The Targeted Regulation of BDUbc and BDSKL1 Enhances Resistance to Blight in Bambusa pervariabilis × Dendrocalamopsis grandis

Arthrinium phaeospermum is the major pathogen responsible for the significant stem disease "blight" in B. pervariabilis × D. grandis. The interacting proteins of the key pathogenic factor ApCtf1β, BDUbc and BDSKL1, have previously been obtained by two-hybrid, BiFC, GST pull-down yeast assays. However, the functions of these interacting proteins remain unknown. This study successfully obtained transgenic plants overexpressing BDUbc, BDSKL1, and BDUbc + BDSKL1 via Agrobacterium-mediated gene overexpression. qRT-PCR analysis revealed significantly increased expression levels of BDUbc and BDSKL1 in the transgenic plants. After infection with the pathogenic spore suspension, the disease incidence and severity index significantly decreased across all three transgenic plants, accompanied by a marked increase in defense enzyme levels. Notably, the co-transformed plant, OE-BDUbc + BDSKL1, demonstrated the lowest disease incidence and severity index among the transgenic variants. These results not only indicate that BDUbc and BDSKL1 are disease-resistant genes, but also that these two genes may exhibit a synergistic enhancement effect, which further improves the resistance to blight in Bambusa pervariabilis × Dendrocalamopsis grandis.

ex Wendl Using Temporary Immersion Systems

The low multiplication and ex vitro survival rates during acclimatization in the culture house limit the in vitro mass propagation of B. vulgaris. Several scientific studies have described the development of different protocols for bamboo; however, not all of them address the effects of these systems on plant morphology, physiology, and biochemistry in vitro. In this chapter, a complete and optimized protocol is described for plants propagated via organogenesis in temporary immersion systems. In addition, the morphophysiological and biochemical characterization of the plants as well as the survival rates of the obtained plants under ex vitro conditions are analyzed. The obtained results will be the basis for the development of a technology for in vitro propagation as an alternative for the production of plants of the species.

Review and new data on the aphid fauna (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea) of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam with a description of a new genus and a new species of the family Hormaphididae

An up-to-date information on aphid fauna (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea) of Vietnam based on literature data and original material is presented. The updated check-list of aphids includes 47 species, and also 15 species identified only to genus level. Protastegopteryx vietnamensis gen. nov., sp. nov. from Bambusa sp., collected in Ct Tin National Park (Dong Nai Province), is described. The species is illustrated and its biometric data is provided. The described aphid genus is closely related to Astegopteryx Karsch, 1890. The taxonomic position of the genus is discussed.

A new species of Discochiton Hodgson & Williams (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) on bamboo from Myanmar

The adult female and first-instar nymph of a new species of Discochiton Hodgson & Williams, 2018, Discochiton bambusae Choi & Lee sp. n. are described and illustrated. They were collected on the culms of Bambusa tulda (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) in Myanmar. The adult female has several unique morphological features, such as a large body, up to 15 mm long; legs much reduced; and sclerotized plates forming submedial bands or patches on the venter. Furthermore, the adult female has more marginal radial lines and stigmatic spines than are found in other Discochiton species. The first-instar nymph is also much larger than those of other Discochiton species, and is also distinct in having tibial setae, and a greater number of spiracular disc-pores and marginal setae compared to those of other species of Discochiton.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the flavor of bitterness in the tip shoots of Bambusa oldhamii Munro

The young bamboo shoot of Bambusa oldhamii (green bamboo) has a good taste and is rich in nutrition and widely used in traditional Chinese cuisines. But the shoots flavor of Bambusa oldhamii changed from deliciously sweet to a little bitter when the shoots grew from underground to aboveground. In this paper, we explored the bitterness chemicals of the green bamboo shoot when growing from underground to aboveground using transcriptome and metabolome techniques. Finally, several bitter chemicals were mined out counting for the flavor transformation, such as Solanidine, Amygdalin, Salicin, Arbutin, and others. The transcription factor family of AP2/ERF plays the main role in key bitter chemical regulation via correlation analysis. Moreover, the pathway of Biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids might be the key pathway in the formation of the bitter chemicals in green bamboo shoot development.

Identification and Characterization of the BBX Gene Family in Bambusa pervariabilis × Dendrocalamopsis grandis and Their Potential Role under Adverse Environmental Stresses

Zinc finger protein (ZFP) transcription factors play a pivotal role in regulating plant growth, development, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although extensively characterized in model organisms, these genes have yet to be reported in bamboo plants, and their expression information is lacking. Therefore, we identified 21 B-box (BBX) genes from a transcriptome analysis of Bambusa pervariabilis × Dendrocalamopsis grandis. Consequently, multiple sequence alignments and an analysis of conserved motifs showed that they all had highly similar structures. The BBX genes were divided into four subgroups according to their phylogenetic relationships and conserved domains. A GO analysis predicted multiple functions of the BBX genes in photomorphogenesis, metabolic processes, and biological regulation. We assessed the expression profiles of 21 BBX genes via qRT-PCR under different adversity conditions. Among them, eight genes were significantly up-regulated under water deficit stress (BBX4, BBX10, BBX11, BBX14, BBX15, BBX16, BBX17, and BBX21), nine under salt stress (BBX2, BBX3, BBX7, BBX9, BBX10, BBX12, BBX15, BBX16, and BBX21), twelve under cold stress (BBX1, BBX2, BBX4, BBX7, BBX10, BBX12, BBX14, BBX15, BBX17, BBX18, BBX19, and BBX21), and twelve under pathogen infestation stress (BBX1, BBX2, BBX4, BBX7, BBX10, BBX12, BBX14, BBX15, BBX17, BBX18, BBX19, and BBX21). Three genes (BBX10, BBX15, and BBX21) were significantly up-regulated under both biotic and abiotic stresses. These results suggest that the BBX gene family is integral to plant growth, development, and response to multivariate stresses. In conclusion, we have comprehensively analyzed the BDBBX genes under various adversity stress conditions, thus providing valuable information for further functional studies of this gene family.

Physico-thermal and emission properties of tissue cultured clone from Bambusa balcoaa (Beema bamboo) and Oxytenanthera abyssinica as sustainable solid biofuels

In the search for alternatives to wood fuel, to meet the bio-energy requirement of an ever-increasing global population, the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan has supported farmers in many tropical countries to establish plantations of Beema bamboo (a tissue-cultured clone from Bambusa vulgaris) and Oxytenanthera abyssinica for bio-energy production. The quality of these species as solid biofuels is unknown due to the absence of data on their physico-thermal and emission characteristics. Using the American Standard for Testing and Materials and other internationally accepted standards, their ultimate and proximate analysis, and physico-thermal and emission properties were evaluated. Beema bamboo and O. abyssinica have high Hydrogen, organic and fixed Carbon contents and low quantities of ash, moisture content, volatile matter, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Sulphur. This will contribute to their heating values and low oxide emissions. Based on their High Heating Values (Beema bamboo = 23.22 MJ/kg; O. abyssinica = 23.26 MJ/kg), the species will be suitable for high energy-using applications. The Particulate Matter and Carbon Monoxide concentrations (Beema bamboo: 90 ug/m3 and 2.83 ppm respectively; O. abyssinica: 77.33 ug/m3 and 3.20 ppm respectively) are lower than the threshold (35000 ug/m3 and 9 ppm respectively) approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. These properties make the species good raw materials for solid biofuel which is safe for indoor use. Their use will contribute to reducing pressure on tropical forests for wood fuel and the health hazards associated with fossil fuel use.

Effects of Extraction Methods on Phenolic Content in the Young Bamboo Culm Extracts of Bambusa beecheyana Munro

Nowadays, many studies focus on the potential of bamboo as a source of bioactive compounds and natural antioxidants for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food sources. This study is a pioneering effort to determine the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and free radical scavenging activity, as well as the phenolic identification and quantification of Bambusa beecheyana. The study was conducted by using ethanol, methanol, and water for solvent extraction by applying cold maceration, Soxhlet, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction techniques. The results showed that Soxhlet and ultrasonic-assisted Bambusa beecheyana culm extracts had an increase in the extract’s dry yield (1.13–8.81%) but a constant p-coumaric acid (4) content (0.00035 mg/g) as compared to the extracts from the cold maceration. The ultrasonic-assisted extraction method required only a small amount (250 mL) of solvent to extract the bamboo culms. A significant amount of total phenolics (107.65 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (43.89 ± 0.05 mg QE/g) were found in the Soxhlet methanol culm extract. The extract also possessed the most potent antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 40.43 µg/mL as compared to the positive control, ascorbic acid. The UHPLC–ESI–MS/MS analysis was carried out on the Soxhlet methanol extract, ultrasonic-assisted extract at 40 min, and cold methanol extract. The analysis resulted in the putative identification of a total of five phenolics containing cinnamic acid derivatives. The two cinnamic acid derivatives, p-coumaric acid (4) and 4-methoxycinnamic acid (5), were then used as markers to quantify the concentration of both compounds in all the extracts. Both compounds were not found in the water extracts. These results revealed that the extract from Soxhlet methanol of Bambusa beecheyana could be a potential botanical source of natural antioxidants. This study provides an important chemical composition database for further preclinical research on Bambusa beecheyana.

Combined oxidization and liquid ammonia pretreatment of bamboo of various ages and species for maximizing fermentable sugar release

To determine the potential for improving biomass enzymolysis, a combined oxidization and liquid ammonia pretreatment (OD-LAT) was employed for bamboo. The effects of oxidant, bamboo ages, and species on the pretreatment effectiveness and subsequent enzymolysis were studied. Under the optimal OD-LAT pretreatment and enzymolysis of the B-NA bamboo Neosinocalamus affinis, the glucan and xylan conversion reached 83.85% and 78.66%, respectively, and approximately 59.7-68.5 g of fermentable sugars can be produced per 100 g of dry bamboo, which was an approximately 5-8 fold increase compared with untreated sample. The H₂O₂ loading of 1.0 was the optimal oxidant dosage for the OD-LAT process. The OD-LAT pretreatment was only suitable for bamboo under three-year-old, and it significantly improved the enzymolysis of B-NA and B-BM, while it was limited to B-DO and B-PP. The pretreatment effects of bamboo were not only related to composition but also to the bamboo age, species, macro-structures and micro-structures.

Cyanogenic Derivatives as Chemical Markers for the Authentication of Commercial Products of Bamboo Shoots

The authentication of bamboo shoots found in the marketplace is complex because the chemical profile of processed and unprocessed material is different. During processing, heat derivatives of the potentially toxic cyanogenic glycoside taxiphyllin are produced. Here, we report the isolation and structure elucidation of the two major diarylbutenedinitrile derivatives, which are cis and trans isomers of the rare 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)but-2-enedinitrile from a commercial extract of bamboo shoots. These compounds, absent in fresh bamboo shoots, were produced by boiling the shoots of Bambusa vulgaris and were associated with a decrease in levels of taxiphyllin. Furthermore, (E)-2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)but-2-enedinitrile was quantified in all 16 of the commercial products tested. Its abundance was found to be highly variable, ranging from 1 to 3 mg/g in preserved bamboo shoots and from 10 to 160 mg/mL in commercial aqueous extracts. Of the 15 authenticated bamboo samples tested for taxiphyllin, it was found only in the shoots of B. vulgaris and Gigantochloa verticillata, which represent two edible bamboo species. Our results indicate that diarylbutenedinitriles can be used as markers for the authentication of boil-processed bamboo shoots obtained from taxiphyllin-containing edible species and organs.

Possible mechanism of bamboo shoots (Bambusa balcooa) induced thyroid disruption - An in vitro study

Endemic goitre and associated iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) are a major concern in public health even in the period of post salt iodization in many regions. Among others the consumption of cyanogenic plants found responsible for the persistence of such diseases. Bamboo shoots (BS) is one such cyanogenic plant food that caused disruption of certain thyroid hormone synthesizing regulatory element as has already been reported in our earlier study. In this investigation the possible mechanism of thyrocytes disruption along with interruption of thyroid hormone biosynthesis by BS has been worked out. Commonly consumed BS, Bambusa Balcooa Roxb (BBR) water extract was analysed by GC MS; three doses below IC50 were administered to thyrocytes in culture with and without iodine. Expressions of thyroglobulin (Tg), pendrin (PDS) and monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) were evaluated in thyrocytes with cell cycle analysis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA oxidation and apoptotic regulation through Bax, Bcl-2 and p53. Phytochemical analysis of BBR extract revealed the presence of precursors and metabolic end products of cyanogenic glycosides. Dose dependent decrease in expression of Tg and PDS with concomitant decrease in gene expression of these with MCT8 were observed. Increased ROS, DNA oxidation and associated imbalance were found through increased Bax and p53 with decreased Bcl-2 that perturbed thyrocytes cell cycle. Cyanogenic constituents of BBR generates ROS associated oxidative changes in thyrocytes with DNA damage and oxidation and cell cycle disruption followed by inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesizing regulatory elements; addition of extra iodine showed partial prevention.

Regulation of antioxidant enzymes and osmo-protectant molecules by salt and drought responsive genes in Bambusa balcooa

Bio-energy crops need to be grown on marginal salt and drought lands in India as per policy. Understanding environmental stress response in bio-energy crops might help in promoting cultivation of bio-energy feedstock on marginal salty and drought land. This is one of the first report for vegetative propagation of Bamboo (Bambusa balcooa) under salt and drought stress to understand antioxidant enzymes' gene regulations to combat stress through activation of antioxidant enzymes and osmo-protectant molecules to scavenge reactive oxygen species as measured by physiological changes. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits were noted as indicators of plant health upon different sodium chloride (NaCl) salt-stress while various drought conditions with correlation analysis. A significant up-regulation of genes related to most of the antioxidant enzymes was observed up to salinity of 14 mS cm^- 1 electric conductivity (EC) at 150 mM NaCl experimental salt stress which declined with higher salt-stress. While in the case of drought-stress, all genes remained up-regulated while proline dehydrogenase (PDH) remained down-regulated up-to 100% drought-stress having 4% soil moisture. The gene expressions of antioxidant enzymes were significantly correlated with their corresponding gene-products namely super-oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities. Biochemical parameters such as, soluble sugar, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), total amino acids, hydrogen peroxide and electrolyte leakage ratio also showed positive correlation (p = 0.001) with salt condition. Genetic and biochemical test parameters were significantly correlated with physiological attributes of plant health at soil EC of 14 mS cm^- 1 shown as 150 mM NaCl salt stress and 60% drought-stress having 17% soil moisture content, were the optimum stress tolerance limits observed. Application of these data would be useful to cultivate 0.63 million ha of salinity affected land and 10.05 million ha of drought affected land among wastelands in India to meet biofuel need.

Bamboos for weaving and relevant traditional knowledge in Sansui, Southwest China

BACKGROUND

Traditional bamboo weaving has been practiced for centuries in Sansui, a county dominated by the Miao people, in Guizhou province of Southwest China. Sansui bamboo weaving represents an intangible cultural heritage as defined by UNESCO, but, like many other traditional handicrafts in China, it has suffered a downfall in this period of rapid development. Sansui bamboo weaving is now experiencing a renaissance due to the joint efforts of the local government, bamboo weaving companies, and individual bamboo weavers. However, what bamboo species have supported the traditional bamboo weaving in Sansui keeps unknown up to now. The traditional knowledge and technology associated with bamboo weaving have not been reported. In addition, the resumption of the local bamboo industry may provide some valuable experiences for other downfallen traditional handicrafts or local communities. Thus, an ethnobotanical study on Sansui bamboo weaving has been carried out.

METHODS

This study mainly used ethnobotanical methods, including key informant interviews and participatory observations. Different stakeholders were selected by applying the snowball method as our key informants including 6 officials, 37 bamboo weavers, and 17 bamboo and bamboo weaving product merchants. We also went into the local weavers' houses to visit the whole weaving process. The bamboo and dye plant species for bamboo weaving were identified by taxonomists and referring to online databases available.

RESULTS

Based on field investigations, 17 bamboo species used for weaving were recorded. Different bamboo species were woven for different purposes based on their own characters. Phyllostachys heteroclada is the most popular species locally. Bamboo strips are usually dyed by using Platycarya strobilacea and Rubia cordifolia to be made for different images. In recent years, the size, functions, and materials of local bamboo weaving crafts as well as their market mode have been changed to adapt to new development trends and to cater to the market. In addition, the cooperation among bamboo weavers, bamboo companies, and household workshops has provided great support to the local bamboo industry and to reboot the economy of the local community. Some suggestions for the sustainable economic development of Sansui bamboo weaving and other Chinese traditional handicrafts are proposed.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, the bamboo weaving-associated traditional knowledge was collected by means of ethnobotanical methods. The recent renaissance of the bamboo weaving business in Sansui can be attributed both to government support and the innovations of the bamboo weaving industry itself. The developing mode ("Internet + intangible cultural heritage + poverty alleviation"), which combined the internet, poverty alleviation, and intangible cultural heritage, is valid and worth being promoted.

Comprehending adsorption of methylethylketone and toluene and microwave regeneration effectiveness for beaded activated carbon derived from recycled waste bamboo tar

Beaded activated carbons (BACs) were derived from waste bamboo tar through carbonization (500°C for 2 hr) followed by physical activation using carbon dioxide (800-900°C for 2-4 hr). The adsorbent was examined for their physical and chemical properties, adsorption capacities toward methylethylketone (MEK) and toluene, and regenerabilities under microwave heating. It was found that the maximum total surface area reached for bamboo-tar-derived BAC after physical activation was 1364 m² g^-1, and more than 95% of the area was attributed to the microporous structures. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models were applied to the adsorption isotherm fitting, and the minimum R² for each model was 0.986, 0.915, and 0.943, respectively. The isosteric heats of adsorption calculated based on D-R parameters for methylethylketone and toluene were 44.04 to 51.50 and 45.88 to 73.27 KJ mol^-1, respectively. They were slightly over the range of physisorption and increased with adsorbate loading, which might be related to the micropore filling mechanism. Microwave regeneration under 600 W of power output removed most of the adsorbate (>93.03%) within 8 min. The results of this study are intended to benefit future study on waste-derived adsorbent in environmental applications.

IMPLICATIONS

Recycling waste bamboo tar for the novel adsorbent preparation is shown feasible in this study. Beaded activated carbon (BAC) synthesized from this waste bamboo tar possessed a high specific surface area, which aided in the capturing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Three adsorption isotherms, Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models can be applied in interpreting the experimental adsorption data, providing information on adsorption heat and possible adsorption mechanism. A potential microwave regeneration method for BAC is tested, showing high desorption efficiencies with minimum heel formation. These findings can provide a new pathway for waste bamboo tar management and VOC abatement using adsorbents.

Biochar-induced immobilization and transformation of silver-nanoparticles affect growth, intracellular-radicles generation and nutrients assimilation by reducing oxidative stress in maize

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in a wide range of consumer products inevitably releases in massive quantities in the natural environment, posing a potential thread to ecosystem-safety and plant health. Here, the impact of AgNPs (100-1000 mg L^-1) without and with biochar (@2 % w/v) amendment on maize plants was assessed in hydroponics exposure medium. AgNPs exposure to plants induced dose-dependent phytotoxicity by suppressing plant growth, disturbing photosynthesis and gas exchange traits and alteration in macro- and micronutrients assimilation. At the same time, AgNPs with addition of biochar alleviated the phyto-toxic effects of AgNPs through approximately 4-8 times reduction in uptake and tissue accumulation of Ag. Moreover, activities of antioxidant enzymes in AgNPs + biochar treated plants indicated the lower oxidative stress. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy confirmed that superoxide (O₂^-) radical was the dominant reactive oxygen species. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) results revealed that biochar surface carboxyl and sulfur functional groups were involved in complexation process with NPs, which inhibited the oxidative dissolution and release of Ag⁺ ions besides of biochar space shield effect. Thus, the interaction of biochar with AgNPs immobilizes these NPs and can effectively reduce their bioavailability in the environmental matrix.

Effect of phosphorus-modified biochars on immobilization of Cu (II), Cd (II), and As (V) in paddy soil

Novel phosphorus-modified biochars were produced by pyrolyzing biomass feedstocks (wood, bamboo, cornstalk and rice husk) pre-impregnated with potassium phosphate (K₃PO₄). The soil heavy metal immobilization performance and mechanisms of modified biochars were investigated. Incubation experiments showed that impregnation with phosphorous can decrease the extraction of Cu (II) and Cd (II) by 2 to 3 times. Phosphorus-modified biochars enhanced the transformation of Cu (II) and Cd (II) ions from acid soluble to more stable forms. Characterization results showed that phosphorus (P) compounds in modified biochar played a vital role to immobilize Cu (II) and Cd (II) by forming precipitates or complexes with them. Additionally, the modified rice husk and cornstalk biochars have in the average 14-24% and 19-33% higher immobilization efficiency for Cd (II) and Cu (II) than the other two P-assisted biochars. However, regardless of the feedstock, both the extraction and mobility of As (V) were increased by phosphorous. This study indicates that the P-modified biochar can serve as a novel remediation agent for heavy metal polluted soils.

Microbial driven reduction of N2O and NH3 emissions during composting: Effects of bamboo charcoal and bamboo vinegar

In this study, we systematically analyzed the microbial-driven effects of bamboo charcoal (BC) and bamboo vinegar (BV) on reducing NH₃ and N₂O emissions during aerobic composting. The results showed that BC and BV improved the nitrogen conversion and compost quality, but the combined BC + BV treatment obtained the best improvements. The BC, BV, and BC + BV treatments reduced the NH₃ emissions by 14.35%, 17.90%, and 29.83%, respectively, and the N₂O emissions by 44.83%, 55.96%, and 74.53%. BC and BV reduced the NH₃ and N₂O emissions during composting by controlling ammonia oxidation, where napA, nirK, and nosZ served as useful indicators of the N₂O emissions from compost, especially the nirK gene. The dominant nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria belonged to Proteobacteria, and the changes in environmental factors during composting significantly affected the succession of the nitrifying and denitrifying bacterial communities. Nitrosomonas was a key nitrifying bacterial genus in the mesophilic composting period, and BC and BV may have reduced the NH₃ emissions by enhancing its conversion to NH₄⁺-N by Nitrosomonas. In addition, norank_p__environmental_samples, unclassified_k__norank_d__Bacteria, and unclassified_p__Proteobacteria were jointly responsible for driving the production of N₂O during the compost maturity stage.

Effects of bamboo shoots (Bambusa balcooa) on thyroid hormone synthesizing regulatory elements at cellular and molecular levels in thyrocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bamboo shoots (BS) are consumed in various forms and used largely in naturopathy for curing ailments since ancient times to present days. It is eaten in South East Asian countries in several indigenous preparations. In north east India, it is consumed predominantly and used as natural cure to treat various diseases. Although known for its beneficial effects, adverse effects including goitrogenic/antithyroidal potential are emerging.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Endemic goiter exists in Manipur, India even after adequate iodine intake for consumption of BS. It is thus important to study the impact of this goitrogenic food on certain thyroid hormone synthesizing regulatory factors at cellular and molecular level in thyrocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical analysis of BS - Bambusa balcooa Roxb (BSBR) extract conducted. IC₅₀ of the extract on thyrocytes in culture was determined. To study the antithyroid effects of this goitrogenic food, activity status of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, TPO and Deiodinase, mRNA and protein expressions of NIS, TPO and PAX8 were investigated with and without extra iodine in culture media. Simultaneously ROS generation in terms of H₂O₂ and antioxidant status, NO, LPO were assayed.

RESULTS

Activities of the studied enzymes decreased depending on dose and time with increased H₂O₂, decreased antioxidants followed by increased NO with LPO. DNA damage and LDH also increased while mRNA and protein expression of NIS, TPO and PAX8 were downregulated. Extra iodine ameliorated all such effects partially.

CONCLUSIONS

Bioactive constituents of the extract imbalances oxidative status of thyrocytes impairing action of hormone synthesizing elements at cellular and molecular level.

Characterization of the developmental dynamics of the elongation of a bamboo internode during the fast growth stage

Previous studies on the fast growth of bamboo shoots mainly focused on the entire culm. No work about the fast elongation of a single internode, which is the basic unit for the fast growth of bamboo shoots, has been reported so far according to our knowledge. In this study, we have systematically investigated the regulating mechanisms underlying the fast growth of a single bamboo internode of Bambusa multiplex (Lour.) Raeusch. ex Schult. We discovered that the growth of the internode displays a logistic pattern, and the two sections located in the bottom of the internode, one for cell division and, another for cell elongation, each with an ~1-cm length, comprise the effective zones for the internode growth. RNA-Seq analysis identified a number of genes potentially involved in regulating the fast growth of bamboo internode such as those that have positive roles in promoting cell growth or division, which were dramatically down-regulated in the internode at fast growth decreasing stage. Further analysis revealed that sugar plays an important role in promoting the fast growth of bamboo internodes through inhibition of BmSnf1. Mechanical stress is found to be involved in the triggering of the internode growth decrease through activation of the generation of reactive oxygen species by upregulating Calmodulins. These results provide systematic insight into the biological mechanisms underlying the fast growth of bamboo shoots based on the behavior of a single internode.

Spatial Variations of Soil Heavy Metal Potential Ecological Risks in Typical Moso Bamboo Forests of Southeast China

Spatial patterns of soil heavy metal potential ecological risk are important for the scientific pollution management of bamboo forests. A total of 160 soil samples were collected from typical moso bamboo forests in the southeastern region of China. Ecological risk index and GIS-based kriging methodologies were applied to analyze spatial variations of analyzed metals and were compared to background levels in samples collected from Zhejiang Province. The results show that the exceeded background rate of the single-factor pollution index of Pb, Cd and Cu in all soil samples is greater than 50%, with the highest overbackground rate of Pb being 99.38%. The potential ecological risk of Hg, Pb and Cd reaches a stronger risk level, while other heavy metals such as As, Cu and Cr are associated with a slight risk level. Different spatial patterns across the whole study area indicate that the potential ecological risk in the northwest and southeast areas is high, but is relatively low in the north-central area.

Composition and Diversity of Soil Fungi in Dipterocarpaceae-Dominated Seasonal Tropical Forests in Thailand

Although fungi play essential roles in nutrient cycles and plant growth in forest ecosystems, limited information is currently available on the community compositions of soil fungi in tropical forests. Few studies have examined fungal community structures in seasonal tropical forests, in which forest fires potentially have a large impact on above- and belowground community processes. Based on high-throughput sequencing technologies, we herein examined the diversity and community structures of soil fungi in dry seasonal tropical forests in Sakaerat, northeast Thailand. We found that fungal community compositions diverged among dry evergreen, dry deciduous, and fire-protected dry deciduous forests within the region. Although tree species diversity did not positively correlate with soil fungal diversity, the coverage of an understory bamboo species (Vietnamosasa pusilla) showed a strong relationship with fungal community structures. Our community ecological analysis also yielded a list of fungi showing habitat preferences for either of the neighboring evergreen and deciduous forests in Sakaerat. The present results provide a basis for managing soil fungal communities and aboveground plant communities in seasonal tropical forests in Southeast Asia.

Bamboo Specialists from Two Mammalian Orders (Primates, Carnivora) Share a High Number of Low-Abundance Gut Microbes

Bamboo specialization is one of the most extreme examples of convergent herbivory, yet it is unclear how this specific high-fiber diet might selectively shape the composition of the gut microbiome compared to host phylogeny. To address these questions, we used deep sequencing to investigate the nature and comparative impact of phylogenetic and dietary selection for specific gut microbial membership in three bamboo specialists-the bamboo lemur (Hapalemur griseus, Primates: Lemuridae), giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Carnivora: Ursidae), and red panda (Ailurus fulgens, Carnivora: Musteloideadae), as well as two phylogenetic controls-the ringtail lemur (Lemur catta) and the Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus). We detected significantly higher Shannon diversity in the bamboo lemur (10.029) compared to both the giant panda (8.256; p = 0.0001936) and the red panda (6.484; p = 0.0000029). We also detected significantly enriched bacterial taxa that distinguished each species. Our results complement previous work in finding that phylogeny predominantly governs high-level microbiome community structure. However, we also find that 48 low-abundance OTUs are shared among bamboo specialists, compared to only 8 OTUs shared by the bamboo lemur and its sister species, the ringtail lemur (Lemur catta, a generalist). Our results suggest that deep sequencing is necessary to detect low-abundance bacterial OTUs, which may be specifically adapted to a high-fiber diet. These findings provide a more comprehensive framework for understanding the evolution and ecology of the microbiome as well as the host.

Psychophysiological Effects of Bamboo Plants on Adults

The present study was conducted to clarify the psychophysiological relaxation effects of viewing bamboo on university students. Forty healthy Chinese participants enrolled in this study to clarify the psychophysiological relaxation effects of viewing bamboo. The effects of visual stimulation using a pot both with and without a bamboo were recorded by measuring the student's blood pressure, EEG and STAI. We observed that viewing bamboo plants resulted in significantly lower systolic (female, P < 0.001; male, P < 0.001; P < 0.05) and diastolic (female, P < 0.001; male, P < 0.001; P < 0.05) blood pressures, but no changes in the pulse rate (female, P = 0.09; male, P = 0.07; P > 0.05) were observed. The results of the EEG analysis indicated brainwave variation (all P < 0.05) and lower anxiety scores (P < 0.01) after 3 min of viewing bamboo compared with the control. These findings indicate that visual stimulation with bamboo plants induced psychophysiological relaxation effects on adults.

Bamboo-inspired optimal design for functionally graded hollow cylinders

The optimal distribution of the reinforcing fibers for stiffening hollow cylindrical composites is explored using the linear elasticity theory. The spatial distribution of the vascular bundles in wild bamboo, a nature-designed functionally graded material, is the basis for the design. Our results suggest that wild bamboos maximize their flexural rigidity by optimally regulating the radial gradation of their vascular bundle distribution. This fact provides us with a plant-mimetic design principle that enables the realization of high-stiffness and lightweight cylindrical composites.

Metabolic rate of the red panda, Ailurus fulgens, a dietary bamboo specialist

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) has a similar diet, primarily bamboo, and shares the same habitat as the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca. There are considerable efforts underway to understand the ecology of the red panda and to increase its populations in natural reserves. Yet it is difficult to design an effective strategy for red panda reintroduction if we do not understand its basic biology. Here we report the resting metabolic rate of the red panda and find that it is higher than previously measured on animals from a zoo. The resting metabolic rate was 0.290 ml/g/h (range 0.204–0.342) in summer and 0.361 ml/g/h in winter (range 0.331–0.406), with a statistically significant difference due to season and test temperature. Temperatures in summer were probably within the thermal neutral zone for metabolism but winter temperatures were below the thermal neutral zone. There was no difference in metabolic rate between male and female red pandas and no difference due to mass. Our values for metabolic rate were much higher than those measured by McNab for 2 red pandas from a zoo. The larger sample size (17), more natural conditions at the Panda Base and improved accuracy of the metabolic instruments provided more accurate metabolism measurements. Contrary to our expectations based on their low quality bamboo diet, the metabolic rates of red pandas were similar to mammals of the same size. Based on their metabolic rates red pandas would not be limited by their food supply in natural reserves.

Nitrogen Removal from Water Resource Recovery Facility Secondary Effluent Using a Bioreactor

Solid-phase denitrification technology can potentially be used to remove nitrogen compounds, such as total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen (NO3(-)-N), from wastewater. In this study, the authors made use of an internal-circulation baffled biofilm reactor in which filamentous bamboo acted as a biocarrier for the removal of nitrogen (N) from water resource recovery facility (WRRF) secondary effluent. A laboratory-scale experiment was conducted to assess the efficacy and mechanisms of N removal from the WRRF secondary effluent operated in continuous-flow mode. Results indicated that total nitrogen and NO3(-)-N removal rates reached 66.58 to 75.23% and 75.6 to 85.6%, respectively. Infrared spectrum analysis indicated biodegradation in the filamentous bamboo. A comparison of this method with the use of filamentous plastics as biocarriers indicated that higher NO3(-)-N removal (as volumetric loading) and lower nitrite nitrogen accumulation rates were obtained when filamentous bamboo was used as a biocarrier. A NO3(-)-N removal volumetric loading of 2.09 mg/L·h was reached when using bamboo as a single solid carbon source. These results confirm that filamentous bamboo can be used as an alternative to inert biocarriers in WRRF secondary effluent treatment systems.

Preparation of a specific bamboo based activated carbon and its application for ciprofloxacin removal

The studied bamboo based activated carbon (BbAC) with high specific surface area (SSA) and high micro pore volume was prepared from bamboo scraps by the combined activation of H3PO4 and K2CO3. The BbAC was characterized based on the N2 adsorption isotherm at 77K. The results showed that the SSA and pore volume of BbAC increased with increasing impregnation ratio and reached maxima at the impregnation ratio of 3:1 at 750°C. Under these optimal conditions, the BbAC obtained could have a maximum SSA of 2237 m(2)/g and a maximum total pore volume of 1.23 cm(3)/g with the micro pore ratio of more than 90%. The adsorption performance of ciprofloxacin (CIP) on the BbAC was determined at 298 K. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were employed to describe the adsorption equilibrium and the kinetic data were fitted by pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order kinetic models. The results showed that the Langmuir model and the pseudo second-order kinetic model presented better fittings for the adsorption equilibrium and kinetics data, respectively. The maximum adsorption amount of CIP (613 mg/g) on the BbAC was much higher than the report in the literature. Conclusively, the BbAC could be a promising adsorption material for CIP removal from water.

Comparison of microhabitats and foraging strategies between the captive-born Zhangxiang and wild giant pandas: implications for future reintroduction

The female giant panda Zhangxiang (pedigree number 826) was born on August 20, 2011 in Wolong Nature Reserve, China. On November 6, 2013, Zhangxiang was transported into the acclimatization enclosure in the Liziping Nature Reserve. Before Zhangxiang left the enclosure into the wild, we conducted the first study to compare microhabitats and foraging strategies between Zhangxiang in the enclosure and giant pandas in the wild. Compared with the latter, microhabitats of Zhangxiang in the enclosure are characteristic of gentler slope, more trees, higher canopy, smaller tree DBH, and lower density of living bamboos. Diet composition and foraging behaviors significantly differed between Zhangxiang and wild giant pandas, perhaps reflecting the combined consequence of environmental conditions (e.g., bamboo species) and individual status (e.g., age, mastication ability, etc.). The difference in microhabitats and foraging strategies between Zhangxiang and wild giant pandas implied that after being released into the natural habitat in the reserve, Zhangxiang will have to adapt to the environmental conditions once again. For future reintroduction, the enclosure can be extended to the Bashania spanostachya forest in the reserve, and captive giant pandas for release can thus normally transit into the wild without human intervention during acclimatization period. For other acclimatization enclosures to be constructed in the future, ecological environment inside, including topography, forests, and bamboos as well, should as possible as can match the habitat that the giant panda to-be-reinforced populations inhabit.

[Effect of bamboo leaf biochar addition on soil CO2 efflux and labile organic carbon pool in a Chinese chestnut plantation]

Effect of biochar addition on soil CO2 efflux in a typical Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) plantation in Lin'an, Zhejiang Province, China was investigated from July 2012 to July 2013 by the static closed chamber-GC technique. Soil temperature, soil moisture, WSOC and MBC concentrations were determined as well. Results showed that soil CO2 efflux exhibited a strong sea- sonal pattern. Compared with the control (without biochar application), the biochar treatment increased the soil CO2 efflux only in the first month since application, and then the effect diminished thereafter. There were no significant differences in the annual cumulative value of soil CO2 efflux between the biochar and control treatments. The annual mean value in soil MBC concentration (362 mg · kg(-1)) in the biochar treatment was higher than that (322 mg · kg(-1)) in the control. However, no significant difference in the soil WSOC concentration was found between the biochar and control treatments. Strong exponential relationships between soil temperature and soil CO2 efflux were observed regardless of the treatment and soil layer. The apparent temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil CO2 efflux in the biochar treatment was higher than that in the control. Soil CO2 efflux was related to soil WSOC concentration but not with soil MBC or moisture content. To conclude, the application of bamboo leaf biochar did not affect the annual cumulative CO2 emission in the Chinese chestnut plantation but increased the Q10, and the CO2 efflux was predominantly controlled by the soil temperature and soil WSOC level.

[Effects of bamboo charcoal on the growth of Trifolium repens and soil bacterial community structure]

The effects of addition rates (0, 3% and 9%) and particle sizes (0.05, 0.05-1.0 and 1.0-2.0 mm) of bamboo charcoal on the growth of Trifolium repens and soil microbial community structure were investigated. The results showed that bamboo charcoal addition greatly promoted the early growth of T. repens, with the 9% charcoal addition rate being slightly better than the 3% charcoal addition rate. The effects of different particle sizes of bamboo charcoal on the growth of T. repens were not different significantly. Growth promotion declined with time during 120 days after sowing, and disappeared completely after 5 months. DGGE analysis of the bacterial 16S rDNA V3 fragment indicated that bamboo charcoal altered the soil bacterial community structure. The amount and Shannon diversity index of bacteria in the bamboo charcoal addition treatments increased compared with CK. The quantitative analysis showed that the amount of bacteria in the treatment with bamboo charcoal of fine particle (D < 0.05 mm) at the 9% addition rate was significantly higher than in the other treatments. The fine bamboo charcoal had a great effect on soil bacteria amount compared with the charcoal of other sizes at the same addition rate.

The efficacy of bamboo charcoal in comparison with smectite to reduce the detrimental effect of aflatoxin B1 on in vitro rumen fermentation of a hay-rich feed mixture

Two commercial materials, a bamboo charcoal (BC) and a smectite clay (SC), were assessed in vitro with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in an equilibrium adsorption test. The adsorption capacity and proportion adsorbed (0.381 μg/mg, 0.955) for BC were greater than for SC (0.372 μg/mg, 0.931). The effects of in vitro ruminal fermentation of hay-rich feed incubated with 1.0 μg/mL AFB1 for 0-10 g/L doses of BC and SC were measured at 39 °C for 72 h. The BC and SC binders increased AFB1 loss at dosages ≥1.0 g/L (p < 0.0001). Average AFB1 loss (p < 0.0001) was greater for SC (0.904) than BC (0.881). Both SC and SC addition increased in vitro dry matter loss, and the average dry matter losses were similar. Asymptotic gas volume and volatile fatty acid production were greater for BC than for SC (p < 0.0001). Thus, BC may be as effective as SC in removing aflatoxin B1's detrimental effects on rumen degradability and fermentation under the occurrence of microbial aflatoxin degradation.

[Effects of bamboo biochar addition on temperature rising, dehydration and nitrogen loss during pig manure composting]

Composting is an effective way to realize the treatment and recycling of livestock manure. However, traditional composting process has the problems of slow temperature rising, poor dehydration effect and serious nitrogen loss. Composting experiments of pig manure were carried out to investigate the influence of different rates of bamboo biochar addition on the temperature rising speed, dehydration effect and nitrogen loss during the composting process. The results showed that the addition of bamboo biochar could shorten the temperature rising time of the pile by 24-48 h, increase the dehydration rate by 13.6%-21.4%, and prolong the lasting time of the thermophilic phase by 216-264 h. The NH(4+)-N, NO(3-)-N, and total nitrogen contents in the pile were higher under the treatments with bamboo biochar amendment than under the control, and moreover, the nitrogen fixation percentage increased by 28.3%-65.4% as compared to the control.

Novel application of bamboo-based fibers in a biological contact oxidation process

Generally, biofilm-supporting carriers in biological contact oxidation processes are made from thermoplastic polymers, which cause potential ecological damage because of the low biodegradation and high accumulation in organisms. Thus, four bamboo-based fibers, bamboo primitive fiber, bamboo fiber, bamboo charcoal fiber (BBF) and bamboo charcoal-cotton blending fiber (BCBF), were used as carriers and compared with two commercial carriers (vinylon (VY) and polypropylene (PP)) in a biological contact oxidation process system with the goal to develop a biodegradable and sustainable biofilm medium. Under steady state conditions, pollutants (chemical oxygen demand and NH4(+)-N) in stage 1 (days 1-29, hydraulic retention time (HRT) = 12 h) were efficiently removed with a removal efficiency ranging from 85 to 95%. In stage 2 (days 30-53, HRT = 4-12 h), the pollutant-removal efficiency of four reactors (BBF, BCBF, VY and PP) were nearly indistinguishable and were higher than the two other reactors, especially when the HRT was set at 4 h (days 46-53). Consequently, two optimized bamboo-based fibers (BBF and BCBF) can be developed as biofilm carriers for wastewater treatment in the future. Furthermore, studies demonstrated that the biofilm development difference showed good correlation with their specific area and relative oxygen content but not with their tenacity and antimicrobial activity.

Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solution with bamboo charcoal chemically modified by iron and cobalt with the assistance of microwave

Bamboo charcoal (BC) was used as starting material to prepare Co-Fe binary oxideloaded adsorbent (Co-Fe-MBC) through its impregnation in Co(NO3)2, FeCl3 and HNO3 solutions simultaneously, followed by microwave heating. The low-cost composite was characterized and used as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal from water. The results showed that a cobalt and iron binary oxide (CoFe2O4) was uniformly formed on the BC through redox reactions. The composite exhibited higher surface area (331 m2/g) than that of BC or BC loaded with Fe alone (Fe-MBC). The adsorption of Cr(VI) strongly depended on solution pH, temperature and ionic strength. The adsorption isotherms followed the Langmuir isotherm model well, and the maximum adsorption capacities for Cr(VI) at 288 K and pH 5.0 were 35.7 and 51.7 mg/g for Fe-MBC and Co-Fe-MBC, respectively. The adsorption processes were well fitted by the pseudo second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto both adsorbents was feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic under the studied conditions. The spent Co-Fe-MBC could be readily regenerated for reuse.

Pb(II) removal from water using Fe-coated bamboo charcoal with the assistance of microwaves

Bamboo charcoal (BC) was used as starting material to prepare iron-modified bamboo charcoal (Fe-MBC) by its impregnation in FeCl3 and HNO3 solutions simultaneously, followed by microwave heating. The material can be used as an adsorbent for Pb(II) contaminants removal in water. The composites were prepared with Fe molar concentration of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mol/L and characterized by means of N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and point of zero charge (pH(pzc)) measurements. Nitrogen adsorption analyses showed that the BET specific surface area and total pore volume increased with iron impregnation. The adsorbent with Fe molar concentration of 2 mol/L (2Fe-MBC) exhibited the highest surface area and produced the best pore structure. The Pb(II) adsorption process of 2Fe-MBC and BC were evaluated in batch experiments and 2Fe-MBC showed an excellent adsorption capability for removal Pb(II). The adsorption of Pb(II) strongly depended on solution pH, with maximum values at pH 5.0. The ionic strength had a significant effect on the adsorption at pH < 6.0. The adsorption isotherms followed the Langmuir isotherm model well, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Pb(II) was 200.38 mg/g for 2Fe-MBC. The adsorption processes were well fitted by a pseudo second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of Pb(II) onto Fe-MBC was feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic under the studied conditions, and the ion exchange mechanism played an significant role. These results have important implications for the design of low-cost and effective adsorbents in the removal of Pb(II) from wastewater.

Soil CO₂ flux dynamics in the two main plantation forest types in subtropical China

Chinese Fir and Moso bamboo are the two most important forest plantation species in subtropical China. However, information on greenhouse gas emissions from these forests is still scarce. A field study was carried out to compare soil CO(2) flux dynamics in Chinese Fir and Moso bamboo forests over a 12-month period using the LI-8100 Soil CO(2) Flux System. The soil CO(2) flux in both forest types showed similar daily and seasonal dynamic patterns with the highest soil CO(2) efflux at 14:00-16:00 in summer and the lowest in winter. Moso bamboo forest showed significant higher (P<0.01) annual mean soil CO(2) fluxes (52.9 t CO(2)ha(-1)yr(-1)) than Chinese fir forest (27.9 t CO(2)ha(-1)yr(-1)). The large difference in soil CO(2) fluxes may potentially influence the carbon cycle of the two forest types at the ecosystem scale. The CO(2) flux from the soil showed a significant positive correlation (P<0.0001) with soil temperature at 5 cm depth, a significant negative correlation (P<0.01) with air relative humidity, and no significant correlation with soil moisture in either forest types. The Q(10) value of soil respiration was higher in Chinese fir than Moso bamboo forest, indicating that soil respiration under Chinese fir forest will be more sensitive to temperature change. This study contributes to better understanding of the role Moso bamboo and Chinese fir forests may play in carbon cycle and global warming mitigation.

Bamboo-dominated forests of the southwest Amazon: detection, spatial extent, life cycle length and flowering waves

We map the extent, infer the life-cycle length and describe spatial and temporal patterns of flowering of sarmentose bamboos (Guadua spp) in upland forests of the southwest Amazon. We first examine the spectra and the spectral separation of forests with different bamboo life stages. False-color composites from orbital sensors going back to 1975 are capable of distinguishing life stages. These woody bamboos flower produce massive quantities of seeds and then die. Life stage is synchronized, forming a single cohort within each population. Bamboo dominates at least 161,500 km² of forest, coincident with an area of recent or ongoing tectonic uplift, rapid mechanical erosion and poorly drained soils rich in exchangeable cations. Each bamboo population is confined to a single spatially continuous patch or to a core patch with small outliers. Using spatial congruence between pairs of mature-stage maps from different years, we estimate an average life cycle of 27–28 y. It is now possible to predict exactly where and approximately when new bamboo mortality events will occur. We also map 74 bamboo populations that flowered between 2001 and 2008 over the entire domain of bamboo-dominated forest. Population size averaged 330 km². Flowering events of these populations are temporally and/or spatially separated, restricting or preventing gene exchange. Nonetheless, adjacent populations flower closer in time than expected by chance, forming flowering waves. This may be a consequence of allochronic divergence from fewer ancestral populations and suggests a long history of widespread bamboo in the southwest Amazon.

Improved glycemic control, pancreas protective and hepatoprotective effect by traditional poly-herbal formulation "Qurs Tabasheer" in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective effect of a traditional unani formulation "Qurs Tabasheer" in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic wistar rats. Up till now no study was undertaken to appraise the efficacy of "Qurs Tabasheer" in the diabetic rats. Qurs Tabasheer is a unani formulation restraining preparations from five various herbs namely Tukhme Khurfa (Portulaca oleracea seed), Gule Surkh (Rosa damascena flower), Gulnar (Punica granatum flower), Tabasheer (Bambusa arundinasia dried exudate on node), Tukhme Kahu (Lactuca sativa Linn seed).

METHODS

Effect of Qurs Tabasheer was assessed in STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p single shot) induced diabetic wistar rats. STZ produced a marked increase in the serum glucose, Total Cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides and trim down the HDL level. We have weighed up the effect of Qurs Tabasheer on hepatic activity through estimating levels of various liver enzymes viz. Hexokinase, Glucose-6-Phosphatase and Fructose-1-6-biphosphatase in STZ diabetic wistar rats.

RESULTS

In STZ-induced diabetic wistar rats level of Hexokinase, and Glucose-6-Phosphatase was decreased to a significant level while the level of fructose-1-6-biphophatase was augmented. Therapy with Qurs Tabasheer for 28 days to STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly reduces the level of serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1-6-biphosphatase, while magnitude of HDL cholesterol and hexokinase was amplified.

CONCLUSION

Antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic activity of Qurs Tabasheer extract in STZ- induced wistar rats was found to be more effective than standard oral hypoglycemic drug Glimepiride.

Enhanced capture of elemental mercury by bamboo-based sorbents

To develop cost-effective sorbent for gas-phase elemental mercury removal, the bamboo charcoal (BC) produced from renewable bamboo and KI modified BC (BC-I) were used for elemental mercury removal. The effect of NO, SO2 on gas-phase Hg0 adsorption by KI modified BC was evaluated on a fixed bed reactor using an online mercury analyzer. BET surface area analysis, temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to determine the pore structure and surface chemistry of the sorbents. The results show that KI impregnation reduced the sorbents' BET surface area and total pore volume compared with that of the original BC. But the BC-I has excellent adsorption capacity for elemental mercury at a relatively higher temperature of 140 °C and 180 °C. The presence of NO or SO2 could inhibit Hg0 capture, but BC-I has strong anti-poisoning ability. The specific reaction mechanism has been further analyzed.

Improving Anammox start-up with bamboo charcoal

Three Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors were compared for Anammox enrichment using synthetic wastewater with Spherical Plastic (SP) and Bamboo Charcoal (BC) addition, and without carrier (CK). After four months of operation, the Anammox activity occurred in all reactors allowing continuous removal of ammonium and nitrite. Ammonium and nitrite removal efficiencies were all higher than 98% in steady phase with the effluent concentrations below 1 mg L(-1). The start-up time could be shortened from 117 to 97 d in CK and SP reactor to 85 d in BC amendment reactor. Quantitative PCR (q-PCR) analyses indicated a significant increase in the number of Anammox bacteria in BC amended reactor as compared with CK and SP during the entire start-up periods. The copy numbers of Anammox of 16S rRNA gene in the reactor with BC amendment could reach up to 6×10(9)copies g(-1) Volatile Suspended Solids, around 22.5 times and 12.3 times greater than that in CK and SP reactor, respectively. BC addition could accelerate the start-up of Anammox and significantly increase the Anammox bacteria number.

Removal of nitrate using Paracoccus sp. YF1 immobilized on bamboo carbon

Paracoccus sp. strain YF1 immobilized on bamboo carbon was developed for the denitrification. The results show that denitrification was significantly improved using immobilized cells compared to that of free cells, where denitrification time decreased from 24h (free cells) to 15 h (immobilized cells). The efficiency of denitrification increased from 4.57 mg/(Lh) (free cells) to 6.82 mg/(Lh) (immobilized cells). Kinetics studies suggest that denitrification by immobilized YF1 cells fitted well to the zero-order model. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that firstly, the bacteria became stable on the inside and exterior of the bamboo carbon particles and secondly, they formed biofilm after adhesion. Various factors and their influences on biological denitrification were investigated, namely temperature, pH, initial nitrate concentrations and carbon sources. The immobilized cells exhibited more nitrate removal at various conditions compared to free cells since bamboo carbon as a carrier protects cells against changes in environmental conditions. Denitrification using the YF1 immobilized in bamboo carbon was also maintained 99.8% after the tenth cycle reuse, thus demonstrating excellent reusability. Finally, wastewater was treated using the immobilized cells and the outcome was that nitrogen was completely removed by bamboo-immobilized YF1.

[Measuring the density of wood and bamboo using computed tomography]

CT is widespread non-destructive detection technique for wood materials, and the density measurement is a key role during this application. In the present report, the use of CT for air-dry density measurement of wood and bamboo is described. The authors found that there were marked linear correlations between air-dry density (0.303-1.061 g x cm(-3)) of 24 kinds of woods and their respective CT value, as well as 25 kinds of lignin materials (including 24 kinds of woods and 1 kind of bamboo) and the CT value, both with correlation coefficient of 0.99, which belonged to the CT technological breakthrough for wood quantitative detection These research results show that CT is an appropriate way to measure density for wood and bamboo, and would provide technical support for CT used in the field of wood science research and wood processing.

Effect of bamboo salt-NaF dentifrice on enamel remineralization

PURPOSE

To evaluate the laboratory remineralization effects of a dentifrice with bamboo salt and NaF on artificial caries-like enamel lesions, at both the surface and deep areas.

METHODS

Early dental caries lesions were formed by treating bovine enamel samples for 48 hours at 37 degrees C with a demineralization solution (pH 5.0) containing 0.1 M lactic acid, 0.2% Carbopol 907, and 50% saturated calcium phosphate tribasic. pH cycling was then performed by immersing the samples in dentifrice slurry for 2 minutes every 8 hours per day, and in demineralization solution for 4 hours and mixed saliva for the remaining time period. The mixed saliva consisted of 50% human saliva and 50% artificial saliva. The surface hardness and the level of mineral surface alterations were analyzed using a hardness tester and transversal microradiography, among negative control (fluoride free), positive control (sodium fluoride 1100 ppm, Crest Cavity Protection), and test dentifrice (3.0% bamboo salt with sodium fluoride 1,000 ppm) groups.

RESULTS

Test and positive control groups significantly increased the level of the surface hardness and decreased mineral loss of the artificial caries-like enamel lesions compared to the negative control (P<0.05). The test dentifrice also significantly decreased the lesion depth compared to the other two groups (P<0.05).

Inhibitory effects of Cu (II) on fermentative methane production using bamboo wastewater as substrate

The toxic effects of Cu (II) present in bamboo industry wastewater (BIWW) upon its anaerobic biodegradability of organic content were investigated. The analysis through the Modified Gompertz model indicated that the optimum chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration for digestion was 22,780 mg L(-1) with a maximum R(m) (maximum CH(4) production rate) value of 2.8 mL h(-1), corresponding to a specific methanogenic activity (SMA) of 2.38 mL CH(4) g VSS(-1)h(-1). The inhibitory effects of Cu (II) on cumulative methane production depended on its concentration and contact time. Low concentrations (5 mg L(-1)) of Cu (II) showed a stimulating effect on methanogenesis. Methane was not detected when the Cu (II) concentration was increased beyond 300 mg L(-1). The IC(50) value of Cu (II), the Cu (II) concentration that causes a 50% reduction in the cumulative methane production, was 18.32 mg L(-1) (15.9 mg Cu(II) gVSS(-1)).

The effect of bamboo extract on hepatic biotransforming enzymes--findings from an obese-diabetic mouse model

AIM OF THE STUDY

Bamboo leaves are used as a component in traditional Chinese medicine for the anti-inflammatory function. Our previous studies have demonstrated that an ethanol/water extract from Phyllostachys edulis ameliorated obesity-associated chronic systemic inflammation in mice, and therefore relieving the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. The aim of this project was to further investigate the effects of this bamboo extract on hepatic biotransformation enzymes in both lean and obese mice, as an initial step in the toxicological evaluation of using this traditional medicine in obese/diabetic population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to 4 groups and fed standard (10% kcal from fat) diet with or without bamboo extract supplementation at a dose of 10 gram per kilogram diet (n=10 and n=9, respectively), or high fat (45% kcal from fat) diet with or without bamboo extract (n=8 and N=7, respectively). The dietary treatment lasted for 6 months. Subsequently, the activities and expression of the major Phase I and II hepatic biotransformation enzymes were assessed in subcellular fractions from murine livers.

RESULTS

Three groups of mice, lean bamboo extract-supplemented, obese/diabetic, and bamboo extract-supplemented obese/diabetic, showed greater activities of cytochromes P450 1a2 and 3a11 compared to control but no changes in the expression level of these proteins. For Phase II enzymes, bamboo extract supplementation in lean mice caused decreased glutathione-S-transferase activity (-12%) and greater uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase activity (+46%), but had no effect on sulfotransferase activity. Conversely, the obese/diabetic condition itself increased glutathione-S-transferase and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase activities, but decreased total sulfotransferase activity and sulfotransferase 2a1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Bamboo extract and obesity/diabetes show significant independent effects on hepatic biotransformation as well as interaction effects in mice. These changes may alter the clearance of endo- and xenobiotics, including bamboo extract itself, hence this effect should be carefully considered in the medicinal application of bamboo extract as it has potential to alter its own metabolism and that of other medications concurrently administered to obese diabetic patients.

[The bamboo Merostachys fischeriana (Bambusoideae: Bambuseae) as a canopy habitat for ants of Neotropical Montane Forest]

Although Merostachys fischeriana is very abundant in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, little attention has been paid to the biological interactions with other animals. The present study describes some of the interactions between ants and this bamboo species. The experiment was carried out in a fragment of a montane tropical forest in the Parque Estadual do Itacolomi, near Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil. Thirty culms of bamboo were randomly collected. The ants were obtained by direct collection from nodes and internodes. Morphometric variables of the bamboo were recorded for characterization of potential ant habitat. Merostachys fischeriana grows in rosettes as a thin bamboo (average = 1,0 cm; se = 0,27; n = 20) and is tall enough to reach the upper canopy of this low forest (average = 9,1 m; se = 2,72; n = 20). Fifteen ant species were sampled. Brachymyrmex heeri Forel was the most abundant in the nodes, while Camponotus crassus Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) was the most abundant in the internodes. The composition of the species that inhabit the internodes was different from the composition in the node (Q-test: Q = 3,76; P = 0,05). The level of occupation was defined by the number of holes (F = 10,33; P < 0,01), the number of internodes in the canopy (F = 6,84; P = 0,01) and the length of the culm (F = 7,52; P = 0,01). The plant's morphology allowed the occurrence of additional species of ants in the canopy and influenced the composition of the entire ant assemblage.

[Discrimination of bamboo fiber and ramie fiber by near infrared spectroscopy]

The research on discrimination of natural bamboo fiber, bamboo pulp fibers and ramie fiber used in textile was demonstrated by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. First, the spectra of three kinds of fiber were scanned by NIR spectrometer. Then, the spectral data were pretreated by first derivatives. In the end, the databases and discriminating model of natural bamboo fiber, bamboo pulp fibers and ramie fiber were built. The kind of unknown fiber can be discriminated by the NIR model. The results indicated that the natural bamboo fiber, bamboo pulp fibers and ramie fiber can been discriminated quickly by NIR spectroscopy without destroying samples.

Simultaneous removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol and Cd from soils by electrokinetic remediation combined with activated bamboo charcoal

An in situ electrokinetic remediation technique was designed by combining the uniform electrokinetic technology with a new-type of bamboo charcoal as adsorbent. A bench-scale experiment was conducted to investigate the application of this technique for simultaneous removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and Cd from a sandy loam at different periodic polarity-reversals. The contaminated soil was artificially spiked with 100 mg/kg 2,4-DCP and 500 mg/kg Cd. Two modes of polarity-reversal intervals of 12 and 24 h were included. After 10.5 d of operation, about 75.97% of Cd and 54.92% of 2,4-DCP were removed from soil at intervals of 24 h, whilst only 40.13% of Cd and 24.98% of 2,4-DCP were removed at intervals of 12 h. Soil water contents under two operation modes both significantly decreased, but evenly distributed spatially. Soil pH values under two operation modes were all maintained in the range from 7.2 to 7.4, close to the initial value. The electricity consumption per day was 12.24 and 11.61 kWh/m(3)/d, respectively at polarity-reversal intervals of 12 and 24 h. In conclusion, at polarity-reversal interval of 24 h, electroremediation combined with activated bamboo charcoal was effective in simultaneous removal of 2,4-DCP and Cd from soil. Our results indicate a promising potential in in situ electroremediation of soils co-contaminated with organics and heavy metals.

[Nano TiO2 modification of bamboo and its antibacterial and mildew resistance performance]

Bamboo, a kind of forest resources only less important than wood, is especially easy to mildew during outdoor service. In this work, TiO2 sols were synthesized under low-temperature condition by sol-gel method. The crystalline TiO2 film with a diameter of approximate 40-90 nm was used to coat bamboo at low temperature. The TiO2 films were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The effects of temperature on film crystal forms, its antibacterial, and mildew resistance properties were mainly investigated. The results showed that the modified bamboo in low temperature solution (20, 60 and 105 degrees C) was mainly covered with anatase nano TiO2 film. The nano-TiO2-modified bamboo maintained the natural wood color, texture and structure, and improved its anti-bacterial property from non-anti-bacterial to anti-Escherichia coli, and the bactericidal rate reached over 99%. Meanwhile its mildew resistance property increased over 10 times. So this method is expected to become the new way of functional improvement on bamboo, and has the reference meaning for the protection and improvement of wood and other biologic materials.