Development of Hairy Root Cultures for Biomass and Triterpenoid Production in Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica (Apiaceae) is a tropical/subtropical medicinal plant, which contains a variety of triterpenoids, including madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid. In this study, we tested the efficiency of hairy root (HR) induction in C. asiatica from leaf and petiole explants. Leaves and petioles collected from C. asiatica plants were suspended in agro-stock for 30 min and co-cultured with Agrobacterium rhizogenes for 3 days to induce HR formation. The transformation efficiency of leaf and petiole explants was approximately 27% and 12%, respectively. A total of 36 HR lines were identified by PCR-based amplification of rol genes, and eight of these lines were selected for further analysis. Among all eight HR lines, the petiole-derived lines HP4 and HP2 displayed the highest growth index (37.8) and the highest triterpenoids concentration (46.57 mg∙g−1), respectively. Although triterpenoid concentration was >2-fold higher in leaves than in petioles of C. asiatica plants, the accumulation of triterpenoids in petiole-derived HR cultures was 1.4-fold higher than that in leaf-derived HR cultures. Additionally, in both leaf- and petiole-derived HR cultures, terpenoid production was higher in HRs than in adventitious roots. These results demonstrate that the triterpenoid content in the explant does not affect the triterpenoid content in the resultant HRs. The HR culture of C. asiatica could be scaled up to enable the mass production of triterpenoids in bioreactors for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Effects of Ocean Acidification on Molting, Oxidative Stress, and Gut Microbiota in Juvenile Horseshoe Crab Tachypleus tridentatus

Anthropogenic elevation of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) drives global-scale ocean acidification (OA), which has aroused widespread concern for marine ecosystem health. The tri-spine horseshoe crab (HSC) Tachypleus tridentatus has been facing the threat of population depletion for decades, and the effects of OA on the physiology and microbiology of its early life stage are unclear. In this study, the 1st instar HSC larvae were exposed to acidified seawater (pH 7.3, pH 8.1 as control) for 28 days to determine the effects of OA on their growth, molting, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota. Results showed that there were no significant differences in growth index and molting rate between OA group and control group, but the chitinase activity, β-NAGase activity, and ecdysone content in OA group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Compared to the control group, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in OA group were significantly increased at the end of the experiment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities increased first and then decreased, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) decreased first and then increased, and GST activity changed little during the experiment. According to the result of 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota, microbial-mediated functions predicted by PICRUSt showed that “Hematopoietic cell lineage,” “Endocytosis,” “Staphylococcus aureus infection,” and “Shigellosis” pathways significantly increased in OA group. The above results indicate that OA had no significant effect on growth index and molting rate but interfered with the activity of chitinolytic enzymes and ecdysone expression of juvenile horseshoe crabs, and caused oxidative stress. In addition, OA had adverse effects on the immune defense function and intestinal health. The present study reveals the potential threat of OA to T. tridentatus population and lays a foundation for the further study of the physiological adaptation mechanism of juvenile horseshoe crabs to environmental change.

Climate Change Impacts on the Potential Distribution of Apocheima cinerarius (Erschoff) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Among the impacts of ongoing and projected climate change are shifts in the distribution and severity of insect pests. Projecting those impacts is necessary to ensure effective pest management in the future. Apocheima cinerarius (Erschoff) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is an important polyphagous forest pest in China where causes huge economic and ecological losses in 20 provinces. Under historical climatic conditions, the suitable areas for A. cinerarius in China are mainly in the northern temperate zone (30–50° N) and the southern temperate zone (20–60° S). Using the CLIMEX model, the potential distribution of the pest in China and globally, both historically and under climate change, were estimated. Suitable habitats for A. cinerarius occur in parts of all continents. With climate change, its potential distribution extends northward in China and generally elsewhere in the northern hemisphere, although effects vary depending on latitude. In other areas of the world, some habitats become less suitable for the species. Based on the simulated growth index in CLIMEX, the onset of A. cinerarius would be earlier under climate change in some of its potential range, including Spain and Korea. Measures should anticipate the need for prevention and control of A. cinerarius in its potential extended range in China and globally.

Evaluating the Growth-promoting Effects of Microbial Biostimulants on Greenhouse Floriculture Crops

Microbial biostimulants can promote ornamental plant growth during production and improve crop performance under abiotic stresses. Even though biostimulants have shown potential in many agricultural applications, the effectiveness and specificity of many products are not well understood. The objective of this study was to analyze the growth-promoting effects of microbial biostimulants during the greenhouse production of floriculture crops. We evaluated 13 biostimulant products in greenhouse-grown zinnia (Zinnia elegans ‘Magellan Ivory’) and petunia (Petunia ×hybrida ‘Carpet White’) at low fertility (one-third of the optimal fertilizer concentration). Biostimulant products 1 and 2 containing multiple species of beneficial bacteria and fungi, and product 10 containing Bacillus subtilis QST 713, were found to increase various aspects of plant growth, including the growth index, leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD index), and shoot biomass. Both flower biomass and numbers were greater in petunia treated with product 1, and leaf size increased in zinnia treated with products 1, 2, and 10. Plants treated with these effective biostimulants at low fertility had similar or better growth and quality than untreated plants grown under optimal fertility. The concentration of various nutrient elements in leaves was higher in zinnia plants treated with biostimulant products 1, 2, or 10 compared with the negative control. Some putative mechanisms for biostimulant effectiveness, the possible reasons for biostimulant ineffectiveness, and the potential for using biostimulants as a sustainable cultural strategy are discussed. This study provides useful information about microbial biostimulant effectiveness, which is important for the development and utilization of biostimulants in the greenhouse production of floriculture plants.

Effects of Peganum harmala L. Seed Extract on Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)

Mosquito-borne diseases result in the loss of life and economy, primarily in subtropical and tropical countries, and the emerging resistance to insecticides is increasing this threat. Botanical insecticides are promising substitutes for synthetic insecticides. This study evaluated the larvicidal and growth index of Culex pipiens of four solvent extracts of Terminalia chebula, Aloe perryi, and Peganum harmala against Cx. pipiens. None of the 12 extracts exhibited larvicidal potential against third instars except the ethyl acetate extract of P. harmala. After 24 h of exposure, the LC50 value was 314.88 ppm, and the LC90 value was 464.19 ppm. At 320 ppm, the hatchability was 25.83%, and it resulted in 100% mortality. In addition, the eggs treated with the EtOAc extract of P. Harmala exhibited a long larval period compared with the control. The larval period continued for 12 days, and the pupal period took three days in the treatment groups. The growth index data also exhibited a decrease (0.00–7.53) in the treated groups compare with 8.5 in the control. The transformation of eggs into adults decreased with increasing concentrations. This paper is the first report on the development and growth index of Cx. pipiens potential using P. harmala seeds.

Inclusive Growth of Jambi Province

Objective - Strong economic growth is an accomplishment that is always awaited and targeted by a country or region. However, whether or not this economic growth has been in line with the reduction in poverty, the decrease in unemployed people, and the provision of many and quality jobs is still in question. Hence, the problem that needs to be investigated is whether the province of Jambi has been in inclusive economic growth and what factors are calculated and analysed for inclusion. Methodology - The method and data used are the adaptation of the main variables used by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the measure of the quality of economic growth is assessed from the IGI (Inclusive Growth Index). There is no previous research that scrutinized the Inclusive Growth of Jambi Province. Findings - The results show that IGI of Jambi Province has an increasing trend during the 2016 – 2020 period, although it is stagnant at a satisfactory level of progress. In relation to the level of satisfaction in 2019, it experienced growth compared to the previous year accompanied by an increase in several sub-dimensions such as the sub-dimension of productive workforce, economic infrastructure, poverty, health, education, sanitation and social protection. Meanwhile, the level of satisfaction with economic growth grew negatively, as well as the sub-dimensions of gender equality and constant income inequality. Type of Paper - Empirical Keywords: Economic Growth; IGI; Inclusive Economic; Jambi JEL Classification: O11, O4

Constituting A Root Map Towards Inclusive Growth: A Comparative Analysis

Developing and emerging countries of Asia have shown a tremendous improvement in economic growth rates couple with the significant strides in extreme poverty reduction. However, most of the economies are still facing some challenges like income and non-income disparities in sharing benefits and participation into social and economic activities. It requires attention that economic growth must be accompanied by reduction in poverty and income & non-income inequalities, and promoting equitable participation, i.e. growth must be inclusive. To address these challenges, present study presents a pioneer work to construct a unique but comprehensive inclusive growth index (IGI) over the period of last two decades for 17 Asian and 8 developed countries. The study made a comparative analysis of inclusive growth performances of developing and emerging countries of Asia and compared their final score with the benchmark set by developed countries of the world. The study highlighted the clusters of variables which required attention in developing Asia to converge with emerging Asia, and in emerging Asia to converge with developed world. In short, the study provides a root map for developing countries to merge with emerging countries, and for emerging countries to merge with developed countries.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Ivacaftor/Lumacaftor Combination in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: International Studies Review

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease caused by structure abnormalities in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. It is characterized by severe course and poor prognosis without or with insufficient treatment. Approval of pathogenetic therapy medications, CFTR modulators (potentiators and correctors), for clinical use in 2012 in the United States has reduced mortality from this disease. This article provides the overview of studies on clinical efficacy and safety of ivacaftor/lumacaftor combination (Iva/Lum) — the first licensed CFTR modulator medication for homozygous patients with F508del variant. It was shown that Iva/Lum increases lung function, reduce the number of acute conditions of bronchopulmonary process (including those that require antibiotics and hospitalization), partially restores pancreas exocrine function, increases body weight and mass growth index, and improves quality of life. It allows considering it as favorable effect on the course and prognosis of cystic fibrosis. It was also noted that the early onset of the drug administration (from the age of two) positively affects the prognosis of the disease, increasing life expectancy and improving quality of life.

Comparative Genomics and Physiological Investigation of a New Arthrospira/Limnospira Strain O9.13F Isolated from an Alkaline, Winter Freezing, Siberian Lake

Cyanobacteria from the genus Arthrospira/Limnospira are considered haloalkalotolerant organisms with optimal growth temperatures around 35 °C. They are most abundant in soda lakes in tropical and subtropical regions. Here, we report the comprehensive genome-based characterisation and physiological investigation of the new strain O9.13F that was isolated in a temperate climate zone from the winter freezing Solenoye Lake in Western Siberia. Based on genomic analyses, the Siberian strain belongs to the Arthrospira/Limnospira genus. The described strain O9.13F showed the highest relative growth index upon cultivation at 20 °C, lower than the temperature 35 °C reported as optimal for the Arthrospira/Limnospira strains. We assessed the composition of fatty acids, proteins and photosynthetic pigments in the biomass of strain O9.13F grown at different temperatures, showing its potential suitability for cultivation in a temperate climate zone. We observed a decrease of gamma-linolenic acid favouring palmitic acid in the case of strain O9.13F compared to tropical strains. Comparative genomics showed no unique genes had been found for the Siberian strain related to its tolerance to low temperatures. In addition, this strain does not possess a different set of genes associated with the salinity stress response from those typically found in tropical strains. We confirmed the absence of plasmids and functional prophage sequences. The genome consists of a 4.94 Mbp with a GC% of 44.47% and 5355 encoded proteins. The Arthrospira/Limnospira strain O9.13F presented in this work is the first representative of a new clade III based on the 16S rRNA gene, for which a genomic sequence is available in public databases (PKGD00000000).