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As sources of inspiration for Nicolas Poussin’s Apollo and Daphne, I have raised passages from Leone Ebreo’s Dialogues of Love. The main idea of this work is to foreground the contrast between Apollo, who emits a heat ray, and Daphne, the moisture that escapes in the form of vapor. The anachronic superimposition of Apollo’s passionate gaze on the path of Cupid’s lead arrow suggests the narrative content of Apollo’s pursuit of Daphne and Daphne’s refusal of Apollo, while at the same time evoking the naturalistic theme of Daphne, the vapor that escapes from the heat. In that Apollo and Daphne visualizes the mechanism of the ascent of water vapor, it can be said to contrast with Orion, which visualizes the mechanism of the descent of water vapor.

To explore diversity in cold hardiness mechanisms, high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to visualise freezing behaviours in wintering Daphne kamtschatica var. jezoensis flower buds, which have naked florets and no bud scales. MRI images showed that anthers remained stably supercooled to the range from -14 to -21°C or lower while most other tissues froze by -7°C. Freezing of some anthers detected in MRI images between -14 and -21°C corresponded with numerous low temperature exotherms and also with the 'all-or-nothing' type of anther injuries. In ovules/pistils, only embryo sacs remained supercooled at -7°C or lower, but slowly dehydrated during further cooling. Cryomicroscopic observation revealed ice formation in the cavities of calyx tubes and pistils but detected no ice in embryo sacs or in anthers. The distribution of ice nucleation activity in floral tissues corroborated the tissue freezing behaviours. Filaments likely work as the ice blocking barrier that prevents ice intrusion from extracellularly frozen calyx tubes to connecting unfrozen anthers. Unique freezing behaviours were demonstrated in Daphne flower buds: preferential freezing avoidance in male and female gametophytes and their surrounding tissues (by stable supercooling in anthers and by supercooling with slow dehydration in embryo sacs) while the remaining tissues tolerate extracellular freezing.

BACKGROUND: Daphne pontica is an endemic plant grown wild in the North part of Iran, with anticancer activities. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the phytochemistry and screen the cytotoxic activity of new bioactive compounds against a panel of cancer cells, in addition to proapototic properties against prostate cancer cells. METHOD: Purification procedure was done using repeated column chromatographies by MPLC and HPLC systems. The structures were elucidated by the NMR and exact mass spectroscopy, stereochemistry by NOESY, and absolute configuration by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Cytotoxicity was done against DU 145, LNCaP, HeLa, MCF-7, and MDA-MB 231 cells by standard MTT assay. An annexin V/PI assay was performed to measure the type of death following treatment with these compounds for 48 h, followed by the caspase-3 activity test. RESULTS: In this study, one new dilignan named lignopontin A (9), in addition to 13 known compounds including two phenolic acids (3, 5), one flavanone (6), one bis flavonoid (1), one cumarin glycoside (2), one mono (4) and two dicumarins (10, 11), two lignans (7, 8), and three daphnane diterpenoids (12-14) were isolated for the first time from D. pontica stems. Complete spectral data of compound 12, named as 6,7α-epoxy-5β-hydroxy-9,13,14-ortho-(4,2E)-pentadeca-2,4-diene-1-yl)-resiniferonol, and compound 14, named as 6,7α-epoxy-5β-hydroxy-9,3,14-ortho-(2,4E)-pentadeca-2,4-di-1-yl)-resiniferonol-12β-yl-acetate are reported for the first time. In the MTT assay of newly described compounds against a panel of cancer cells, compounds 9, 12, and 14 possessed moderate to potent cytotoxicity against prostate, breast, and cervical cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis against prostate cancer cells indicated that the cytotoxicity of compounds 12 and 14 was due to their ability to induce apoptosis. In the case of compound 9, in Du 145 cells, cell death was mainly through apoptosis. In contrast, LNCaP cells showed both apoptosis and necrotic cell death, predominated by necrosis at the higher concentrations. Caspase-3 activity confirmed apoptosis observed in these compounds through the caspase pathway in prostate cancer cells. CONCLUSION: D. pontica is a new source of dimeric phenolic compounds, including bisflavonoids, phenylpropanoid-cumarin adduct, and dilignans, as well as daphnane diterpenoids with resiniferonol core with long-chain orthoester moieties. In cytotoxicity screening, compounds 9, 12, and 14 inhibited the growth of DU-145 and LNCaP cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC(50) varied from 0.9 – 27.3 and 25.2 - 87.4 μM, respectively. Among them, 9 exhibited selective growth inhibition against DU 145 treated cells. LNCaP cells demonstrated the highest sensitivity to treatment with compound 12. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40199-022-00434-y.

Recording data with the help of photons and neutrons is limited to bigger institutes. Besides the limited time slots, this process is also quite expensive. To save resources, DAPHNE4NFDI focuses on creating ontologies and infrastructure to make all data from its participants FAIR. This enables users not only to use existing data but also to automatically fetch data for analysis. This analysis process can also be started in the institute context. This way, analysis can be made repeatable as well, because the used software is stored and versioned at the institutes. Three big building blocks for this project are ontologies, metadata catalogs and a common search across all institutes. Onthologies are used to have the same names for the same variable or technique. Meta-data catalogs essentially are databases that store meta-data of the collected data. This meta-data describes the environment the data was collected in. The common search, along with the ontologies and meta-data catalogs, then enable users around the world to search for data by its meta-data. A problem that other projects share is the sharing and tracking of data across multiple instances. If a sample is created in one institute and then taken to another one, the data has to be shared. Should the sample be altered or destroyed, this change has to be communicated to everyone else in order to save the whole life-cycle. At JCNS we use the instrument control software Nicos. Nicos implements the concepts of data-sinks, which enables us to save the recorded data in multiple ways. To decouple Nicos and the meta-data catalog, we plan to use a structure that buffers every request. The two biggest advantages are network connection independence and logging of all operations., {"references":["Florian Rhiem, Daniel Kaiser, Malte Deckers, MayerBjoern, rnoffke, Maximilian H, Nicolas CARPi, nilsholle, & User-1236. (2022). sciapp/sampledb: v0.20.0 (v0.20.0). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6327420","Chris Gwilliams, Gareth Murphy, stephan271, Luke Gorman, Hannes Petri, & Thomas A Caswell. (2019). SciCatProject/catamel v2.9.1 (v2.9.1). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2537740"]}

Wikstroemia zhejiangensis (Thymelaeaceae: Thymelaeoideae), a new endemic species from Zhejiang, China, is described and illustrated. Wikstroemia gaomushanensis is a new combination based on Daphne gaomushanensis. Owning to the four stamens alternating with the calyx lobes, and cup-like disk scales, these two species do not fit into an existing section. Therefore, a new section of Wikstroemia, sect. Zhejiangenses, is identified. Notes on the distribution, ecology, conservation status, and pollen micromorphology of Wikstroemia zhejiangensis and W. gaomushanensis are provided.

Gynodioecy is assumed to be an evolutionary transition from hermaphroditism to dioecy. However, if hermaphrodites can better flexibly regulate seed production depending on resource availability than females, i.e. sex-differential plasticity (SDP), gynodioecy can be a stable state. In the gynodioecious shrub Daphne jezoensis, hermaphrodites generally exhibit low seed fertility and largely act as males. We examined the SDP hypothesis and the cost of fruit production to clarify why D. jezoensis did not evolve into unisexual morphs. We evaluated the size and resource dependency of reproduction in field experiments by manipulating soil nutrient and light conditions. We compared the plant size and pollen production among females, fruiting hermaphrodites and non-fruiting hermaphrodites. We then analysed the effect of current fruit production on subsequent flower production, i.e. the cost of fruit production. The fruiting ability was independent of plant size and resource availability in both sexual phenotypes, indicating the absence of SDP in D. jezoensis. Hermaphrodites produced larger-sized pollen and allocated more resources to pollen production in the non-fruiting year than in the fruiting year. In contrast, the cost of fruit production was not revealed for either sexual phenotype, even in the absence of pollen limitation, and even when fruit production was maximized. SDP could not explain the maintenance of hermaphrodites in D. jezoensis. Alternatively, the lower cost of fruit production in hermaphrodites due to their potentially low fruiting ability may hinder the evolutionary shift to dioecy.

Le sanctuaire oraculaire d’Apollon à Daphné a fait la célébrité du faubourg et dans une certaine mesure celle d’Antioche sur l’Oronte. L’exceptionnelle abondance des sources et la luxuriance de la nature semblaient prédestiner le site au culte divin. Apollon, le protecteur de la dynastie séleucide et l’ancêtre de la dynastie, était le destinataire de ce culte privilégié par les rois. Mais d’autres cultes trouvaient leur place dans l’enceinte sacrée, ceux d’Artémis, de Zeus et des Nymphes. Après avoir souligné l’importance fondamentale des sources et du bois sacré, véritables emblèmes de Daphné, l’article esquisse les contours d’un panthéon daphnéen. Ensuite se pose la question de l’inscription du domaine sacré dans l’espace (la localisation), d’autant que la relation du temple avec l’eau des sources de Daphné conditionne la vocation oraculaire du sanctuaire. Enfin, les pratiques divinatoires, connues essentiellement par les auteurs chrétiens, permettent, si mystérieuses qu’elles soient, de mieux comprendre le rayonnement et la célébrité du sanctuaire, avant que l’incendie du temple, en un temps de christianisation rapide, ne signe la fin définitive d’un culte pluriséculaire. The sanctuary of Apollo at DaphneThe oracular shrine of Apollo at Daphne made the popularity of the suburb, and to a certain extent, that of Antioch-on-the-Orontes. The springs’ exceptional abundance and the lushness of the nature seemed to predestine this place to divine worship. Apollo, protector and ancestor of the Seleucid dynasty, was the recipient of this cult favoured by the kings. But other worships also took place inside the sacred precinct, such as those of Artemis, Zeus and the Nymphs. After stressing the fundamental importance of the springs and the sacred grove, which were the real symbols of Daphne, we propose an outline of Daphne’s pantheon. The next question concerns the sacred domain’s inscription into space (that is to say: its location), especially as the relationship between the temple and Daphne’s water springs determined the oracular vocation of the shrine. Finally, however mysterious they might be, the divinatory practices, essentially known by the Christian texts, allow for a better comprehension of the shrine’s prestige and celebrity, before the temple’s fire, at a time of fast Christianisation, signed the definitive end of a centuries-old cult. معبد أبولو في دافنيأعطى معبد أبولو في دافني شهرة للضاحية ونوعاً ما لأنطاكية على العاصي. ويبدو أن الوفرة الاستثنائية للمصادر وغنى الطبيعة قد كان وراء قدرها بأن تصبح مدينة ذات شعائر دينية، مكرسة من قبل الملوك لأبولو حامي السلالة السلوقية وسلفها بذات الوقت. كما توجد بض الطقوس الأخرى ضمن الحرم المقدس وهي منذورة لأرتميس لوزيوس وللحوريات. يحتوي هذا المقال، بعد الإشارة إلى أهمية الينابيع والخشب المقدس وهي الرموز الحقيقية لدافني، على ملامح مجمع أرباب دافني (بانثيون)، وكذلك يطرح التساؤل حول توثيق الفضاء المقدس ضمن المساحة (تحديد موقعه) لأن علاقة المعبد بمياه منابع دافني كانت تطبع الدعوة النبيلة للمعبد. وأخيراُ تسمح الممارسات الإلهية التي كانت بطبيعتها غامضة، المعروفة أساساً من قبل المؤلفين المسيحيين من أجل فهم إشراق وشهرة المعبد، قبل أن يأتي زمن المسيحية لينهي إلى الأبد شعائر ممتدة لعدة قرون.

To investigate in vitro anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant and in vivo hypoglycaemic effects of crude methanolic extracts (CMEs) of Berberis baluchistanica and Daphne oleoides. MTT assay for cytotoxicity on HeLa and NIH cells, disc diffusion protocols for antimicrobial and DPPH assay for antioxidant potential were applied. In vivo hypoglycaemic effect was investigated on Alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. D. oleoides CME exhibited moderate cytotoxic behaviour against HeLa cells (IC

This study aimed to assess the effects of total flavonoid extracts (TFDG) and the monomers of Daphne genkwa on the CYP2C8 activity in vitro and in vivo.The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC

Hua-Feng Yin,1,2 Chun-Ming Yin,3 Ting Ouyang,4 Shu-Ding Sun,1 Wei-Guo Chen,1 Xiao-Lin Yang,5 Xin He,6 Chun-Feng Zhang1 1School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 2Jiangxi QingFeng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China; 3Emergency Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China; 4School of Chinese Materia Medical, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 5Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China; 6School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xin HeSchool of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +852-54445989Email xhe06@qub.ac.ukChun-Feng ZhangSchool of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-25-86185129Email zhangchunfeng67@163.comPurpose: The aim of the present study was to develop an optimized Genkwanin (GKA)-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) formulation to enhance the solubility, intestinal permeability, oral bioavailability and anti-colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) activity of GKA.Methods: We designed a SNEDDS comprised oil phase, surfactants and co-surfactants for oral administration of GKA, the best of which were selected by investigating the saturation solubility, constructing pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, followed by optimizing thermodynamic stability, emulsification efficacy, self-nanoemulsification time, droplet size, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), drug release and intestinal permeability. In addition, the physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of GKA-SNEDDS were characterized, and its anti-colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) activity and potential mechanisms were evaluated in AOM/DSS-induced C57BL/6J mice model.Results: The optimized nanoemulsion formula (OF) consists of Maisine CC, Labrasol ALF and Transcutol HP in a weight ratio of 20:60:20 (w/w/w), in which ratio the OF shows multiple improvements, specifically small mean droplet size, excellent stability, fast release properties as well as enhanced solubility and permeability. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that compared with GKA suspension, the relative bioavailability of GKA-SNEDDS was increased by 353.28%. Moreover, GKA-SNEDDS not only significantly prevents weight loss and improves disease activity index (DAI) but also reduces the histological scores of inflammatory cytokine levels as well as inhibiting the formation of colon tumors via inducing tumor cell apoptosis in the AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice model.Conclusion: Our results show that the developed GKA-SNEDDS exhibited enhanced oral bioavailability and excellent anti-CAC efficacy. In summary, GKA-SNEDDS, using lipid nanoparticles as the drug delivery carrier, can be applied as a potential drug delivery system for improving the clinical application of GKA.Keywords: insoluble herbal drug, nanoparticle-based drug delivery system, intestinal permeability, pharmacokinetics, anticancer efficacy

Dès le début de la mission d’exploration archéologique d’Antioche en 1932, le faubourg de Daphné a bénéficié d’une attention toute particulière qui a permis de dégager les restes de riches villas suburbaines, un théâtre, des vestiges des aqueducs et une petite église byzantine. Toutefois, si ces quelques années d’exploration ont permis de mieux appréhender la topographie des lieux, elles se sont limitées principalement à la partie septentrionale du plateau et n’ont donc pas permis de retrouver des traces du célèbre sanctuaire apollinien. Les études récentes ont complété notre connaissance du faubourg, en particulier par l’étude de photographies aériennes de l’époque du protectorat français et quelques découvertes fortuites. Archaeological topography of the Daphne suburb Abstract – From the beginning of the archaeological exploration of Antioch in 1932, the suburb of Daphne has received particular attention, so that some remains of luxurious villas, a theatre, rests of aqueducts and a little byzantine church have been excavated. Such fieldwork allowed to better understand the topography of the site. However, it concerned mainly the northern part of the plateau, and didn’t permit to discover remains of the famous sanctuary of Apollo. Recent studies have completed our knowledge of the suburb, in particular through the analysis of aerials photographs from the period of the French mandate and fortuitous discoveries. الطبوغرافية الأثرية لضاحية دافنيحظيت ضاحية دافني منذ بداية بعثات التنقيب الأثري في أنطاكية في عام ١٩٣٢ باهتمام خاص أسفر عن الكشف عن بقايا فيلات غنية فخمة ومسرح وبقايا قنوات مائية وكنيسة بيزنطية صغيرة. ومع أن هذه السنوات القليلة من الاستكشاف قد مكنت من فهم تضاريس المكان بشكل أفضل إلا أنها اقتصرت بشكل أساسي على الجزء الشمالي من الهضبة وبالتالي لم تسمح لنا بالعثور على آثار معبد أبوللو الشهير. لقد كملّت الدراسات الحديثة معرفتنا بالضاحية ولا سيما من خلال دراسة الصور الجوية في فترة الانتداب الفرنسي وبعض الاكتشافات الطارئة.

We normally hardly notice the mass-produced paper products that pass through our hands on a daily basis, which we then recycle. In fact it has recently been predicted that books printed on paper will be replaced by digital formats. However, paper endures and specialist craft papers are now being produced in increasing quantities, especially valued by artists and conservators, but also by tourists visiting paper-producing areas around the world. Paper is therefore flourishing even in our computer and mobile-phone focused world. One of the areas benefiting from this revival is the Himalayas. As well as serving the tourist trade these products are now exported world-wide, as they were when paper first arrived in Europe in the eleventh century. There are even organisations that run Tibetan-style paper making workshops in Amer­ica. This paper focuses on the papermaking revival in Tibet (China), Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim (India). Using information gained from visits to producers, middle men, as well as retail and export operations, it seeks to compare the economic and social factors influencing the revival, including conservation issues. The conclusion highlights the fact that, even in the twenty first century, hand-crafted items still play an important rôle in our lives.

Daphne jejudoensis M. Kim (2013: 95) Isotypes: KOREA, Jeju-do: Seonheul, 15 March 2013, M . Kim 130201 (2 sheets, NIBRVP814935; Fig. 1 -17, NIBRVP815073). Paratype: KOREA, Jeju-do: Seonheul, 3 June 2013, M . Kim 13213 (NIBRVP814934). Note: In the protologue of D. jejudoensis, Lee et al. (2013: 95) designated five sheets of M. Kim 130201 at JNU as isotypes. Two sheets of isotypes were transferred to KB from JNU. Another two sheets of isotypes are conserved in KH (!), and the fifth sheet is conserved in NNH (!). Additionally, one specimen of paratype (M. Kim 13213) was transferred to KB from JNU, and Lee et al. (2013) reported the preservation of another paratype (Y. Kang s.n.) at KB; however, the specimen was indeed stored at KH (!), and not at KB. The holotype is conserved in KH (!)., Published as part of Jang, Hyun-Do, Hyun, Chang-Woo, Ryu, Seah & Lee, Sang-Jun, 2022, Type specimens of vascular plants in the herbarium of the National Institute of Biological Resources (II), pp. 229-243 in Phytotaxa 539 (3) on page 235, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.539.3.2, http://zenodo.org/record/6364084, {"references":["Lee, J., Lee, K. H., So, S., Choi, C. & Kim, M. (2013) A new species of Daphne (Thymelaeaceae): D. jejudoensis M. Kim. Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy 43: 94 - 98. https: // doi. org / 10.11110 / kjpt. 2013.43.2.94"]}

Guiding by LC-MS/MS analysis and the GNPS Molecular Networking, five undescribed daphnane diterpenoids, tanguticanines A-E, and eleven known analogues were discovered from the whole plants of Daphne tangutica Maxim. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined via extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis, ECD calculations, and X-ray diffraction crystallography. Tanguticanine E (5) exhibited promising cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cell line with an IC

Microglia are innate immune cells in the central nervous system that play a crucial role in neuroprotection by releasing neurotrophic factors, removing pathogens through phagocytosis, and regulating brain homeostasis. The constituents extracted from the roots and stems of the Daphne genkwa plant have shown neuroprotective effects in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. However, the effect of Daphne genkwa plant extract on microglia has yet to be demonstrated.To study the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of Daphne genkwa flower extract (GFE) in microglia and explore the underlying mechanisms.In-vitro mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase, Arginase1, and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in microglia cells. Nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α protein were respectively analyzed by Griess reagent and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Immunoreactivity of Iba-1, Neu-N, and BDNF in mouse brain were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Phagocytosis capacity of microglia was examined using fluorescent zymosan-red particles.GFE significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and promoted neuroprotection both in vitro and in vivo. First, GFE inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory factors NO, iNOS, and TNF-α in microglial cell lines and primary glial cells, thus demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects. Arginase1 and BDNF mRNA levels were increased in primary glial cells treated with GFE. Phagocytosis was also increased in microglia treated with GFE, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of GFE. In vivo, neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of GFE were also found in the mouse brain, as oral administration of GFE significantly inhibited LPS-induced neuronal loss and inflammatory activation of microglia.GFE has anti-inflammatory effects and promotes microglial neuroprotective effects. GFE inhibited the pro-inflammatory mediators and enhanced neuroprotective microglia activity by increasing BDNF expression and phagocytosis. These novel findings of the GFE effect on microglia show an innovative approach that can potentially promote neuroprotection for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Five new [daphneodorins D–H (1, 5, and 10–12)] and seven known daphnane diterpenoids (2–4 and 6–9) were isolated from Daphne odora. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive physicochemical and spectroscopic analysis. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-HIV activity against HIV-1 infection of MT4 cells. Nine daphnane diterpenoid orthoesters (1–9) showed potent anti-HIV activity with EC(50) values of 1.5–7.7 nM.

Objectives As a traditional Chinese medicine, lotus leaf was reported to have significant hepatoprotective effect. To explore the hepatoprotective mechanism of lotus leaf, a rapid and reliable UPLC-MS/MS method was conducted to simultaneously determine six specific endogenous substances including 5-oxoproline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, C18-phytosphingosine, lysophosphatidylcholine (16 : 0) and lysophosphatidylcholine (18 : 1). Methods With the help of HPLC–FT-ICR-MS, the chemical constituents of louts leaf extract were elucidated. By observing histopathological changes and determining hepatotoxicity-related biochemical indicators, rat model of liver injury was developed and the hepatoprotective effect of lotus leaf was verified. With the developed UPLC-MS/MS method, six endogenous metabolites related to hepatotoxicity were monitored to investigate the hepatoprotective mechanism of lotus leaf. Key findings In the qualitative analysis, a total of twenty compounds including ten flavonoids, nine alkaloids and one proanthocyanidin were identified. Based on the results of determining six endogenous metabolites related to hepatotoxicity, it was predicted that the hepatoprotective mechanism of lotus leaf might be related to glutathione metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and phospholipid metabolism. Conclusions This study could be a meaningful investigation to provide mechanistic insights into the hepatoprotective effect of lotus leaf and further lay a theoretical basis for the clinical application of lotus leaf.

Daphne altaica Pall. (D. altaica; Thymelaeaceae) has long been used in traditional Kazakh medicine for the treatment of cancer and respiratory diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated the in vitro anticancer effects of D. altaica extract and its constituents in certain cancer cell lines; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely understooD. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of an ethyl acetate extract of D. altaica (Da‑Ea) by assessing its effects on cell morphology, cell apoptosis, cell cycle progression and the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in Eca‑109 cells. Cell morphology was observed under a phase contrast microscope. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression were assessed by flow cytometry following Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) double staining and PI single staining, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARγ were determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. Compared with the control group, the percentage of apoptotic cells, cell cycle arrest at S phase and apoptotic morphological cell characteristics were increased in Da‑Ea‑treated Eca‑109 cells. Furthermore, Da‑Ea treatment upregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARγ compared with the control cells. High‑performance liquid chromatography with diode‑array detection indicated that daphnetin‑7‑O‑β‑D‑glucoside, daphnetin, demethyldaphnoretin‑7‑O‑β‑D‑glucopyranoside and genkwanol A were the main constituents of Da‑Ea. Collectively, the results suggested that Da‑Ea displayed antiproliferative activities in Eca‑109 cells by inducing apoptosis and S phase cell cycle arrest, as well as upregulating PPARγ expression levels.

Daphnane diterpenes with a 5/7/6-tricyclic ring system exhibit potent anti-HIV activity but are found in low abundance as plant natural products. In this study, an effective approach based on mass spectrometric fragmentation pathways was conducted to specifically recognize and isolate anti-HIV compounds of this type from Daphne genkwa. Briefly, the fragmentation pathways of reference analogues were elucidated based on characteristic ion fragments of m/z 323 → 295 → 267 or m/z 253 → 238 → 197 by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-IT-MS(n)) and then applied to the differentiations of substances with or without an oxygenated group at C-12. Twenty-seven daphnane diterpenes were successfully recognized from a petroleum ether extract of D. genkwa, including some potential new compounds and isomers that could not be identified accurately only from the ion fragments. Further separation of these target compounds using high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) and preparative HPLC led to the isolation of three new (11, 25, and 27) and 14 known compounds, whose structures were identified and confirmed based on MS, NMR, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. The isolates exhibited anti-HIV activities at nanomolar concentrations. The results demonstrated that this strategy is feasible and reliable to rapidly recognize and isolate daphnane diterpenes from D. genkwa.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed among women worldwide. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a transcriptional factor that plays an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer. Yuanhuatine, a natural daphnane-type diterpenoid extracted from Daphne genkwa, was reported to exhibit significant cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of yuanhuatine on two breast cancer cell lines that are ERα-positive and -negative. The results show that yuanhuatine inhibits the growth of ERα-positive cells (MCF-7) with much stronger inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.62 µM) compared with positive control tamoxifen (IC50 = 14.43 µM). However, no obvious cytotoxicity was observed in ERα-negative cells (MDA-MB-231). Subsequent experiment also indicated that yuanhuatine markedly induced mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Molecular docking studies suggest the potential interactions between yuanhuatine and ERα. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis indicated that yuanhuatine down-regulated the expression of ERα in MCF-7 cells. MPP, a specific ERα inhibitor, significantly enhanced yuanhuatine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. On the contrary, the treatment with yuanhuatine causes no apoptosis in MM231 cells. Altogether, in vitro and in silico results suggested that ERα down-regulation was involved in yuanhuatine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in ERα-positive breast cancer cells. Thus, yuanhuatine could be a potential candidate for treating ERα-positive breast cancer.

Chemical investigation of an alcoholic extract from the stem of

A molecular networking-guided study on the Daphne genkwa Sieb. et Zucc led to the isolation of twelve daphnane-type diterpenoids including four undescribed compounds, yuanhuakines A-D. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against the A549, Hep3B, and MCF-7 cell lines. The majority of compounds inhibited A549 cells with IC

The present study was undertaken to establish micromorphological standards of Daphne mucronata Royle and Myrtus communis (L.). Daphne mucronata Royle is a xerophytic perennial shrub while, Myrtus communis is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Micromorphological investigation is one of the cheapest methods. It will be helpful in the accurate identification of these plants from other species. Results of macroscopic evaluation showed various organoleptic features. Anatomy of the selected plant parts was carried out. It showed a typical dicot structure as it revealed the presence of epidermal cells, crystals, trichomes, cuticle, mesophyll tissues, xylem, phloem, paracytic, and dicytic stomata. Anatomical study facilitates the detection of adulteration with inferior commercial varieties, exhausted drugs, cheaper natural substances, and chemicals. Stomatal number, types, and size of stomata, and palisade ratio of Myrtus communis were observed. These observations will be helpful in the preparation of taxonomic key for the identification of selected species. Powder drug study [scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] showed characteristics histological differentiation. The methods cited here can be measured as characteristics to identify and validate these drugs.

Daphnenoids A-C (

There are abundant natural diterpenoids in the plants of the genus Daphne from the Thymelaeaceae family, featuring a 5/7/6-tricyclic ring system and usually with an orthoester group. So far, a total of 135 diterpenoids has been isolated from the species of the genus Daphne, which could be further classified into three main types according to the substitution pattern of ring A and oxygen-containing functions at ring B. A variety of studies have demonstrated that these compounds exert a wide range of bioactivities both in vitro and in vivo including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, antifertility, neurotrophic, and cholesterol-lowering effects, which is reviewed herein. Meanwhile, the fascinating structure–activity relationship is also concluded in this review in the hope of providing an easy access to available information for the synthesis and optimization of efficient drugs.

The genus Daphne is a treasure-house of secondary metabolites with various biological effects, which inspired Daphne bholua being fully investigated phytochemically and biologically for the first time. Here, seven undescribed guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids (1-7) along with thirteen known analogues (8-20) were targeted and isolated from D. bholua using molecular networking. Their chemical structure and configurations were established via NMR spectroscopy analysis, NMR and ECD calculations, Snatzke's method, along with single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Moreover, two pairs of sesquiterpene isomers, either with prominent biological properties or with unprecedented skeleton, were revised by means of computer-assisted structure elucidation, chemical shift calculator using deep learning, etc. The inhibitory potentials of all isolates against acetylcholinesterase were evaluated in vitro and in silico.

Seven triterpenoids (1-7), two prenylated coumarins (8 and 9), and one diphenylpropane (10), including five previously undescribed compounds (1-3, 8, and 10), were obtained from the stem and root barks of Daphne giraldii. The structures and absolute configurations of the new triterpenoids were established by NMR, HRESIMS, ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All identified compounds were tested for cytotoxicities (human tumour cell line Hep3B) and inhibitory effects on AChE in vitro. Notably, prenylated coumarins (8 and 9) exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities and 3-hydroxy-substituted triterpenoids (2 and 4) showed mild inhibitory effects on AChE. Furthermore, compounds 2 and 4 have also been subjected to molecular docking studies to investigate the inhibitory mechanism.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Daphnes Cortex (Daphne Giraldii Nitsche, DGN) is a popular traditional Chinese herbal medicine for traumatic injuries and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Shaanxi and Gansu provinces of China. Due to skin irritation caused by raw DGN (RDGN), licorice-processed DGN products are usually used in clinical practice. However, the efficacy and mechanisms of action between DGN and its licorice-processed DGN products in treating RA have not been compared. Aims This study compared the efficacy and elucidated the mechanisms in vitro and in vivo between RDGN and its licorice-processed DGN products in treating RA. Materials and methods A collagen-induced RA rat model was established, and treated with different doses of RDGN and its licorice-processed DGN products for 4 weeks to explore the therapeutic effects. The anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Analyses of the differential quality markers (DQMs) between DGN and its licorice-processed DGN products using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and non-targeted metabolomics analyses of rat synovial tissues were used to systematically explore correlations between DGN processing and its efficacy. Results Licorice-processed DGN products significantly ameliorated RA symptoms in CIA rats. Licorice-processed DGN products also regulated inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the serum and cell supernatants. Licorice-processed DGN products significantly inhibited Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B/NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3) signaling in CIA rats and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. The DQMs between RDGN and its licorice-processed DGN products were identified, most of which were amino acids or energy-related metabolites present in licorice-processed DGN products. Correlations between DQMs with differential metabolites and differential metabolic pathways were established. Conclusions Licorice-processed DGN products displayed better anti-inflammatory effects via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway on CIA rats and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, and regulation of the metabolic profile in treating RA.

The aim of the study was to determine the stable diagnostic traits of a Caucasian endemic plant Daphne axilliflora (Keissl.) Pobed. and study its phytochemical composition. The following stable diagnostic characteristic were identified during the microstructural analysis: leaf surface glabrous, hypostomatic, dorsoventral; epidermal cells chaotic; curved with curved walls on both the upper and lower epidermis; stomata anomocytic; well visible chloroplasts, rhomboid and needle shaped crystals in lower leaf epidermis; leaf vascular bundles reverse-collateral; vascular system monocyclic, bilateral; wood diffuse-porous; xylem parenchyma is apotracheal, scanty metatracheal; vessel walls are predominantly characterized by spiral and pitted thickening; collenchyma lamellar; radial rays in single rows, heterogeneous. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of terpene and phenolic substances, including coumarins. Two well-known coumarins (daphnin and daphnetin) were isolated and identified.

Nickel determination is important because of its use in many industrial areas and its negative effects on human health. In this study, an ultraviolet-based photochemical vapor generation (UV-PVG) setup was combined with a T-shaped zirconium-coated slotted quartz tube-atom trapping (T-SQT-AT) apparatus to boost the sensitivity of a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer for nickel determination. Nickel was separated from the sample matrix by converting it into its volatile species prior to online preconcentration by trapping on the zirconium-coated T-SQT inner surface. Analytical performance was maximized by optimizing all variable conditions. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found as 10 and 33 µg/L, respectively. Daphne tea and lake water samples were analyzed under optimum conditions, and there was no detectable nickel in the samples. For this purpose, spiking experiments were carried out for the samples in order to evaluate the applicability and accuracy of the method. The percent recovery values calculated for the two samples spiked at three different concentrations ranged between 90 and 112%. To our best knowledge, this is the first study in literature where UV-PVG was combined with T-SQT-AT for the determination of nickel in daphne tea and lake water samples prior to FAAS determination.

After a brief digression on the current landscape of theoretical physics and on some open questions pertaining to coherence with experimental results, still to be settled, it is shown that the properties of the deformed Minkowski space lead to a plurality of potential physical phenomena that should occur, provided that the resulting formalisms can be considered as useful models for the description of some aspects of physical reality. A list is given of available experimental evidence not easy to be interpreted, at present, by means of the more established models, such as the standard model with its variants aimed at overcoming its descriptive limits; this evidence could be useful to verify the predictions stemming from the properties of the deformed Minkowski space. The list includes anomalies in the double-slit-like experiments, nuclear metamorphosis, torsional antennas, as well as the physical effect of the “geometric vacuum” (as defined in analogy with quantum vacuum), in the absence of external electromagnetic field, when crossing critical thresholds of energy parameter values, energy density in space and energy density in time. Concrete opportunities are suggested for an experimental exploration of phenomena, either already performed but still lacking a widely accepted explanation, or conceivable in the application of the approach here presented, but not tackled until now. A tentative list is given with reference to experimental infrastructures already in operation, the performances of which can be expanded with limited additional resources.

Complete genome sequences of two cycas necrotic stunt virus (CNSV) isolates from Paeonia suffruticosa and Daphne odora were determined. Phylogenetic trees and pairwise comparisons using complete RNA1- and RNA2-encoded polyproteins showed that the two CNSV isolates are divergent (83.19%-89.42% in polyprotein 1 and 73.61%-85.78% in polyprotein 2). A comparative analysis based on taxonomic criteria for the species demarcation of nepoviruses confirmed that they are not new species but distinct variants. This is the first report of the complete genome sequences of CNSV detected in P. suffruticosa and D. odora, and the first report of CNSV infecting P. suffruticosa.

Chromatographic purification of the roots of Daphne genkwa led to 11 new guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids (1-11), named genkwanoids A-K, and six known analogues (12-17). A comprehensive set of spectroscopic methods including IR, UV, HRESIMS, and 1D/2D NMR were used to elucidate the structures and relative configurations of 1-11. The absolute configurations were determined by the optical rotation calculations and the modified Mosher's method. The possible biosynthetic pathways for 1-11 are proposed. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of 1-17 on H2O2-induced damage in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were screened using an MTT assay. Compounds 9, 10, and 16 exhibited moderate neuroprotective effects, with survival rates of 79.34%, 79.94%, and 75.64% after treatment with 12.5 μM, values that were comparable to the positive control, Trolox (78.65%). Furthermore, annexin V-FITC/PI staining of cells treated with 9, 10, and 16 showed that the neuroprotective effects of these compounds may arise from inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Daphne pseudomezereum A. Gray (Dpm) appears to be the only woody species in the north temperate forest that sheds its leaves in the summer while remaining green over winter (i.e. wintergreen leaf habit). Yet, the reason for this odd leaf habit has not been explored. To this end, we examined the microclimatic settings and ecophysiological traits of Dpm and its three native congeners in a field study of eight natural populations. In addition, we conducted a common garden experiment using Dpm plants where potential carbon gain across the seasons was estimated, using actual field microclimate data. Together, these data tested the hypothesis that Dpm retained traits of an open-grown upland ancestor, unable to adapt to the deep summer shade, it survived by becoming summer dormant and wintergreen. Our hypothesis was supported by patterns of leaf ecophysiological traits and carbon gain simulations in Dpm, consistent with the energetic feasibility of a summer dormancy followed by an autumn leaf sprout. We also conclude that carbon deficit driven by low light and high respiration cost is the trigger for the leaf habit of Dpm and assert that its phenological strategy represents a rare but viable alternative strategy for persistence in the temperate understory.

The fiWe have cloned two retrotransposons, one named SF-RT from Sogatella furcifera and another named NL-Rt from Nilaparvata lugens genome. Both SF-RT and NL-RT are members of the Daphne clade, and encode two open reading frames (ORFs) required for retrotransposition.We have gotten a methylated DNA fragments screened from S. furcifera genomes by methylation sensitive amplified fragment length polymorphism, and displayed higher cytosine methylation level in macropterous female adults than in brachypterous female adults. The methylated DNA fragment locate in the first ORF from 21bp to 319bp in SF-RT. Semiquantitative PCR analysis indicated that the detected gene fragments of SF-RT had higher expression in brachypterous female adult than in macropterous female adult, it means that the DNA methylationcan decline the gene expression in SF-RT.

Ethnopharmacological relevance As recorded in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, Genkwa Flos (YH) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GC) compose one herbal pair of the so-called “eighteen incompatible medicaments”, which indicate pairs of herbs that are mutually incompatible and that theoretically should not be applied simultaneously. However, the theory has been called into question due to a lack of evidence. Aims of study In this study, the incompatibility of YH and GC was investigated based on an assessment of the toxic effects of their combination by traditional safety methods and a modern metabonomic approach. Materials and methods Sprague-Dawley rats were used to evaluate the subacute toxicity of YH and YH-GC. The serum, urine, and several tissues were collected for biochemical analysis, histopathological examination, and metabonomic analysis. Results Rats exposed to a dose of 1.0 g/kg YH (3 times of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia maximum dose) exhibited toxicity of the heart, liver, kidney and testes, and rats exposed to a YH-GC combination (1.0 g/kg YH + 1.0 g/kg GC) exhibited similar hepatotoxicity, which aggravated renal and reproductive toxicity. Following this, a metabonomic study tentatively identified 14 potential biomarkers in the YH group and 10 potential biomarkers in the YH-GC group, and metabolic pathways were then constructed. YH disturbed the pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and sphingolipid metabolism, while YH-GC combination induced disruptions in phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Conclusion The toxicities of YH and YH-GC combination above the Chinese Pharmacopoeia dose were obvious but different. Metabonomics combined with biochemical and histopathological methods can be applied to elucidate the toxicity mechanism of the YH-GC combination that caused liver, kidney and reproductive injuries in rats.

Daphnegiravone D (DGD), a prenylated flavonoid from Daphne giraldii Nitsche, significantly inhibited cell growth of several cancer cell lines without cytotoxicity on human normal cells. Our previous study showed that DGD could induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B and HepG2 cells, but the detailed mechanism was still unclear. The present study provides that DGD-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress contribute to apoptotic cell death in Hep3B and HepG2 cells. Furthermore, there is a positive loop between oxidative stress and p38 activation, similar result is observed between nitrosative stress and p38. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species scavenger, could relieve DGD-induced oxidative stress, but exerts little effect on nitrosative stress. In addition, carboxy-PTIO (PTIO, a well-known scavenger of reactive nitrogen species) down-regulates the induction of nitrosative stress without obvious effect on oxidative stress in DGD-treated cells. In conclusion, the induction of oxidative and nitrosative stress could enhance p38-mediated apoptosis in DGD-treated Hep3B and HepG2 cells. Moreover, we speculated that OS and NS could not ultimately affect each other in DGD-treated HCC cells. This study gives a new insight on the mechanism of DGD-induced apoptotic cell death via oxidative and nitrosative stress in HCC cells.

Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) plays a crucial role in cancer and has become a promising target for cancer therapy. Daphnegiravone D (DGD), which could induce apoptosis and oxidative stress in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, but the detailed target protein was still unclear. The study provided that the possible target of DGD against HCC cells was determined by isobaric labels for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) assay. In all changed proteins the fold change of ATR was particularly significant. The results from GO, KEGG and PPI analysis showed that DNA damage, cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA repair related pathways changed and ATR was exactly related to them. Moreover, the mRNA and protein of ATR were both decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, and the results of molecular docking also verified the binding. Additionally, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) suggested that DGD could directly target at ATR protein. Furthermore, the knockdown of ATR could increase apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) which induced by DGD. Since ATR inhibitors were generally used in combination with chemotherapy drugs (especially DNA damage drugs) in clinical trials, we investigated the combined application of DGD and oxaliplatin. The results showed that DGD combined with OXA also increased the apoptosis and ROS production of Hep3B cells over either drug alone. Taken together, this study revealed that DGD targeting ATR could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver cancer.

Günümüzde insanların bilinçaltında varlığını sürdürdüğü mitoloji, tarihin en eski kavramlarından biridir. Mitler ve efsaneler, tarih boyunca bireyin ve toplumun yaşamına etki ederken, özellikle sanata verdikleri ilham sayesinde günümüze dek ulaşmayı başarmışlardır. Yüzyıllar boyunca sanatın geleneği haline gelen anlatı yapılarının temelini de mitlerde bulmak mümkündür. Geçmişten günümüze kadar ulaşan birçok efsanenin yanısıra, imkansız aşkın anlatıldığı mitolojik hikayeler insanlığın her döneminde dikkat çekmiştir. Bunlardan biri de en unutulmaz ve hüzün dolu aşklardan birisinin anlatıldığı Apollon ve Daphne mitidir. Hikayedeki kahramanların biri Işık Tanrısı olan Apollon, bir diğeri ise su perisi Daphne’dir. Mitte, kendisini aşka kapatmış ve hayatı boyunca evlenmeyi istemeyen Daphne, Apollon’un aşkı karşısında endişe ve korku içinde babasından yardım istemesi sonucu defne ağacına dönüştüğü anlatılmaktadır. Araştırmada verilen resim örnekleri, seyirci tarafından incelenirken, hangi döneme ait teknik ve uslup ile yapıldığı anlatılmıştır. Sanatçılar tarafından üretilen sanat eserlerinde konu edilen hikayenin, öncesi, olay anı ya da sonu görülmektedir. Dapne ve Apollon mitindeki Daphne’nin defne ağacına dönüşü, resim sanatında incelenirken efsane; Rönesans ve Barok dönemlerini kapsayarak olay örgüsü bazında ele alınmıştır. Mythology, which continues to exist in the subconscious of people today, is one of the oldest concepts in history. While myths and legends have influenced the life of the individual and society throughout history, they have managed to survive to the present day, especially with the inspiration they gave to art. It is possible to find the basis of narrative structures, which have become the tradition of art for centuries, in myths. In addition to many legends from the past to the present, mythological stories about impossible love have attracted attention in every period of humanity. One of them is the myth of Apollo and Daphne, in which one of the most unforgettable and sad loves is told. One of the heroes in the story is Apollo, the God of Light, and another is Daphne, the nymph. In the myth, it is told that Daphne, who has closed herself in love and did not want to marry all her life, turns into a laurel tree as a result of her asking for help from her father in fear and anxiety in the face of Apollo's love. While the painting samples given in the research were examined by the audience, the technique and style of the period they were made were explained. In the works of art produced by the artists, the pre-period, while-period and post-period of the story can be seen. While the turn of Daphne into the laurel tree in the myth of Daphne and Apollo is examined in the art of painting, the legend was discussed on the basis of the plot, covering the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Food and cleaning products are the most basic living materials. Soap is a cleaning agent. The first known record of the production of soap, belong the Sumerians in BC 2500 years. Soap making has been developed and has survived to the present day. The products of olive and laurel plants are used in the construction of natural laurel soap. Olive and daphne are typical plants of the Mediterranean climate. Olive is among the first plants to be tamed. The laurel plant grows naturally in the Mediterranean climate. The laurel plant is not cultured. The construction of the natural laurel soap used today is transferred to the literature and presented to interest of the researchers and developers

This paper examines how a complex of ideas involving memory and materiality can offer a new way to view metamorphosis in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Through the embodiment of power in transformed things, Ovid uses several of the episodes in the poem to push back against mutability and loss of speech, and to assert a different kind of permanence. Much of Ovid’s discourse about memory and materiality is linked through the trope of aetiology, i.e., the explanation of how something that exists now came into existence at a specific point in the past. Aetiology is by its nature a form of mnemonic device: it both highlights the enormous gulf separating past and present, and ensures temporal and cultural continuity. The aetiological narrative thus establishes its subject as a sign of permanence in an otherwise constantly changing landscape.

This article explores metamorphic outcomes in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. While the poem may be steeped in constant mutability, for the most part gender emerges as a surprisingly static feature, and one that carries remarkable weight also when read beside the aftermaths of Ovidian transformations. Though there may be no fixed schema that categorically establishes disparities in the final destinations of male and female transformations, I show that there are significant gendered patterns with some perhaps unexpected consequences for class and social status also. In considering the poem’s main destinations, we can see distinct patterns of outcomes: heavily gender-based for trees, gender-significant (albeit not simply determined) for watercourses, gods, and stones, and gender-equal in the case of birds and other animals. The article tackles some of the unconscious gender preconceptions at play, and explores the enduring significance of gender for the Metamorphoses within the various outcomes of those who become victims, or occasionally beneficiaries, of Ovidian metamorphosis.

Zagros Mountains are like an island in the Middle East and they are subjected to changes in climate. Daphne mucronata Royle is an important medicinal plant species preserved in the high elevation regions in these mountains. Maxent species distribution model was used to integrate presence data (2413 points) and environmental variables to model the current and future potential distribution of D. mucronata in Iran. The most important variables were Bio19 with 50.5% contribution, followed by Bio8 and Bio2 with 30% and 11.4% contributions, respectively. The best Maxent model included seven variables, 4 feature types (linear, quadratic, product, and hinge), and had a test AUC value of 0.894. The current potential distribution indicated that 8% of Iran's drylands are suitable for growing D. mucronata and this area could decrease to 5.2% under representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5, and 3.1% under RCP 8.5 due to climate change. Our results suggest that D. mucronata may lose overall about 2.8% and 4.9% of its current distribution under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively, by 2050. There would be only 0.7 and 0.2% gains under RCP 4.5 and 8.5, respectively. The species would locally disappear between 1500- and 2000-m elevation under RCP 4.5 and 8.5, respectively. The establishment of some stations for monitoring the changes in transition zone or lost areas especially on the southeastern parts of Zagros Mountain can help in detecting changes in the future. Additionally, stable habitats may be good target areas for future conservation planning.

Background Since long-term or high-dose use of COPD medication causes adverse effects in patients with COPD, more effective and safer ways to manage COPD symptoms are required. Daphne kiusiana Miquel is a medicinal plant, but its anti-COPD efficacy was little studied. Purpose We investigated the anti-COPD activity and molecular mechanism of action of active compounds isolated from D. kiusiana to find drug candidates for COPD. Methods We isolated seven compounds (1–7) in an ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction from D. kiusiana, and determined that seven compounds effectively control the inflammatory responsiveness in both PMA-stimulated lung epithelial cells (in vitro) and/or in COPD model mice using cigarette smoke- and lipopolysaccharides-exposed animals in vivo. Results We show that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction from D. kiusiana. suppresses inflammatory response in both PMA-stimulated human lung epithelial cells (in vitro) and COPD model mice (in vivo). The EtOAc fraction effectively suppresses various inflammatory responses, such as mucus secretion, ROS production, bronchial recruitment of inflammatory cells, and release of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, we isolated three compounds with anti-inflammatory efficacy from the EtOAc fraction, out of which daphnodorin C was the most effective. Finally, we demonstrated that daphnodorin C negatively regulates inflammatory gene expression by suppressing NF-κB and specific MAPK signaling pathways (JNK and p38) in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions These results suggest that daphnodorin C could be a promising therapeutic alternative for managing COPD symptoms.

Cilj ovog rada je istražiti i demonstrirati postojanje arhetipa Dafne predstavljenog u Ovidijevom djelu Metamorfoze utjelovljenom u liku Kaguyahime iz japanskog autohtonog žanra monogatari Priča o sjekaču bambusa (Taketori Monogatari). Akteri ovog rada uspoređuju se i analiziraju usredotočujući se prvenstveno na izvorne tekstove s dodatnim književnim i kulturnim interpretacijama. Postoje motivske i narativne sličnosti, posebno u zajedničkom elementu metamorfoze, nakon čega slijedi zajednička snažna uloga Mjeseca kao ženskog simbola za razliku od sličnog agresivnog ponašanja muških likova Apolona i cara, obojice povezanih sa simbolikom Sunca. Provedena usporedba pokazuje nam sličnosti pripovijesti i likova Dafne i Kaguyahime očitovane kroz individualnu pobunu protiv nametnutih autoritativnih muških figura i bračnih vrijednosti društva. Zaključuje se kako je glavni dokaz postojanja arhetipa Dafne u zajedničkom motivu metamorfoze, njenom povodu i posljedicama. Metamorfoze su potaknute nasilnim muškim pristupom i vode do tjelesnih transformacija ženskih junakinja koje su muške likove navele na unutarnju transformaciju. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the existence of the Daphne archetype represented in Ovid’s Metamorphosis in context of the character Kaguyahime from the Japanese ancient monogatari piece The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Taketori Monogatari). The subjects of this study are compared and analyzed, focusing primarily on the source texts with additional literary and cultural interpretations. There are motif and narrative similarities especially in the element of mutual metamorphosis, observable in the role of strong feminine symbolism (lunar) in contrast to the aggressive (solar) behavior of the male characters of Apollo and the Emperor. The comparison shows us the resemblance between family stories and character traits of Daphne and Kaguyahime, manifested through individual rebellion against imposed authoritative male figures and the marriage values of the society. In conclusion, we can observe the Daphne archetype in the motif of the metamorphosis of Kaguyahime, its cause and consequences. In the texts, violent masculinity initiates the physical transformation of the female heroines, which in turn compel the male characters towards an inner transformation.

In this paper, the correlation between the chemical constituents of Chinese herbal medicines Daphnes Cortex and the ecological factors and soil factors was studied, which provided a reference for the selection of suitable areas for artificial cultivation of Daphne giraldii and wild tending. The geographic information system(GIS) was applied to obtain the ecological factor information of 23 collection sites of Daphnes Cortex, and the soil factor information was determined by the standard procedure in the soil test standard manual. Combining the information of 93 chemical constituents of Daphnes Cortex in 23 collection sites the correlation between components and ecological factors and soil factors was analyzed by statistical methods. The correlation analysis showed that the longitude, annual average rainfall, annual sunshine intensity, annual average temperature in the ecological factors, soil type, effective copper and pH value were the dominant factors affecting the chemical composition of Daphnes Cortex.

Seven new daphnane-type diterpenoids, daphgenkins A-G (

Introgressive hybridization can affect the evolution of populations in several important ways. It may retard or reverse divergence of species, enable the development of novel traits, enhance the potential for future evolution by elevating levels of standing variation, create new species, and alleviate inbreeding depression in small populations. Most of what is known of contemporary hybridization in nature comes from the study of pairs of species, either coexisting in the same habitat or distributed parapatrically and separated by a hybrid zone. More rarely, three species form an interbreeding complex (triad), reported in vertebrates, insects, and plants. Often, one species acts as a genetic link or conduit for the passage of genes (alleles) between two others that rarely, if ever, hybridize. Demographic and genetic consequences are unknown. Here we report results of a long-term study of interbreeding Darwin's finches on Daphne Major island, Galapagos. Geospiza fortis acted as a conduit for the passage of genes between two others that have never been observed to interbreed on Daphne: Geospiza fuliginosa, a rare immigrant, and Geospiza scandens, a resident. Microsatellite gene flow from G. fortis into G. scandens increased in frequency during 30 y of favorable ecological conditions, resulting in genetic and morphological convergence. G. fortis, G. scandens, and the derived dihybrids and trihybrids experienced approximately equal fitness. Especially relevant to young adaptive radiations, where species differ principally in ecology and behavior, these findings illustrate how new combinations of genes created by hybridization among three species can enhance the potential for evolutionary change.

To aim at preliminary phytochemical screening of Daphne mucronata and evaluate its antioxidant and antibacterial activities.Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted for the crude extracts using standard methods. Antioxidant properties of crude methanolic extracts, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of leaves, roots and bark were evaluated following standard procedures. The antibacterial activities were checked against Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Morganella morganii (M. morganii) and vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA).Carbohydrates, saponins, steroids, phenols/ tannins, flavonoids and glycosides were present in different parts of Daphne mucronata. The extracts showed good antioxidant activity with EC50 values of 157.82-361.61 μg/mL. Methanolic extracts of roots showed good activity against A. baumannii (86.95%), E. coli (85.18%) and S. aureus (84.61%). Methanolic extracts of bark were active against A. bumanni (65.21%), M. morganii (65.21%) and E. coli (62.96%). Methanolic extracts of leaves showed good activity against A. bumanni (78.26%), E. coli (77.78%), P. aeruginosa (74.07%), S. aureus (73.07%), M. morganii (69.56%), VRSA (68%) and Proteus vulgaris (60%). The n-hexane fraction of roots was effective against A. bumanni (78.26%). Chlorofom fraction of roots showed moderate activity against A. bumanni (60.86%) and S. aureus (61.53%). Ethyl acetate fraction of roots showed moderate activity against A. bumanii (69.56%), E. coli (62.96%) and S. aureus (69.23%).This study illustrates that Daphne mucronata possesses good antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The plant could be further exploited as potential natural antioxidant and as a new source of antimicrobials for treatment of various infections.

The aim of the study was to determine the stable diagnostic traits and the biological activity of the stems and leaves of Daphne albowiana Woronow ex Pobed., a plant native to Georgia. Biological assays of the methanol, chloroform and hexane extracts show the plant to possess cytotoxic and antioxidant activities, but no noteworthy antibacterial or antifungal activities. All extracts show cytotoxic activity on A549 (lung carcinoma) cells. The following stable diagnostic characteristic were identified during the microstructural analysis: leaf surface glabrous, hypostomatic, dorsoventral; epidermal cells chaotic; curved with curved walls on both the upper and lower epidermis; stomata paracytic; well visible spherical crystals of inulin in leaf epidermis; leaf vascular bundles reverse-collateral; vascular system monocyclic, bilateral; wood diffuse-porous; xylem parenchyma is apotracheal, slightly diffuse; vessel walls are predominantly spirally thickened; collenchyma lamellar; radial rays in single rows, heterogeneous. The identified cytotoxic and antioxidant activity showcase this species to be of significant interest to the medicinal field. The identified anatomical peculiarities provide valuable information for the correct identification and standardization of the Daphne albowiana plant material.