Reconstruction of the radionuclide spectrum of liquid radioactive waste released into the Techa river in 1949-1951

The major part of the liquid radioactive waste released by the Mayak Production Association (PA) radiochemical plant into the Techa river occurred in 1949-1951, but there is information on only one single radiochemical analysis of a water sample taken on 24 and 25 September 1951. These data are here used to assess the spectrum of radionuclides that were released between 1949 and 1951. For this purpose, details of the radiochemical methods of radionuclide extraction and radiometric measurements of beta-activity used at Mayak PA in the 1950s have been taken into account. It is concluded that the data from the radiochemical measurements agree with the theoretical composition of fission products in uranium after exposure times in the reactor (120 days) and subsequent hold times (35 days) that were typical for the procedures at that time. The results of the analysis are at variance with assumptions that underlie the current Techa river dosimetry system. They confirm the conclusion that the external doses to the Techa river residents in the critical period up to 1952 were predominantly due to short-lived fission products.     

云南高黎贡山怒族对植物传统利用的初步研究

采用民族生物学和文化人类学等方法,广泛调查和研究了云南西北部高黎贡山地区怒族对植物的传统利用形式。结果表明：怒族对植物的传统利用主要表现在食用、药用、观赏、宗教祟拜和文化利用等方面。讨论了怒族的传统文化在当地植物多样性利用和管理中的作用和意义,并探讨了在植物多样性管理中传统管理和现代管理之间的关系以及在我国利用文化多样性进行自然生态环境保护的可能性、必要性和可行性。此外,面对优秀的传统文化知识和文化多样性逐渐消失的现实,作者建议加以拯救和广泛的研究。     

Traditional ancient Egyptian medicine: A review

The ancient Egyptians practiced medicine with highly professional methods. They had advanced knowledge of anatomy and surgery. Also, they treated a lot of diseases including dental, gynecological, gastrointestinal, and urinary disorders. They could diagnose diabetes and cancer. The used therapeutics extended from different plants to include several animal products and minerals. Some of these plants are still used in the present day. Fortunately, they documented their life details by carving on stone, clay, or papyri. Although a lot of these records have been lost or destroyed, the surviving documents represent a huge source of knowledge in different scientific aspects including medicine. This review article is an attempt to understand some information about traditional medicine in ancient Egypt, we will look closely at some basics, sources of information of Egyptian medicine in addition to common treated diseases and therapeutics in this great civilization.     

Kenyan medicinal plants used as antivenin: a comparison of plant usage

The importance of medicinal plants in traditional healthcare practices, providing clues to new areas of research and in biodiversity conservation is now well recognized. However, information on the uses for plants for medicine is lacking from many interior areas of Himalaya. Keeping this in view the present study was initiated in a tribal dominated hinterland of western Himalaya. The study aimed to look into the diversity of plant resources that are used by local people for curing various ailments. Questionnaire surveys, participatory observations and field visits were planned to illicit information on the uses of various plants. It was found that 35 plant species are commonly used by local people for curing various diseases. In most of the cases (45%) under ground part of the plant was used. New medicinal uses of Ranunculus hirtellus and Anemone rupicola are reported from this area. Similarly, preparation of "sik" a traditional recipe served as a nutritious diet to pregnant women is also not documented elsewhere. Implication of developmental activities and changing socio-economic conditions on the traditional knowledge are also discussed.     

Transmission of important chromosomal regions under selection revealed in rice pedigree breeding programs

Genetic analysis across a whole plant genome based on pedigree information offers considerable potential for enhancing genetic gain from plant breeding programs through quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and marker-assisted selection. Here, we report its application for graphically genotyping varieties used in Chinese japonica rice (Oryza sativa L.) pedigree breeding programs. We identified 34 important chromosomal regions from the founder parent that are under selection in the breeding programs, and by comparing donor genomic regions that are under selection with QTL locations of agronomic traits, we found that QTL clustered in important genomic regions, in accordance with association analyses of natural populations and other previous studies. The convergence of genomic regions under selection with QTL locations suggests that donor genomic regions harboring key genes/QTL for important agronomic traits have been selected by plant breeders since the 1950s from the founder rice plants. The results provide better understanding of the effects of selection in breeding programs on the traits of rice cultivars. They also provide potentially valuable information for enhancing rice breeding programs through screening candidate parents for targeted molecular markers, improving crop yield potential and identifying suitable genetic material for use in future breeding programs.     

Toughness and fiber content of major leaf foods of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui) in Yakushima

During the spring, Japanese macaques in Yakushima feed predominantly on mature leaves of trees, vines, and ferns. They are selective in which parts of leaves they eat, and this study examines potential cues and consequences of typical patterns of selection. Toughness and fiber content (NDF) were assessed for 13 of the major leaf-food species from samples collected in the spring of 1994. The toughness of the petiole, the midrib, and two parts of the lamina were tested separately. Petioles were generally the toughest part of the leaf, followed by the midribs. For both midrib and lamina, there was a positive correlation between toughness and fiber content, but the toughness of midribs was at least three times that of laminae at similar fiber contents. A clear relationship was found between the toughness of plant parts and whether or not they were eaten: no plant parts with a toughness greater than 2,300 J m⁻² were consumed even at low fiber levels. Toughness therefore explained food selection patterns much better than did fiber content. Toughness is likely to be assessed at the front of the mouth or during mastication. However, the macaques rarely reject leaves after placing them in the mouth. We suggest, therefore, that toughness may be used to select between feeding sites, rather than between individual leaves. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The oral sucker of Gyrinocheilus aymonieri (Teleostei: Cypriniformes)

The sucker was studied in young and mature fish by light microscopy, histochemistry, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray probe microanalysis, dissection, staining preparations of whole skeletons, and watching the animals in aquaria. The fleshy lips are supported by highly flexible, chondroid tissues, the structure and histochemistry of which differ substantially from those of cartilage. They allow the sucker to evert when the fish attaches to a stone or aquarium wall and are connected to the maxillae, premaxillae and dentaries. Lining the inside of the lips are two horny rasps, each with several regular rows of small hooks. The scraping blades of these hooks are keratinized and point towards the mouth. They increase the coefficient of friction for adhesion and enable the fish to feed on encrusting algae. Between the posterior rasp and the -anterior margin of the mandible are two invaginations of the lower lip that extend the sucker chamber beneath large hollows in the dentaries. The anterior margin itself contacts the outer surface of the maxillary oral valve when the mouth is closed, and isolates the sucker chamber from the rest of the buccal and pharyngeal cavities. Contrary to previous views, it is thought that a true vacuum is produced, and that attached fish spend long periods without taking water in through the mouth. The attachments of the principal jaw muscles are described and their role in sucker action discussed. There are similarities with the jaw mechanism of catostomids.     

Selectable Markers and Reporter Genes: A Well Furnished Toolbox for Plant Science and Genetic Engineering

Marker genes (MGs) are essential tools for plant research and biotechnology. Positive selectable marker genes (SMGs) are used in genetic transformation to allow only transgenic cells to grow and develop and are necessary for efficient transformation. Negative SMGs confer a selective disadvantage to the cells that express them, and have several uses in both basic and applied research. Reporter genes (RGs) make it possible to easily screen cells or tissues for their expression. Several tens of different genes from bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals have been demonstrated to function as SMGs. Here, SMGs are classified based on the mechanism of action of the gene products. To provide the readers with practically useful information, details on transformation and selection efficiency are given. RGs are the object of intense research. Refinement of existing RGs and development of new ones is constant, and has provided powerful aids for fine studies on cell biology and more efficient genetic engineering. They are classified as vital and non vital, depending on the possibility to screen their expression in living cells. The effect of MG expression on the phenotype and their safety in crops is briefly discussed. The picture emerging from this literature review is that a plentiful array of powerful and versatile tools for basic and applied research is available.     

A potential novel source of information for screening and monitoring the impact of exotic plants on ecosystems

Exotic invasive species often affect the pools and fluxes of carbon, nutrient elements, and energy, but there are few sources of information that permit these effects to be anticipated. Some plant traits, such as growth rates and tissue nutrient content, are known to influence the ecosystem process, but information about these traits is often not available. I propose that plant secondary chemistry may be a useful trait for assessing the likelihood of ecosystem (and community) impacts. Information about such traits is readily available from several sources, rendering it a good candidate for screening and monitoring programs. Plant secondary chemicals affect a variety of ecosystem processes, largely through their direct and indirect impacts on soil microbial community composition and function. They also have well-known effects on human physiology, as evidenced in the numerous plant-derived bioactive compounds used for their medicinal and other physiological effects. There is a large amount of information available about plant secondary chemistry due to its role in herbal medicine, dietary supplements and the emerging field of nutraceuticals. This information includes databases and traditional texts in ethnobotany, plant chemistry, and alternative medicine. I review evidence that secondary compounds are widespread in invasive species and affect soil microbial communities and microbially-mediated ecosystem processes. Invasion ecology may profit from collaborations with a novel group of scientists, including those in ethnobotany, nutraceuticals, plant chemistry and alternative medicine.     

Former diversity of Ephedra (Gnetales): evidence from Early Cretaceous seeds from Portugal and North America

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The extant species of the seed plant group Gnetales (Ephedra, Gnetum and Welwitschia) have been considered a remnant of a much greater, now extinct, diversity due to the pronounced differences in form and ecology among the genera. Until recently, this hypothesis has not been supported by evidence from the fossil record. This paper adds to the expanding information on Gnetales from the Early Cretaceous and describes coalified seeds from Barremian-Albian localities in Portugal and USA. METHODS: The fossils were extracted from sediment samples by sieving in water. Adhering mineral matrix was removed by chemical treatment. Seeds were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Morphology and anatomy of the seeds were documented and compared with those of extant species. KEY RESULTS: The fossils share characters with extant Ephedra, for example papillae on the inner surface of the seed envelope and in situ polyplicate pollen grains that shed the exine during germination. They differ from extant Ephedra seeds in morphological and anatomical details as well as in their smaller size. Two new species of Ephedra are described together with one species assigned to a new genus of Gnetales. Other Ephedra-like seeds, for which pollen and critical morphological details are currently unknown, are also present in the samples. CONCLUSIONS: These Cretaceous seeds document that key reproductive characters and pollen germination processes have remained unchanged within Ephedra for about 120 million years or more. There is sufficient variety in details of morphology to suggest that a diversity of Ephedra and Ephedra-like species were present in the Early Cretaceous flora. Their presence in Portugal and eastern North America indicates that they were widespread on the Laurasian continent. The fossil seeds are similar to seeds of Erdtmanithecales and this supports the previously suggested relationship between Erdtmanithecales and Gnetales.     

Impact of dry mouth conditions on oral health-related quality of life in older people

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of dry mouth conditions on oral health‐related quality of life in frail old people, residents at community care centers. Further, reliability and validity of a visual analogue scale (VAS) for dry mouth symptoms were determined within the study cohort. Background: In old people functional, social and psychological impacts of oral conditions are associated with an overall sense of well being and general health. Subjective dry mouth and reduced saliva flow are common disorders in old people caused by disease and medication. Thus, dry mouth conditions may be determinants for compromised oral health‐related quality of life in old people. Method: In total, 50 old people living at service homes for the old people were asked to answer questionnaires on subjective dry mouth (VAS) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP14) for oral health‐related quality of life. Saliva flow was estimated by absorbing saliva into a pre‐weighed cotton roll. Results: The final study cohort comprised 41 old people (aged 83–91 years). Significant associations were identified between both objective and subjective dry mouth and overall or specific aspects of oral health‐related quality of life. Conclusion: Dry mouth (objective and subjective) is significantly associated with oral health‐related quality of life strengthening the value of monitoring dry mouth conditions in the care of frail old people.     

A New Fixative for Vaginal Smears

Two vaginal smear fixatives have been presented for use in cytologic studies by the Papanicolaou technic for the diagnosis of cancer of the genital tract. They are to be used in lieu of equal parts of ethyl alcohol and ether, because of the volatility, waste through evaporation, fire hazard, and expense. They are (a) tertiary butyl alcohol, 75% and ethyl alcohol, 25% (b) tertiary butyl alcohol, 75% and ethyl phosphate, 25% (by volume). The cytologic details and staining qualities of vaginal smears have been maintained or improved.     

Traditional management and morphological variation inLeucaena Esculenta (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae) in the mixtec region of Guerrero,Mexico

Ethnobotanical information about uses, management and traditional classification ofLeucaena esculenta by the Mixtec in Guerrero, Mexico, is presented. This plant is mainly used as human food. Buds of leaves and flowers as well as seeds and young pods are the main edible parts. Size, flavor and digestibility of seeds and pods are shown to be important in the Mixtec classification ofLeucaena species and in selection of trees to harvest during gathering. Artificial selection inL. esculenta subsp.esculenta by the Mixtec occurs not only under cultivation, but also in wild populations where people eliminate some individuals while promoting the growth of others with favorable phenotypes. Morphological characters of seeds and pods of individual trees of this subspecies were measured in order to compare phenotypic variation in populations subject to different regimes of management. Samples of trees were analyzed from a) a wild population not affected by intentional disturbances; b) a wild population selectively managed in situ; and c) a sample of cultivated individuals. Ordination methods and analysis of variance were used to examine differences between populations. A marked divergence between the three samples was found, especially between the wild populations managed and unmanaged. The frequency of the phenotypes preferred by people was found to be higher in the wild populationin situ managed. Our study confirms that through in situ forms of management, people are able to modify the phenotypic structure of plant populations. Possible routes of plant domestication within plant populationsin situ are suggested.     

The Arabidopsis SeedGenes Project

The SeedGenes database (http://www.seedgenes.org) presents molecular and phenotypic information on essential, non-redundant genes of Arabidopsis that give a seed phenotype when disrupted by mutation. Experimental details are synthesized for efficient use by the community and organized into two major sections in the database, one dealing with genes and the other with mutant alleles. The database can be queried for detailed information on a single gene to create a SeedGenes Profile. Queries can also generate lists of genes or mutants that fit specified criteria. The long-term goal is to establish a complete collection of Arabidopsis genes that give a knockout phenotype. This information is needed to focus attention on genes with important cellular functions in a model plant and to assess from a genetic perspective the extent of functional redundancy in the Arabidopsis genome.     

Updated assessment of potential biopesticide options for managing fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Africa

The fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) has recently spread to many countries in Africa, the Near East, Asia and the Pacific. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), more than 300 million people depend on FAW’s preferred host plant, maize, as a staple crop. Hence, the spread of FAW in SSA has the potential to negatively affect livelihoods and food security. Many farmers have responded to FAW by increasing their use of synthetic pesticides, but these are not always used safely or effectively. More information on sustainable alternatives to high-risk synthetic pesticides is needed to inform decisions by farmers and policy makers. In a previous paper, the authors responded to this information need by identifying fifty biopesticides which had been registered for FAW management in one or more of 30 countries in FAWs native region and Africa. For each biopesticide identified, detailed profiles with information on their efficacy against FAW; associated human health and environmental hazards; their agronomic sustainability; and whether or not they are practical for use by smallholder farmers were developed Research for development (R4D) efforts is ongoing in Africa and Asia for development and use of biopesticides for FAW management. Hence, in this study the authors assessed the current state of knowledge and documented how information gaps have been filled (or not) since the previous paper was published. The authors found that for many biopesticides there is a growing body of information on their efficacy in the field in Africa and increased availability of commercialized products. They also note remaining information gaps, particularly the compatibility of the biopesticides with other recommended management practices, and cost-benefit analyses, important for developing and implementing sustainable IPM. An updated list of priority biopesticides for research, development and promotion is provided.     

Structural and biochemical approaches uncover multiple evolutionary trajectories of plant quinate dehydrogenases

Quinate is produced and used by many plants in the biosynthesis of chlorogenic acids (CGAs). Chlorogenic acids are astringent and serve to deter herbivory. They also function as antifungal agents and have potent antioxidant properties. Quinate is produced at a branch point of shikimate biosynthesis by the enzyme quinate dehydrogenase (QDH). However, little information exists on the identity and biochemical properties of plant QDHs. In this study, we utilized structural and bioinformatics approaches to establish a QDH‐specific primary sequence motif. Using this motif, we identified QDHs from diverse plants and confirmed their activity by recombinant protein production and kinetic assays. Through a detailed phylogenetic analysis, we show that plant QDHs arose directly from bifunctional dehydroquinate dehydratase–shikimate dehydrogenases (DHQD‐SDHs) through different convergent evolutionary events, illustrated by our findings that eudicot and conifer QDHs arose early in vascular plant evolution whereas Brassicaceae QDHs emerged later. This process of recurrent evolution of QDH is further demonstrated by the fact that this family of proteins independently evolved NAD⁺ and NADP⁺ specificity in eudicots. The acquisition of QDH activity by these proteins was accompanied by the inactivation or functional evolution of the DHQD domain, as verified by enzyme activity assays and as reflected in the loss of key DHQD active site residues. The implications of QDH activity and evolution are discussed in terms of plant growth and development.     

The ethnobotany ofCarludovica palmata Ruíz & Pavón (Cyclanthaceae) in Amazonian Ecuador

All of Ecuador’s indigenous Amazonian people use Carludovica palmata Ruíz & Pavón. The most frequent use is for roof thatching. Fibers from the petiole also are used to make baskets and to tie small timbers. The Shuar, Achuar and Quichua make mammal and fish traps from the petiole. The bases of unopened leaf buds and the fruits are edible. The buds have a taste similar to palm hearts. Carludovica palmata grows in open, disturbed sites often in alluvial soil. Ecuador’s indigenous people often protect the plant when clearing fields. They also intentionally plant it. The commercial use of its buds for food and the marketing of native crafts made from C. palmata could rival the plant’s importance in the Panama hat industry.     

Geminivirus-based shuttle vectors capable of replication in Escherichia coli and monocotyledonous plant cells

Shuttle vectors have been constructed that are able to replicate in either Escherichia coli or plant cells. They contain the ColE1 origin of replication and parts of the wheat dwarf virus genome, a geminivirus infecting a variety of species of monocotyledonous plants. Such plasmids are able to replicate in E. coli and wheat cells. The plasmids can be rescued in E. coli and show no changes during their passage through plant cells. Such an E. coli/plant cell shuttle vector system could be used for the amplification of foreign genes in plant cells, for studies on DNA rearrangement or the isolation of plant transposons.