East Java Propolis Inhibits Cytokine Pro-inflammatory in Odontoblast-Like Cells Human Pulp

Inflammation in pulp tissue is caused by caries bacteria. Most bacteria found are Lactobacillus acidophilus. Propolis is a sticky resin material that is derived from the bees and the surrounding plants, which are reported to have several biological effects including anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. This study will prove the effectiveness of propolis against proinflammatory cytokines on odontoblast-like cells in human dental pulp. This study was performed on cultured odontoblast-like cells in pulp. Cell culture was derived from the pulp tissue of human M3 teeth that had been extracted. Odontoblast pulp culture was divided in three groups： group one, cultured cells with propolis; group two, cultured cells induced with inactive Lactobacillus acidophilus; group three, cultured cells induced with inactive Lactobacillus acidophilus and exposed to 3 μg/mL propolis. A measurement of TNF-α and TGF-β1 expression was done using the immunocytochemical technique to determine the effectiveness of propolis extracts from East Java Indonesia against proinfalmmatory cytokines. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance （ANOVA） test （P = 0.05）. Propolis extract can inhibit the expression of TNF-α and increase the expression of TGF-β1 on odontoblast-like cell in human dental pulp. Anti-inflammatory effects of East Java propolis extract are associated with cytokine modulation.     

Plant cuticular lipid export requires an ABC transporter

A waxy protective cuticle coats all primary aerial plant tissues. Its synthesis requires extensive export of lipids from epidermal cells to the plant surface. Arabidopsis cer5 mutants had reduced stem cuticular wax loads and accumulated sheetlike inclusions in the cytoplasm of wax-secreting cells. These inclusions represented abnormal deposits of cuticular wax and resembled inclusions found in a human disorder caused by a defective peroxisomal adenosine triphosphate binding cassette (ABC) transporter. We found that the CER5 gene encodes an ABC transporter localized in the plasma membrane of epidermal cells and conclude that it is required for wax export to the cuticle.     

Genetic diversity of rhizobia associated with indigenous legumes in different regions of Flanders (Belgium)

We investigated the diversity of rhizobia isolated from different indigenous legumes in Flanders (Belgium). A total of 3810 bacterial strains were analysed originating from 43 plant species. Based on rep-PCR clustering, 16S rRNA gene and recA gene sequence analysis, these isolates belonged to Bradyrhizobium, Ensifer (Sinorhizobium), Mesorhizobium and Rhizobium. Of the genera encountered, Rhizobium was the most abundant (62%) and especially the species Rhizobiumleguminosarum, followed by Ensifer (19%), Bradyrhizobium (14%) and finally Mesorhizobium (5%). For two rep-clusters only low similarity values with other genera were found for both the 16S rRNA and recA genes, suggesting that these may represent a new genus with close relationship to Rhodopseudomonas and Bradyrhizobium. Primers for the symbiotic genes nodC and nifH were optimized and a phylogenetic sequence analysis revealed the presence of different symbiovars including genistearum, glycinearum, loti, meliloti, officinalis, trifolii and viciae. Moreover, three new nodC types were assigned to strains originating from Ononis, Robinia and Wisteria, respectively. Discriminant and MANOVA analysis confirmed the correlation of symbiosis genes with certain bacterial genera and less with the host plant. Multiple symbiovars can be present within the same host plant, suggesting the promiscuity of these plants. Moreover, the ecoregion did not contribute to the separation of the bacterial endosymbionts. Our results reveal a large diversity of rhizobia associated with indigenous legumes in Flanders. Most of the legumes harboured more than one rhizobial endosymbiont in their root nodules indicating the importance of including sufficient isolates per plant in diversity studies.     

Physiologic responses and plasma endothelin-1 concentrations associated with abrupt cessation of nitric oxide inhalation in isoflurane-anesthetized horses

OBJECTIVE: To assess physiologic responses and plasma endothelin (ET)-1 concentrations associated with abrupt cessation of nitric oxide (NO) inhalation in isoflurane-anesthetized horses. ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult Standardbreds. PROCEDURES: Horses were anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen and placed in dorsal recumbency. Nitric oxide was pulsed into the respiratory tract for 2.5 hours, and then administration was abruptly discontinued. Just prior to commencement and at cessation of NO administration, and at intervals during a 30-minute period following cessation of NO inhalation, several variables including PaO(2), mean pulmonary artery pressure, venous admixture or pulmonary shunt fraction (Qs/Qt), and plasma ET-1 concentration were recorded or calculated. RESULTS: After cessation of NO inhalation, PaO(2) decreased slowly but significantly (172.7 +/- 29.8 mm Hg to 84.6 +/- 10.9 mm Hg) and Qs/Qt increased slowly but significantly (25 +/- 2% to 40 +/- 3%) over a 30-minute period. Mean pulmonary artery pressure increased slightly (14.0 +/- 1.3 mm Hg to 16.8 +/- 1 mm Hg) over the same time period. No change in serum ET-1 concentration was detected, and other variables did not change or underwent minor changes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The improvement in arterial oxygenation during pulsed inhalation of NO to healthy isoflurane-anesthetized horses decreased only gradually during a 30-minute period following cessation of NO inhalation, and serum ET-1 concentration was not affected. Because a rapid rebound response did not develop, inhalation of NO might be clinically useful in the treatment of hypoxemia in healthy isoflurane-anesthetized horses.     

Transformation of benzoxazinones and derivatives and microbial activity in the test environment of soil ecotoxicological tests on Poecilus cupreus and Folsomia candida

Benzoxazinones, such as 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) and 2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA), and benzoxazolinones, such as 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone (MBOA) and 2-benzoxazolinone (BOA), are biologically active secondary metabolites found in cereals. Because these compounds could be exploited as part of a strategy for reducing the use of synthetic pesticides, ecotoxicological tests were performed recently. In this paper, the transformation of the compounds in the test environment of the ecotoxicological tests was studied. DIMBOA was degraded and partly transformed to MBOA during the period of ecotoxicological testing of the compounds. During testing of MBOA on Poecilus cupreus test media the analysis showed that at the initial concentrations of 2 and 10 mg kg(-1) no MBOA was left after 45 days of testing, but the metabolite 2-amino-phenoxazin-3-one (AMPO) was formed. During testing of BOA on both Folsomia candida and Poecilus cupreus the more biologically active compound 2-amino-phenoxazin-3-one (APO) was formed. Thus, the ecotoxicological test results on MBOA and BOA were partly due to the microbial transformation of the compounds during the time of testing.     

Genetic diversity and adaptive traits of European versus American Douglas-fir seedlings

Due to its productivity and potential to adapt to the expected climate change, the Douglas-fir is one of the most important commercial non-native forest tree species in Europe. Currently, seeds from both non-native European and native American seed stands are used for plantations. In this study, we investigate European seed lots for their native origin (variety and potential geographic origin in America) and assess the adaptability, growth and survival potential of European versus American Douglas-fir seed lots. We compare the genetic diversity, morphological characteristics such as height (h), root collar diameter (rcd) and the ratio of h/rcd, and the timing of bud burst. We investigate 852 1-year-old seedlings from 10 different US and European seed lots representing 5 provenance regions which are sold in Germany and Austria. Seedlings are genotyped for 13 nuclear SSRs and analysed together with reference data set and standard genetic structuring and assignment methods. Adaptive traits of morphological characteristics and timing of bud burst of the seedlings are recorded and statistically analysed. The results show that the investigated European seedlings originate from recommended American native seed sources and represent both varieties and inter-varietal admixed individuals. European seedlings have a lower genetic diversity versus the American seedlings and native populations. They show significant differences in the adaptive traits such as morphological characteristics and timing of bud burst. According to the genetic diversity indices, certified North American Douglas-fir seed sources should be preferred for planting in Central Europe.