The Diesel Tree Sindora glabra Genome Provides Insights Into the Evolution of Oleoresin Biosynthesis

Sindora glabra is an economically important tree that produces abundant oleoresin in the trunk. Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-scale assembly of S. glabra genome by combining Illumina HiSeq, Pacific Biosciences sequencing, and Hi-C technologies. The size of S. glabra genome was 1.11 Gb, with a contig N50 of 1.27 Mb and 31,944 predicted genes. This is the first sequenced genome of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. As a sister taxon to Papilionoideae, S. glabra underwent an ancient genome triplication shared by core eudicots and further whole-genome duplication shared by early-legume in the last 73.3 million years. S. glabra harbors specific genes and expanded genes largely involved in stress responses and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Moreover, 59 terpene backbone biosynthesis genes and 64 terpene synthase genes were identified, which together with co-expressed transcription factors could contribute to the diversity and specificity of terpene compounds and high terpene content in S. glabra stem. In addition, 63 disease resistance NBS-LRR genes were found to be unique in S. glabra genome and their expression levels were correlated with the accumulation of terpene profiles, suggesting potential defense function of terpenes in S. glabra. These together provide new resources for understanding genome evolution and oleoresin production.

Evolution of Terpene Synthases in Orchidaceae

Terpenoids are the largest class of plant secondary metabolites and are one of the major emitted volatile compounds released to the atmosphere. They have functions of attracting pollinators or defense function, insecticidal properties, and are even used as pharmaceutical agents. Because of the importance of terpenoids, an increasing number of plants are required to investigate the function and evolution of terpene synthases (TPSs) that are the key enzymes in terpenoids biosynthesis. Orchidacea, containing more than 800 genera and 28,000 species, is one of the largest and most diverse families of flowering plants, and is widely distributed. Here, the diversification of the TPSs evolution in Orchidaceae is revealed. A characterization and phylogeny of TPSs from four different species with whole genome sequences is available. Phylogenetic analysis of orchid TPSs indicates these genes are divided into TPS-a, -b, -e/f, and g subfamilies, and their duplicated copies are increased in derived orchid species compared to that in the early divergence orchid, A. shenzhenica. The large increase of both TPS-a and TPS-b copies can probably be attributed to the pro-duction of different volatile compounds for attracting pollinators or generating chemical defenses in derived orchid lineages; while the duplications of TPS-g and TPS-e/f copies occurred in a species-dependent manner.

Study on the Evolution of Defense Expenses in Nato Member States for the Period 2010–2020. “Free Rider” behavior among Allies

This paper proposes a longitudinal study on the analysis of defense spending of NATO member states in the years 2010-2020. It also aims to identify the emergence of a possible “free-rider” behavior among alliance members. This behavior occurs when some members may be tempted to allocate a low level of defense spending. Defense spending is an important component of each state’s budget, which ensures a vital function of states, namely the national defense function. When the defense is carried out in military-type alliances, and the number of members is large, there is an increased possibility of observing a “free-rider” type behavior between the members of the alliances. To observe this behavior, we tried to identify the best evaluation indicator, which according to the literature could be “the share of defense spending in GDP.” The paper is divided into five parts as follows: the first point considers the introductory part of the paper and the setting of objectives; the second chapter describes the study database, as well as the research methodology and methods used in the study to obtain the results; in the third chapter is analyzed the literature with impact on the studied subject; in the fourth chapter the case study is carried out; and in the last chapter mentioned the conclusions of the study.

LYMPHOCYTIC RNA AS A POSSIBLE ADJUVANT WHEN CREATING ANTIVIRAL VACCINES: REFLECTIONS, ASSUMPTIONS AND REAL POSSIBILITIES OF THEIR IMPLEMENTATION

Previously, we have demonstrated, using several experimental models, the presence of a pronounced morphogenetic activity of total RNA preparations isolated from lymphoid cells of healthy young animals, as well as lymphocytes of human peripheral blood, and the adequacy of this activity to that of the lymphocytes themselves was proved. Based on the revealed properties of such preparations, we propose to use the total RNA obtained from lymphocytes at the earliest stage of the recovery process in vaccinology as a universal adjuvant that will accelerate the induction of the reactivity of the infected person’s lymphocytes and increase the level of their activity, and therefore, enhance the body’s defense function and increase the duration of the immunity produced.

Effect of Seasonal Decrease in Temperature on the Content and Composition of Guayulins in Stems of Guayule (Parthenium argentatum, Gray)

The guayulins are a family of sesquiterpene compounds that consist of an isoprenoid nucleus substituted either by trans-cinnamic or p-anisic acid, and are present only in the resinous fraction of the rubber plant guayule (Parthenium argentatum, Gray). While the natural role of the guayulins remains enigmatic, they may serve as a defense function against other plants or herbivores by virtue of the accumulation of cinnamic acid. Prior research has suggested seasonal variation in guayulin content, which has been shown to decrease as winter arrives in two different varieties. In the present study, the effect of guayulins has been evaluated in 13 different accessions cultivated under the same conditions during autumn. A general reduction in guayulin content was found in the stems from all varieties between the September and November harvest, which was accompanied by an increase in the resin content. With respect to individual guayulins, while guayulin A was the most prominent member during most of the year, guayulin C had more prominence when temperature started to decrease. In this seasonal period, the production of each member of the guayulin family in the leaves was very balanced.

Security and defense sector of Ukraine in the mechanism of realization of the defense function of the state

The article highlights the aspects of the Security and Defense Sector’s defense function. Based on the analysis of the legislationof Ukraine, the specifics of the normative regulation of the content of the category “defense”, as well as the diversity of doctrinal understandingof this category are highlighted. It is noted that the defense function of the state is realized, in fact, by all elements of the powermechanism. In this way, the state of readiness of the state “defense forces” necessary for the flow of armed aggression is achieved.Along with this, it was noted that within the framework of the state mechanism, it is expedient to single out those structures whosecompetence directly provides for the implementation of the defense function.The structure of the security and defense sector contains four components, which are differentiated according to their functionalpurpose and legal nature. In particular, these are: 1) security forces; 2) defense forces; 3) defense-industrial complex; 4) public associationsthat voluntarily participate in ensuring national security. It is also worth noting that the institutional components of Ukraine’ssecurity and defense sector belong to both the state apparatus and civil society institutions.The content of the categories “security forces” and “defense forces” is distinguished. Security forces are law enforcement andintelligence agencies, state bodies of special purpose with law enforcement functions, civil defense forces, as well as other bodiesentrusted by the Constitution and laws of Ukraine with functions to ensure the national security of Ukraine. In turn, the defense forcesinclude the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as other military formations, law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies formedin accordance with the laws of Ukraine, as well as special purpose bodies with law enforcement functions, which are assigned by theConstitution and laws of Ukraine. The main institutional element of the Security and Defense Sector is the Armed Forces of Ukraine.It is the Armed Forces that protect the sovereignty of the state and territorial integrity, as well as ensure the inviolability of state borders.Emphasis is placed on the function of the National Guard of Ukraine and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine as important componentsof the security and defense sector.It is noted that today the subordination of military institutions and law enforcement agencies to various ministries and authoritiesis a factor that may negatively affect their interaction in the process of performing the tasks provided by law. Therefore, we consider itexpedient for the President of Ukraine, as the Head of State and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, toadopt a normative act on cooperation between the Security and Defense Sector in the process of armed defense of Ukraine’s territorialintegrity and state sovereignty.

β-Lapachone Increases Survival of Septic Mice by Regulating Inflammatory and Oxidative Response

Sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated immune response to infection characterized by an early hyperinflammatory and oxidative response followed by a subsequent immunosuppression phase. Although there have been some advances in the treatment of sepsis, mortality rates remain high, urging for the search of new therapies. β-Lapachone (β-Lap) is a natural compound obtained from Tabebuia avellanedae Lorentz ex Griseb. with several pharmacological properties including bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of β-Lap in a mouse sepsis model. To this, we tested two therapeutic protocols in mice submitted to cecal ligation and puncture- (CLP-) induced sepsis. First, we found that in pretreated animals, β-Lap reduced the systemic inflammatory response and improved bacterial clearance and mouse survival. Moreover, β-Lap also decreased lipid peroxidation and increased the total antioxidant capacity in the serum and peritoneal cavity of septic animals. In the model of severe sepsis, the posttreatment with β-Lap was able to increase the survival of animals and maintain the antioxidant defense function. In conclusion, the β-Lap was able to increase the survival of septic animals by a mechanism involving immunomodulatory and antioxidant protective effects.

Sishankamrata in the Indonesian State Defense and Security System from the Beginning of Independence to the Reform Period

<p>The debate regarding the concept of the Indonesian state defense and security system is still a fundamental subject of mathematic since the independence era until the reform era. For example, regarding the definition of national security with state security, defense function with security functions, regulations, and many more. For this reason, this paper will discuss how the dynamics of the Sishankamrata in the State Defense and Security System (Sishanneg) the independence era the reform era. This paper discusses that the National Defense System (Sishaneg) is believed to still need to be maintained in national defense and security policies. The concept of Sishankamrata develops its form of defense through the involvement of all components of the citizenry, territorial integrity, natural resources, and other means that have been prepared in advance. This system also makes defense integration (military and non-military) stronger, more respected, and has higher deterrence. So that in the era of reform, it was explicit that the concept of Sishankamrata was considered powerful enough so that it was still maintainedExplicitly in the reform era after the amendment of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, the concept of Sishankamrata was still maintained and wa considered quite effective.</p><p align="center">[]</p><p><em>Perdebatan mengenai konsep sistem pertahanan dan keamanan negara Indonesia masih menjadi problematika mendasar sejak masa kemerdekaan hingga masa reformasi. Misalnya mengenai pengertian keamanan nasional dengan keamanan negara, fungsi pertahanan dengan fungsi keamanan, regulasi dan masih banyak lagi. Untuk itu tulisan ini akan mendiskusikan bagaimana dinamika Sistem Pertahanan Keamanan Rakyat Semesta (Sishankamrata) dalam Sistem Pertahanan dan Keamanan Negara (Sishanneg) dari awal kemerdekaan pasca reformasi. Tulisan ini akan mendiskusikan bahwa Sistem Pertahanan Nasional (Sishaneg) perlu untuk tetap dipertahankan dalam kebijakan pertahanan dan keamanan nasional. Konsep Sishankamrata ini mengembangkan bentuk pertahanannya melalui keterlibatan seluruh komponen warga negara, kesatuan wilayah, sumber daya alam, serta sarana lainnya yang lebih dulu dipersiapkan. Sistem ini juga melakukan integrasi pertahanan (militer dan nirmiliter) menjadi lebih kuat, lebih disegani, dan lebih tinggi daya tangkalnya. Secara eksplisit pada era reformasi setelah UUD NRI Tahun 1945 diamandemen, konsep Sishankamrata ini masih dipertahankan dan dianggap cukup efektif.</em></p>