Floristic composition,structure and regeneration status of Masha forest,south‐west Ethiopia

The natural forest of Masha was studied to determine the species composition and population structure of woody species in the area. A total of 130 plant species belonging 61 families were recorded, in which family Acanthaceae was represented by 11 species followed by Rubiaceae (10) and Asteraceae (9). The composition and population structure of woody species, with diameter at breast height (DBH) >2.5 cm and height >2 m, and their regeneration were assessed in 65 sample plots of 400 m² each. The density for trees and shrubs with DBH >2.5 cm was 1681 ind.ha^?1, and the basal area of the study area was 142.6 m² ha^?1. Four community types were recognized. This forest is of international and national conservation importance given its high biodiversity. Managing the remaining forest would be an appropriate option for sustainable management of biodiversity.     

Animal models of regenerative medicine for biological treatment approaches of degenerative disc diseases

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a painful, chronic and progressive disease, which is characterized by inflammation, structural and biological deterioration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues. DDD is specified as cell-, age-, and genetic-dependent degenerative process that can be accelerated by environmental factors. It is one of the major causes of chronic back pain and disability affecting millions of people globally. Current treatment options, such as physical rehabilitation, pain management, and surgical intervention, can provide only temporary pain relief. Different animal models have been used to study the process of IVD degeneration and develop therapeutic options that may restore the structure and function of degenerative discs. Several research works have depicted considerable progress in understanding the biological basis of disc degeneration and the therapeutic potentials of cell transplantation, gene therapy, applications of supporting biomaterials and bioactive factors, or a combination thereof. Since animal models play increasingly significant roles in treatment approaches of DDD, we conducted an electronic database search on Medline through June 2020 to identify, compare, and discuss publications regarding biological therapeutic approaches of DDD that based on intradiscal treatment strategies. We provide an up-to-date overview of biological treatment strategies in animal models including mouse, rat, rabbit, porcine, bovine, ovine, caprine, canine, and primate models. Although no animal model could profoundly reproduce the clinical conditions in humans; animal models have played important roles in specifying our knowledge about the pathophysiology of DDD. They are crucial for developing new therapy approaches for clinical applications.