-
Natural Product Research 2023We tested anti-herpetic effect of castalagin, an ellagitannin compound, extracted from pedunculate oak (). Previous investigations found that castalagin possesses a...
We tested anti-herpetic effect of castalagin, an ellagitannin compound, extracted from pedunculate oak (). Previous investigations found that castalagin possesses a strong inhibitory effect against HSV-1/2 equal to acyclovir (ACV). It is also effective against ACV-resistant mutants and shows a synergistic effect with ACV. We study castalagin's activity towards HSV-1 infection in newborn mice. Acute toxicity determination in mice showed LD value of 295 mg/kg. Prolonged toxicity was also constructed. Castalagin manifested a marked activity against HSV-1 (LD/0.02 ml) administered in 7-day course at 0.02 ml s.c. doses of 7.5 or 10 mg/kg (PI 57-58%). ACV course demonstrated a marked activity at 20 mg/kg. The selectivity ratio LD/ED (295/7.5) could be accepted as ≥ 33.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Hydrolyzable Tannins; Antiviral Agents; Animals, Newborn; Herpes Simplex; Acyclovir; Herpesvirus 2, Human
PubMed: 36714926
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2173191 -
Lasers in Medical Science Jan 2023To compare the safety and efficacy of en bloc resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) using a 1470-/980-nm dual-wavelength laser (DwLRBT) compared to the...
Retrospective analysis of 1470-/980-nm dual-wavelength laser en bloc resection versus transurethral resection of bladder tumor for primary non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
To compare the safety and efficacy of en bloc resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) using a 1470-/980-nm dual-wavelength laser (DwLRBT) compared to the gold standard, transurethral resection (TURBT). The study group included 251 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of NMIBC, 97 in the DwLRBT group and 154 in the TURBT group. Clinical characteristics, complications, and recurrence-free survival were compared between the two groups. There were no differences between the two groups with regard to age, sex, mean tumor size, mean tumor number, tumor location, risk, fever, and reoperation. Compared to TURBT, DwLRBT was associated with a shorter hospitalization time (mean±standard deviation: 5.81±1.48 days vs. 4.96±1.32, respectively, p=0.001), shorter catheterization time (4.98±1.47 vs. 4.20±1.48 days, respectively; p=0.035), and smaller volume of intraoperative bleeding (8.43±6.21 ml vs. 6.15±5.08, respectively; p=0.003). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was better for DwLRBT than TURBT in the overall cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 0.4323; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2852-0.6554; p=0.0004) and for the following subgroups and tumor types: intermediate-risk (HR, 0.2654; 95%CI, 0.1020-0.6904; p=0.0245) and high-risk (HR, 0.4461; 95% CI, 0.2778-0.7162; p=0.0027) groups; and for pedunculate bladder tumors (HR, 0.4158; 95%CI, 0.2401-0.7202; p=0.0063), single bladder tumors (HR, 0.4136; 95%CI, 0.2376-0.7293; p=0.0072), and multiple bladder tumors (HR, 0.2727; 95%CI, 0.1408-0.5282; p=0.0014). DwLRBT is associated with better operative and postoperative outcomes, including, importantly, a longer RFS, compared to TURBT.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Neoplasms; Transurethral Resection of Bladder; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Lasers; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm Invasiveness
PubMed: 36656398
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-023-03708-2 -
Journal of Biogeography Dec 2022Leaves support a large diversity of fungi, which are known to cause plant diseases, induce plant defences or influence leaf senescence and decomposition. To advance our...
AIM
Leaves support a large diversity of fungi, which are known to cause plant diseases, induce plant defences or influence leaf senescence and decomposition. To advance our understanding of how foliar fungal communities are structured and assembled, we assessed to what extent leaf flush and latitude can explain the within- and among-tree variation in foliar fungal communities.
LOCATION
A latitudinal gradient spanning . 20 degrees in latitude in Europe.
TAXA
The foliar fungal community associated with a foundation tree species, the pedunculate oak .
METHODS
We examined the main and interactive effects of leaf flush and latitude on the foliar fungal community by sampling 20 populations of the pedunculate oak across the tree's range. We used the ITS region as a target for characterization of fungal communities using DNA metabarcoding.
RESULTS
Species composition, but not species richness, differed between leaf flushes. Across the latitudinal gradient, species richness was highest in the central part of the oak's distributional range, and foliar fungal community composition shifted along the latitudinal gradient. Among fungal guilds, the relative abundance of plant pathogens and mycoparasites was lower on the first leaf flush, and the relative abundance of plant pathogens and saprotrophs decreased with latitude.
CONCLUSIONS
Changes in community composition between leaf flushes and along the latitudinal gradient were mostly a result of species turnover. Overall, our findings demonstrate that leaf flush and latitude explain 5%-22% of the small- and large-scale spatial variation in the foliar fungal community on a foundation tree within the temperate region. Using space-for-time substitution, we expect that foliar fungal community structure will change with climate warming, with an increase in the abundance of plant pathogens and mycoparasites at higher latitudes, with major consequences for plant health, species interactions and ecosystem dynamics.
PubMed: 36636040
DOI: 10.1111/jbi.14508 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023Subfossil wood is a valuable and rare material often used for production of expensive furniture and decorative artistic items of unique beauty. Its mechanical and...
Subfossil wood is a valuable and rare material often used for production of expensive furniture and decorative artistic items of unique beauty. Its mechanical and tribological properties are still being studied and are considered specific due to the particular conditions of its long-lasting formation in aqueous sediment sludge. Various elements that have been impregnated into the wood tissue over many years make the machining and grinding of this type of wood rather difficult compared to normal recent wood. The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of the abrasive grain size of sandpaper on the abrasion volume loss of recent and two subfossil oak samples in three characteristic sections (cross, radial, and tangential). The results showed that the average size of abrasive grains and the orientation of the wood structure have an influence on the abrasion volume loss of all three samples. The phenomenon of the critical size of abrasive grains was observed in all samples and on all sections. As the size of abrasive grains increased to the critical size, the abrasive volume loss of the sample increased simultaneously. The lowest abrasion volume loss was observed on recent oak. In all samples, the lowest volume loss was measured on the cross sections, and the tangential and radial sections had mutually equal values. It was also found that the increase in the size of abrasive grains to a critical value resulted in the increasing value of the absolute difference between the abrasion volume loss of the cross, radial, and tangential section samples, while the relative relations between the abrasive volume loss values of three different sections (C/R, C/T, R/T) within the same grit of sandpaper remained quite similar.
PubMed: 36614771
DOI: 10.3390/ma16010432 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2022The physiological and biochemical responses of pedunculate oaks ( L.) to heat stress (HS) and mycorrhization (individually as well in combination) were estimated....
The physiological and biochemical responses of pedunculate oaks ( L.) to heat stress (HS) and mycorrhization (individually as well in combination) were estimated. One-year-old seedlings were grown under controlled conditions in a pot experiment, inoculated with a commercial inoculum of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, and subjected to 72 h of heat stress (40 °C/30 °C day/night temperature, relative humidity 80%, photoperiod 16/8 h) in a climate chamber, and they were compared with seedlings that were grown at room temperature (RT). An in-depth analysis of certain well-known stress-related metrics such as proline, total phenolics, FRAP, ABTS, non-protein thiols, and lipid peroxidation revealed that mycorrhized oak seedlings were more resistant to heat stress (HS) than non-mycorrhized oaks. Additionally, levels of specific polyamines, total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins as well as osmotica (proline and glycine betaine) content were measured and compared between four treatments: plants inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi exposed to heat stress (ECM-HS) and those grown only at RT (ECM-RT) versus non-mycorrhized controls exposed to heat stress (NM-HS) and those grown only at room temperature (NM-RT). In ectomycorrhiza inoculated oak seedlings, heat stress led to not only a rise in proline, total phenols, FRAP, ABTS, non-protein thiols, and lipid peroxidation but a notable decrease in glycine betaine and flavonoids. Amounts of three main polyamines (putrescine, spermine, and spermidine) were quantified by using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescent detection (HPLC/FLD) after derivatization with dansyl-chloride. Heat stress significantly increased putrescine levels in non-mycorrhized oak seedlings but had no effect on spermidine or spermine levels, whereas heat stress significantly increased all inspected polyamine levels in oak seedlings inoculated with ectomycorrhizal inoculum. Spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM) contents were significantly higher in ECM-inoculated plants during heat stress (approximately 940 and 630 nmol g DW, respectively), whereas these compounds were present in smaller amounts in non-mycorrhized oak seedlings (between 510 and 550 nmol g DW for Spd and between 350 and 450 nmol g DW for Spm). These findings supported the priming and biofertilizer roles of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the mitigation of heat stress in pedunculate oaks by modification of polyamines, phenolics, and osmotica content.
PubMed: 36501399
DOI: 10.3390/plants11233360 -
Database : the Journal of Biological... Nov 2022The degree to which roots elongate is determined by the expression of genes that regulate root growth in each developmental zone of a root. Most studies have, however,...
The degree to which roots elongate is determined by the expression of genes that regulate root growth in each developmental zone of a root. Most studies have, however, focused on the molecular factors that regulate primary root growth in annual plants. In contrast, the relationship between gene expression and a specific pattern of taproot development and growth in trees is poorly understood. However, the presence of a deeply located taproot, with branching lateral roots, can especially mitigate the effect of insufficient water availability in long-lived trees, such as pedunculated oak. In the present article, we integrated the ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing data on roots of oak trees into a single comprehensive database, named OakRootRNADB that contains information on both coding and noncoding RNAs. The sequences in the database also enclose information pertaining to transcription factors, transcriptional regulators and chromatin regulators, as well as a prediction of the cellular localization of a transcript. OakRootRNADB has a user-friendly interface and functional tools that increase access to genomic information. Integrated knowledge of molecular patterns of expression, specifically occurring within and between root zones and within root types, can elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating taproot growth and enhanced root soil exploration. Database URL https://oakrootrnadb.idpan.poznan.pl/.
Topics: Quercus; RNA; RNA-Seq; Plant Roots; Trees
PubMed: 36394419
DOI: 10.1093/database/baac097 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2022While investigating the bacterial populations of environmental samples taken from a mix of healthy and Acute Oak Decline afflicted (pedunculate or English oak)...
While investigating the bacterial populations of environmental samples taken from a mix of healthy and Acute Oak Decline afflicted (pedunculate or English oak) rhizosphere soil samples and swabs of bleeding lesions on spp. (lime) and (red oak) trees, several strains belonging to the order were isolated using selective media and enrichment broth. Seven strains from the rhizosphere, three strains from spp. and one from were investigated, with their taxonomic status determined a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Initially stains were identified as potential members of the recently described genus , based on the partial sequencing of three housekeeping genes. Further analysis of phenotypic traits, including fatty acid profiles, coupled with 16S rRNA gene and phylogenomic analysis of whole genome sequences were applied to a subset of the strains. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis repeatedly placed the isolates in a monophyletic clade within , with four distinct clusters observed, one of which corresponded to , the type species of the genus. The remaining three clusters could be phenotypically and genotypically differentiated from each other and As such, we describe three novel species of the genus, for which we propose the names sp. nov. (type strain H11S7 = LMG 32612 = CCUG 76179), sp. nov. (type strain H17S15 = LMG 32613 = CCUG 76183) and sp. nov. (type strain TWS1a = LMG 32614 = CCUG 76188). Additionally, the descriptions of the genus and the type species, , are emended.
PubMed: 36304948
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1011653 -
The Science of the Total Environment Dec 2022Trees in cities provide multiple ecosystem services. However, simultaneously ensuring healthy trees with high habitat diversity can be challenging in a harsh urban...
Trees in cities provide multiple ecosystem services. However, simultaneously ensuring healthy trees with high habitat diversity can be challenging in a harsh urban environment. We compared health, microhabitats, and bat activities between native (Quercus robur L.) and non-native (Quercus rubra L.) oaks growing in different urban habitats (street vs. park) in Karlsruhe, southwestern Germany. We randomly selected 167 oak trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) >20 cm across the city from Urban Tree Registrar. We performed tree health assessment, dendrometric, and microhabitat inventory. We recorded the four-day bat activities on 45 native and non-native oaks with acoustic loggers installed on the trees. We found that non-native oaks were healthier than native oaks but provided less abundance and richness of microhabitats. Tree size (positive effect) and pruning (negative effect) strongly influence microhabitat richness and abundance. In addition, park trees hosted significantly more microhabitats than street trees. We recorded the activities of 9 bat species from 4 genera. Pipistrellus bats were more active in park trees than street trees. Long-eared bats (Plecotus) were more active near the native than non-native oaks. Bats are likely favored by microhabitats such as fork split, lightning scar, and woodpecker "flute" that are more common in less healthy trees. We conclude that non-native red oak can be planted alongside streets, where the conditions are harsher than in parks to better adapt to climatic changes and stay healthy with less maintenance. The preservation of native pedunculate oak trees, especially within parks, is paramount for urban biodiversity conservation because of their potential to provide microhabitats and supporting bats.
Topics: Animals; Trees; Quercus; Ecosystem; Chiroptera; Cities; Biodiversity
PubMed: 36089021
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158603 -
Plant Physiology Nov 2022Drought and waterlogging impede tree growth and may even lead to tree death. Oaks, an emblematic group of tree species, have evolved a range of adaptations to cope with...
Drought and waterlogging impede tree growth and may even lead to tree death. Oaks, an emblematic group of tree species, have evolved a range of adaptations to cope with these constraints. The two most widely distributed European species, pedunculate (PO; Quercus robur L.) and sessile oak (SO; Quercus petraea Matt. Lieb), have overlapping ranges, but their respective distribution are highly constrained by local soil conditions. These contrasting ecological preferences between two closely related and frequently hybridizing species constitute a powerful model to explore the functional bases of the adaptive responses in oak. We exposed oak seedlings to waterlogging and drought, conditions typically encountered by the two species in their respective habitats, and studied changes in gene expression in roots using RNA-seq. We identified genes that change in expression between treatments differentially depending on species. These "species × environment"-responsive genes revealed adaptive molecular strategies involving adventitious and lateral root formation, aerenchyma formation in PO, and osmoregulation and ABA regulation in SO. With this experimental design, we also identified genes with different expression between species independently of water conditions imposed. Surprisingly, this category included genes with functions consistent with a role in intrinsic reproductive barriers. Finally, we compared our findings with those for a genome scan of species divergence and found that the expressional candidate genes included numerous highly differentiated genetic markers between the two species. By combining transcriptomic analysis, gene annotation, pathway analyses, as well as genome scan for genetic differentiation among species, we were able to highlight loci likely involved in adaptation of the two species to their respective ecological niches.
Topics: Quercus; Water; Soil; Trees; Gene Expression
PubMed: 36066428
DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac420 -
The Journal of Animal Ecology Nov 2022Climate change has been shown to advance spring phenology, increase the number of insect generations per year (multivoltinism) and increase pathogen infection levels....
Climate change has been shown to advance spring phenology, increase the number of insect generations per year (multivoltinism) and increase pathogen infection levels. However, we lack insights into the effects of plant spring phenology and the biotic environment on the preference and performance of multivoltine herbivores and whether such effects extend into the later part of the growing season. To this aim, we used a multifactorial growth chamber experiment to examine the influence of spring phenology on plant pathogen infection, and how the independent and interactive effects of spring phenology and plant pathogen infection affect the preference and performance of multigenerational attackers (the leaf miner Tischeria ekebladella and the aphid Tuberculatus annulatus) on the pedunculate oak in the early, mid and late parts of the plant growing season. Pathogen infection was highest on late phenology plants, irrespective of whether inoculations were conducted in the early, mid or late season. The leaf miner consistently preferred to oviposit on middle and late phenology plants, as well as healthy plants, during all parts of the growing season, whereas we detected an interactive effect between spring phenology and pathogen infection on the performance of the leaf miner. Aphids preferred healthy, late phenology plants during the early season, healthy plants during the mid season, and middle phenology plants during the late season, whereas aphid performance was consistently higher on healthy plants during all parts of the growing season. Our findings highlight that the impact of spring phenology on pathogen infection and the preference and performance of insect herbivores is not restricted to the early season, but that its imprint is still present - and sometimes equally strong - during the peak and end of the growing season. Plant pathogens generally negatively affected herbivore preference and performance, and modulated the effects of spring phenology. We conclude that spring phenology and pathogen infection are two important factors shaping the preference and performance of multigenerational plant attackers, which is particularly relevant given the current advance in spring phenology, pathogen outbreaks and increase in voltinism with climate change.
Topics: Animals; Seasons; Herbivory; Quercus; Plants; Insecta; Climate Change; Aphids; Temperature; Plant Leaves
PubMed: 36047365
DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13804