Vegetative propagation of Mikania glomerata: Micro-propagation and cuttings

The scope of this work was to compare two systems for vegetative propagation: conventional one (from cut stems) and in vitro micropropagation from axillary buds. Nodal segments (1 cm) of Mikania glomerata were used as explants. The experiments were evaluated in relation to number of shoots; % of rooting; number of roots and total fresh weight. Multiple shoots developed in MS containing 0.5 mg/L BAP. Rooting was induced in the presence of 1.0 mg/L IBA. Stems with five buds and one pair of leaves were the most appropriate for the production of cuttings. The time necessary for developing a protocol for the production of M. glomerata micropropagated plantlets was 6 months, whereas only half time was required to produce plantlets from stem cuttings. The greatest problem met during micropropagation was the culture contamination by endophytic bacteria and fungi.

Effect of substrata on the development of stem cuttings of Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. BR. - Limonene-carvone chemotype

Studies were conducted to show the effect of different substrata on the development of stem cuttings of Lippia alba made of limonene-carvone chemotype. The experiment was done in the College of Agronomical Sciences, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil in 2000. The cuttings were planted in polystyrene trays consisting of 72 cells. The cuttings had about 0.20 m of length and were put in the following substrata: Fine sand (T1), commercial substratum (T2), carbonised rice peel and local soil (T3), local soil, cow manure and carbonised rice peel (T4), vermiculite (T5), and carbonised rice peel (T6). After 40 days the development of stem cuttings were evaluated. High rate of rooting of stem cuttings was verified, with average of 95% and no significant difference between the treatments. In relation to dry mass of aerial parts and dry mass of roots, significant differences were found. For dry mass production of aerial parts the commercial substratum (T2) and the local soil, cow manure, carbonised rice peel (T4) were optimal. For mass of roots the local soil, cow manure, carbonised rice peel (T4) proved to be the best.

Influence of IBA and boric acid on rooting of stem-cuttings of Aloysia triphylla (L'Hérit) Britton

Aloysia triphylla (L'Hérit) Britton is a perennial and bushy plant, with simple, entire, lanceolate and whorl shaped leaves and originally from South America. It is used as medicinal plant in Brazil with stomatic and sedative properties. The employment of stem cuttings for propagation of pre-selected plants, acquired great importance, because it eliminates the juvenile phase of seedlings, which can be produced in a shorter period of time. The rooting of stem cuttings is stimulated by auxin and, boric acid supply is essential for growth and development of initial rootlets. This micronutrient is required 48 hours after plant segments have been placed into auxin solution and it can be supplied any time, including the seedling growth period. The experiment was carried out in the Department of Plant Production, UNESP-Botucatu-SP-Brazil, with stem-cuttings of Aloysia triphylla (L'Hérit) Britton, Verbenaceae obtained from the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Garden. The aim of the work was to verify the influence of growth regulators and boric acid on stem cutting rooting of this species. The 15 cm-stem cuttings, without leaves, were submerged during 24 hs in the following solutions: water; 150 mg.L-1 of IBA; 150 mg.L-1 of IBA+ Boric acid; 250 mg.L-1 of IBA; 250 mg.L-1 of IBA + Boric acid. The statistical design was entirely randomized with 5 treatments and 3 replications, totalizing 15 plots with 10 stem cuttings each. They were planted on propylene trays with vermiculite and kept under spraying condition during twenty five days. The best results were observed in treatment 250 mg.L -1 of IBA+ Boric acid on number of roots, length of roots, rooting percentage, fresh and dry weight of leaves when compared with all other treatments. We can conclude that this treatment is the most suitable for stem cutting rooting of this species.

Can hydrogen peroxide and quercetin improve production of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla?

Vegetative propagation is considered the best choice for the rapid multiplication of plant species, however, rooting may still present difficulties. Substances, such as auxins, phenolic compounds and hydrogen peroxide, are recognized as able to improve this process. The aim of the present work was to determine if hydrogen peroxide in combination with quercetin or indole butyric acid, can modify some characteristics related to rooting and development in cuttings of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla. Cuttings were periodically evaluated at 30, 60 and 90 days according to the following criteria: height, diameter and survival percentage. After planting (90 days), a destructive evaluation was performed to determine rooting percentage, average size and number of roots. Polyamines content and polyamine oxidase activity, as biochemical markers of plant development, were determined. No statistically significant differences in height, diameter, survival and rooting percentage, root length and number of roots per cuttings were found. Treatments induced a decrease in putrescine levels and polyamine oxidase activity in roots. For absence of positive responses, the use of these substances as a treatment to improve cutting production is economically unviable.

VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION OF ANGICO-VERMELHO Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Benth) Brenan) HALF-SIBS BY MINI-CUTTINGS

The objective of this work is to evaluate the efficiency of the mini-cuttings technique in the vegetative propagation of half-sibs of angico-vermelho (Anadenanthera macrocarpa(Benth) Brenan) regarding to the productive capacity and survival of mini-stumps, rooting of the apical and intermediate mini-cuttings treated with different doses of IBA (0, 2000, 4000 and 6000 mg L-1) as well as to determine the speed of rooting in the greenhouse. The mini-stumps were obtained from seedlings of the six progenies of Anadenanthera macrocarpa half-sibs. The mini-stumps presented productivity from 1,2 to 3,7 mini-cuttings/mini-stump/collection and survival of 84% to 98% after six harvests. The apical mini-cuttings were higher than the intermediate, more prone to root, but the IBA had no significant effect on the rooting of the progenies. The results of the rooting speed showed variation among the progenies.

Table 6 Generalised properties of Utsira caprocks, based on analysis of cuttings (page 79)

Executive Summary: Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is one option for mitigating atmospheric emissions of carbon dioxide and thereby contributes in actions for stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. The Bellona Foundation is striving to achieve wide implementation of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage both in Norway and internationally. Bellona considers CCS as the only viable large scale option to close the gap between energy production and demand in an environmentally sound way, thereby ensuring that climate changes and acidification of the oceans due to increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere will be stabilised. ff

Optimization of aeroponic technology for future integration in quality potato seed production systems in tropical environments

Virus and soil borne pathogens negatively impact on the production of potatoes in tropical highland and sub-tropical environments, limiting supply of an increasingly popular and important vegetable in these regions. It is common for latent disease infected seed tubers or field grown cuttings to be used as potato planting material. We utilised an International Potato Centre technique, using aeroponic technology, to produce low cost mini-tubers in tropical areas. The system has been optimised for increased effectiveness in tropical areas. High numbers of seed tubers of cultivar Sebago (630) and Nicola per m2 (>900) were obtained in the first generation, and the system is capable of producing five crops of standard cultivars in every two years. Initial results indicate that quality seed could be produced by nurseries and farmers, therefore contributing to the minimisation of soil borne diseases in an integrated management plan. This technology reduces seed production costs, benefiting seed and potato growers. © ISHS.

An Asp49 Phospholipase A2 From Snake Venom Induces Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression And Prostaglandin E2 Production Via Activation Of Nf-κb, P38mapk, And Pkc In Macrophages.

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are key enzymes for production of lipid mediators. We previously demonstrated that a snake venom sPLA2 named MT-III leads to prostaglandin (PG)E2 biosynthesis in macrophages by inducing the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Herein, we explored the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways leading to these MT-III-induced effects. Results demonstrated that MT-III induced activation of the transcription factor NF-κB in isolated macrophages. By using NF-κB selective inhibitors, the involvement of this factor in MT-III-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production was demonstrated. Moreover, MT-III-induced COX-2 protein expression and PGE2 release were attenuated by pretreatment of macrophages with SB202190, and Ly294002, and H-7-dihydro compounds, indicating the involvement of p38MAPK, PI3K, and PKC pathways, respectively. Consistent with this, MT-III triggered early phosphorylation of p38MAPK, PI3K, and PKC. Furthermore, SB202190, H-7-dihydro, but not Ly294002 treatment, abrogated activation of NF-κB induced by MT-III. Altogether, these results show for the first time that the induction of COX-2 protein expression and PGE2 release, which occur via NF-κB activation induced by the sPLA2-MT-III in macrophages, are modulated by p38MAPK and PKC, but not by PI3K signaling proteins.

Microbial Lipid Production: Screening With Yeasts Grown On Brazilian Molasses.

Rhodotorula glutinis CCT 2182, Rhodosporidium toruloides CCT 0783, Rhodotorula minuta CCT 1751 and Lipomyces starkeyi DSM 70296 were evaluated for the conversion of sugars from Brazilian molasses into single-cell oil (SCO) feedstock for biodiesel. Pulsed fed-batch fermentations were performed in 1.65 l working volume bioreactors. The maximum specific growth rate (µmax), lipid productivity (Pr) and cellular lipid content were, respectively, 0.23 h(-1), 0.41 g l(-1) h(-1), and 41% for Rsp. toruloides; 0.20 h(-1), 0.27 g l(-1) h(-1), and 36% for Rta. glutinis; 0.115 h(-1), 0.135 g l(-1) h(-1), and 27 % for Rta. minuta; and 0.11 h(-1), 0.13 g l(-1) h(-1), and 32% for L. starkeyi. Based on their microbial lipid productivity, content, and profile, Rsp. toruloides and Rta. glutinis are promising candidates for biodiesel production from Brazilian molasses. All the oils from the yeasts were similar to the composition of plant oils (rapeseed and soybean) and could be used as raw material for biofuels, as well as in food and nutraceutical products.

Islet Neogenesis-associated Protein (ingap): The Role Of Its Endogenous Production As A Positive Modulator Of Insulin Secretion.

Islet neogenesis-associated protein (INGAP) is a peptide found in pancreatic exocrine-, duct- and islet- non-β-cells from normal hamsters. Its increase induced by either its exogenous administration or by the overexpression of its gene enhances β-cell secretory function and increases β-cell mass by a combination of stimulation of cell replication and islet neogenesis and reduction of β-cell apoptosis. We studied the potential modulatory role of endogenous INGAP in insulin secretion using two different experimental approaches. Hamster islets transfected with INGAP-small interfering RNA (INGAP-siRNA) were used to study glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). In parallel, freshly isolated islets were incubated with high glucose and the same concentration of either a specific anti-INGAP rabbit serum or normal rabbit serum. INGAP-siRNA transfected islets reduced their INGAP mRNA and protein content by 35.1% and 47.2%, respectively whereas GSIS decreased by 25.8%. GSIS by transfected islets attained levels comparable to those recorded in control islets when INGAP pentadecapeptide (INGAP-PP) was added to the culture medium. INGAP antibody in the medium decreased significantly GSIS in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that endogenous INGAP plays a physiological positive modulatory role in insulin secretion, supporting its possible use in the treatment of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

Measurement Of Longitudinal Spin Asymmetries For Weak Boson Production In Polarized Proton-proton Collisions At Rhic.

We report measurements of single- and double-spin asymmetries for W^{±} and Z/γ^{*} boson production in longitudinally polarized p+p collisions at sqrt[s]=510  GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The asymmetries for W^{±} were measured as a function of the decay lepton pseudorapidity, which provides a theoretically clean probe of the proton's polarized quark distributions at the scale of the W mass. The results are compared to theoretical predictions, constrained by polarized deep inelastic scattering measurements, and show a preference for a sizable, positive up antiquark polarization in the range 0.05

Macrophage Cell Activation With Acute Apical Abscess Contents Determined By Interleukin-1 Beta And Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Production.

This clinical study has investigated the antigenic activity of bacterial contents from exudates of acute apical abscesses (AAAs) and their paired root canal contents regarding the stimulation capacity by levels of interleukin (IL)-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) throughout the root canal treatment against macrophage cells. Paired samples of infected root canals and exudates of AAAs were collected from 10 subjects. Endodontic contents were sampled before (root canal sample [RCS] 1) and after chemomechanical preparation (RCS2) and after 30 days of intracanal medication with calcium hydroxide + chlorhexidine gel (Ca[OH]2 + CHX gel) (RCS3). Polymerase chain reaction (16S rDNA) was used for detection of the target bacteria, whereas limulus amebocyte lysate was used to measure endotoxin levels. Raw 264.7 macrophages were stimulated with AAA exudates from endodontic contents sampled in different moments of root canal treatment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the levels of TNF-α and IL-1 beta. Parvimonas micra, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Dialister pneumosintes, and Prevotella nigrescens were the most frequently detected species. Higher levels of endotoxins were found in samples from periapical exudates at RCS1 (P < .005). In fact, samples collected from periapical exudates showed a higher stimulation capacity at RCS1 (P < .05). A positive correlation was found between endotoxins from exudates with IL-1 beta (r = 0.97) and TNF-α (r = 0.88) production (P < .01). The significant reduction of endotoxins and bacterial species achieved by chemomechanical procedures (RCS2) resulted in a lower capacity of root canal contents to stimulate the cells compared with that at RCS1 (P < .05). The use of Ca(OH)2 + CHX gel as an intracanal medication (RCS3) improved the removal of endotoxins and bacteria from infected root canals (P < .05) whose contents induced a lower stimulation capacity against macrophages cells at RCS1, RCS2, and RCS3 (P < .05). AAA exudates showed higher levels of endotoxins and showed a greater capacity of macrophage stimulation than the paired root canal samples. Moreover, the use of intracanal medication improved the removal of bacteria and endotoxins from infected root canals, which may have resulted in the reduction of the inflammatory potential of the root canal content.

[lean Production And Psychosocial Risks: The Case Of A Multinational Merger In A Metallurgical Company In Brazil].

This study focused on the method known as lean production as a work-related psychosocial risk factor in a Brazilian multinational auto parts company after its merger with other multinational companies. The authors conducted a qualitative analysis of two time points: the first using on-site observation and key interviews with managers and workers during implementation of lean production in 1996; the second, 16 years later, comparing data from a document search in labor inspection records from the Ministry of Labor and Employment and legal proceedings initiated by the Office of the Public Prosecutor for Labor Affairs. The merger led to layoffs, replacements, and an increase in the workday. A class action suit was filed on grounds of aggravated working conditions. The new production model led to psychosocial risks that increased the need for workers' health precautions when changes in the production process introduced new and increased risks of physical and mental illnesses.

Effects Of Partial Inhibition Of Respiratory Complex I On H2o 2 Production By Isolated Brain Mitochondria In Different Respiratory States.

The aim of this work was to characterize the effects of partial inhibition of respiratory complex I by rotenone on H2O2 production by isolated rat brain mitochondria in different respiratory states. Flow cytometric analysis of membrane potential in isolated mitochondria indicated that rotenone leads to uniform respiratory inhibition when added to a suspension of mitochondria. When mitochondria were incubated in the presence of a low concentration of rotenone (10 nm) and NADH-linked substrates, oxygen consumption was reduced from 45.9 ± 1.0 to 26.4 ± 2.6 nmol O2 mg(-1) min(-1) and from 7.8 ± 0.3 to 6.3 ± 0.3 nmol O2 mg(-1) min(-1) in respiratory states 3 (ADP-stimulated respiration) and 4 (resting respiration), respectively. Under these conditions, mitochondrial H2O2 production was stimulated from 12.2 ± 1.1 to 21.0 ± 1.2 pmol H2O2 mg(-1) min(-1) and 56.5 ± 4.7 to 95.0 ± 11.1 pmol H2O2 mg(-1) min(-1) in respiratory states 3 and 4, respectively. Similar results were observed when comparing mitochondrial preparations enriched with synaptic or nonsynaptic mitochondria or when 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+)) was used as a respiratory complex I inhibitor. Rotenone-stimulated H2O2 production in respiratory states 3 and 4 was associated with a high reduction state of endogenous nicotinamide nucleotides. In succinate-supported mitochondrial respiration, where most of the mitochondrial H2O2 production relies on electron backflow from complex II to complex I, low rotenone concentrations inhibited H2O2 production. Rotenone had no effect on mitochondrial elimination of micromolar concentrations of H2O2. The present results support the conclusion that partial complex I inhibition may result in mitochondrial energy crisis and oxidative stress, the former being predominant under oxidative phosphorylation and the latter under resting respiration conditions.

S-nitrosothiols Regulate Nitric Oxide Production And Storage In Plants Through The Nitrogen Assimilation Pathway.

Nitrogen assimilation plays a vital role in plant metabolism. Assimilation of nitrate, the primary source of nitrogen in soil, is linked to the generation of the redox signal nitric oxide (NO). An important mechanism by which NO regulates plant development and stress responses is through S-nitrosylation, that is, covalent attachment of NO to cysteine residues to form S-nitrosothiols (SNO). Despite the importance of nitrogen assimilation and NO signalling, it remains largely unknown how these pathways are interconnected. Here we show that SNO signalling suppresses both nitrate uptake and reduction by transporters and reductases, respectively, to fine tune nitrate homeostasis. Moreover, NO derived from nitrate assimilation suppresses the redox enzyme S-nitrosoglutathione Reductase 1 (GSNOR1) by S-nitrosylation, preventing scavenging of S-nitrosoglutathione, a major cellular bio-reservoir of NO. Hence, our data demonstrates that (S)NO controls its own generation and scavenging by modulating nitrate assimilation and GSNOR1 activity.