Dead Sea medical tourism: an allergological point of view

A 1-year study was conducted, with the aim to investigate the airborne allergens around the Dead Sea (DS), identify and quantify airborne pollen and spores in the DS region, and determine the different sensitization prevalence among various population groups to these aeroallergens. According to results, we also aimed to define “safe seasons” when there are no or only few aeroallergens in the atmosphere that surrounds the Dead Sea. A Rotorod and a Hirst trap were used for continuous monitoring of pollen and spores which were then identified. Sensitization to aeroallergens was assessed by skin prick tests (SPT) in three groups of allergic residents: foreign tourists, Israeli tourists, and local workers from the hotel industry. Air around the DS is by no means free of aeroallergens, 50 pollen and 43 mold types were identified. Pollen was from native plants, imported ornamentals, and others transported by winds from long distances. Overall pollen concentrations were lower around the Dead Sea than in the Tel Aviv region, but in certain months, they were higher around the DS. Marked seasonal variations in pollen and spore dispersal were observed. By SPT, hypersensitivity to Chenopodiaceae, Amaranthaceae, Cupressus, Solidago, Poaceae, Olea, Artemisia as well as molds such as Alternaria and Aspergillus, was found. As assessed by SPT, some of tourists and permanent residents are allergic to pollen, molds, and house dust mites. The presented study enables one to denote “safe” seasons when the concentration of airborne allergens is below “allergenic risk”: June–August and November–February. These seasons are the most suitable for allergic medical tourists.     

Ploidy determination of three Kappaphycus alvarezii strains (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales) by confocal fluorescence microscopy

Kappaphycus alvarezii is a red alga that is commercially important as a source of carrageenan. Since K. alvarezii presents large phenotypic plasticity and rarely develops reproductive structures in culture, identification of gametophytic and tetrasporophytic phases in cultivation systems are difficult. The aim of this study was to determine the ploidy of three K. alvarezii strains previously identified as brown “tetrasporophyte”, brown “gametophyte” and “Edison de Paula” (EP). Nuclei from these strains were stained with DAPI, and analyzed using confocal fluorescence microscopy and ImageJ software. The brown “tetrasporophyte” had the highest nuclear fluorescence intensity, consistent with a diploid tetrasporophyte (2N). The brown “gametophyte” and “EP” strains had nuclear fluorescence intensities of 55.78% and 57.10% in relation to the tetrasporophyte, respectively, consistent with haploid gametophytes (N). The present study demonstrated that this technique can be used as a rapid and effective tool to distinguish between haploid (gametophytic) and diploid (tetrasporophytic) plants of K. alvarezii, in addition to help identify new strains developed through alterations of ploidy level.     

Impact of protein diversification on morphometric behavior of Andrographis paniculata Nees

Proteins are important biochemical parameters in genetic diversity and controlling morphological characteristics in plants. In this study, the proteomic and morphometric data of an important medicinal herb “Aci Pa?a” (Andrographis paniculata) were combined together to illustrate their impacts on genetic variation of the plant’s population and to realize the connection between protein patterns and phenotypic behavior of the species. We used three protein extraction buffers including Tris, potassium phosphate, and sodium citrate. The Tris buffer was significantly different (p ≤ 0.01) than other two in terms of the quality and quantity of protein bands by producing 15 types of proteins ranged from 13 to 105 kDa of which two of them were polymorphic. Consequently, a total of 12 accessions of A. paniculata were subjected to morpho-proteomic analyses. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average cluster analysis of the accessions based on the protein data and morphological characteristics generated three and four clusters, respectively, at a Euclidean distance of 2.53 for the morphological traits. Moreover, seed proteins analysis revealed that the two polymorphic protein bands sized 20.5 (protein “b”) and 30 kDa (protein “a”) effectively diversified the morphological characteristics and phylogenetic relationships among the 12 accessions of A. paniculata. Interestingly, the protein “b” acted as an activator agent for the number of branches, leaves and total dry weight, while the protein “a” performed a suppressive role for the same traits. Additionally, the two high-weighted faint bands “c” (75 kDa) and “d” (100 kDa) with a very low expression in accession 11228 proved their suppressive role along with the “a” band, while these bands were strongly expressed in the rest of the accessions. These findings suggest that these four proteins should be sequenced and perfectly established for further proteomic analyses. Ultimately, the mentioned proteins can be developed for any prospective breeding program or gene identification.     

Systematic implications of the peroxidase isoenzymes in the Xanthium strumarium complexes

Starch-slab gel electrophoresis showed two patterns of peroxidase isoenzymes in the polymorphic taxon. Xanthium strumarium L. The “strumarium” morphological complex (X. strumarium, in the sense of Millspaugh and Sherff), the putative indigenous plants of the Old World, contained a different pattern from that shown by putative introductions from the New World. Experimental F₁ hybrids between “strumarium” and other complexes, “italicum-pennsylvanicum”, “chinense”, “oviforme” and “cavanillesii”, had the peroxidase pattern of the American plants. These peroxidase isoenzyme patterns were not influenced by the environmental growing conditions, but, along with partial genetic incompatibility, support the taxonomic separation of X. strumarium from other taxa of section Euxanthium.     

Contents of macro-, microelements and long-lived radionuclides in the medicinal plants belonging to the wetland community of Siberian region,Russia

Studied contents of macro-, microelements and long-lived radionuclides in the following medicinal plants belonging to the wetland community of Siberian region, Russia: Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr., Sphagnum balticum (Russ.) Russ. ex С. Jens., Polytrichum strictum Brid., Pinus sylvestris L., Pinus sibirica Du Tour, Betula pubescens Ehrh., Andromeda polifolia L., Ledum palustre L., Oxycoccus palustris Pers., Rubus chamaemorus L., Vaccinium uliginosum L., Comarum palustre L., Chamaedaphne calyculata (L.) Moench. Samples were collected in the sphagnum wetlands of Tomsk region and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. For the purpose of research, we used roots, shoots and bark of the plants in the Pinophyta and Magnoliophyta species and turf of the Bryophyta species. The content of macro-, microelements in the plants was determined by an atomic emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma “iCAP 6300 Duo” of the “Thermo Scientific” company. The specific activities of the long-lived radionuclides Th-232, K-40, Ra-226, Cs-137 were measured by a gamma-ray spectrometric complex with a high purity germanium semiconductor detector by “ORTEC” (AMETEK) and a digital analyser “ORTEC DSPEC LF”. The obtained results of the element content are useful when selecting a medicinal plant species (or part thereof) which may be used in preparation of new medicinal drugs.     

Root water potential in polycormon plants

Water potential of roots was measured by thermocouple psyohometers in a series of two or more plants ofCynodon dactylon (L.)Pers. interconnected by overground stolons and thus forming one s.c. polycormon. Root water potential was lowest (most negative) in the oldest “mother” plant and increased in younger individua to highest walues in the youngest “doughter” plants. This gradient of root water potential was found although the “mother” plants continued to be watered while watering all daughter plants had been stopped one week before the water potential was measured. Thus the whole polycormon consisting of a series of interconnected individua behaves as one hydrodynamic system where all individual root systems act as if being parts of one sole root system.     

Life history focus on a malaria parasite: linked traits and variation among genetic clones

Life history theory has long been a major campaign in evolutionary ecology, but has typically focused only on animals and plants. Life history research on single-celled eukaryotic protists such as malaria parasites (Plasmodium) will offer new insights into the theory’s general utility as well as the parasite’s basic biology. For example, parasitologists have described the Plasmodium life cycle and cell types in exquisite detail, with little discussion of evolutionary issues such as developmental links between traits. We measured 10 life history traits of replicate single-genotype experimental Plasmodium mexicanum infections in its natural lizard host to identify groups of linked traits. These 10 traits formed 4 trait groups: “Rate/Peak” merges measures of growth rate and maximum parasitemia of infections; “Timing” combines time to patency and maximum parasitemia; “Growth Shape” describes the fit to an exponential growth curve; and “Sex Ratio” includes only the gametocyte sex ratio. Parasite genotype (clone) showed no effect on the life history trait groups, with the exception of gametocyte sex ratio. Therefore, variation in most life history traits among infections appears to be driven by environmental (individual host) effects. The findings support the model that life history traits are often linked by developmental constraints. Understanding why life history traits of Plasmodium are linked in this way would offer a new window into the evolution of the parasites, and also should inform public health efforts to control infection prevalence.     

Systematic review on medicinal plants used for the treatment of Giardia infection

BackgroundHowever, broad adoption of herbal remedies for giardiasis is at present hampered by uncertain findings of investigation not always sufficiently powered. This study was aimed at systematically reviewing the existing literature in herbal medicines to treat giardiasis.MethodsThis review was carried out 06- PRISMA guideline and registered in the CAMARADES-NC3Rs Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Facility (SyRF) database. The search was performed in five databases which are Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar without time limitation for all published articles (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies). The searched words and terms were: “Giardia”, “giardiasis”, “extract”, “essential oil”, “herbal medicines”, “anti-Giardia”, “In vitro”, “In vivo”, “clinical trial” etc.ResultsOut of 1585 papers, 40 papers including 28 in vitro (70.0%), 7 in vivo (17.5%), 2 in vitro/ in vivo (5.0%), and 3 clinical trials (7.5%) up to 2020, met the inclusion criteria for discussion in this systematic review. The most widely used medicinal plants against Giardia infection belong to the family Lamiaceae (30.0%) followed by Asteraceae (13.5%), Apiaceae (10.5%). The most common parts used in the studies were aerial parts (45.0%) followed by leaves (27.4%) and seeds (7.5%). The aqueous extract (30.0%), essential oil (25.4%) and hydroalcholic and methanolic (10.5%) were considered as the desired approaches of herbal extraction, respectively.ConclusionThe current review showed that the plant-based anti-Giardia agents are very promising as an alternative and complementary resource for treating giardiasis since had low significant toxicity. However, more studies are required to elucidate this conclusion, especially in clinical systems.     

A major QTL associated with Fusarium oxysporum race 1 resistance identified in genetic populations derived from closely related watermelon lines using selective genotyping and genotyping-by-sequencing for SNP discovery

Key message

A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for Fusarium oxysporum Fr. f. sp. niveum race 1 resistance was identified by employing a “selective genotyping” approach together with genotyping-by-sequencing technology to identify QTLs and single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the resistance among closely related watermelon genotypes.

Abstract

Fusarium wilt is a major disease of watermelon caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.:Fr. f. sp. niveum (E.F. Sm.) W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hans (Fon). In this study, a genetic population of 168 F₃ families (24 plants in each family) exhibited continuous distribution for Fon race 1 response. Using a “selective genotyping” approach, DNA was isolated from 91 F₂ plants whose F₃ progeny exhibited the highest resistance (30 F₂ plants) versus highest susceptibility (32 F₂ plants), or moderate resistance to Fon race 1 (29 F₂ plants). Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology was used on these 91 selected F₂ samples to produce 266 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, representing the 11 chromosomes of watermelon. A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with resistance to Fon race 1 was identified with a peak logarithm of odds (LOD) of 33.31 and 1-LOD confidence interval from 2.3 to 8.4 cM on chromosome 1 of the watermelon genetic map. This QTL was designated “Fo-1.1” and is positioned in a genomic region where several putative pathogenesis-related or putative disease-resistant gene sequences were identified. Additional independent, but minor QTLs were identified on chromosome 1 (LOD 4.16), chromosome 3 (LOD 4.36), chromosome 4 (LOD 4.52), chromosome 9 (LOD 6.8), and chromosome 10 (LOD 5.03 and 4.26). Following the identification of a major QTL for resistance using the “selective genotyping” approach, all 168 plants of the F ₂ population were genotyped using the SNP nearest the peak LOD, confirming the association of this SNP marker with Fon race 1 resistance. The results in this study should be useful for further elucidating the mechanism of resistance to Fusarium wilt and in the development of molecular markers for use in breeding programs of watermelon.     

Insect Seed Predators in Erythrina falcata (Fabaceae): Identification of Predatory Species and Ecological Consequences of Asynchronous Flowering

Seed predation by insects exerts negative effects on plant reproduction by limiting the supply of seeds and preventing germination. Seed predators of the family Fabaceae are usually generalists, which increases the rate of predation. One strategy to minimize seed predation, developed by plants from temperate regions, is “escape in time,” i.e., flowering before or after the peak of predation. For tropical species, few studies have investigated the strategies used by plants to minimize seed predation. Here, using Erythrina falcata, a tropical species of Fabaceae, we test three main hypotheses: (i) escape in time is a mechanism used by E. falcata to minimize seed predation, (ii) the predators of E. falcata seeds are generalists, and (iii) the biometric variables of the pods can influence seed predation. In order to test these hypotheses, we determined the flowering time of E. falcata, rate of seed predation, the predators insects, and biometric variables of the pods. The analyzed trees were grouped into three classes: “early,” “peak,” and “late” flowering. The average seed predation rates on trees in the early and late classes were 65% and 50%, respectively, and in the peak class, 80%; thus, our first hypothesis can be accepted. Three species of Lepidoptera and two of Coleoptera were found preying on E. falcata seeds. These species were observed to be generalist predators; thus, our second hypothesis can be accepted. The biometric variables of the pods cannot influence seed predation rate. The ecological consequences of asynchronous flowering on plants and insects are discussed.     

Function of CAZymes encoded by highly abundant genes in rhizosphere microbiome of Moringa oleifera

Metagenomic analysis referring to CAZymes (Carbohydrate-Active enZymes) of CAZy classes encoded by the most abundant genes in rhizosphere versus bulk soil microbes of the wild plant Moringa oleifera was conducted. Results indicated that microbiome signatures and corresponding CAZy datasets differ between the two soil types. CAZy class glycoside hydrolases (GH) and its α-amylase family GH13 in rhizobiome were proven to be the most abundant among CAZy classes and families. The most abundant bacteria harboring these CAZymes include phylum Actinobacteria and its genus Streptomyces and phylum Proteobacteria and its genus Microvirga. These CAZymes participate in KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway “Starch and sucrose metabolism” and mainly use the “double displacement catalytic mechanism” in their reactions. We assume that microbiome of the wild plant Moringa oleifera is a good source of industrially important enzymes that act on starch hydrolysis and/or biosynthesis. In addition, metabolic engineering and integration of certain microbes of this microbiomes can also be used in improving growth of domestic plants and their ability to tolerate adverse environmental conditions.     

川产淫羊藿属（Epimedium）药用植物的无性系构件特征和生物量配置比较

在构件水平上,对川产的3种药用淫羊藿属植物（淫羊藿（Epimedium brevicornu）、箭叶淫羊藿（E.sagittatum）、柔毛淫羊藿（E.pubescens））的无性系构件特征、克隆构型及构件生物量配置进行比较,结果表明在野生状态下：该属3个种无性系构件的形态特征差异显著,且存在较大的变异性,变异系数范围在29.29%~48.31%之间;箭叶淫羊藿更趋于“游击型”克隆构型,而淫羊藿和柔毛淫羊藿则更趋于“密集型”克隆构型;该属3个种都将高比例生物量配置到叶片或者根茎,其次为茎,再其次为根。柔毛淫羊藿具有更强的克隆繁殖能力,单位面积上各构件生物量均最大,应作为人工引种栽培的首选种。     

Arbuscular mycorrhiza improved growth performance in Macadamia tetraphylla L. grown under water deficit stress involves soluble sugar and proline accumulation

Water deficit limits plant growth and yield. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is viewed as one of the several methods to improve growth under water deficit. The present study investigated the growth performance in relation to water deficit in two cultivars (“H2” and “660”) of AM treated macadamia (Macadamia tetraphylla L.) plants. AM treatment significantly improved the growth in macadamia plants that have been subjected to water deficit (7 % soil water content) for 14 days. Leaf water content (LWC) and maximum quantum yield of PSII (F_v/F_m) in AM-associated plants were maintained better than those in the control (well-watered) plants. A positive correlation was observed between LWC and F_v/F_m in “H2” cultivar. AM treatment enhanced proline and soluble sugar content in “H2” cultivar under water deficit stress. In contrast, only soluble sugars were accumulated in the AM-associated plants of “660” cultivar under water deficit stress. The study concludes that soluble sugars and proline are involved as key signals of osmoregulation defense response, improve water relation in plant tissues, and thereby resulting in improved growth in AM-associated macadamia plants.     

Differential Responses of the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci Symbionts to Unfavorable Low and High Temperatures

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci complex contains many cryptic species, of which the Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) are notorious invasive pests. In our field-collected whitefly samples, MEAM1 harbors an obligate primary symbiont “Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum” and two secondary symbionts, “Candidatus Hamiltonella defensa” and Rickettsia sp., whereas MED has only “Ca. Portiera aleyrodidarum” and “Ca. Hamiltonella defensa.” Both “Ca. Portiera aleyrodidarum” and “Ca. Hamiltonella defensa” are intracellular endosymbionts residing in the bacteriomes, whereas Rickettsia sp. has a scattered distribution throughout the host body cavity. We examined responses of these symbionts to adverse temperatures as well as survival of the host insects. After cold treatment at 5 or 10 °C or heat treatment at 35 or 40 °C for 24 h, respectively, the infection rates of all symbionts were not significantly decreased based on diagnosis PCR. However, quantitative PCR assays indicated significant reduction of “Ca. Hamiltonella defensa” at 40 °C, and the reduction became greater as the duration increased. Compared with “Ca. Hamiltonella defensa,” “Ca. Portiera aleyrodidarum” was initially less affected in the first day but then showed more rapid reduction at days 3–5. The density of Rickettsia sp. fluctuated but was not reduced significantly at 40 °C. Meanwhile, the mortality rates of the host whiteflies elevated rapidly as the duration of exposure to heat treatment increased. The differential responses of various symbionts to adverse temperatures imply complex interactions among the symbionts inside the same host insect and highlight the importance of taking the whole bacterial community into account in studies of symbioses.