Degumming of buel (Grewia optiva) bast fibres by pectinolytic enzyme from Bacillus sp. DT7

An alkalophilic and thermotolerant, pectinase-producing Bacillus sp. DT7 effectively removed pectic substances from buel (Grewia optiva) bast fibres. A novel combined (chemical and enzymatic) treatment was used to degum buel bast fibres, which was followed by the release of galacturonic acid (575 mol g^–1 dry fibres) and a decrease in dry weight (43%) of these fibres.     

Comparative effectiveness of wild bee pollination on the post-harvest characteristics of Grewia asiatica (Malvaceae)

Measuring the pollination potential of different native bees is helpful in identifying the most efficient species for their conservation and proper utilization. The current study was carried out at the Research Farm of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur to compare the pollination efficiency of four native bee species: Apis dorsata, Megachile bicolor, M. cephalotes and Megachile (Callomegachile) sp. Apis dorsata was the most abundant floral visitor of Grewia asiatica comprising 36.46% of floral visitors following by M. cephalotes and Megachile sp. The peak abundance of A. dorsata and M. bicolor was recorded at 12:00 and 08:00, respectively whereas for M. cephalotes and Megachile sp. at 16:00. Visitation frequency, stay time, body and proboscis length were significantly higher in A. dorsata whereas visitation rate, pollen load and pollen deposition were significantly higher in M. bicolor. The maximum fruit weight was recorded when M. bicolor and Megachile sp. had been the pollinators. The post-harvest fruit weight loss was lower in M. bicolor pollinated fruit -with more gradual wrinkling- than in fruit that had resulted from pollination by A. dorsata, M. cephalotes and Megachile sp. Our results suggest that M. bicolor was better pollinator of G. asiatica in terms of its reproductive success and post-harvest qualities. Further studies should focus on conservation of M. bicolor in the region.     

The feeding height preferences of two goat breeds fed Grewia occidentalis L. (Tiliaceae) in the Eastern Cape,South Africa

Nguni goats and Boer goats, which are farmed together in the savannas of the Eastern Cape Province, depend on the same feed resources. The feeding height intake rates and preferences of one of their most preferred browse species, Grewia occidentalis L. (Tiliaceae), were studied in order to indirectly determine resource partitioning between these goat breeds on the basis of feeding height. The two hypotheses tested were that taller Boer goats feed at higher levels than do Nguni goats and that both breeds have feeding height preferences that are related to differences in intake rates. Four individuals of each breed were fed branches attached to a height foraging board. The two breeds showed no particular height preference in either season. Bite rates varied with feeding height, while bite sizes and intake rates increased with feeding height. Boer goats had lower bite rates compared to Nguni goats, although both breeds achieved similar bite sizes and intake rates. Bites sizes and intake rates for both breeds were higher in summer than in winter, possibly because more browse biomass was available per branch in summer than in winter since G. occidentalis is deciduous. There was no evidence to support that feeding height preference was related to differences in intake rates. It is concluded that Boer goats may compete for forage resources during times of resource limitation. Thus, Nguni goats might be a more favourable breed in semi-arid savannas because of their smaller body-size and, therefore, absolute nutrient requirements as well as their better reproductive performance compared to Boer goats.     

广西扁担杆属(椴树科)-新种-阔腺扁担杆

阔腺扁担杆新种图1 Grewia latiglandulosa Z. Y. Huang et S. Y. Liu,sp. nov. Fig. 1 Affinis G. oligandro Peirre, sed foliis in sicco viridibus, supra minutis stellato-pilosis, subtus dense stellato-pilosis, margine aeque serrulotis, petiolis brevioribus 2-3 mm longis, cymis 1-3 -floriferis, pedunculis pedicellisque longioribus, sepalis multo majoribus,1-1.2 cm longis, 2-3 mm latis, glandulis magnis subquadratis, androgynophoris praeditis, stylis pilosis,drupis indivisis vel bifidis differt.     

Zur systematischen Stellung der GattungProckia: Karyologie und Epidermisskulptur im Vergleich zuFlacourtia (Flacourtiaceae),Grewia (Tiliaceae) und verwandten Gattungen

Detailed analyses of karyology and leaf morphology do not support relationships betweenFlacourtiaceae andTiliaceae. In spite of different chromosome numbers,Prockia (2n = 18),Flacourtia (2n = 22) andRawsonia (2n = 22) are very similar in karyomorphology, indicating a certain karyological uniformity withinFlacourtiaceae. Lacistema (2n = ca. 62) appears more isolated. On the other hand, theTiliaceae Grewia (2n = 18) andLuhea (2n = 36) have much in common and differ remarkably from the Flacourtiaceous genera. The salicoid leaf-teeth ofProckia are also found inIdesia, but never inTiliaceae. Epidermis ultrastructure reveals certain relationships betweenProckia andFlacourtia in contrast to the strongly differingGrewia. Idesia has a rare und unique epidermis sculpture. — Basic chromosome numbers and chromosomal evolution within theFlacourtiaceae are discussed.

     

干旱胁迫下沙枣和孩儿拳头叶绿素荧光特性研究

以沙枣和孩儿拳头2年生盆栽苗为材料,采用称重控水的方法设置对照（土壤含水量为25.6%~27.2%）,轻度胁迫（19.2%~20.8%）,中度胁迫（12.8%~14.4%）,重度胁迫（6.4%~8.0%）4个梯度,研究了干旱胁迫对沙枣和孩儿拳头色素含量和叶绿素荧光特性的影响。结果表明：（1）随着干旱胁迫的加剧,两物种叶绿素a含量,叶绿素a/b比值,总叶绿素含量呈下降趋势,且叶绿素a对干旱胁迫的反应较叶绿素b敏感,但两物种叶绿素b含量和胡萝卜素含量变化规律不一致。（2）随着干旱胁迫的加剧,孩儿拳头F_m、F_v呈下降趋势,沙枣相反,但两物种F₀呈增加趋势,F_v/F₀、F′_v/F′_m呈下降趋势,F_v/F_m差异不显著;PhiPS2、ETR、qP先升高后降低,NPQ则先降低后升高。（3）虽然两物种表现出较强的抗旱性,但在重度干旱胁迫下（6.4%~8.0%）,光合色素含量、叶绿素荧光参数受到较大影响,推测此时的土壤水分含量为两物种光合色素、光系统Ⅱ的耐受极限;物种间相比,孩儿拳头更为敏感,在今后的园林管护中,要根据土壤水分状况和物种间的差异做好园林灌溉。     

扁担木叶片和次生木质部解剖和水分生理特征的可塑性

基于叶片和次生木质部解剖特征及水分生理指标观测,研究了淮北相山不同群落中扁担木的表型可塑性.结果表明,扁担木叶片结构表现出中生特点：叶为异面叶,较薄,角质层不甚发达,气孔密度较小.次生木质部表现出旱生特点：导管频率和复孔率较高,导管分子短而窄,纤维很短,射线很低.扁担木叶片、次生木质部的解剖和水分生理特征均表现出一定的可塑性,其可塑性指数高低顺序为次生木质部解剖特征（0.24）＞水分生理特征（0.19）＞叶片解剖特征（0.18）.与侧柏林和混交林相比,灌丛中扁担木个体对干旱生境有一定的适应能力,表现在次生木质部导管分子短,导管频率高,单孔率低,木纤维短,射线矮小,具有较大的相对输导率和较小的脆性指数;叶片水势、组织含水量、自由水含量较低,叶面积、比叶面积较小,而束缚水含量、束缚水自由水比值较高.扁担木的解剖和生理可塑性,使之能忍受群落演替早期的干旱生境,更好地适应演替后期的中生环境,从而成为广布种和混交林中的优势种.     

干旱胁迫对沙枣和孩儿拳头的生理特性的影响

以沙枣和孩儿拳头2年生盆栽苗为材料,采用称重控水的方法对4个梯度土壤干旱胁迫条件对沙枣和孩儿拳头生理特性的影响进行了研究.结果显示:(I)干旱胁迫造成了两物种体内水分的严重亏缺,重度胁迫(6.4%～8.0%)下,两物种自然饱和亏为对照的3～4倍;同一干旱胁迫梯度下沙枣自然饱和亏总高于孩儿拳头,但水分临界饱和亏和需水程度低于孩儿拳头;沙枣自由水含量随干旱胁迫加剧下降幅度较大,自由水向束缚水转化率较高;沙枣最高水势的下降幅度低于孩儿拳头,最低水势的下降幅度高于孩儿拳头,且沙枣的绝对水势比孩儿拳头低.(2)随着干旱胁迫程度的加剧,两物种叶片中的脯氨酸含量、可溶性总糖含量均有不同程度的增加,特别是在重度干旱胁迫下,脯氨酸含量高出对照4倍多,且孩儿拳头脯氨酸含量明显高于沙枣,但可溶性总糖含量低于沙枣;沙枣本身的可溶性蛋白含量较孩儿拳头高,随干旱胁迫的加重沙枣的可溶性蛋白含量先增加后下降,而孩儿拳头逐渐下降.结果表明,沙枣和孩儿拳头对干旱胁迫均具有积极的水分生理响应方式,推测两种植物的水分耐受极限为6.4%～8.0%,但物种间生理响应方式存在差异,沙枣较孩儿拳头具有更强的防御干旱的生理机制.     

Effect of Grewia Gum as a Suspending Agent on Ibuprofen Pediatric Formulation

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the potential of grewia gum (GG) as a suspending agent in pharmaceutical oral formulation using ibuprofen as model drug. Ibuprofen pediatric suspension (25 mg/5 mL) was formulated with grewia gum (0.5% w/v) as the suspending agent. Similar suspensions of Ibuprofen containing either sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) or hydroxymethylpropylcellulose (HPMC) were also produced. The suspensions were evaluated for ease of redispersion, sedimentation, rheological properties, and the effect of aging on the rheological properties at 25°C. The particle size and particle size distributions of the dispersed solute were determined. The redispersion time was 19, 11, and 0.5 min, respectively, for formulation containing Na-CMC, HPMC, and GG .The sedimentation volumes were 0.05, 0.05, and 0.125 mL, respectively, for Na-CMC, HPMC, and GG . Viscosities of suspensions at spindle speed of 25 rpm were of the order: GG > HPMC > Na-CMC when freshly prepared and of the order: HPMC > GG > Na-CMC within 6 months of storage. The particles size was 72.72, 73.82, 81.93, and 83.41 μm, respectively, for suspensions containing Na-CMC, ibuprofen alone, HPMC, and GG. Greatest hysteresis was observed in formulation containing HPMC. All the formulations were stable. It was our conclusion that the difference in the physicochemical properties of ibuprofen pediatric formulations was influenced more by the suspending agent used in the formulations than the drug. GG combined better redispersion with minimal changes in viscosity on storage compared to Na-CMC and HPMC as suspending agent. Thus GG may serve as a good suspending agent requiring no further aid in suspension redispersibility.KEY WORDS: grewia gum, oral pharmaceutical formulations, physicochemical properties, potential suspending agent     

沙枣（Elaeagnus angustifolia）和孩儿拳头（Grewia.biloba G.Don var.parviflora）幼苗气体交换特征与保护酶对干旱胁迫的响应

以沙枣和孩儿拳头2年生盆栽苗为材料,采用称重控水的方法设置4个土壤含水量梯度(CK、T1、T2、T3),研究不同干旱胁迫对沙枣和孩儿拳头气体交换特征与保护酶的影响.结果显示:(1)干旱胁迫不仅引起两物种净光合速率、蒸腾速率、气孔导度、胞间 CO2 浓度的下降,而且使其日变化曲线在一定程度上发生改变;在轻度(T1)和中度胁迫(T2)下,两物种净光合速率下降主要是由气孔因素引起的,重度胁迫(T3)下,净光合速率下降主要是非气孔因素引起的.(2)随着干旱胁迫增加,沙枣瞬时水分利用效率呈现增加下降再增加趋势,孩儿拳头呈现下降趋势;两物种表观光能利用效率显著下降,重度胁迫下(T3),下降率达50%左右,孩儿拳头表观光能利用效率对干旱胁迫比较敏感;两物种表观CO2利用效率总体呈现下降趋势,沙枣表观CO2利用效率日进程经历了单峰(T1)、双峰(T2)、单峰(T3)的变化,孩儿拳头各处理的表观CO2利用效率日变化均呈现单峰曲线.(3)随着干旱胁迫加剧,两物种叶片的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性先升高后降低,土壤含水量高于12.8%时,两物种SOD酶活性均高于CK,随着土壤含水量的降低,SOD酶活性低于CK;重度胁迫下(T3),沙枣POD酶活性虽然有所下降,但仍高于CK,而孩儿拳头则和CK无显著差异;两物种CAT酶活性在重度胁迫下(T3)显著低于CK;随着干旱胁迫程度的增加,两物种叶片中的丙二醛(MDA)含量均呈现升高趋势,孩儿拳头脂质过氧化程度受干旱胁迫的影响较大.     

Seed dispersal by cattle may cause shrub encroachment of Grewia flava on southern Kalahari rangelands

Abstract. Shrub encroachment, i.e. the increase in woody plant cover, is a major concern for livestock farming in southern Kalahari savannas. We developed a grid‐based computer model simulating the population dynamics of Grewia flava, a common, fleshy‐fruited encroaching shrub. In the absence of large herbivores, seeds of Grewia are largely deposited in the sub‐canopy of Acacia erioloba. Cattle negate this dispersal limitation by browsing on the foliage of Grewia and dispersing seeds into the grassland matrix. In this study we first show that model predictions of Grewia cover dynamics are realistic by comparing model output with shrub cover estimates obtained from a time series of aerial photographs. Subsequently, we apply a realistic range of intensity of cattle‐induced seed dispersal combined with potential precipitation and fire scenarios. Based on the simulation results we suggest that cattle may facilitate shrub encroachment of Grewia. The results show that the severity of shrub encroachment is governed by the intensity of seed dispersal. For a high seed dispersal intensity without fire (equivalent to a high stocking rate) the model predicts 56% shrub cover and 85% cell cover after 100 yr. With fire both recruitment and shrub cover are reduced, which may, under moderate intensities, prevent shrub encroachment. Climate change scenarios with two‐fold higher frequencies of drought and wet years intensified shrub encroachment rates, although long‐term mean of precipitation remained constant. As a management recommendation we suggest that shrub encroachment on rangelands may be counteracted by frequent fires and controlling cattle movements to areas with a high proportion of fruiting Grewia shrubs.     

Quick Identification of Piperidine Alkaloid from Roots of Grewia nervosa and Their Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity

Grewia nervosa is a herbal plant used in traditional medicine for different purposes. Bioassay‐guided chemical fractionation of G. nervosa roots resulted in an identification of two known and one new compound, namely microgrewiapine A, homomicrogrewiapine, and N‐methylmicrocosamine, respectively. Their structures were determined using combination of LC/HR‐MS, ¹H‐NMR, and IR spectral analyses and followed by comparison with those reported in the literature. The problematic separation of these alkaloids on traditional column chromatography (Silica gel, Octadecyl silane, Sephadex) was resolved by using HPLC. Structurally similar compounds from the piperidine family have been characterized by using HR‐MS analysis in combination with NMR data of crude samples. The major constituent i.e. N‐methylmicrocosamine isolated from the butanol fraction of methanol root extract (MRE) was found to possess the dose dependent α‐glucosidase inhibition activity with an IC₅₀ value of 53.40 μm . Furthermore, N‐methylmicrocosamine showed maximum α‐glucosidase inhibition of 97.48 ± 0.7% at 107.5 μm , which is approximately 1.3 × 10³ fold higher than the activity shown by acarbose (97.72% inhibition at 61.95 mm ), a standard anti‐diabetic drug available commercially. This work also reports the in vitro α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of the major alkaloids isolated from G. nervosa for the first time.     

Organolanthanoids. XIII. Bis(pentadeuterocyclopentadienyl)ytterbium(II)

The complex (C₅D₅)₂Yb(dme) (dme = 1,2- dimethoxyethane) has been prepared by reaction of Tl(C₅D₅) with ytterbium metal in dme and is isostructural with (C₅H₅)₂Yb(dme). Thermal desolvation under vacuum yields (C₅D₅)₂Yb, for which essentially identical high resolution neutron powder diffraction data were obtained at 294 K and 77 K, but the structure could not be determined.     

AGRILUS CUPRIPES (CARTER) COMB. N. (COLEOPTERA: BUPRESTIDAE)

i
Synechocera cupripes Carter is transferred to Agrilus Stephens.
Subfamily BUPRESTINAE
Tribe AGRILINI
Genus Agrilus Stephens
Agrilus Stephens, 1830, Ill. Brit Ent. 3: 239.
Agrilus cupripes (Carter) comb.n.
Synechocera cupripes Carter, 1924, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 49: 31.     

Lindernia kinmenensis sp. nov. (Scrophulariaceae) from Kinmen (Taiwan)

Lindernia kinmenensis Y. S. Liang, C. H. Chen, & C. L. Tasi sp. nov. from Kinmen (Taiwan) is described. The new species belongs to section Torenioides and is most similar to L. crustacea. It differs from the latter by the following characters: calyx pubescent between the ridges (vs pubescent on ridges), with (2)3(4) bristles on the ridge near the apex of the calyx‐lobes (vs without such bristles), corolla shorter, 6–8 mm long (vs 7–11 mm long) and pale purple (vs purple or blue), posterior theca with obtuse (vs acute) apex. This species is usually found in sandy wetlands. A line drawing, colour photos and SEM micrographs of pollen and seed as aids for identification are provided.