented antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and S. sobrinus were then selected, and their optical densities (3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h after cultivation) were measured to identify growth retardation effects based on extract concentration (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 5 mg/ml). RESULTS: A clear zone was observed in methanol and ethyl acetate for S. mutans when the antimicrobial effect of Prunus mume extracts of each solvent against oral microorganisms was measured via the disc diffusion method. A clear zone was observed in hexane, chloroform, methanol, and ethyl acetate, when the extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity against S. sobrinus. The extract concentration of 1 mg/ml retarded growth with a statistical significance (P<0.05) from 6 h onwards, as determined when the optical density was measured hourly and the growth curves of S. mutans and S. sobrinus were plotted. CONCLUSIONS: Prunus mume extracts retarded the growth of S. mutans and S. sobrinus with increase in time and concentration. Therefore, Prunus mume extracts hold the potential to be used for developing an oral antimicrobial agent to control dental caries.

Usos y costumbres sobre hierbas medicinales en barrios periurbanos del sudeste de la ciudad de Salta, Argentina / Uses and customs on medicinal herbs in periurban neighborhoods ofsoutheastern Salta City, Argentina

Desde la medicina oficial se desconoce y subestima el uso de otras formas de atención, por lo que este trabajo tiene como objetivos caracterizar el conocimiento sobre uso de hierbas medicinales en la zona sudeste de la ciudad de Salta; identificar cuáles se utilizan para tratar problemas de salud; y valorar su frecuencia de uso. Se realizó una investigación cuali-cuantitativa, entrevistando a informantes claves y grupos focales. Se confeccionaron listas de hierbas medicinales, y sus usos se categorizaron por problemas de salud. Se realizó una encuesta sobre frecuencia de usos medicinales. Se mencionaron 59 hierbas medicinales con una media de 2,3 usos por planta. Con un "Nivel de importancia Significativo" se encuentran quimpe, tusca, paico, coca, molle, ruda y hediondilla. El "coqueo" se encontró en 54% de las familias. El 52% utiliza alguna hierba para afecciones gastrointestinales, el 45% para problemas de la piel, el 40 % para afecciones respiratorias, el 33% para "empacho" y 17% para problemas renales, sin diferencias significativas en los usos por grupo etáreo. La población tiene amplio conocimiento sobre hierbas medicinales. La medicina formal debe legitimar estos conocimientos e incluirlos en su práctica.

Traditional health professionals underestimate and fail to recognize the use of other forms of health care, therefore this research has the objective of characterizing knowledge about the use of medicinal herbs in the southeastern area of Salta city; to identify which herbs are used to treat health problems; and to assess its frequency of use. Qualitative and quantitative research was conducted by interviewing key informants and focus groups. Lists of medicinal herbs and uses were created and categorized by health problems. Finally, a closed survey on frequency of use was carried out. Fifty-nine herbs were mentioned with an average of 2.3 uses per plant. quimpe, tusca , paico, coca, molle, ruda and hediondillawere herbs marked as “with a Significant Level of Impotanse”. The use of coca was found in 54% of the families interviewed. Fifty-two percent used some herb for gastrointestinal disorders, 45% for skin problems, 40% for respiratory conditions, 33% for indigestion and 17% for kidney problems, with no significant differences in uses according toage groups. Population has a good knowledge of medicinal herbs. Formal medicine should legitimize this knowledge and include it in its practice.

Vitamin C and antioxidant capacity stability in cherry and romaine during storage at different temperatures / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to study the change in antioxidant activity depending on storage temperature and storage period in romaine and cherry. METHODS: The plant material was stored at 0.7 +/- 0.6degrees C, 3.5 +/- 2.8degrees C, and 4.7 +/- 1.4degrees C. Cherry and romaine were stored for a period of 9 days and 7 days, respectively. The cherry was taken from each group of samples at regular intervals of days and the romaine was taken from each group of samples at regular intervals of 2days. Vitamin C, total polyphenol, and total flavonoid stability and antioxidant capacity including DPPH, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. RESULTS: For cherry, the levels of TAC and flavonoid were higher at the 0.7 +/- 0.6degrees C condition than other conditions (p 4.7 +/- 1.4degrees C > 3.5 +/- 2.8degrees C. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the narrow differences and fluctuation in temperature were associated with antioxidant capacity and it might enhance the nutritional shelf life of vegetables and fruits.

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion after Trauma: Report of Two Cases

PURPOSE: To report two patients who developed central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) after trauma. CASE SUMMARY: A 26-year-old man complained of severe loss of vision in his left eye after falling and bumping his forehead on a staircase. His visual acuity was light perception in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed edematous white retina and a cherry red spot on the macula. Angiography showed severe stenosis in the initial segment of the ophthalmic artery with ophthalmic arterial embolus. He underwent intra-arterial thrombolysis with a clinical diagnosis of CRAO with ophthalmic artery stenosis. A 57-year-old woman presented with vision loss after falling and striking her face below her right lower eyelid on a wooden stick. Her visual acuity was hand motions in the right eye. Fundus examinations showed white retina with opacity and a cherry red spot on the macula. Fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography was performed, and a clinical diagnosis of CRAO was made. CONCLUSIONS: CRAO must be considered when clinically differentiating visual loss after a trauma.

Aislamiento presuntivo y caracterización de cryptococcus neoformans y cryptococcus gattii desde árboles en la región de O’Higgins y Maule, Chile / Presumptive isolation and characterization of cryptococcus neoformans and cryptococcus gattii from trees in the region of O’Higgins and Maule, Chile

Introducción: la criptocococis es una micosis sistémica causada por C. neoformans y C. gattii, es frecuente y oportunista en inmunocomprometidos y patógeno primario en personas inmunocompetentes. C. neoformans tiene una distribución mundial y se ha aislado desde las excretas de palomas. C. gattii se considera restringida a regiones con clima tropical, subtropical, y templadas, se encuentra asociada frecuentemente a detritos de especies de Eucalyptus sp. La virulencia de estas levaduras le permite desarrollar patogénesis en mamíferos y supervivencia en el ambiente. Objetivo: Identificar y determinar la actividad de proteinasas y fosfolipasas, de C. neoformans y C. gattii aisladas desde las oquedades de árboles en lugares con alta afluencia de público. Materiales y Métodos: Se tomaron 200 muestras de hisopado desde distintas especies de árboles desde sectores de la región de O’Higgins y el Maule. Se siembran en ASG, se aíslan y mantienen en ASD. Identificación con tinta china, Urea de Christensen, crecimiento a 37°C, asimilación y fermentación de azucares, y siembra en medio CGB. Se mide índice de actividad enzimática Prz de proteinasas y fofolipasas. Resultados y Conclusiones: Se obtuvieron 109 cepas de C. neoformans aisladas desde las oquedades de diferentes especies arbóreas y 3 cepas presuntivas de C. gattii desde Eucalyptus sp. y Prunus cerasifera artropurpurea. El 88,1 por ciento de las cepas C. neoformans y 100 por ciento de C. gattii, presentaron alta actividad proteolítica, El 49,5 por ciento de las cepas de C. neoformans y 33,3 por ciento de C. gattii mostraron alta actividad de fosfolipasas.

Introduction: criptocococis is a systemic mycosis caused by C. neoformans and C. gattii, frequent and opportunistic in immunocompromised and primary pathogen in immunocompetent persons. C. neoformans has a worldwide distribution and has been isolated from the excreta of pigeons. C. gattii is considered restricted to regions with tropical, subtropical, and temperate, is often associated with species of Eucalyptus sp. The virulence of these yeasts develop pathogenesis allows survival in mammals and the environment. Objective: To identify and determine the activity of proteinases and phospholipases of C. neoformans and C. gattii isolated from the hollows of trees in places with high turnout. Materials and Methods: 200 swab samples were taken from different species of trees from areas of the region of O’Higgins and Maule. Planted in ASG, they are isolated and kept in ASD. Identification with ink, Urea Christensen, growth at 37 ° C, assimilation and fermentation of sugars, and planting medium CGB. Prz index proteinase enzyme activity is measured and phospholipases. Results and Conclusions: We manage to get 109 strains of C. neoformans isolated from the hollows of different tree species and 3 presumptive strains of C. gattii from Eucalyptus sp. and Prunus cerasifera artropurpurea. 88.1 percent of the strains C. neoformans and C. gattii 100 percent , they showed high proteolytic activity, 49.5 percent of the strains of C. neoformans and C. gattii 33.3 percent showed high activity phospholipases.

Contenido de nutrientes de bebidas artesanales a base de almendras / Nutrient content of homemade almond beverages

Introducción: la comercialización de bebidas a base de al-mendras fortificadas con calcio (Ca) se ha difundido inter-nacionalmente. Por su aspecto blanquecino se denominan usualmente “leches”, siendo utilizadas en reemplazo de le-che vacuna, sobre todo por vegetarianos estrictos. En Argentina se preparan sólo de manera artesanal y se desconoce su contenido en nutrientes, en particular de minerales. Objetivos: estudiar la composición centesimal y el contenido de minerales de las bebidas artesanales en base a almendras, utilizando distintas condiciones de obtención usualmente empleadas. Materiales y métodos: se elaboraron cuatro bebidas uti-lizando 100 g de almendras en 600 ml de agua, variando tiempos de remojo (0-36 hs) y con/sin filltración. Se estudió Ca por espectrometría de absorción atómica, sodio (Na) y po-tasio (K) por espectrometría de emisión, previa mineralización nitro-perclórica (50:50). En almendras se determinaron los inositoles fosfatos (IP) por HPLC y se calculó la relación molar ácido fítico (AF)/Ca, utilizando factores de conversión, como indicador de la disponibilidad potencial de Ca. Resultados: la composición de almendras fue (g%): grasas 53,5; proteínas 16,8; fibra dietaria total 9,6; cenizas 2,9; car-bohidratos digeribles 12,0; minerales (mg%): Ca 221; K 555 y Na 0,7; IP (mg%): IP3 54, IP4 151, IP5 853, IP6 4838. La relación molar AF/Ca resultó 1,6, muy superior a la recomen-dada (<0,17). En bebidas los resultados fueron (g%): grasas 3,2-5,6; proteínas 2,3-2,8; cenizas 0,2-0,3; minerales (mg%): Ca 9-18; K 56-68 y Na 13-16. Conclusiones: no se evidenciaron diferencias en nutrientes al comparar los diversos tiempos de remojo, ni con o sin filtración, resultando productos de muy bajo contenido de Na y Ca, y moderado aporte de K.

ntroduction: calcium fortified almond beverages are inter-nationally produced. Due to its white appearance they are usually termed as "milk", being used to replace cow's milk, especially by the strict vegetarians. In Argentina, they are only homemade prepared and their nutrient content is unknown, particularly minerals.Objectives: to establish the proximate composition and con-tent of almond beverages using different processing condi-tions usually employed.Materials and methods: 4 beverages were prepared using 100 g of almonds in 600 ml water, changing the soaking time (0-36 hs) and with/without ltration. Calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) of almonds and were quanti ed by atomic absorption spectrometry (Ca) and emission spectrometry (Na and K), after a nitroperchloric (50:50) mineralization. Inositol phosphates (IP) were determined in almonds by HPLC and the phytic acid (PA)/Ca molar ratio was calculated using conversion factors as an indicator of the potential availability of Ca. Results: the almonds composition was (g%): fats 53,5; pro-teins 16,8; total dietary bre 9,6; ashes 2,9; digestible carbo-hydrates 12,0; minerals (mg%): Ca 221; K 555 and Na 0,7; IP (mg%): IP3 54, IP4 151, IP5 853, IP6 4838. The PA/Ca molar ratio was 1,6, much higher than the recommended value (<0,17). The results for the 4 beverages were (g%): fats 3,2-5,6; proteins 2.3-2.8; ash 0.2-0.3; minerals (mg%): Ca 9-18; K 56-68 and Na 13-16. Conclusions: there was no signi cant difference in the nu-trient content of the 4 beverages neither when different soaking time nor the presence or absences of ltration were compared. The beverages are products with low content of Na and Ca and moderate content of K.

Population age structure of the green beach aphid, Myzus Persicae [Sulzer] [Homoptera: Aphididae] in Cumin fields in Assiut Upper Egypt

The present studies were carried out during 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 on cumin growing seasons. The main objective was to study population age structure of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae [Sulzer] infesting cumin plants in Assiut, Upper Egypt. When using beginning of cumin planting as a starting date, data show that the migration of the green peach aphid from overwintering site into cumin fields occurred after about 50 days [nearly during the end of December]. The population then increased to become 10% of the maximum number after 66 days [nearly during the first half of January]. Maximum population density of the green peach aphid occurred after about 95 days. Therefore, the peak of abundance could be expected around the first half of February. After the population reached it's the highest level, it generally declined and reached 10% of the maximum after 121 days. The population then vanished from the cumin field in about 132 days [toward the middle of March]. The present results indicate that the number of green peach aphid was significantly higher in the second season 2013 [421.3 aphids / 10 plants], than that of the first season 2012 [249.30 aphids / 10 plants]. The differences in levels of infestation between the two seasons might be attributed to the differences in weather factors [temperature, relative humidity] and /or the effect of the common natural enemies in each season

Phenolic compounds and vitamins in wild and cultivated apricot (Prunus armeniaca L) fruits grown in irrigated and dry farming conditions

BACKGROUND: Turkey is the main apricot producer in the world and apricots have been produced under both dry and irrigated conditions in the country. In this study, phenolic compounds and vitamins in fruits of one wild (Zerdali) and three main apricot cultivars ('Cataloglu', 'Hacihaliloglu' and 'Kabaasi') grown in both dry and irrigated conditions in Malatya provinces in Turkey were investigated. RESULTS: The findings indicated that higher content of phenolic compounds and vitamins was found in apricot fruits grown in irrigated conditions. Among the cultivars, 'Cataloglu' had the highest rutin contents both in irrigated and dry farming conditions as 2855 µg in irrigated and 6952 µg per 100 g dried weight base in dry conditions and the highest chlorogenic acid content in irrigated and dry farming conditions were measured in fruits of 'Hacihaliloglu' cultivar as 7542 µg and 15251 µg per 100 g dried weight base. Vitamin C contents in homogenates of fruit flesh and skin was found to be higher than ß-caroten, retinol, vitamin E and lycopen contents in apricot fruits both in irrigated and dry farming conditions. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that apricot fruits grown in both dry and irrigated conditions had high health benefits phytochemicals and phytochemical content varied among cultivars and irrigation conditions as well. However, more detailed biological and pharmacological studies are needed for the demonstration and clarification of health benefits of apricot fruits.

Procedure of seed quality testing and seed grading standard of Prunus humilis / 中国中药杂志

So far there exists no corresponding quality test procedures and grading standards for the seed of Prunus humilis, which is one of the important source of base of semen pruni. Therefor we set up test procedures that are adapt to characteristics of the P. humilis seed through the study of the test of sampling, seed purity, thousand-grain weight, seed moisture, seed viability and germination percentage. 50 cases of seed specimens of P. humilis tested. The related data were analyzed by cluster analysis. Through this research, the seed quality test procedure was developed, and the seed quality grading standard was formulated. The seed quality of each grade should meet the following requirements: for first grade seeds, germination percentage ≥ 68%, thousand-grain weight 383 g, purity ≥ 93%, seed moisture ≤ 5%; for second grade seeds, germination percentage ≥ 26%, thousand-grain weight ≥ 266 g, purity ≥ 73%, seed moisture ≤9%; for third grade seeds, germination percentage ≥ 10%, purity ≥ 50%, thousand-grain weight ≥ 08 g, seed moisture ≤ 13%.

Quality assessment and classification of persicae semen based on HPLC-UV fingerprint / 中国中药杂志

Persicae Semen (PS), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used for the syndrome of blood stasis in China since the Eastern Han Dynasty. In the present study, we developed an HPLC-UV fingerprint analysis method for the quality control of PS. The HPLC fingerprint was performed on Shimadzu Inertsil C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) at 35 degrees C. The mobile phases were composed of acetonitrile and water using a gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1), and the detection wavelength was set at 210 nm. The fingerprint method was validated according to the Guidelines for Traditional Chinese Medicine Injection Fingerprint, and applied to determine 41 batches representative herbs collected from Xinjiang of China. The chromatographic peaks were characterized by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and nine of them were identified by comparison with the literature and/or reference standards. In order to classify and assess the samples, hierarchical clustering analysis and partial least square discriminant analysis were performed based on the common chromatographic peaks, and the samples were geographically classified into two classes, with six chemical compounds as classification markers which were significantly different between the two classes (P < 0.05).

A Case of Dyadic Death Associated with Helium Gas: An Autopsy Case Report / 대한법의학회지

A 39-year-old man, his 35-year-old wife, and their 13-year-old daughter were found dead in their home. The man and his daughter were found lying in her bedroom, with his head wrapped in a plastic bag connected to four helium gas cylinders by green polypropylene tubes. Fragments of the burnt ignition briquette were found in the bucket located at her feet. His wife was found in a decomposed state lying on her right side in her bedroom. Autopsy findings for the man were unremarkable except for cherry pink lividity; the blood carboxyhemoglobin concentration was 73%. Autopsy findings were unremarkable for the woman as well, except for a few petechial hemorrhages and conjunctival congestion. The daughter showed no definite abnormalities; however, her blood and lung contained helium gas. The deceased man's suicide note, evidence gathered at the scene, and postmortem examination revealed that this was a case of dyadic death.

Evaluation of seasonal antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds in stems and leaves of some almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) varieties

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the seasonal changes of total antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in samples taken from leaves (April, July, October) and stems (April, July, October, January) of some almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) varieties (Nonpareil, Ferragnes and Texas). RESULTS: It was indicated that antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in leaves and stems of Nonpareil, Ferragnes and Texas showed seasonal differences. Antioxidant activity IC50 of these varieties reached the highest value in April for leaves whereas in October for stems. The highest level of total phenolic compounds was in January for stems while in October for leaves. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that total antioxidant activity and phenolics in leaves and stems of almond varieties changed according to season and plant organ.

Comparación de los efectos antibacterianos de aseos bucales con matrica, Persica® y gluconato de clorhexidina en pacientes de UCI con ventilación mecánica: ensayo clínico doble ciego y aleatorio / Comparison of the antibacterial effects of matrica & PersicaTM and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwashes in mechanically ventilated ICU patients: a double blind randomized clinical trial

Background:Accumulation of bacteria in the pharynx is one of the risk factors of pneumonia due to ventilation. One of the methods of prevention from accumulation of bacteria in the pharynx is the use of oral solutions. Chlorhexidine is considered as the gold standard, but it has various side effects. Aim:Present study was aimed to determine and compare anti-bacterial effects of the chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2%, herbal mouthwash of Matrica® (chamomile extracts) 10%, PersicaTM 10% and normal saline in intensive care unit patients. Methods:In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 80 patients who were admitted in ICU divided into four groups of 20 patients each one. Researchers applied PersicaTM to group one, chlorhexidine gluconate mouth wash 0.2% to group two and third group received Matrica, finally in the control group, normal saline were used. In order to culturing of Staphylococcus aureusand S. pneumoniae,salivary samples were obtained without any stimulation after six minimums oral rinsing. The data were processed in SPSS17 software and analyzed by appropriate statistical tests. Results:Decreased rate of bacterial colonies after intervention in the whole four groups was significant (p < 0.001). The mouth wash of chlorhexidine (p < 0.001), PersicaTM (p: 0.008) and Matrica (p: 0.01) had a significant antibacterial effect on S. aureusand S. pneumoniae(p < 0.001). Conclusion:Herbal oral mouthwash of persica and matrica has the effect on S. pneumoniae and S. aureusof oropharynx area in mechanically ventilated patients. However, there is a need for further research to be considered as an alternative to chlorhexidine for prevention of VALP in ICU patients.

Introducción:La presencia y acumulación de bacterias en la cavidad oral es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica. Uno de los métodos para prevenir esta acumulación en la faringe es el uso de soluciones orales. Al respecto, clorhexidina es considerada el estándar de oro, pero tiene varios efectos colaterales. Objetivo:Determinar y comparar el efecto antibacteriano de gluconato de chorhexidina al 0,2%, aseo bucal con preparado en base a hierba matrica (extracto de chamomile) al 10%, Persica® al 10% y solución salina fisiológica (NaCl 9%0) en pacientes de la unidad de cuidados intensivos ingresados para ventilación mecánica. Métodos:Ensayo doble ciego, randomizado, sobre 80 pacientes ingresados en UCI, divididos en cuatro grupos de 20 miembros cada uno. El grupo I recibió Persica®, el grupo II aseo bucal con gluconato de clorhexidina al 0,2%, el grupo III recibió matrica y, finalmente, el grupo IV-control recibió solución salina fisiológica. Con la finalidad de cultivar Staphylococcus aureus yS. pneumoniae,se obtuvieron muestras de saliva sin efectuar estímulo alguno tras un mínimo de seis lavados bucales. Los datos fueron procesados en el software SPSS17 y analizados por tests estadísticos apropiados. Resultados:La disminución en el recuento de colonias bacterianas, después de la intervención, fue significativa en los cuatro grupos (p < 0,001). El aseo bucal con clorhexidina (p < 0,001), Persica® (p: 0,008) y matrica (p: 0,01) tuvo un significativo efecto antibacteriano sobre las especies S. aureusy S. pneumoniae(p < 0,001). Conclusión:El aseo bucal con solución en base a hierbas de Persica® y matrica tiene un efecto sobre S. pneumoniae y S. aureusde la cavidad oral en pacientes en régimen de ventilación mecánica. No obstante, se requiere de mayores estudios para considerarlo una alternativa a clorhexidina para la prevención de neumonías en pacientes de UCI.

Determination of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2 in armeniacae semen amarum by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry / 中国中药杂志

A simple, rapid and cost-effective high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/ MS) method was established for simultaneous determination of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) in Armeniacae Semen Amarum and the application was performance in 11 samples collected from different markets, medical stores and hospitals. The sample was extracted with 84% acetonitrile/water and 250 microL extraction was directly injected into a LC-MS/MS system without further purification procedure after being redissolved with methanol. The LC separation was performed on a C18 column with a linear gradient elution program of 4 mmol x L(-1) NH4 Ac-0.1% formic acid solution and menthol as the mobile phase. Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) was used for selective determination of the four aflatoxins on a triple quadruple mass spectrometer, which was operated in positive ionization modes. All the four aflatoxins showed a good linear relationship with r > 0.999 0, the average recoveries were between 87.88% and 102.9% and the matrix effect was ranged from 90.71% to 99.30% in low, intermediate and high levels. Furthermore, the higher recovery was obtained by the method reported in this study, comparing to the cleanup procedure with the Mycosep 226 purification column. Eleven samples collected were detected and the contamination levels of the AFB1 were between 1.590-2.340 microg x kg(-1) and the AF (B1 + B2 + G1 + G2) was ranged from 2.340 to 3.340 microg x kg(-1). In summary, the developed method was suitable to detect and screen AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2 in Armeniacae Semen Amarum.

Delphinidin inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines / 한국영양학회지

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, both in the developed and developing countries. Anthocyanins are natural coloring of a multitude of foods, such as berries, grapes or cherries. Glycosides of the aglycons delphinidin represent the most abundant anthocyanins in fruits. Delphinidin has recently been reported to inhibit the growth of human tumor cell line. Also, delphinidin is a powerful antioxidant that reportedly exerts beneficial effects in patients with advanced cancer by reducing the level of reactive oxygen species and increasing glutathion peroxidase activity. This study investigates the effects of delphinidin on protein ErbB2, ErbB3 and Akt expressions associated with cell proliferation and Bcl-2, Bax protein associated with cell apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured with various concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 20 micromol/L) of delphinidin. Delphinidin inhibited breast cancer cell growth in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05). ErbB2 and ErbB3 expressions were markdly lower 5 micromol/L delphinidin (p < 0.05). In addition, total Akt and phosphorylated Akt levels were decreased dose-dependently in cells treated with delphinidin (p < 0.05). Futher, Bcl-2 levels were dose-dependently decreased and Bax expression was significantly increased in cells treated with delphinidin (p < 0.05). In conclusion, I have shown that delphinidin inhibits cell growth, proliferation and induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines.