Bar-HRM: a reliable and fast method for species identification of ginseng (Panax ginseng, Panax notoginseng, Talinum paniculatum and Phytolacca Americana)
Background Korean ginseng has long been famous and is one of the most well known forms of ginseng. The root of plants in the genus Panax is commonly recognized as ginseng. Different Panax species of ginseng root have been used as treatments. Although many other herbs are called ginseng, they do not contain the active compounds of ginsenosides. In Thailand, we have Thai ginseng which is of course not one of Panax species. Thai ginseng is the root from Talinum paniculatum and, due to its morphological root similarity, it is almost impossible to differentiate between them. Also, another plant species, Phytollacca americana, has significantly similar root morphology to real ginseng but its seeds and root are poisonous. Misunderstanding what true ginseng is compared to others could endanger lives and cause financial loss by buying inferior products. Methods DNA barcoding combination with High Resolution Melting (called Bar-HRM) was used for species discrimination of the Panax ginseng and others. Five regions included ITS2, matK, psbA-trnH and rbcL were evaluated in the analyses. Results The ITS2 region was found to be the most suitable primers for the analysis. The melting profile from the HRM analyses using the chosen ITS2 primers showed that Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) could be discriminated from other Penax species. Also, other ginseng species with morphological similarity could be easily distinguished from the true ginseng. The developed Bar-HRM method poses a great potential in ginseng species discrimination and thus could be also useful in ginseng authentication.
Osathanunkul et al. (2019) Bar-HRM: a reliable and fast method for species identification of ginseng (Panax ginseng, Panax notoginseng, Talinum paniculatum and Phytolacca Americana). PeerJ 7:e7660 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7660
Effect of reduced pH on physiology and shell integrity of juvenile Haliotis iris (pāua) from New Zealand
The New Zealand pāua or black footed abalone, Haliotis iris, is one of many mollusc species at potential risk from ocean acidification and warming. To investigate possible impacts, juvenile pāua (~24 mm shell length) were grown for 4 months in seawater pH/pCO2 conditions projected for 2100. End of century seawater projections (pHT 7.66/pCO2 ~1,000 μatm) were contrasted with local ambient conditions (pHT 8.00/pCO2 ~400 μatm) at two typical temperatures (13 and 15 °C). We used a combination of methods (morphometric, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction) to investigate effects on juvenile survival and growth, as well as shell mineralogy and integrity. Lowered pH did not affect survival, growth rate or condition, but animals grew significantly faster at the higher temperature. Juvenile pāua were able to biomineralise their inner nacreous aragonite layer and their outer prismatic calcite layer under end-of-century pH conditions, at both temperatures, and carbonate composition was not affected. There was some thickening of the nacre layer in the newly deposited shell with reduced pH and also at the higher temperature. Most obvious was post-depositional alteration of the shell under lowered pH: the prismatic calcite layer was thinner, and there was greater etching of the external shell surface; this dissolution was greater at the higher temperature. These results demonstrate the importance of even a small (2 °C) difference in temperature on growth and shell characteristics, and on modifying the effects at lowered pH. Projected CO2-related changes may affect shell quality of this iconic New Zealand mollusc through etching (dissolution) and thinning, with potential implications for resilience to physical stresses such as predation and wave action.
Cummings et al. (2019) Effect of reduced pH on physiology and shell integrity of juvenile Haliotis iris (pāua) from New Zealand. PeerJ 7:e7670 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7670
Cloning of a new HSP70 gene from western flowerthrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, and expression patterns during thermal stress
Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is an invasive pest that endangers a wide variety of horticultural and agronomic crops. HSP70 is the most important member of the heat shock protein (HSP) family and plays an important role in insect thermal tolerance. In this study, a new gene encoding HSP70 from F. occidentalis, Fohsp706, was selected from the F. occidentalis transcriptome exposed to thermal stress (40 °C) and cloned by RT-PCR and RACE. Further characterization indicated that Fohsp706 localizes to the cytoplasm and does not contain introns. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR indicated that Fohsp706 expression was significantly up-regulated by thermal stress; furthermore, there were significant differences in Fohsp706 expression in adults and second instar nymphs after heat stress. Our results indicated that Fohsp706 contributes to thermotolerance in F. occidentalis and provides another example of how this pest adapts to unfavorable environmental conditions.
Zhang et al. (2019) Cloning of a new HSP70 gene from western flowerthrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, and expression patterns during thermal stress. PeerJ 7:e7687 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7687
The interplay between cognitive tasks and vision for upright posture balance in adolescents
Background The control of an upright stance in humans is important in medicine, psychology, and physiology. The maintenance of upright stance balance depends not only on sensory information from proprioceptive, vestibular, cutaneous, and visual sources but also on cognitive resources. The present study investigated the effects of cognitive tasks while standing with eyes open on upright stance balance in adolescents. We hypothesized that performing a cognitive task while standing with eyes open would increase body sway among these adolescents and that the upright posture would thus become less stable. Methods A static balance assessment system comprising a force platform connected to a computer was used to evaluate the stability of the upright stance among 21 healthy adolescents under six conditions: no cognitive task, a relatively easy cognitive task, or the same cognitive task made more difficult, with each task being performed while the eyes were open and again while the eyes were closed. The participants performed mental calculations as fast as possible by subtracting either 3 or 18 from a random three-digit number continuously, for the simple cognitive task or the difficult cognitive task, respectively. Each calculation was completed within 10 s. The evaluation indexes used to measure upright posture stability were the root mean square (RMS) of the total body sway in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions, the mean velocity (MV) value of the total body sway, and the Romberg quotient (RQ) of these values. Results The RMS (p < 0.01) and MV (p < 0.01) values of the upright posture sway were lower when participants performed no cognitive task and their eyes were open than when their eyes were closed. When their eyes were open, compared with no cognitive task, the values of the measures evaluating upright posture sway were higher, meaning the stance was less stable, while performing either the simple or the more difficult cognitive task (RMS: simple task, p < 0.01; difficult task, p < 0.05; MV: simple task, p < 0.01; difficult task, p < 0.01) although no significant differences were detected for the RMS or MV values between the simple and more difficult cognitive tasks. The RQs for both the RMS and the total MV values of the upright posture sway during performance of the difficult cognitive task were significantly lower than when the participants performed no task. Conclusion Performance of a cognitive task significantly reduced the upright posture balance in adolescents during eyes open although increased task difficulty did not show a greater effect. The interference between the performance of a cognitive task and the visual control of an upright stance may be attributable in part to cognitive and visual processing streams competing for common central resources, consistent with the Multiple Resource Theory of information processing.
Meng et al. (2019) The interplay between cognitive tasks and vision for upright posture balance in adolescents. PeerJ 7:e7693 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7693
Soil warming increases soil temperature sensitivity in subtropical Forests of SW China
Background Soil respiration (RS) plays an important role in the concentration of atmospheric CO2 and thus in global climate patterns. Due to the feedback between RS and climate, it is important to investigate RS responses to climate warming. Methods A soil warming experiment was conducted to explore RS responses and temperature sensitivity (Q10) to climate warming in subtropical forests in Southwestern China, and infrared radiators were used to simulate climate warming. Results Warming treatment increased the soil temperature and RS value by 1.4 °C and 7.3%, respectively, and decreased the soil water level by 4.2% (%/%). Both one- and two-factor regressions showed that warming increased the Q10 values by 89.1% and 67.4%, respectively. The effects of water on Q10show a parabolic relationship to the soil water sensitivity coefficient. Both RS and Q10 show no acclimation to climate warming, suggesting that global warming will accelerate soil carbon release.
Yuan et al. (2019) Soil warming increases soil temperature sensitivity in subtropical Forests of SW China. PeerJ 7:e7721 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7721
Brodifacoum does not modulate human cannabinoid receptor-mediated hyperpolarization of AtT20 cells or inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in HEK 293 cells
Background Synthetic cannabinoids are a commonly used class of recreational drugs that can have significant adverse effects. There have been sporadic reports of co-consumption of illicit drugs with rodenticides such as warfarin and brodifacoum (BFC) over the past 20 years but recently, hundreds of people have been reported to have been poisoned with a mixture of synthetic cannabinoids and BFC. We have sought to establish whether BFC directly affects cannabinoid receptors, or their activation by the synthetic cannabinoid CP55940 or the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Methods The effects of BFC on the hyperpolarization of wild type AtT20 cells, or AtT20 cells stably expressing human CB1- or CB2- receptors, were studied using a fluorescent assay of membrane potential. The effect of BFC on CB1- and CB2-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) activation was measured using a BRET assay of cAMP levels in HEK 293 cells stably expressing human CB1 or CB2. Results BFC did not activate CB1 or CB2 receptors, or affect the hyperpolarization of wild type AtT20 cells produced by somatostatin. BFC (1 µM) did not affect the hyperpolarization of AtT20-CB1 or AtT20-CB2 cells produced by CP55940 or Δ9-THC. BFC (1 µM) did not affect the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated AC activity by CP55940 in HEK 293 cells expressing CB1 or CB2. BFC (1 µM) also failed to affect the desensitization of CB1 and CB2 signaling produced by prolonged (30 min) application of CP55940 or Δ9-THC to AtT20 cells. Discussion BFC is not a cannabinoid receptor agonist, and appeared not to affect cannabinoid receptor activation. Our data suggests there is no pharmacodynamic rationale for mixing BFC with synthetic cannabinoids; however, it does not speak to whether BFC may affect synthetic cannabinoid metabolism or biodistribution. The reasons underlying the mixing of BFC with synthetic cannabinoids are unknown, and it remains to be established whether the “contamination” was deliberate or accidental. However, the consequences for people who ingested the mixture were often serious, and sometimes fatal, but this seems unlikely to be due to BFC action at cannabinoid receptors.
Sachdev et al. (2019) Brodifacoum does not modulate human cannabinoid receptor-mediated hyperpolarization of AtT20 cells or inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in HEK 293 cells. PeerJ 7:e7733 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7733
Identification of genes encoding ALMT and MATE transporters as candidate aluminum tolerance genes from a typical acid soil plant, Psychotria rubra (Rubiaceae)
To understand how tropical plants have adapted to acid soils, we analyzed the transcriptome of seedlings of Psychotria rubra, a typical species found on acid soils. Using RNA-seq, we identified 22,798 genes, including several encoding proteins of the Al3+-activated malate transporter (ALMT) and multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) families. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of ALMTs and MATEs revealed the grouping of those from P. rubra, which may be useful to select targets for elucidating the molecular basis of P. rubra adaptation to acid soils in the future. The transcriptome datasets obtained in this study would help us to further understand the physiological and ecological aspects of soil adaptation of Psychotria species.
Iguchi et al. (2019) Identification of genes encoding ALMT and MATE transporters as candidate aluminum tolerance genes from a typical acid soil plant, Psychotria rubra (Rubiaceae). PeerJ 7:e7739 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7739
Genetic diversity, functional properties and expression analysis of NnSBE genes involved in starch synthesis of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)
Background Starch branching enzyme (SBE) is one of the key enzymes in starch biosynthetic metabolism, determining amylopectin structure. Methods Full length coding sequences (CDS) of SBE genes were cloned using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) technology, and neighbor-joining (NJ) tree was used for phylogenetic analysis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined to assess the genetic polymorphisms and variation indexes between individuals and clusters. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to analyze the spatial and temporal expression of NnSBE genes. The effect of NnSBE genes on amylopectin’s fine structures was explored using affinity and the enzyme activity analysis of two isoforms in amylopectin and amylose. Results In this study, two SBE family genes, NnSBEI and NnSBEIII, were identified in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.). Phylogenetic analysis sorted NnSBEI into SBE family B and NnSBEIII into SBE family A. UPGMA phylogenetic tree divided 45 individuals of lotus into three classes. The homozygous haplotype (A G G A G) of NnSBEIII was observed in seed lotus. During the seed embryo development stage, NnSBEIII reached the peak in the middle of the development stage, while NnSBEI increased in the mid-late developmental stage. The different affinity activity of the two isozymes binding amylopectin and amylose assay indicated NnSBEI has higher activity and wider affinity. Discussion Genetic diversity showed that NnSBE genes received artificial selection during the process of cultivation and domestication in lotus seeds. Furthermore, the expression pattern and affinity activity analysis indicated that NnSBE genes were related to the chain length of amylopectin.
Zhu et al. (2019) Genetic diversity, functional properties and expression analysis of NnSBE genes involved in starch synthesis of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.). PeerJ 7:e7750 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7750
Cloning expression and immunogenicity analysis of inhibin gene in Ye Mule Aries sheep
Background Ye Mule Aries sheep is one of the most important sheep breeds in Xinjiang, China. This breed is well adapted to harsh environmental conditions and displays strong disease resistance, fast growth, and high cold tolerance. To analyze the clonal expression and immunogenicity of the Ye Mule Aries sheep inhibin gene, total RNA was extracted from sheep ovarian tissue and used as a template to generate a eukaryotic expression vector and study inhibin immunogenicity. Methods Primers were designed to amplify the inhibin A gene via polymerase chain reaction and the amplified product was cloned between the ScalI and EcoRI restriction sites of the expression vector pEGFP-N1 to construct a recombinant plasmid, pEGFP-INHα. Following the validation of successful cloning, the pEGFP-INHα plasmid was transfected into BHK cells to verify expression in eukaryotes and subsequently utilized as an antigen in rabbits. Rabbits were tested for anti-inhibin antibodies and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations. Results The analysis of the INHα gene sequence revealed that INHα is 1109 bp long and is translated to an approximately 40 KDa protein. Bioinformatics approach indicated that the INHα gene is highly conserved between organisms. Immunization with the eukaryotic expression vector, pEGFP-INHα, which expresses the INHα gene elicited immune response and generatigeneration on of anti-INHα antibody. The antibody had a significant regulatory effect on the serum concentration of FSH in rabbits and led to higher levels of FSH, indicating increased ovary function. Conclusions The present work resulted in a successful construction of eukaryotic expression plasmid pEGFP-INHα and verified the immunogenicity of this highly conserved protein. Further, the expression of pEGFP-INHα was shown to have a significant impact on the secretion of FSH, indicating a potential regulatory role in ovarian function. In conclusion, our current findings can serve as a working model for studying the effect of INHα on the breeding performance of Ye Mule Aries sheep, providing a novel strategy to improve their reproduction rates.
Huang et al. (2019) Cloning expression and immunogenicity analysis of inhibin gene in Ye Mule Aries sheep. PeerJ 7:e7761 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7761
Human disturbance caused stronger influences on global vegetation change than climate change
Global vegetation distribution has been influenced by human disturbance and climate change. The past vegetation changes were studied in numerous studies while few studies had addressed the relative contributions of human disturbance and climate change on vegetation change. To separate the influences of human disturbance and climate change on the vegetation changes, we compared the existing vegetation which indicates the vegetation distribution under human influences with the potential vegetation which reflects the vegetation distribution without human influences. The results showed that climate-induced vegetation changes only occurred in a few grid cells from the period 1982–1996 to the period 1997–2013. Human-induced vegetation changes occurred worldwide, except in the polar and desert regions. About 3% of total vegetation distribution was transformed by human activities from the period 1982–1996 to the period 1997–2013. Human disturbances caused stronger damage to global vegetation change than climate change. Our results indicated that the regions where vegetation experienced both human disturbance and climate change are eco-fragile regions.
Zhang et al. (2019) Human disturbance caused stronger influences on global vegetation change than climate change. PeerJ 7:e7763 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7763