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Celtis sinensis Pers. is a popular garden landscape tree in riparian areas and a valuable resistant tree in many extreme environments. Here, we determined the first complete chloroplast genome of C. sinensis using high-throughput sequencing technology. Our results showed the chloroplast genome of C.sinensis was 159,092 bp long and displayed a typical quadripartite structure consisting of a pair of inverted repeats with a length of 26,895 bp and separating by two single-copy regions (LSC, 86,085 bp and SSC, 19,217 bp). Besides, the chloroplast genome of C. sinensis totally contained 131 genes, including 87 protein coding genes, 36 transfer RNAs and eight ribosomal RNAs. Additionally, a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on the 19 chloroplast genomes demonstrated the monophyly of Cannabaceae and C. sinensis formed a sister clade to Celtis biondii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research shows that between individuals there is a positive association between medically motivated use and cannabis use frequency and quantity. While between-subjects' analyses are useful for understanding shared vulnerabilities, research has so far not examined within-subjects' relationships which are closer to evaluating functional relationships (i.e., do individuals tend to use cannabis more heavily subsequent to elevations in pain experiences?). To better understand the association between experiences of pain and cannabis use, the current paper examines whether there is a functional within-subjects association between experiences of pain and heavy cannabis use.Methods: 182 regular cannabis users without a medical cannabis license were asked to report momentary experiences of physical pain, whether they had used cannabis, and if so, quantity consumed five times per day over a five-day period on their smartphones. Mixed effects models examined the relations between within- and between-subjects experiences of pain and cannabis use and quantity consumed.Results: Elevated experiences of pain were not associated with cannabis use occasions at the within- or between-subjects level. Experiences of pain were associated with greater amount of cannabis consumed at the within-subjects level, but not at the between-subjects level.Conclusions: Experiences of pain are not associated with decisions about whether or not to use cannabis. Once cannabis users are in cannabis-using situations, they tend to use larger amounts when they are experiencing elevated levels of pain. This may have implications for cannabis abuse treatment as pain may make it more difficult for users to reduce their consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humulus lupulus L. is a plant from cannabinaceac family which is grown in Iran as well as most regions round the world. The present study aimed at examining effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Humulus lupulus L. hops on blood pictures in male rats. Rats were randomly assigned to seven groups of ten, including one control group (no treatment). All of the six groups under the study were exposed 7 weeks to 25% tween 80° solution (1 ml/kg/day), olive oil (1 ml/kg/day), hydroalcoholic extract of Humulus lupulus L. (H) at 50, 150, or 450 mg/kg/day, as well as Di Ethyl Stilbestrol (DES) (100 μg/Kg BW). Having performed the experiments, the researcher removed rats’ blood serums from the due blood samples and kept them all frozen for usage. After all, results were analyzed by one way-ANOVA statistical method (p < 0.05). Comparing to the control group, it was observed that exposure to Humulus lupulus L. can increase MCH, MCV, Hb, and Hct levels, whereas exposure to DES can significantly reduce Hb and MCHC levels. The present investigation demonstrates that contrary to that of the DES, applying high doses of phytoestrogen can stimulate erythroid colony formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We resolve three problems concerning the three entire-leaved species of Neotropical Trema. 1) Phylogenetic and morphological results showed that T. integerrima (Beurl.) Standl., T. domingensis Urb., and T. laxiflora Lundell are a single species; therefore, we combine them under a single name. 2) The date of publication gives priority to T. integerrima, as the basionym Sponia integerrima Beurl. was published in 1856. However, the type specimen, Billberg 308 (S), is not a species of Trema but Pouzolzia obliqua (Wedd.) Wedd. (Urticaceae); therefore, Sponia integerrima Beurl. is a new synonym of P. obliqua. The next available name for the entire-leaved species is T. domingensis, published in 1912. 3) The type of T. domingensis, Fuertes 312, is a mixed collection. Specimens of Fuertes 312 held at B, NY, U, and USD are T. domingensis, while those at P, G, US, and Z are Celtis trinervia Lam. We provide a historical review to understand how these problems arose and persisted unnoticed for decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nodules harboring nitrogen-fixing rhizobia are a well-known trait of legumes, but nodules also occur in other plant lineages, with rhizobia or the actinomycete Frankia as microsymbiont. It is generally assumed that nodulation evolved independently multiple times. However, molecular-genetic support for this hypothesis is lacking, as the genetic changes underlying nodule evolution remain elusive. We conducted genetic and comparative genomics studies by using Parasponia species (Cannabaceae), the only nonlegumes that can establish nitrogen-fixing nodules with rhizobium. Intergeneric crosses between Parasponia andersonii and its nonnodulating relative Trema tomentosa demonstrated that nodule organogenesis, but not intracellular infection, is a dominant genetic trait. Comparative transcriptomics of P. andersonii and the legume Medicago truncatula revealed utilization of at least 290 orthologous symbiosis genes in nodules. Among these are key genes that, in legumes, are essential for nodulation, including NODULE INCEPTION (NIN) and RHIZOBIUM-DIRECTED POLAR GROWTH (RPG). Comparative analysis of genomes from three Parasponia species and related nonnodulating plant species show evidence of parallel loss in nonnodulating species of putative orthologs of NIN, RPG, and NOD FACTOR PERCEPTION. Parallel loss of these symbiosis genes indicates that these nonnodulating lineages lost the potential to nodulate. Taken together, our results challenge the view that nodulation evolved in parallel and raises the possibility that nodulation originated ~100 Mya in a common ancestor of all nodulating plant species, but was subsequently lost in many descendant lineages. This will have profound implications for translational approaches aimed at engineering nitrogen-fixing nodules in crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficient available phosphorus (P) in soils can majorly limit crop production. Furthermore, nodule formation in legumes is inhibited in P-deficient soil. Phosphate-solubilizing rhizobia are supposed to improve the plant P uptake even in insoluble P accumulated soil. We investigated the utilization of insoluble ferric phosphate, which is generally less available for agricultural crops, by Sesbania cannabina inoculated with phosphate-solubilizing rhizobia. Our evaluation of the Psolubilizing capacity showed that P was mineralized from ferric phosphate in inoculated rhizobia. In the soluble P treatment, nodule dry weight was significantly correlated with shoot dry weight and P content. Nodule dry weight and nitrogenase activity in S. cannabina supplied with ferric phosphate were significantly higher than those in the soluble P treatment. But, these increases were not necessarily effective on P status in the plants supplied with ferric phosphate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to explore the nature and features of cannabis festivals, characteristics of festival participants, and reasons for attendance. A field study in two European cities (Amsterdam and Berlin) included participant observation at the festivals, interviews with local organizers, and a survey among festival attendees (n = 728). Both festivals had common features, but also showed distinct differences. At both festivals, nine out of 10 participants were current, often daily cannabis users. Participants were mainly young adults (mean = 26.2 years), but younger in Berlin than in Amsterdam. Common reasons for festival attendance were "protest/activism" and "entertainment." Protest/activism was more likely in Berlin, among daily cannabis users, and participants aged 25+ years. Entertainment was more likely in Amsterdam, among non-daily cannabis users, and participants younger than 25 years. Although similar in political aim, cannabis festivals are characterized by distinctive local features, as well as differences in attendee profile and reasons for festival participation. Findings suggest that the latter differences are driven by differences in cannabis policy, with a stronger tendency towards protest/activism in countries with a less liberal, or more restrictive, cannabis policy. Future research should include more countries, representing a wider variation in cannabis policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasponia represents five fast-growing tropical tree species in the Cannabaceae and is the only plant lineage besides legumes that can establish nitrogen-fixing nodules with rhizobium. Comparative analyses between legumes and Parasponia allows identification of conserved genetic networks controlling this symbiosis. However, such studies are hampered due to the absence of powerful reverse genetic tools for Parasponia. Here, we present a fast and efficient protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis of Parasponia andersonii. Using this protocol, knockout mutants are obtained within 3 months. Due to efficient micro-propagation, bi-allelic mutants can be studied in the T0 generation, allowing phenotypic evaluation within 6 months after transformation. We mutated four genes - PanHK4, PanEIN2, PanNSP1, and PanNSP2 - that control cytokinin, ethylene, or strigolactone hormonal networks and that in legumes commit essential symbiotic functions. Knockout mutants in Panhk4 and Panein2 displayed developmental phenotypes, namely reduced procambium activity in Panhk4 and disturbed sex differentiation in Panein2 mutants. The symbiotic phenotypes of Panhk4 and Panein2 mutant lines differ from those in legumes. In contrast, PanNSP1 and PanNSP2 are essential for nodule formation, a phenotype similar as reported for legumes. This indicates a conserved role for these GRAS-type transcriptional regulators in rhizobium symbiosis, illustrating the value of Parasponia trees as a research model for reverse genetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty one species of gall forming midges in the genus Celticecis Gagné 1983 have been reported in North America, but there is limited information regarding the northeastern range of these species. To gain a greater understanding of the range of these cecidomyiids, hackberries ( Celtis spp.) were surveyed for galls formed by Celticecis spp. at selected sites in south central and eastern Pennsylvania, northwestern New Jersey, southeastern New York state, and at one site in southeastern Connecticut. Galls were identified by morphology, and the species of gall formers were confirmed by considering the morphology of third instar larval sternal spatulas. Hackberry galls formed by ten Celticecis species were found to occur in Pennsylvania, with nine representing new state records. Hackberry galls formed by nine Celticecis species were found in New Jersey, with all nine representing new state records. Hackberry galls formed by five species of Celticecis were identified in southeastern New York, with four representing new state records, and galls of one Celticecis species were found at a site in southeastern Connecticut, representing a new state record for this species. This study expands the northeastern range of a large number of gall forming midges of the genus Celticecis in northeastern North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Trema micrantha is a tree widely distributed throughout the Americas. The tree produces highly palatable leaves that have been associated with natural poisoning in goats, sheep and horses, in which hepatic necrosis and hepatic encephalopathy have been observed. Objectives: This study describes malacia and haemorrhage in the central nervous system (CNS) due to T. micrantha consumption, with minimal to absent hepatic lesions. Study design: Retrospective case series. Methods: A total of 14 horses with a history of neurological signs and spontaneous consumption of T. micrantha leaves were submitted to necropsy and multiple samples were collected for histopathology. Details of clinical history and signs of the horses were obtained through inquiries to the owners and attending veterinarians. Results: All the 14 horses had neurological signs of ataxia, severe sialorrhoea, involuntary running movements, sternal and lateral recumbency, and death after a clinical course that lasted from 24 h to 9 days. For a few days prior to onset of clinical signs, all horses had spontaneously consumed, potentially toxic doses of T. micrantha leaves. All 14 brains had diffuse yellowish discoloration affecting the rhombencephalon, mesencephalon, diencephalon, telencephalon and corpus striatum. In all cases, the most severe lesions were observed in the pons. Spinal cord lesions were observed affecting the lumbar intumescence, which was swollen with darken and depressed areas at the dorsal and ventral horns, and at the sacral level, which on cut surface displayed a friable and yellowish grey matter. The lesions observed grossly in brain and spinal cord consisted microscopically of severe vasculitis and liquefactive necrosis of white and grey matter of the brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord. Main limitations: This is a small retrospective series relying on clinical observations reported by owners and attending veterinarians. The mechanism of action of the plant toxin in the CNS is still unidentified. Conclusion: T. micrantha poisoning in horses causes predominantly a neurological disease, with minimal to absent hepatic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted using 120-day old colored broiler chickens to evaluate the effect of different levels of anabiong leaf meal (ALM) on the growth performance of broilers. Chicks were randomly distributed into four treatments replicated thrice with 10 chicks per replication. The experiment was laid out using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with the following treatments: T1 - Control (Formulated ration without ALM); T2 - Formulated ration with 5% ALM; T3 - Formulated ration with 7.5% ALM and T4 - Formulated ration with 10% ALM. Results showed that broilers fed with 5% ALM had significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight and gain in weight on the 5th and 6th week of the study. Results obtained in terms of the cumulative feed consumption, percentage rate of growth, dressing percentage with and without giblets, feed conversion ratio and efficiency were similar among treatments. With regards to income above feed cost, broilers fed ration with 5% ALM obtained the highest return of Php 134.75 per broiler, followed by the broilers fed with 7.5% level of ALM and without ALM. Results suggest that ALM at 5% and 7.5% level can be safely used as feed ingredients to broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humulus scandens is an herbaceous annual twining of fast growth. It was introduced as ornamental and it has been naturalized in effluent drains in center-north Argentina, with a negative impact on the natural riparian vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibre hemp is grown for a multitude of end products derived from its cannabinoids, seed, fibre and wooden core. A key factor that influences the quantity and quality of the production of hemp is nitrogen fertilization. The aim of this study was to determine the response of five well-adapted industrial hemp cultivars to different nitrogen fertilization rates during the 2016 growing season. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with two replicates, five main plots (hemp cultivars: 'Bialobrzeskie', 'Tygra', 'Felina 32', 'Sanhtica 27', 'Futura 75') and sub-plots [fertilization treatments: control (N0), fertilizer 46-0-0 at 120 kg ha-1 (N1), 180 kg ha-1 (N2), 240 kg ha-1 (N3)]. For the computation of height, biomass yield, stem dry weight, length and weight of the inflorescences and mean seed weight, 10 plants were randomly selected in each plot. In general, increasing N fertilization rate positively impacts hemp biomass yield, stem dry weight, plant height, and inflorescence indices. Biomass yield, stem dry weight and inflorescence weight increased by 37.3%, 48.2% and 16%, respectively, with the application of 240 kg N ha-1 when compared with the unfertilized control. Plant height and inflorescence length increased from 1.66 to 1.76 m and from 66.2 to 82.9 cm, respectively, with the application of the higher N rate compared with the control, while there were no significant differences between the fertilization treatments for mean seed weight. The varieties 'Tygra' and 'Futura 75' showed the highest values for all the measurement characters. Our results indicate that hemp responded well to the addition of N fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the abilities of cannabidiolic acid methyl ester (HU-580) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) to enhance 5-HT1A receptor activation in vitro and produce 5-HT1A -mediated reductions in nausea and anxiety in vivo.Experimental Approach: We investigated the effects of HU-580 and CBDA on (i) activation by 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin of human 5-HT1A receptors in CHO cell membranes, using [35 S]-GTPγS binding assays, (ii) gaping by rats in acute and anticipatory nausea models, and (iii) stress-induced anxiety-like behaviour, as indicated by exit time from the light compartment of a light-dark box of rats subjected 24 h earlier to six tone-paired foot shocks.Key Results: HU-580 and CBDA increased the Emax of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin in vitro at 0.01-10 and 0.1-10 nM, respectively, and reduced signs of (i) acute nausea at 0.1 and 1 μg·kg-1 i.p. and at 1 μg·kg-1 i.p., respectively, and (ii) anticipatory nausea at 0.01 and 0.1 μg·kg-1 , and at 0.1 μg·kg-1 i.p. respectively. At 0.01 μg·kg-1 , HU-580, but not CBDA, increased the time foot-shocked rats spent in the light compartment of a light-dark box. The anti-nausea and anti-anxiety effects of 0.01 or 0.1 μg·kg-1 HU-580 were opposed by the 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY100635 (0.1 mg·kg-1 i.p.).Conclusions and Implications: HU-580 is more potent than CBDA at enhancing 5-HT1A receptor activation, and inhibiting signs of acute and anticipatory nausea, and anxiety. Consequently, HU-580 is a potential medicine for treating some nausea and anxiety disorders and possibly other disorders ameliorated by enhancement of 5-HT1A receptor activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The psychoactive indole alkaloid ibogaine has been associated with encouraging treatment outcomes for opioid dependence. The legal status of ibogaine in New Zealand provides a unique opportunity to evaluate durability of treatment outcomes.Objective: To examine longitudinal treatment effects over a 12-month period among individuals receiving legal ibogaine treatment for opioid dependence.Method: This observational study measured addiction severity as the primary outcome in 14 participants (50% female) over 12 months post-treatment using the Addiction Severity Index-Lite (ASI-Lite) following a single ibogaine treatment by either of two treatment providers. Secondary effects on depression were assessed via the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). The Subjective Opioid Withdrawal Scale (SOWS) was collected before and immediately after treatment to measure opioid withdrawal symptoms.Results: Nonparametric comparisons via Friedman Test between baseline and 12-month follow-up for participants completing all interviews (n = 8) showed a significant reduction for the ASI-Lite drug use (p = 0.002) composite score. Reductions in BDI-II scores from baseline to 12-month follow-up were also significant (p < 0.001). Significant reductions in SOWS scores for all participants (n = 14) were also observed acutely after treatment (p = 0.015). Patients with partial data (n = 4) also showed reductions in ASI-Lite drug use scores and family/social status problems. One patient enrolled in the study died during treatment.Conclusion: A single ibogaine treatment reduced opioid withdrawal symptoms and achieved opioid cessation or sustained reduced use in dependent individuals as measured over 12 months. Ibogaine's legal availability in New Zealand may offer improved outcomes where legislation supports treatment providers to work closely with other health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims at developing a continuous intensified green process to extract high-value added molecules from industrial hemp by-products. Hemp hurds and hemp dust were studied as potential sources for the production of two hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA): ferulic (FA) and p- coumaric acids ( p -CA). Prior to pilot scale extraction, FA and p -CA analytical contents were evaluated to 0.3 and 3.5 g/kg dry matter (DM) for hemp hurds and 0.1 and 0.8 g/kg DM for hemp dust as potentials of reference. The continuous pilot scale extraction was then carried out using twin-screw extrusion. Mild conditions were developed: 50 °C, alkaline aqueous or hydroalcoholic solvent (less than 0.5 M NaOH) and low liquid to solid ratios. The mechanical effect helps the diffusion of the solvent, promotes the hydrolysis of the ester and ether bonds and favors the extraction of HCA in a short time. Yields in p- CA and FA reached 50% and 33% of the free and bound contents for hemp hurds. For hemp dust, all of p- CA was extracted whereas 60% of FA was recovered. The solid residue may be submitted to a second extraction stage with a polar solvent in order to increase HCA recovery. Extraction by extrusion could be seen as an alternative green processing technique as it is responsible for a reduction of extraction time and energy and a decrease in solvent and reagent consumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of defatted hemp cake added to corn grits (at ratios of 0, 5, and 10% DM), the moisture content of the mixtures (15, 20, and 25%) and the temperature in the extruder ejection zone (150, 165, and 180°C) on the physical properties of extruded products have been investigated. Statistical optimisation of investigated extrusion conditions using the response surface methodology was performed. The hemp cake was completely defatted by means of a supercritical CO2 extraction. The extrusion was performed on a laboratory single screw extruder and regulated by the following parameters: temperature in the dosing and compression zone (120 and 150°C), screw compression ratio (4 : 1), round die (4 mm). The change of extrusion process conditions significantly affected the physical properties of produced snacks. The expansion ratio ranged between 1.38 and 3.11, bulk density between 0.14 and 0.49 g/cm3, hardness between 18.15 and 70.62 N, fracturability from 3.65 to 10.38 mm, and the total colour change between 3.25 and 24.73. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foram realizados o georreferenciamento e as análises de avaliação de risco de extinção seguindo os critérios e categorias da IUCN para 32 espécies de Urticineae (Cannabaceae, Ulmaceae, Urticaceae e Moraceae) ocorrentes nas restingas do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Materiais correspondentes a essas espécies foram examinados nos principais herbários brasileiros, sendo selecionados 2524 registros para a avaliação. Dentre as 32 espécies, Ampelocera glabra, Celtis spinosa, Ficus cyclophylla, F.nevesiae, Maclura brasiliensis e Phyllostylon brasiliense encontraram-se ameaçadas de extinção, já Brosimum guianense, Dorstenia arifolia, Ficus castellviana, F.pulchella, Sorocea guilleminiana e S. hilarii deixaram de ser consideradas ameaçadas de extinção pelo recente estudo. Os resultados apontaram, como localidades de importância conservacionista, os municípios de Armação de Búzios, Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro e Saquarema.

Trema micrantha é uma planta arbórea distribuída amplamente no Brasil. Descrevem-se nesse trabalho novos aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos relacionados com a intoxicação por essa planta em equídeos. Dois equinos adultos da raça Crioula e dois asininos, de localidades distintas, foram intoxicados naturalmente por Trema micrantha, após consumirem grande quantidade da planta que ficou disponível a eles após uma poda. Além disso, um cavalo adulto, de outra propriedade, que estava passando por restrição alimentar, se intoxicou após consumir as partes baixas de um grande número de árvores jovens de T. micrantha. Clinicamente, em todos os equídeos a doença se caracterizou por alterações neurológicas, que apareceram três a quatro dias após o consumo da planta, com curso clínico de dois a quatro dias (abreviadas por eutanásia). Os principais achados de necropsia foram observados no fígado, que estavam levemente aumentados e com padrão lobular evidente e no sistema nervoso central (SNC), com múltiplas áreas amareladas, focos de malacia e hemorragia, principalmente, no tronco cerebral e cerebelo. Histologicamente, havia necrose hepática aguda, edema acentuado no SNC com degeneração fibrinoide da parede de vasos associada a hemorragia e trombose e, frequentemente, com infiltrado de neutrófilos. Outras alterações observadas nos encéfalos foram: grande quantidade de astrócitos de Alzheimer tipo II na substância cinzenta, acúmulos de células Gitter e degeneração Walleriana próxima a focos de lesões vasculares.

The main objective of this prospective longitudinal study was to investigate bidirectional associations between adolescent cannabis use (CU) and neurocognitive performance in a community sample of 294 young men from ages 13 to 20 years. The results showed that in early adolescence, and prior to initiation to CU, poor short-term and working memory, but high verbal IQ, were associated with earlier age of onset of CU. In turn, age of CU onset and CU frequency across adolescence were associated with (a) specific neurocognitive decline in verbal IQ and executive function tasks tapping trial and error learning and reward processing by early adulthood and (b) lower rates of high-school graduation. The association between CU onset and change in neurocognitive function, however, was found to be accounted for by CU frequency. Whereas the link between CU frequency across adolescence and change in verbal IQ was explained (mediated) by high school graduation, the link between CU frequency and tasks tapping trial and error learning were independent from high school graduation, concurrent cannabis and other substance use, adolescent alcohol use, and externalizing behaviors. Findings support prevention efforts aimed at delaying onset and reducing frequency of CU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]