Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, is a species native of tropical Asia. It is grown and used in tropical countries of America, including Mexico, where it is used for the treatment of throat infections. Th...Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, is a species native of tropical Asia. It is grown and used in tropical countries of America, including Mexico, where it is used for the treatment of throat infections. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of essential oil of Z. officinale rhizome and evaluate their antimicrobial activity. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation, and the chemical composition of the oil was determined by GC-MS. To determine the antimicrobial activity diffusion, agar dilution and radial growth inhibition methods were employed. Microbial growth curves were performed on the strains most susceptible. It was identified 28 compounds in the essential oil, the most abundant were eudesmol (8.19%), γ-terpinene (7.88 %), a-curcumene (7.28%), alloaromadendrene (6.56%), zingiberene (6.06 %), α-pinene (5.76 %), δ-cadinene (3.84%), elemol (3.39%), farnesal (3.45%), E-β-farnesene (3.57%), neril acetate (2.8%) and β-myrcene (2.94%). In antimicrobial activity, the essential oil inhibited the growth of 15 bacterial strains, 3 of yeast fungi and 4 of mycelia fungi. The most susceptible strains were S. aureus FES-I (MIC = 0.25 mg/mL) S. epidemidis FES-C (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL), E. faecalis ATCC 14506 (MIC = 1.0 mg/mL), C. tropicalis (CMI = 0.125 mg/mL) and T. mentagrophytes (CF50 = 0.08 mg/mL). In the microbial growth curves the essential oil showed bactericidal effect on S. aureus FES-I and S. marcescens ATCC 14756 from the first hour of exposure of the strains to oil, eliminating 99.9% of CFU in concentrations of 0.5 and 0.75 mg/mL respectively. The results validate the medicinal use of Z. officinale in the treatment of diseases of possible infectious origin.展开更多
Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease of world distribution affecting mainly domestic ruminants. The control of this disease is carried out using chemical fasciolicides which, in some cases, have been observed to have en...Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease of world distribution affecting mainly domestic ruminants. The control of this disease is carried out using chemical fasciolicides which, in some cases, have been observed to have environmental problem such us pollution resistance. An alternative is to investigate extracts from plants with anti-Fasciola hepatica effects, taking advantage of the great diversity of flora of our country. The aim of this paper is to identify, assess and elucidate the anti-Fasciola hepatica effect in vitro using antiparasitic extracts of some plants used in Mexican ethno botany. We collected, dried, processed and tested in vitro about 20 plants with their respective chemical elements (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol), obtaining results of a total of 60 extracts tested. The in vitro evaluations were carried out for 3 days, and the efficacy of each extract was compared with an untreated control group. Each test was repeated 6 times with 13 extracts that showed greater fasciolocide activity. Results from these 13 extracts tested ranged from 80% to 100% activity and the plants tested were: Castela tortuosa (chaparro amargo), Achillea millefolium (plumajillo), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Justicia spicigera (muicle), Limpia critridora (cedron), Populus alba (Alamo), Mentha piperita (mint), Chenopodium graveolens (epazote de zorrillo), Lippia graveolens (oregano), Artemisia mexicana (estafiate) and Artemisia absinthium (wormwood), which is the hexane variable which showed higher fasciolicide capacity;using a dose of 500 gr/Lt in all the trials. Further in vitro studies should be conducted to obtain the LD50 of each extract to be able to isolate the main active element found in the hexane variable.展开更多
Despite their economic importance and well-characterized domestication syndrome,the genomic impact of domestication and the identification of variants underlying the domestication traits in Cucurbita species(pumpkins ...Despite their economic importance and well-characterized domestication syndrome,the genomic impact of domestication and the identification of variants underlying the domestication traits in Cucurbita species(pumpkins and squashes)is currently lacking.Cucurbita argyrosperma,also known as cushaw pumpkin or silver-seed gourd,is a Mexican crop consumed primarily for its seeds rather than fruit flesh.This makes it a good model to study Cucurbita domestication,as seeds were an essential component of early Mesoamerican diet and likely the first targets of human-guided selection in pumpkins and squashes.We obtained population-level data using tunable Genotype by Sequencing libraries for 192 individuals of the wild and domesticated subspecies of C.argyrosperma across Mexico.We also assembled the first high-quality wild Cucurbita genome.Comparative genomic analyses revealed several structural variants and presence/absence of genes related to domestication.Our results indicate a monophyletic origin of this domesticated crop in the lowlands of Jalisco.We found evidence of gene flow between the domesticated and wild subspecies,which likely alleviated the effects of the domestication bottleneck.We uncovered candidate domestication genes that are involved in the regulation of growth hormones,plant defense mechanisms,seed development,and germination.The presence of shared selected alleles with the closely related species Cucurbita moschata suggests domestication-related introgression between both taxa.展开更多
Fascioliasis is a parasitic disease of worldwide distribution affecting mainly cattle and sheep. Its importance lies in the economic losses it produces in the livestock industry. Its control is carried out by using a ...Fascioliasis is a parasitic disease of worldwide distribution affecting mainly cattle and sheep. Its importance lies in the economic losses it produces in the livestock industry. Its control is carried out by using a chemical fasciolicide showing resistance problems and environmental contamination. Looking for an alternative control for this disease the present study was aimed at determining the hexane anti-Fasciola hepatica in the in vitro effect of some plant extracts and the minimum lethal dose of the mentioned extracts. All selected plants were tested in vitro at concentrations of 500, 250, 125 and 50 mg/L):Achilleamillefolium (plumajillo), Artemisiaabsinthium (wormwood), Artemisia mexicana (estafiate), Castelatortuousa (chaparroamargo), Chenopodiumgraveolens (epazote de zorrillo), Gymnospermaglutinosum (popote) Justicia spicigera (muicle), Limpia critridora (cedron), Lippiagraveolens (oregano), Menthapiperita (Mint), Populus alba (alamo) and Thymusvulgaris (thyme). Subsequently proceeded to perform a toxicity study with these fractions in CD1 male mice 10-13 weeks of age, forming groups of 3-5 animals they were administered a single oral dose being (5 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 2500 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg) and were kept under observation 20 days, later were sacrificed and a kidney and liver histology was performed, finding the safety of the extracts. To perform the toxicity study with these fractions, groups of five CD1 male-mice were formed, they were treated with oral doses of 5, 50, 500, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg, administered with a cannule. All mice were kept under observation for 20 days. Finally they were sacrificed to perform histology of the kidney and liver in search of possible side effects. Results show that none of the extracts exhibited that fasciolocide activity for mice CD1 even at the highest dose thereforefinding the safety of the extracts.展开更多
Ayahuasca(caapi,yajé),is a psychoactive brew from the Amazon Basin region of South America traditionally considered a“master plant.”It is prepared as a decoction from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis...Ayahuasca(caapi,yajé),is a psychoactive brew from the Amazon Basin region of South America traditionally considered a“master plant.”It is prepared as a decoction from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis,which it is thought that it stimulates creative thinking and visual creativity.Native healers of the Orinoco and Amazon basins have used traditionally ayahuasca as a healing tool for multiple purposes,particularly to treat psychological disorders in the patients,with some beneficial effects experimentally and clinically validated.Recently,several syncretic religions,as the“Uniao de Vegetal”(UDV)group in Brazil,have been spread around the world.The use of ayahuasca has been popularized by internet and smart-shops,bringing the psychoactive substance to new highs,emerging new“ayahuasqueros.”Ayahuasca has alkaloids asβ-carbolines and dimethyltryptamines,which inhibit the monoamine oxidase and active the 5-HT_(2A)(5-hydroxytryptamine)receptor,respectively,resulting in hallucinations in the users.Ayahuasca induces a psychedelic change in the anteroposterior coupling of the electrophysiological brain oscillations in humans.Traditional ayahuasca beverage is generating pharmacological,commercial and spiritual interest among the scientific community,government people,and different populations worldwide.The goal of this article is to report about the uses,chemistry and biological activities of ayahuasca.展开更多
This study examines the distribution, ecology and genetic diversity of Quercus sideroxyla Humb. Bonpl, with an emphasis on its conservation on the Natural Protected Area of Sierra Fría in North Central Mexico. Tw...This study examines the distribution, ecology and genetic diversity of Quercus sideroxyla Humb. Bonpl, with an emphasis on its conservation on the Natural Protected Area of Sierra Fría in North Central Mexico. Twenty-nine locations were selected, and in each location, one plot of 1500 m2 was established. At every location, we obtained an abundance of Q. sideroxyla and a basal area for each individual tree, including geographical and climatological data. We used the Outlying Mean Index (OMI) to examine whether environmental conditions had a distributional effect on Q. sideroxyla populations and to obtain the static size population structure of the species. For the genetic analysis, we collected 18 adult individuals from each population, four polymorphic loci were used to estimate genetic diversity. Q. sideroxyla abundance was associated with narrow environmental conditions, especially when considering the topographical and meteorological environmental variables. The allelic richness value was 84 alleles (21 privatealleles), and the expected mean heterozygosity was 0.855 ± 0.009. The high vulnerability of the species to changes in the land use at the local scale and to global climatic changes increases the species’ susceptibility to local disappearance.展开更多
In the genus Quercus, regeneration by seed is reduced or absent in many species. The naturally protected area of the Sierra Fria, in Aguascalientes, Mexico contains forests that are fragmented and have been degraded d...In the genus Quercus, regeneration by seed is reduced or absent in many species. The naturally protected area of the Sierra Fria, in Aguascalientes, Mexico contains forests that are fragmented and have been degraded due to human activities. The oak populations in this region demonstrate a very restricted sexual regeneration, with five of the most abundant species of this genus: Quercuseduardii, Q. grisea, Q. potosina, Q. resinosa and Q. sideroxyla presenting low seedling recruitment. In this study we evaluated seed viability and the effect of seed size on the germination, growth and survival of the trees, with the aim of recommending restoration and conservation program management actions for these oak species. In 2005 and 2006, 5000 acorns of each species were collected and viability, germination and growth experiments were performed in the laboratory and greenhouse. We found high seed viability and significant size effect展开更多
In general, female fitness is greatly increased in gift-giving insects. In katydids, this nuptial gift consists of a gelatinous mass produced by accessory glands： the spermato- phylax, which is attached to the ampull...In general, female fitness is greatly increased in gift-giving insects. In katydids, this nuptial gift consists of a gelatinous mass produced by accessory glands： the spermato- phylax, which is attached to the ampulla. During mating, males of the neotropical katydid Conocephalus ictus transfer a spermatophylax that is ingested by the females. Fecundity, egg-laying rate and longevity were higher in females that consumed the spermatophylax than in those that did not. Also, female receptivity turned off after mating. Females actively rejected other males by hitting them with their forelegs and moving away. Their refractory period lasted as long as 17 d. Only a few females accepted a 2nd mating and died a few days later. In C. ictus, spermatophylax consumption can be beneficial for both males and females. On one hand, the compounds in the spermatophylax or the ejaculate could prevent or delay females from copulating with rivals, thus avoiding sperm competition. On the other hand, such compounds can improve the females＇ opportunity to increase their lifespan and fecundity. Moreover, a rise in egg-laying rate may lower the risk of female prereproductive death caused by rapid oviposition. In any case, the boost in female egg laying might also be beneficial for males because their number of offspring increases.展开更多
Whole-genome duplications are an important source of evolutionary novelties that change the mode and tempo at which genetic elements evolve within a genome. The Cucurbita genus experienced a wholegenome duplication ar...Whole-genome duplications are an important source of evolutionary novelties that change the mode and tempo at which genetic elements evolve within a genome. The Cucurbita genus experienced a wholegenome duplication around 30 million years ago, although the evolutionary dynamics of the coding and noncoding genes in this genus have not yet been scrutinized. Here, we analyzed the genomes of four Cucurbita species, in eluding a newly assembled genome of Cucurbita argyrosperma, and compared the gene con tents of these species with those of five other members of the Cucurbitaceae family to assess the evolutionary dynamics of protein-coding and long intergenic noncoding RNA (lincRNA) genes after the genome duplication. We report that Cucurbita genomes have a higher protein-coding gene birth-death rate compared with the genomes of the other members of the Cucurbitaceae family. C. argyrosperma gene families associated with pollination and transmembrane transport had significantly faster evolutionary rates. lincRNA families showed high levels of gene turnover throughout the phylogeny, and 67.7% of the lincRNA families in Cucurbita showed evidence of birth from the neofunctionalization of previously existing protein-coding genes. Collectively, our results suggest that the whole-genome duplication in Cucurbita resulted in faster rates of gene family evolution through the neofunctionalization of duplicated genes.展开更多
Wound healing is a fast and efficient process. However, several factors can inhibit healing, causing scars and chronic wounds. This affects patients in their physical integrity, economic and emotional stability. Many ...Wound healing is a fast and efficient process. However, several factors can inhibit healing, causing scars and chronic wounds. This affects patients in their physical integrity, economic and emotional stability. Many plants that are used in wound healing treatment have antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity through ROS regulation and antibacterial activity. Asterohyptis stellulata is used for wound treatment. Nonetheless, this activity has not been evaluated and its secondary metabolites are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze its phytochemical composition and evaluate the healing activity of A. stellulata. For the identification of secondary metabolites, the following were carried out: phytochemical screening, quantification of total phenols, and HPLC/MS analysis. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities were also determined. Next, to evaluate the healing activity of topical application of A. stellulata, the extract was mixed with the Beeler base to form an emulsion and an irritability test was performed. The emulsion was evaluated on incisional wounds of CD1 et/et mice, with tests of tensile strength, total re-epithelialization time, wound closure speed, and histological analysis. The phytochemical analysis showed that A. stellulata has phenolic compounds, two quercetin derivatives and a glycoside rosmarinic acid as main compounds. The extract exhibited medium antibacterial and antioxidant activities. A. stellulata emulsion was non-irritating, promoted closure speed of wound (1.479 ± 0.043 mm/day), increased tensile strength (980 ± 89.44 g), and histological analysis showed it promoted mice skin regeneration, compared to the controls (Recoveron® and Beeler base). This study confirms the traditional use of the A. stellulata.展开更多
Whole-genome duplications(WGDs)are regarded as important drivers of macroevolution in plants(Clark and Donoghue,2018).However,there are few studies that test a connection between WGDs and evolutionary novelty.The prop...Whole-genome duplications(WGDs)are regarded as important drivers of macroevolution in plants(Clark and Donoghue,2018).However,there are few studies that test a connection between WGDs and evolutionary novelty.The proper study of evolutionary patterns related to WGDs needs a well-resolved phylogeny,accurate dates of the WGD events,and historical reconstructions of the evolutionary novelties(Clark and Donoghue,2018).The advent of exhaustive phylogenomic studies is becoming a promising way to solve these issues,as wholegenome data can help clarify obscure phylogenetic relationships,evaluate patterns associated with WGDs,and track down the evolution of life-history traits that shaped plant lineages(Bellot et al.,2020).展开更多
文摘Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, is a species native of tropical Asia. It is grown and used in tropical countries of America, including Mexico, where it is used for the treatment of throat infections. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of essential oil of Z. officinale rhizome and evaluate their antimicrobial activity. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation, and the chemical composition of the oil was determined by GC-MS. To determine the antimicrobial activity diffusion, agar dilution and radial growth inhibition methods were employed. Microbial growth curves were performed on the strains most susceptible. It was identified 28 compounds in the essential oil, the most abundant were eudesmol (8.19%), γ-terpinene (7.88 %), a-curcumene (7.28%), alloaromadendrene (6.56%), zingiberene (6.06 %), α-pinene (5.76 %), δ-cadinene (3.84%), elemol (3.39%), farnesal (3.45%), E-β-farnesene (3.57%), neril acetate (2.8%) and β-myrcene (2.94%). In antimicrobial activity, the essential oil inhibited the growth of 15 bacterial strains, 3 of yeast fungi and 4 of mycelia fungi. The most susceptible strains were S. aureus FES-I (MIC = 0.25 mg/mL) S. epidemidis FES-C (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL), E. faecalis ATCC 14506 (MIC = 1.0 mg/mL), C. tropicalis (CMI = 0.125 mg/mL) and T. mentagrophytes (CF50 = 0.08 mg/mL). In the microbial growth curves the essential oil showed bactericidal effect on S. aureus FES-I and S. marcescens ATCC 14756 from the first hour of exposure of the strains to oil, eliminating 99.9% of CFU in concentrations of 0.5 and 0.75 mg/mL respectively. The results validate the medicinal use of Z. officinale in the treatment of diseases of possible infectious origin.
文摘Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease of world distribution affecting mainly domestic ruminants. The control of this disease is carried out using chemical fasciolicides which, in some cases, have been observed to have environmental problem such us pollution resistance. An alternative is to investigate extracts from plants with anti-Fasciola hepatica effects, taking advantage of the great diversity of flora of our country. The aim of this paper is to identify, assess and elucidate the anti-Fasciola hepatica effect in vitro using antiparasitic extracts of some plants used in Mexican ethno botany. We collected, dried, processed and tested in vitro about 20 plants with their respective chemical elements (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol), obtaining results of a total of 60 extracts tested. The in vitro evaluations were carried out for 3 days, and the efficacy of each extract was compared with an untreated control group. Each test was repeated 6 times with 13 extracts that showed greater fasciolocide activity. Results from these 13 extracts tested ranged from 80% to 100% activity and the plants tested were: Castela tortuosa (chaparro amargo), Achillea millefolium (plumajillo), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Justicia spicigera (muicle), Limpia critridora (cedron), Populus alba (Alamo), Mentha piperita (mint), Chenopodium graveolens (epazote de zorrillo), Lippia graveolens (oregano), Artemisia mexicana (estafiate) and Artemisia absinthium (wormwood), which is the hexane variable which showed higher fasciolicide capacity;using a dose of 500 gr/Lt in all the trials. Further in vitro studies should be conducted to obtain the LD50 of each extract to be able to isolate the main active element found in the hexane variable.
文摘Despite their economic importance and well-characterized domestication syndrome,the genomic impact of domestication and the identification of variants underlying the domestication traits in Cucurbita species(pumpkins and squashes)is currently lacking.Cucurbita argyrosperma,also known as cushaw pumpkin or silver-seed gourd,is a Mexican crop consumed primarily for its seeds rather than fruit flesh.This makes it a good model to study Cucurbita domestication,as seeds were an essential component of early Mesoamerican diet and likely the first targets of human-guided selection in pumpkins and squashes.We obtained population-level data using tunable Genotype by Sequencing libraries for 192 individuals of the wild and domesticated subspecies of C.argyrosperma across Mexico.We also assembled the first high-quality wild Cucurbita genome.Comparative genomic analyses revealed several structural variants and presence/absence of genes related to domestication.Our results indicate a monophyletic origin of this domesticated crop in the lowlands of Jalisco.We found evidence of gene flow between the domesticated and wild subspecies,which likely alleviated the effects of the domestication bottleneck.We uncovered candidate domestication genes that are involved in the regulation of growth hormones,plant defense mechanisms,seed development,and germination.The presence of shared selected alleles with the closely related species Cucurbita moschata suggests domestication-related introgression between both taxa.
文摘Fascioliasis is a parasitic disease of worldwide distribution affecting mainly cattle and sheep. Its importance lies in the economic losses it produces in the livestock industry. Its control is carried out by using a chemical fasciolicide showing resistance problems and environmental contamination. Looking for an alternative control for this disease the present study was aimed at determining the hexane anti-Fasciola hepatica in the in vitro effect of some plant extracts and the minimum lethal dose of the mentioned extracts. All selected plants were tested in vitro at concentrations of 500, 250, 125 and 50 mg/L):Achilleamillefolium (plumajillo), Artemisiaabsinthium (wormwood), Artemisia mexicana (estafiate), Castelatortuousa (chaparroamargo), Chenopodiumgraveolens (epazote de zorrillo), Gymnospermaglutinosum (popote) Justicia spicigera (muicle), Limpia critridora (cedron), Lippiagraveolens (oregano), Menthapiperita (Mint), Populus alba (alamo) and Thymusvulgaris (thyme). Subsequently proceeded to perform a toxicity study with these fractions in CD1 male mice 10-13 weeks of age, forming groups of 3-5 animals they were administered a single oral dose being (5 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 2500 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg) and were kept under observation 20 days, later were sacrificed and a kidney and liver histology was performed, finding the safety of the extracts. To perform the toxicity study with these fractions, groups of five CD1 male-mice were formed, they were treated with oral doses of 5, 50, 500, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg, administered with a cannule. All mice were kept under observation for 20 days. Finally they were sacrificed to perform histology of the kidney and liver in search of possible side effects. Results show that none of the extracts exhibited that fasciolocide activity for mice CD1 even at the highest dose thereforefinding the safety of the extracts.
基金We are grateful to the PRODEP-SEP Postdoctoral Fellowship at Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana(UAM)to EPEA(project number 14612857).
文摘Ayahuasca(caapi,yajé),is a psychoactive brew from the Amazon Basin region of South America traditionally considered a“master plant.”It is prepared as a decoction from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis,which it is thought that it stimulates creative thinking and visual creativity.Native healers of the Orinoco and Amazon basins have used traditionally ayahuasca as a healing tool for multiple purposes,particularly to treat psychological disorders in the patients,with some beneficial effects experimentally and clinically validated.Recently,several syncretic religions,as the“Uniao de Vegetal”(UDV)group in Brazil,have been spread around the world.The use of ayahuasca has been popularized by internet and smart-shops,bringing the psychoactive substance to new highs,emerging new“ayahuasqueros.”Ayahuasca has alkaloids asβ-carbolines and dimethyltryptamines,which inhibit the monoamine oxidase and active the 5-HT_(2A)(5-hydroxytryptamine)receptor,respectively,resulting in hallucinations in the users.Ayahuasca induces a psychedelic change in the anteroposterior coupling of the electrophysiological brain oscillations in humans.Traditional ayahuasca beverage is generating pharmacological,commercial and spiritual interest among the scientific community,government people,and different populations worldwide.The goal of this article is to report about the uses,chemistry and biological activities of ayahuasca.
文摘This study examines the distribution, ecology and genetic diversity of Quercus sideroxyla Humb. Bonpl, with an emphasis on its conservation on the Natural Protected Area of Sierra Fría in North Central Mexico. Twenty-nine locations were selected, and in each location, one plot of 1500 m2 was established. At every location, we obtained an abundance of Q. sideroxyla and a basal area for each individual tree, including geographical and climatological data. We used the Outlying Mean Index (OMI) to examine whether environmental conditions had a distributional effect on Q. sideroxyla populations and to obtain the static size population structure of the species. For the genetic analysis, we collected 18 adult individuals from each population, four polymorphic loci were used to estimate genetic diversity. Q. sideroxyla abundance was associated with narrow environmental conditions, especially when considering the topographical and meteorological environmental variables. The allelic richness value was 84 alleles (21 privatealleles), and the expected mean heterozygosity was 0.855 ± 0.009. The high vulnerability of the species to changes in the land use at the local scale and to global climatic changes increases the species’ susceptibility to local disappearance.
文摘In the genus Quercus, regeneration by seed is reduced or absent in many species. The naturally protected area of the Sierra Fria, in Aguascalientes, Mexico contains forests that are fragmented and have been degraded due to human activities. The oak populations in this region demonstrate a very restricted sexual regeneration, with five of the most abundant species of this genus: Quercuseduardii, Q. grisea, Q. potosina, Q. resinosa and Q. sideroxyla presenting low seedling recruitment. In this study we evaluated seed viability and the effect of seed size on the germination, growth and survival of the trees, with the aim of recommending restoration and conservation program management actions for these oak species. In 2005 and 2006, 5000 acorns of each species were collected and viability, germination and growth experiments were performed in the laboratory and greenhouse. We found high seed viability and significant size effect
文摘In general, female fitness is greatly increased in gift-giving insects. In katydids, this nuptial gift consists of a gelatinous mass produced by accessory glands： the spermato- phylax, which is attached to the ampulla. During mating, males of the neotropical katydid Conocephalus ictus transfer a spermatophylax that is ingested by the females. Fecundity, egg-laying rate and longevity were higher in females that consumed the spermatophylax than in those that did not. Also, female receptivity turned off after mating. Females actively rejected other males by hitting them with their forelegs and moving away. Their refractory period lasted as long as 17 d. Only a few females accepted a 2nd mating and died a few days later. In C. ictus, spermatophylax consumption can be beneficial for both males and females. On one hand, the compounds in the spermatophylax or the ejaculate could prevent or delay females from copulating with rivals, thus avoiding sperm competition. On the other hand, such compounds can improve the females＇ opportunity to increase their lifespan and fecundity. Moreover, a rise in egg-laying rate may lower the risk of female prereproductive death caused by rapid oviposition. In any case, the boost in female egg laying might also be beneficial for males because their number of offspring increases.
文摘Whole-genome duplications are an important source of evolutionary novelties that change the mode and tempo at which genetic elements evolve within a genome. The Cucurbita genus experienced a wholegenome duplication around 30 million years ago, although the evolutionary dynamics of the coding and noncoding genes in this genus have not yet been scrutinized. Here, we analyzed the genomes of four Cucurbita species, in eluding a newly assembled genome of Cucurbita argyrosperma, and compared the gene con tents of these species with those of five other members of the Cucurbitaceae family to assess the evolutionary dynamics of protein-coding and long intergenic noncoding RNA (lincRNA) genes after the genome duplication. We report that Cucurbita genomes have a higher protein-coding gene birth-death rate compared with the genomes of the other members of the Cucurbitaceae family. C. argyrosperma gene families associated with pollination and transmembrane transport had significantly faster evolutionary rates. lincRNA families showed high levels of gene turnover throughout the phylogeny, and 67.7% of the lincRNA families in Cucurbita showed evidence of birth from the neofunctionalization of previously existing protein-coding genes. Collectively, our results suggest that the whole-genome duplication in Cucurbita resulted in faster rates of gene family evolution through the neofunctionalization of duplicated genes.
基金supported by DGAPA,PAPIIT-UNAM[IN220920],COMECyT[FICDTEM-2021-20]Biological Sciences Postgraduate Studies Unit-UNAM,and Doctorate’s Scholarship-CONACYT[CVU 775307].
文摘Wound healing is a fast and efficient process. However, several factors can inhibit healing, causing scars and chronic wounds. This affects patients in their physical integrity, economic and emotional stability. Many plants that are used in wound healing treatment have antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity through ROS regulation and antibacterial activity. Asterohyptis stellulata is used for wound treatment. Nonetheless, this activity has not been evaluated and its secondary metabolites are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze its phytochemical composition and evaluate the healing activity of A. stellulata. For the identification of secondary metabolites, the following were carried out: phytochemical screening, quantification of total phenols, and HPLC/MS analysis. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities were also determined. Next, to evaluate the healing activity of topical application of A. stellulata, the extract was mixed with the Beeler base to form an emulsion and an irritability test was performed. The emulsion was evaluated on incisional wounds of CD1 et/et mice, with tests of tensile strength, total re-epithelialization time, wound closure speed, and histological analysis. The phytochemical analysis showed that A. stellulata has phenolic compounds, two quercetin derivatives and a glycoside rosmarinic acid as main compounds. The extract exhibited medium antibacterial and antioxidant activities. A. stellulata emulsion was non-irritating, promoted closure speed of wound (1.479 ± 0.043 mm/day), increased tensile strength (980 ± 89.44 g), and histological analysis showed it promoted mice skin regeneration, compared to the controls (Recoveron® and Beeler base). This study confirms the traditional use of the A. stellulata.
基金Our research is funded by CONABIO(Mexico)grant PE001.
文摘Whole-genome duplications(WGDs)are regarded as important drivers of macroevolution in plants(Clark and Donoghue,2018).However,there are few studies that test a connection between WGDs and evolutionary novelty.The proper study of evolutionary patterns related to WGDs needs a well-resolved phylogeny,accurate dates of the WGD events,and historical reconstructions of the evolutionary novelties(Clark and Donoghue,2018).The advent of exhaustive phylogenomic studies is becoming a promising way to solve these issues,as wholegenome data can help clarify obscure phylogenetic relationships,evaluate patterns associated with WGDs,and track down the evolution of life-history traits that shaped plant lineages(Bellot et al.,2020).
