A Review of Aquilaria malaccensis Propagation and Production of the Secondary Metabolite from Callus

Aquilaria is an evergreen non-timber agarwood obtained from the 15 species of Aquilaria belonging to the family Thymelecea. There are two species endemic to Northeast India, A. malaccensis and A. khasiana. A. malaccensis generate a high-grade degree of resin as compared to the other Aquilaria species, and it contributes to the economy of the Northeast states of India and the country as a whole. Due to its profoundly valuable sources, it is overexploited, which impacted its availability in genetic environments. The cultivation of the tree is challenging due to some environmental factors like the sensitivity of the seeds to desiccation, high light intensity, low shelf life, slow growth rate, and the effect of insects and microorganisms. Therefore, conservation and proliferation are urgently required for environmental sustainability and prevention from the stage of extinction. The objective of this paper is to compile the major research works on the conservation, production of the secondary metabolite from callus of A. malaccensis and updated information on its developments and approaches that are rapidly taking place in recent years so that further novel research can be envisaged.

Effectiveness of K2siO3 on growth and physio-biochemical changes of banana seedlings grown under tropical climate as influenced by application frequency

Slow growth rate of tissue-cultured banana seedling’s performance and high post-transplanting mortality rate are commonly due to low rate mineral content in the soil, climate change and soil-borne disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of potassium silicate (K2SiO3) on growth, physio-biochemical changes on Berangan banana seedlings grown under tropical climate conditions. The experiment was conducted under a rain shelter and all treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block (RCBD) design. The plants were soil drenched with K2SiO3 at constant 0.0901 M by 25 mL/plant after two weeks of transplanting with different frequencies application: 0-day interval (DI) served as control, 7 DI (12×), 15 DI (6×) and 30 DI (3×) throughout three months experimental period. Results showed that K2SiO3 (13% SiO2, 20% K2O) applied on healthy banana seedlings at 15 days interval significantly improved morphological growth trait (plant height, pseudo-stem diameter size, total leaf area, root length, and dry matter biomass) and physiological traits characters, but reduced proline and MDA content in plant tissues of banana. Hence, the results confirmed that each banana seedlings that received K2SiO3 at optimum frequency rate (15DI) had successfully enhanced the growth performance with better quality of Berangan banana seedlings at commercial-scale production.

Comparison in Growth, Feeding, and Metabolism Between a Fast-Growing Selective Strain and a Cultured Population of Pearl Oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii)

Pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii) is the main species cultured for marine pearls in the world. A breeding program was carried out for desirable production traits, including high growth rate, and a fast-growing selective strain of pearl oysters was established. In the current study, we compared the growth characteristics between a selective strain and a cultured population of P. f. martensii in Beihai, Guangxi Province, China. Large size (SL) and small size (SS) individuals of the selective strain were selected, and the differences of physiological and metabolic indexes, such as feeding, respiration, excretion, and enzyme activities between SL and SS and cultured population (CL), were also compared. The results showed that at the age of 6 months, pearl oysters of the selective strain were 14.61% larger than CL, and the proportion of SL (30–40 mm) was 59%, which was two times higher than CL (28%). SL with a rapid growth rate had a high clearance rate (CR), and the CR of SL was about 1.8 times higher than that of CL and 5 times higher than that of SS. In addition, the activities of digestive enzymes (amylase, pepsin, and lipase) and growth-related carbonic anhydrase enzymes in SL were higher than those in the other two groups (p < 0.05). SS with a slow growth rate had higher oxygen consumption (OCR) and ammonia excretion (AER) rates than SL and CL (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that the rapid growth of the selective strain P. f. martensii can be attributed to increased energy intake and reduced energy consumption.

Optimising Artificial Moss Growth for Environmental Studies in the Mediterranean Area

Bryophytes are poikilohydric organisms that play a key role in ecosystems, while some of them are also resistant to drought and environmental disturbances but present a slow growth rate. Moss culture in the laboratory can be a very useful tool for ecological restoration or the development of urban green spaces (roof and wall) in the Mediterranean region. Therefore, we aim to: (i) determine the optimal culture conditions for the growth of four moss species present in the Mediterranean climate, such as Bryum argenteum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Tortella nitida, and Tortella squarrosa; (ii) study the optimal growth conditions of the invasive moss Campylopus introflexus to find out if it can be a threat to native species. Photoperiod does not seem to cause any recognisable pattern in moss growth. However, temperature produces more linear but slower growth at 15 °C than at 20 and 25 °C. In addition, the lower temperature produced faster maximum cover values within 5–8 weeks, with at least 60% of the culture area covered. The study concludes that the culture of moss artificially in the organic gardening substrate without fertilisers is feasible and could be of great help for further use in environmental projects to restore degraded ecosystems or to facilitate urban green spaces in the Mediterranean area. Moreover, this study concludes that C. introflexus could successfully occupy the niche of other native moss species, especially in degraded areas, in a future global change scenario.

CTIM-24. RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF NEOADJUVANT VACCINATION WITH TUMOR-CELL LYSATE INDUCES T CELL RESPONSE IN LOW-GRADE GLIOMAS

BACKGROUND The prognosis of WHO grade II low-grade gliomas (LGG) is varied with potential for long survival.Given their relatively intact immune system and slow growth rate, vaccines are an attractive treatment strategy for LGG in an attempt to defer more toxic treatments. The goals of this pilot study were to evaluate safety and immunological effects of vaccination with GBM6-AD, an allogeneic glioblastoma stem cell line lysate, with poly-ICLC in LGG. METHODS Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years old, ≥ 70 KPS, with recurrent LGG or imaging consistent with LGG, and amenable to resection. Patients were randomized to vaccine prior to surgery (Arm 1) or not (Arm 2) and all received adjuvant vaccine. Co-primary outcomes were safety and immune response in the tumor, with exploratory outcomes of survival and immunologic effects in peripheral blood. RESULTS A total of 17 eligible patients were evaluable – nine into Arm 1 and eight into Arm 2. Median age was 33 years, with median time from initial diagnosis of 4.7 years (0 – 20). Two patients (11.8%) previously received radiotherapy and seven (41.2%) prior systemic therapy. No dose limiting toxicities or grade 3 AEs were observed. Neoadjuvant vaccination induced up regulation of type-1 cytokines and chemokines in peripheral blood, and CD8+ T cell clones that reacted to the vaccine were also detected in the tumor. Median follow-up time from first post-operative vaccine was 20.8 months with median PFS of 11.0 months and time to change in therapy of 23.7 months. Of the six patients to receive additional treatment, three had second surgery only one confirming malignant progression to anaplastic oligodendroglioma. CONCLUSION Treatment was well-tolerated with no regimen-limiting toxicity. GBM6-AD plus poly-ICLC induced effector CD8+ T cell response in peripheral blood and enables some vaccine-reactive CD8+ T cells to migrate into the TME. Further investigation is warranted.

Minimal Media Strength for In vitro Conservation of Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) Cultures

An experiment for strawberry Fragaria ananassa cv. Festival in vitro conservation of cultures for nine months was studied. Three MS medium strength (full strength MS, ¾ MS, ½ MS, and ¼ MS) and the storage period (3, 6, and 9 months) in slowing down or reducing growth. Results showed a significant effect of the medium salt strength, as the full strength treatment was higher by achieved the highest percentage of viability (survival %) and storage characteristics of cultures (N%, P%, carbohydrates%, protein %) and regeneration ability characteristics (shoots and roots number and length). Three-month storage period achieved the highest rate compared to the nine-month storage period, which recorded the lowest average for the studied characteristics. The full strength treatment for three months storage period realized the highest rate compared to treatment ¼ strength for the storage period of nine months, which recorded the lowest rate of the studied traits. The application of minimal strength for in vitro conservation allows strawberry cultures to remain viable with a slow growth rate and a significant increase in the storage life of the tissues to nine months.

224 Amino Acid Imbalance with Excess Methionine in Late-finishing Pigs: Effects on Performance and Carcass Quality

Limitations in harvest facility capacity can necessitate feeding programs to slow growth rate in late-finishing pigs. In Trial 1, six dietary regimens were used with 423 pigs (initial weight, 109 kg) randomly allotted in a 35 d study. The regimens consisted of: 1) Con (11.7% CP diet), 2) Low Protein (LP 8.8% CP), 3) Methionine (Met) 1% (LP plus 1% added Met for 35 d), 4) Met 1–1.8% (LP plus 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8% added Met for d 0–7, 7–14, 14–21, 21–28 and 28–35 d, respectively), 5) Met 2% (LP plus 2% added Met for 35 d) and 6) Met 1.5–2.3% (LP plus 1.5, 1.7, 1.9, 2.1 and 2.3%, added Met for d 0–7, 7–14, 14–21, 21–28 and 28–35 d, respectively). Pigs on Met 1% had reduced overall ADG and ADFI (P < 0.05) with similar G:F vs. pigs on LP. Compared to pigs on Met 1%, pigs on Met 1–1.8%, Met 2%, and Met 1.5–2.3% had reduced (P < 0.05) ADG of 28, 54 and 53%, respectively; and decreased (P < 0.05) ADFI of 12, 26 and 26%, respectively. In Trial 2, three regimens were used with 393 pigs (initial weight, 109 kg) in a 35 d study. The regimens consisted of 1) Met 2%, 2) Met 1.5–2.3% and 3) Met 2.0–2.8% (LP plus 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6 and 2.8% added Met for d 0–7, 7–14, 14–21, 21–28 and 28–35 d, respectively). Regimens 1 and 2 were identical to Trial 1. Overall, pigs on Met 1.5–2.3% had ADG and ADFI which were greater (P < 0.001) compared to pigs on Met 2%. Pigs on Met 2–2.8% had an overall ADG and ADFI which were less (P < 0.05) than those pigs on Met 2%. These data suggest that growth can be manipulated with excess Met.

In Silico and Cellular Differences Related to the Cell Division Process between the A and B Races of the Colonial Microalga Botryococcus braunii

Botryococcus braunii produce liquid hydrocarbons able to be processed into combustion engine fuels. Depending on the growing conditions, the cell doubling time can be up to 6 days or more, which is a slow growth rate in comparison with other microalgae. Few studies have analyzed the cell cycle of B. braunii. We did a bioinformatic comparison between the protein sequences for retinoblastoma and cyclin-dependent kinases from the A (Yamanaka) and B (Showa) races, with those sequences from other algae and Arabidopsis thaliana. Differences in the number of cyclin-dependent kinases and potential retinoblastoma phosphorylation sites between the A and B races were found. Some cyclin-dependent kinases from both races seemed to be phylogenetically more similar to A. thaliana than to other microalgae. Microscopic observations were done using several staining procedures. Race A colonies, but not race B, showed some multinucleated cells without chlorophyll. An active mitochondrial net was detected in those multinucleated cells, as well as being defined in polyphosphate bodies. These observations suggest differences in the cell division processes between the A and B races of B. braunii.

Amino acid imbalance with excess methionine in late-finishing pigs: effects on performance and carcass quality

Limitations in harvest facility capacity can necessitate feeding strategies to slow growth rate in late-finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, six dietary treatments were used with 423 late-finishing pigs (initial weight of 109.5 kg) randomly allotted (mixed-sex) across 24 pens in a 35 d study. The treatments consisted of: 1) Positive Control (PC, 11.7% CP (Crude Protein) diet with added amino acids (AA), 2) Methionine (Met) 0% (8.8% CP with added AA), 3) Met 1% (8.8% CP with added AA plus 1% added Met for 35 d), 4) Met 1-1.8% (8.8% CP with added AA plus 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8% added Met for d 0-7, 7-14, 14-21, 21-28 and 28-35 d, respectively), 5) Met 2% (8.8% CP with added AA plus 2% added Met for 35 d) and 6) Met 1.5-2.3% (8.8% CP with added AA plus 1.5, 1.7, 1.9, 2.1 and 2.3% added Met for d 0-7, 7-14, 14-21, 21-28 and 28-35 d, respectively). Overall, pigs on the PC had improved ADG and G:F (P < 0.05) compared to the other five treatments. Pigs on Met 1% had reduced overall ADG and ADFI (P < 0.05) with similar G:F compared to pigs on Met 0%. Compared to pigs on Met 1%, pigs on Met 1-1.8%, Met 2%, and Met 1.5-2.3% had reduced (P < 0.05) ADG of 28, 54 and 53%, respectively; and decreased (P < 0.05) ADFI of 12, 26 and 26%, respectively. Dressing percent was similar among all six treatments. In Exp. 2, three dietary treatments were used with 393 late-finishing pigs (average initial weight was 108.8 kg) randomly allotted (mixed-sex) across 24 pens in a 35-d study. The treatments consisted of 1) Met 2%, 2) Met 1.5-2.3% and 3) Met 2.0-2.8% (8.8% CP with added AA plus 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6 and 2.8% added Met for d 0-7, 7-14, 14-21, 21-28 and 28-35 d, respectively). Treatments 1 and 2 were identical to Exp. 1. Overall, pigs on Met 1.5-2.3% had ADG of 241 g and ADFI of 2,040 g which were greater (P < 0.001) compared to pigs on Met 2% with ADG of 57 g and ADFI of 1,515 g. Furthermore, pigs on Met 2-2.8% had an overall ADG of -62 g and ADFI of 1,254 g which were less (P < 0.05) than those pigs on Met 2%. Percent lean and dressing percent were similar among the three treatments. These data suggest that late-finishing growth can be manipulated in a concise and effective manner by creating amino acid imbalances with varying levels of excess Met.

Influence of Microplastics on the Growth and the Intestinal Microbiota Composition of Brine Shrimp

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and can be frequently ingested by zooplankton, leading to various effects. Brine shrimp (Artemia parthenogenetica) has an important role in the energy flow through trophic levels in different seawater systems. In this work, the influence of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) MPs on the growth of brine shrimp and corresponding changes of gut microbiota were investigated. Our results showed that the MPs remarkably reduced the growth rate of brine shrimp, and the two types of MPs have different impacts. The average body length of brine shrimps was reduced by 17.92 and 14.95% in the PE group and PS group, respectively. MPs are mainly found in the intestine, and their exposure evidently affects the gut microbiota. By using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing, 32 phyla of bacteria were detected in the intestine, and the microbiome consisted mainly of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. MPs’ exposure significantly increased the gut microbial diversity. For the PE group, the proportion of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes increased by 45.26 and 2.73%, respectively. For the PS group, it was 54.95 and 1.27%, respectively. According to the analysis on genus level, the proportions of Ponticoccus, Seohaeicola, Polycyclovorans, and Methylophaga decreased by 46.38, 1.24, 1.07, and 2.66%, respectively, for the PE group and 57.87, 1.43, 0.88, and 2.24%, respectively, for the PS group. In contrast, the proportions of Stappia, Microbacterium, and Dietzia increased by 1.12, 23.27, and 11.59%, respectively, for the PE group, and 1.09, 3.79, and 42.96%, respectively, for the PS group. These experimental results demonstrated that the ingestion of MPs by brine shrimp can alter the composition of the gut microbiota and lead to a slow growth rate. This study provides preliminary data support for understanding the biotoxicity of MPs to invertebrate zooplankton and is conducive to the further risk assessment of MP exposure.