Evaluation of Antimicrobial Effect of Oenothera biennis by Using Different Concentrations of Extract against Staphylococcus Aureus -An experimental study

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a superbug which is infamous for causing wound infections. Unfortunately it is developing resistance quickly against commonly used antibiotics. Antimicrobial drugs effective against methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus are too expensive to afford by impoverish population in our country. However, herbal medicines are seen to be equally effective with less severe adverse effects. There is need to explore alternative medicines of botanical origin to cure dangerous bacteria. Oenothera biennis contains phytochemicals which have antimicrobial activity against some gram negative and gram positive microorganisms. Objectives: To evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration of Oenothera biennis seed extract against staphylococcus aureus by using different concentrations. Study Design: In Vitro antibacterial study. Settings: The study was conducted in microbiology laboratory of Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore. Duration: One year. Methodology: Oenothera biennis extract was prepared in 95% Ethanol in biochemistry laboratory of Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Lahore. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were procured from microbiology laboratory and American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains used as quality control for MSSA & MRSA, were purchased from musaji adam and sons Karachi ([email protected]). The antibacterial activity of oenothera biennis seed extract against staphylococcus aureus was tested by deep well broth microdilution and disc diffusion method. Different concentrations of stock solutions (100μg/10μl to 500μg/10μl of DMSO) were used to test antimicrobial effect to establish dose response relationship. Results: Results were measured and compared according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. Oenothera biennis seed extract inhibited growth of methicillin sensitive and methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus isolate from laboratory as well as ATCC strains with minimum inhibitory concentration 530μg/10μl solvent. Whereas other concentrations 50 μg/10μl ,100 μg/10μl ,150 μg/10μl ,200 μg/10μl ,250 μg/10μl ,300 μg/10μl ,350 μg/10μl ,400 μg/10μl ,450 μg/10μl and 500 μg/10μl had no effect at all. Conclusion: Oenothera biennis extract inhibits growth of staphylococcus aureus at concentration of 530μg remarkably. This can inhibit both MSSA & MRSA already proved in our study. This could be beneficial as an alternate medicine. However, further research is needed to be conducted for animal study. Key words: Oenothera biennis, ethanolic extract, Methicillin sensitive, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MSSA, MRSA.

Effect of E-Learning on Higher Education

Background: Most institutions in the Pakistan face many educational troubles that innovation can offer assistance to overcome. A digital source, such as Zoom, LMS and Moodle e-learning stage has been actualized at national level in Pakistan. These learning makes a difference to supply e-content and to appear distinctive conceivable results for executing a synchronous e learning modules This paper appears highlighted the elearning increments which motivate the undergrad for online learning. Objectives: To evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration of Oenothera biennis seed extract against staphylococcus aureus by using different concentrations. Study Design: Descriptive, cross sectional study design. Settings and Duration: The study was conducted during the period of six months from March 2020 to August 2020 at Mohi-ud-Din Islamic Medical College Mirpur Azad Kashmir. Methodology: Non probability convenient sampling technique was used and all the students of 1st and 2nd year MBBS were invited for the study. Approval of institutional ethical review committee and informed consent from the participants were obtained. The collected data was organized, entered on SPSS version 21 to analyze by the use of statistical tools. Results: Total 200 study participants, 43.5% were females and 56.5 % were males, 50% were from 1st year and 50% were from 2nd year of MBBS class. The majority of participants (63%) were from urban area. Father’s occupation of participants was businessman (35%), professionals including doctor, teachers and engineers (25%), landlord and farmers (15%), other Government employees (25%). Education level of fathers was bachelor degree or above in (75%) and among mother of the participants it was found as (54.5%). Conclusion: This review highlighted several important discoveries in the near-online learning mode, disproved others, and made a number of predictions about long-term online innovation for instructional purposes. Key words: e-learning, higher education, inspiration, web-based instruction

Effect of Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Oil Cake on the Properties of Polyurethane/Polyisocyanurate Bio-Composites

Rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foam formulations were modified by evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil cake as a bio-filler in the amount of 5 to 50 wt.%. The obtained foams were tested in terms of processing parameters, cellular structure (SEM analysis), physico-mechanical properties (apparent density, compressive strength, brittleness, accelerated aging tests), thermal insulation properties (thermal conductivity coefficient, closed cells content, absorbability and water absorption), flammability, smoke emission, and thermal properties. The obtained results showed that the amount of bio-filler had a significant influence on the morphology of the modified foams. Thorough mixing of the polyurethane premix allowed better homogenization of the bio-filler in the polyurethane matrix, resulting in a regular cellular structure. This resulted in an improvement in the physico-mechanical and thermal insulation properties as well as a reduction in the flammability of the obtained materials. This research provided important information on the management of the waste product from the edible oil industry and the production process of fire-safe RPU/PIR foams with improved performance properties. Due to these beneficial effects, it was found that the use of evening primrose oil cake as a bio-filler for RPU/PIR foams opens a new way of waste management to obtain new “green” materials.

Evolution and seed dormancy shape plant genotypic structure through a successional cycle

Dormancy has repeatedly evolved in plants, animals, and microbes and is hypothesized to facilitate persistence in the face of environmental change. Yet previous experiments have not tracked demography and trait evolution spanning a full successional cycle to ask whether early bouts of natural selection are later reinforced or erased during periods of population dormancy. In addition, it is unclear how well short-term measures of fitness predict long-term genotypic success for species with dormancy. Here, we address these issues using experimental field populations of the plant Oenothera biennis, which evolved over five generations in plots exposed to or protected from insect herbivory. While populations existed above ground, there was rapid evolution of defensive and life-history traits, but populations lost genetic diversity and crashed as succession proceeded. After >5 y of seed dormancy, we triggered germination from the seedbank and genotyped >3,000 colonizers. Resurrected populations showed restored genetic diversity that reduced earlier responses to selection and pushed population phenotypes toward the starting conditions of a decade earlier. Nonetheless, four defense and life-history traits remained differentiated in populations with insect suppression compared with controls. These findings capture key missing elements of evolution during ecological cycles and demonstrate the impact of dormancy on future evolutionary responses to environmental change.

An Oenothera biennis Cell Cultures Extract Endowed with Skin Anti-Ageing Activity Improves Cell Mechanical Properties

Skin aging is a very well-known process setting a gradual worsening of skin mechanical features due to a decline in the production of the extra-cellular matrix machinery and to a concurrent change in the contraction process. To slow this progression, it is crucial to induce the expression of several proteins able to promote elastic fibers formation and tissue repair. Here, the Oenothera biennis cell culture aqueous extract has been investigated from a chemical point of view and then it was tested in vitro, in cell, and in ex vivo experiments as adjuvant in counteracting skin aging. Accordingly, it has been shown that the Oenothera biennis extract was able, by increasing MYLK gene expression, to promote matrix collagen contraction, actin polymerization, and the production of essential ECM proteins.

Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis in Determination of Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic Extract of Oenothera biennis by GCMS – A Preliminary Research Study

Introduction and Aim: Oenothera biennis an important medicinal plant which belongs to Onagraceae family. It is used for various medicinal purposes in ayurvedic medicine and herbal remedy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of phenol and flavonoid extract of plant of O. biennis and GC-MS analysis for active compound identification. Materials and Methods: Radical scavenging assay and reduction assay methods were used for antioxidant activity. The antioxidant capacity of methanolic plant extractHP-5 column was used for GCMS analysis. Results: The IC50 of DPPH radical scavenging activity of methanol leaves extract of O. biennis was 31.43µg/mL concentration, IC50value of superoxide radical scavenging activity was 37.71µg/mL concentration. The RC50 of phosphomolybdenum reduction of methanolic plant extract of O. biennis was 49.90µg/mL concentration and the RC50of Fe3+ reduction was 37.25µg/mL concentrations. Antioxidant compounds such as Phenol, 2, 6-bis(1,1-dimethyl)-4-[(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)methyl]-, Cromaril and Oleic acid were eluted by GCMS analysis. Conclusion: The data showed that the methanolic plant extract of O. biennis has significant antioxidant activity. The flavone compounds identified in GCMS could be responsible for antioxidant activity. Further research work needed to isolate active compounds to kill diseases.

The Effect of Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) on the Some Biochemical Parameters in Rats with Gentamicin Induced Nephrotoxicity

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of evening primrose oil (EPO) on some biochemical parameters on nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin (GM) in rats. The rats used in the study were randomly divided into 4 groups each consisting of 8 rats. The control group, EPO group, GM group and GM+ EPO group. The blood samples were taken 24 hours after the 8-day trial and kidneys were removed and saved for histopathological and PGE2 analysis. The serum creatinine, BUN, calcitriol, Ca, Na, Cl, K and P analyzes were performed via autoanalyser. PGE2 analysis was performed in kidney tissue via ELISA. Histopathological examination of the kidney tissues was performed. The levels of creatinine, BUN and Cl were significantly decreased and PGE2 and Ca increased in GM + EPO compared to GM group. The changes in the biochemical parameters examined and the histopathological findings obtained, it can be said that the EPO weakens the nephrotoxic damage caused by GM and has the protective effects on the kidney.

Floristic and phytocenotic diversity of waterlands of the Shatsk national natural park as a basis for monitoring its condition

The floral and phyto-assessment characteristics of wetlands are an important indicator for their monitoring. The territory of the Shatsky National Natural Park is a natural nucleus of the Polesia Ecology Corridor and a storing part of the All-European Environmental Network. The preservation of the unique wetland complexes of the park requires constant monitoring of the most significant indicators that reflect their condition. The purpose of the studies was to generalize and analyse the flora of the higher vascular plants and vegetation of the park, justifying their use as monitoring indicators. The authors' field research on flora and vegetation was carried out during 2006-2020 on the whole territory of Shatsk NNP. Sixteen test sites were laid for detailed studies. Based on research and analysis of literature sources, 318 species of upper vascular plants belonging to 6 classes and 74 families were found in the flora of the park’s wetlands. Among the numerous families are represented typical for the natural floodplains of the wetlands of the Shatsk Lake: Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, Lamiaceae, Potamogenaceae, Salicaaceae, Fabaceae, Polygonaceae. Species from «The Red Book of Ukraine» (Aldrovanda vesiculosa L., Betula humilis Schrank, Dactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soо, D. majalis (Rchb.) P.F. Hunt & Summerhayes, D. incarnata (L.) Soó, Epipactis palustris (L.) Crantz, Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rich., Carex chordorhiza Ehrh., Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl s.l..) and species subject to regional protection in Volyn region are represented in the flora at the investigated sites (for example, Salix myrsinifolia Salisb., Batrachium aquatile (L.) Dumort., Hypericum tetrapterum Fr., Sparganium natans L., Nymphaea candida С. Presl, Carex limosa L., C. paniculata L., C. flacca Schreb., Eriophorum gracile W.D.J. Koch, Potamogeton praelongus Wulf., P. obtusifolius Mertens & W.D.J. Koch., Rhynchospora alba (L.) Vahl, Drosera rotundifolia L., Senecio paludosus L., Ptarmica salicifolia (Besser) Serg.). The vegetation cover of the studied territory is naturally dominated by cenoses, primarily of marsh and forest vegetation types, in particular eutrophic sedge swamps, black alder, alder pine, and on hilltops - pine forests of blueberry green moss. Coastal-aquatic, aquatic and wetland groups of grasslands are well represented. In wetlands in studied areas, eutrophic swamps are primarily represented, which are dominated by grass, sometimes there are sparse forests. Among the forest groups, associations of alder, alder-birch and pine forests are well represented. In the elevated areas of relief, vegetation was formed with the participation of xerophytes, semixerophythics, submesophytes and mesophytes. In monitoring the status of the park’s wetlands at the population and species level, it is first necessary to monitor the development of the most rare species of flora from "The Red Book" and from the regional protection list. However, attention needs to be paid to population dynamics of adventive species, especially invasive species (Bidens frondosa L., Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. et Gray, Impatiens parviflora DC., Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch., Acer negundo L., Quercus rubra L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., Prunus serotina Ehrh., Salix fragilis L., Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist, Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers., Oenothera biennis L., Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden., Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.). At the coenotic level, priority should be given to the development of wetland, coastal-aquatic and grassland (marsh and wet) groupings, which have limited spread in the region. In parallel, there is a need to control the growth of such groupings, which are highly competitive and capable of displacing less competitive groups. It is very important to link this dynamic with the changing abiotic conditions of ecotopes. Indicators for monitoring should be the dynamics of individual flora species and plant communities.

Evening Primrose and Rapeseed Yield Components and Grain Oil Concentrations Were Differentially Modulated by the N, P, and K Supplies in a Mediterranean Area

Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis L.) is an industrial crop-producing seed with high oil concentration characterized by high gamma-linoleic acid. However, limited information is available on its response to the nutrient supply, especially P and K. The aim of this work was to compare the response of Evening Primrose to the application of N, P, and K alone or in combination in a P and K deficient soil in terms of grain yield, yield components, and oil composition in comparison to Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Evening Primrose yielded 54.4% less seed and 67.3% less oil than Rapeseed. Such differences were reduced when nutrients, especially N or P, were applied. N stimulated Evening Primrose more than Rapeseed. Application of K favored Evening Primrose oil yield when no N or P were added, and this especially occurred by an enhancement of the pod number. P favored yield per pod and oil yield in the Evening Primrose more than Rapeseed in almost all conditions. Fertilization scarcely affected lipid composition. In particular, an increase in the oleic acid concentration was found only when N + K or N + P + K were applied compared to the sole N or sole K applications. These results suggest that P and K differentially influenced yield components of both species and that Evening Primrose was less adapted than Rapeseed to a scarce nutrient supply.