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SUMMARY: Toxicodendron species are economically and medicinally important trees because of their rich sources of natural products. We present three chromosome‐level genome assemblies of Toxicodendron vernicifluum 'Dali', Toxicodendron succedaneum 'Vietnam', and T. succedaneum 'Japan', which display diverse production capacities of specialized metabolites. Genome synteny and structural variation analyses revealed large genomic differences between the two species (T. vernicifluum and T. succedaneum) but fewer differences between the two cultivars within the species. Despite no occurrence of recent whole‐genome duplications, Toxicodendron showed evidence of local duplications. The genomic modules with high expression of genes encoding metabolic flux regulators and chalcone synthase‐like enzymes were identified via multiomics analyses, which may be responsible for the greater urushiol accumulation in T. vernicifluum 'Dali' than in other Toxicodendron species. In addition, our analyses revealed the regulatory patterns of lipid metabolism in T. succedaneum 'Japan', which differ from those of other Toxicodendron species and may contribute to its high lipid accumulation. Furthermore, we identified the key regulatory elements of lipid metabolism at each developmental stage, which could aid in molecular breeding to improve the production of urushiol and lipids in Toxicodendron species. In summary, this study provides new insights into the genomic underpinnings of the evolution and diversity of specialized metabolic pathways in three Toxicodendron cultivars through multiomics studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poison oak-induced contact dermatitis poses a significant challenge due to its urushiol oil-induced allergic reactions. Conventional preventive measures like avoidance and post-exposure cleansing are often impractical, necessitating innovative strategies. This comprehensive review explores emerging technologies and formulations for preventing poison oak dermatitis. Literature search via PubMed and Covidence identified 13 relevant studies, with six discussing preventive measures. Barrier methods, including occlusive creams and protective clothing, showed promise in reducing dermatitis risk. Immunotherapy, although investigated, requires further development. Complete avoidance, while effective, is often impractical. The complexity of poison oak management underscores the need for ongoing research to develop more effective preventive measures. This review highlights the current landscape, identifies gaps in knowledge, and emphasizes the importance of continued research for improved prevention and management of poison oak-induced dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Avoidance of poison ivy plants is currently the primary approach to prevent the estimated 30–50 million annual poison ivy skin rash cases. The “leaves of three let it be” mnemonic device lacks specificity to differentiate poison ivy from other three‐leaflet native plants. This report demonstrated that poison ivy leaves show marked total leaf shape variability that likely confounds accurate poison ivy plant identification, and significantly undermines a poison ivy avoidance strategy for mitigating poison ivy rash cases. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to develop prophylactic medical procedures to prevent poison ivy rash that do not depend on human poison ivy plant identification. Summary Urushiol is the natural product produced by poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) that is responsible for millions of cases of delayed contact allergenic dermatitis in North America each year. Avoidance of poison ivy plant material is the clinically recommended strategy for preventing urushiol‐induced dermatitis symptoms. However, poison ivy leaf shape is anecdotally notoriously variable, thereby confounding accurate poison ivy identification. This study focused on quantitative analyses of poison ivy and a common poison ivy look‐alike (American hog peanut) leaf shape variability in North America to empirically validate the high degree of poison ivy leaf shape plasticity. Poison ivy and American hog peanut iNaturalist.org records were scored for seven attributes of compound leaf shape that were combined to produce a total leaf complexity score. Both the mean and the distribution of poison ivy total leaf complexity scores were significantly greater than that of American hog peanut. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling analyses corroborated a high degree of poison ivy leaf shape variability relative to American hog peanut. A poison ivy accession producing frequent palmate penta‐leaflet compound leaves was evaluated using linear regression modeling. Poison ivy total leaf complexity was exceedingly variable across a given latitude or longitude. With that said, there was a small but significant trend of poison ivy total leaf complexity increasing from east to west. Palmate penta‐leaflet formation was significantly correlated with a stochastic leaflet deep‐lobing developmental process in one unusual poison ivy accession. The empirically‐validated poison ivy leaf shape hypervariability described in this report likely confounds accurate poison ivy identification, thereby likely resulting in many accidental urushiol‐induced clinical allergenic dermatitis cases each year.

Societal Impact Statement: Avoidance of poison ivy plants is currently the primary approach to prevent the estimated 30–50 million annual poison ivy skin rash cases. The "leaves of three let it be" mnemonic device lacks specificity to differentiate poison ivy from other three‐leaflet native plants. This report demonstrated that poison ivy leaves show marked total leaf shape variability that likely confounds accurate poison ivy plant identification, and significantly undermines a poison ivy avoidance strategy for mitigating poison ivy rash cases. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to develop prophylactic medical procedures to prevent poison ivy rash that do not depend on human poison ivy plant identification. Summary: Urushiol is the natural product produced by poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) that is responsible for millions of cases of delayed contact allergenic dermatitis in North America each year. Avoidance of poison ivy plant material is the clinically recommended strategy for preventing urushiol‐induced dermatitis symptoms. However, poison ivy leaf shape is anecdotally notoriously variable, thereby confounding accurate poison ivy identification. This study focused on quantitative analyses of poison ivy and a common poison ivy look‐alike (American hog peanut) leaf shape variability in North America to empirically validate the high degree of poison ivy leaf shape plasticity.Poison ivy and American hog peanut iNaturalist.org records were scored for seven attributes of compound leaf shape that were combined to produce a total leaf complexity score. Both the mean and the distribution of poison ivy total leaf complexity scores were significantly greater than that of American hog peanut. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling analyses corroborated a high degree of poison ivy leaf shape variability relative to American hog peanut. A poison ivy accession producing frequent palmate penta‐leaflet compound leaves was evaluated using linear regression modeling.Poison ivy total leaf complexity was exceedingly variable across a given latitude or longitude. With that said, there was a small but significant trend of poison ivy total leaf complexity increasing from east to west. Palmate penta‐leaflet formation was significantly correlated with a stochastic leaflet deep‐lobing developmental process in one unusual poison ivy accession.The empirically‐validated poison ivy leaf shape hypervariability described in this report likely confounds accurate poison ivy identification, thereby likely resulting in many accidental urushiol‐induced clinical allergenic dermatitis cases each year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicodendron succedaneum (L.) Kuntze (Anacardiaceae) is a deciduous tree widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia. The resin of T. succedaneum is used in decorating traditional handicrafts, and resinous latex is poisonous. The plant yields a commercially important wax and treats asthma, cough, fever, ear infections, pulmonary infections, diarrhoea, dysentery, nose bleeding, and liver disorders. The scientific literature on T. succedaneum was collected from Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Major bioactive compounds reported in the plant are urushiols, bichalcones, biflavonoids such as succedaneaflavanone, agathisflavone, rhusflavanone, amentoflavone, cupressuflavone, robustaflavone, volkensiflavone, morelloflavone, and hinokiflavone. In-vitro studies have demonstrated the antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumor, and antileukemic activities of T. succedaneum, supporting the rationale behind its traditional use. Biflavonoids exhibited a strong antiviral effect by inhibiting the replication of HIV, HBV, and HSV. However, with the presence of hinokiflavone and a skin-irritating oil (urushiol), the plant causes severe allergies in humans, which urges to standardize the effectiveness of this species. The available literature on T. succedaneum suggests insufficient data on pharmacological studies in experimental animals. Much research needs to be done to confirm its folk medicinal uses for developing phytopharmaceutical drugs.

Toxicodendron succedaneum (L.) Kuntze (Anacardiaceae) is a deciduous tree widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia. The resin of T. succedaneum is used in decorating traditional handicrafts, and resinous latex is poisonous. The plant yields a commercially important wax and treats asthma, cough, fever, ear infections, pulmonary infections, diarrhoea, dysentery, nose bleeding, and liver disorders. The scientific literature on T. succedaneum was collected from Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Major bioactive compounds reported in the plant are urushiols, bichalcones, biflavonoids such as succedaneaflavanone, agathisflavone, rhusflavanone, amentoflavone, cupressuflavone, robustaflavone, volkensiflavone, morelloflavone, and hinokiflavone. In-vitro studies have demonstrated the antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumor, and antileukemic activities of T. succedaneum, supporting the rationale behind its traditional use. Biflavonoids exhibited a strong antiviral effect by inhibiting the replication of HIV, HBV, and HSV. However, with the presence of hinokiflavone and a skinirritating oil (urushiol), the plant causes severe allergies in humans, which urges to standardize the effectiveness of this species. The available literature on T. succedaneum suggests insufficient data on pharmacological studies in experimental animals. Much research needs to be done to confirm its folk medicinal uses for developing phytopharmaceutical drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants can cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), mechanical irritant contact dermatitis, chemical irritant contact dermatitis, light-mediated dermatitis, and pseudophytodermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis to chemicals in the Toxicodendron genus, which includes poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, is the most common cause of plant ACD; however, many other plants, such as Compositae, Alstroemeriaceae, and Rutaceae plants also are important causes of dermatitis. In individuals with recurrent ACD from plants other than Toxicodendron, patch testing can be used to identify the source of allergic reactions to plant species. This article provides an overview of the various plant dermatoses, common culprits of plant dermatitis, and diagnostic and therapeutic options for plant dermatoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to visually detect minute amounts of urushiol, the toxic catechol from poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac, has been developed utilizing the reaction of a profluorescent nitroxide with the B-n-butylcatecholboronate ester formed in situ from urushiol and B-n-butylboronic acid. The resulting N-alkoxyamine is strongly fluorescent upon illumination with a fluorescent lamp, allowing the location of the toxic urushiol contamination to be visualized. This methodology constitutes the groundwork for the future development of a spray to detect urushiol to avoid contact dermatitis, as well as to detect catecholamines for biomedical applications.

Contact dermatitis caused by the sap of plants from the Anacardiaceae family, including poison ivy, oak, and sumac, is among the most common skin conditions in the United States. The author reports the case of a 50-year-old man who presented with numerous vesicles and flaccid bullae on erythematous bases on his right volar wrist; smaller areas of vesiculation on his trunk and legs, several of which displayed a linear configuration; and erythema and swelling on and around his penis. The patient was diagnosed with Toxicodendron contact dermatitis caused by exposure to poison ivy. The author describes symptoms, assessment methods, and differential diagnoses, as well as provides a brief review of pathologic and etiologic factors, epidemiology, and treatment approaches for cutaneous dermatitis caused by contact with poison ivy and related plants. The author also provides an brief history, recommended therapies, and notable physical characteristics of poison ivy, with the final takeaway point-Clinicians should educate their patients on how to identify, and, thus, avoid, contact with these highly irritating plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rhus asymmetrica sp. nov. from the lower Oligocene of Cervera (Catalonia, Spain) is characterized by a trifoliate leaf with a symmetric sessile apical leaflet and asymmetric lateral leaflets. The apical leaflet displays a serrate margin and decurrent base with pinnate primary venation, craspedodromous secondary venation and an irregular reticulate tertiary framework. The lateral leaflets show a rounded base with a secondary basal vein in the distal part of the lamina, while the proximal part is straight or concave. Formerly, these specimens were accommodated within Rhus pyrrhae Unger. However, detailed study of the R. pyrrhae holotype has led us to emend its diagnosis to include its brochidodromous secondary venation pattern, which differs clearly from the venation pattern of the new species. Additionally, a number of leaf morphotypes from the Cervera palaeobotanical site that were erroneously attributed to Rhus by former authors have been segregated and related to Acer and Toxicodendron. The extant species R. aromatica displays the closest foliar structure to R. asymmetrica sp. nov. However, differences in the leaf morphology suggest that the new species grew under distinct palaeoclimatic conditions: (1) R. asymmetrica sp. nov. bears glands at the tips of the teeth of the lateral leaflets while R. aromatica is devoid of these glands. This character would help to prevent excessive evapotranspiration; (2) lateral leaflets of R. asymmetrica sp. nov. are asymmetric while in R. aromatica they are symmetric, suggesting that R. asymmetrica sp. nov. grew under a greater environmental stress than R. aromatica ; (3) R. asymmetrica sp. nov. displays fewer teeth with a larger tooth-area than R. aromatica. This would indicate growth under a warm climate with low seasonal contrast. These features are compatible with an open woodland habitat under subtropical palaeoclimatic conditions. Highlights • Rhus asymmetrica sp. nov. from the Oligocene of the Iberian Peninsula is described. • Living North American R. aromatica displays the leaf closest to R. asymmetrica. • Differences in leaf characters of R. asymmetrica and its NLR are climate-sensitive. • Glands in lateral leaflets teeth of R. asymmetrica point out to water stress. • R. asymmetrica shows few and large teeth as a response to warm and arid climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Leaves of three, leave it be" serves as an apt caution for avoiding poison ivy (Toxicodendron species) and its dermatitis-inducing sap. Toxicodendron contact dermatitis (TCD) poses a notable burden to the American health care system by accounting for half a million reported cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) annually. Identifying and avoiding physical contact with the western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) plant prevails as the chief method of preventing TCD. This article discusses common features of T rydbergii as well as clinical manifestations and treatment options following exposure to this allergenic plant.

Species of Diaporthe are considered important plant pathogens, saprobes, and endophytes on a wide range of plant hosts. Several species are well-known on grapevines, either as agents of pre- or post-harvest infections, including Phomopsis cane and leaf spot, cane bleaching, swelling arm and trunk cankers. In this study we explore the occurrence, diversity and pathogenicity of Diaporthe spp. associated with Vitis vinifera in major grape production areas of Europe and Israel, focusing on nurseries and vineyards. Surveys were conducted in Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Spain and the UK. A total of 175 Diaporthe strains were isolated from asymptomatic and symptomatic shoots, branches and trunks. A multi-locus phylogeny was established based on five genomic loci (ITS, tef1, cal, his3 and tub2), and the morphological characters of the isolates were determined. Preliminary pathogenicity tests were performed on green grapevine shoots with representative isolates. The most commonly isolated species were D. eres and D. ampelina. Four new Diaporthe species described here as D. bohemiae, D. celeris, D. hispaniae and D. hungariae were found associated with affected vines. Pathogenicity tests revealed D. baccae, D. celeris, D. hispaniae and D. hungariae as pathogens of grapevines. No symptoms were caused by D. bohemiae. This study represents the first report of D. ambigua and D. baccae on grapevines in Europe. The present study improves our understanding of the species associated with several disease symptoms on V. vinifera plants, and provides useful information for effective disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we accept 25 families in Diaporthales based on phylogenetic analyses using partial ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tef1-α gene sequences. Four different families associated with canker and dieback of tree hosts are morphologically treated and phylogenetically compared. These include three new families (Diaporthostomataceae, Pseudomelanconidaceae, Synnemasporellaceae), and one new genus, Dendrostoma (Erythrogloeaceae). Dendrostoma is newly described from Malus spectabilis, Osmanthus fragrans and Quercus acutissima having fusoid to cylindrical, bicellular ascospores, with three new species namely D. mali, D. osmanthi and D. quercinum. Diaporthostomataceae is characterised by conical and discrete perithecia with bicellular, fusoid ascospores on branches of Machilus leptophylla. Pseudomelanconidaceae is defined by conidiogenous cells with apical collarets and discreet annellations, and the inconspicuous hyaline conidial sheath when mature on Carya cathayensis, compared to morphologically similar families Melanconidaceae and Juglanconidaceae. Synnemasporellaceae is proposed to accommodate fungi with synnematous conidiomata, with descriptions of S. toxicodendri on Toxicodendron sylvestre and S. aculeans on Rhus copallina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicodendron succedaneum: (L.) Kuntze is a tree cultivated for the production of sumac wax, which is extracted from the mesocarp. There are several hypotheses regarding the origin of T. succedaneum on mainland Japan. In this study, the geographical distribution of genetic variation in 13 wild populations on Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Ryukyu Islands, Japan was investigated and compared with that of individuals from continental Asia. Seven chloroplast DNA haplotypes of T. succedaneum were observed in Japan and could be divided into three lineages based on relatedness between haplotypes. One of these lineages was also observed in continental Asia, and the others were genetically distant from the haplotypes that originated on the continent, with one considered to have originated on the Ryukyu Islands, and the other on mainland Japan. The genetic diversity of both chloroplast and nuclear DNA was lower in populations from Ryukyu Islands than in populations from mainland Japan. Bayesian clustering based on nuclear genotypes showed a clear difference between the groups from Ryukyu Islands and mainland Japan. Based on approximate Bayesian computation analysis of polymorphic data for both genomes, it was inferred that wild populations of T. succedaneum on mainland Japan consist of both lineages with natural distribution on mainland Japan and those introduced from Ryukyu Islands and continental Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimum grafting time and grafting methods were found out through grafting research on Vietnamese lacquer tree for three years. The results showed that the survival rate was 48% in summer by side grafting and it was 88% in autumn, which was higher than the survival rate according to the corresponding literature. Thus, the survival rate of Vietnamese lacquer tree by side grafting could be greatly increased at autumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicodendron dermatitis is an underappreciated disease seen in the emergency department. Although self-limiting, symptoms can be distressing and can last for weeks if untreated, particularly with re-exposure. Continuing research has improved our understanding of specific inflammatory markers that are associated with exposure to urushiol-the compound responsible for Toxicodendron dermatitis-although consensus for treatment remains varied and poorly supported. Owing to the lack of recent primary literature on the topic, many providers rely on historical precedent, expert opinion, and personal experience when treating this disease. This article provides a narrative review of the literature currently available on the effects of urushiol on key molecular and cellular functions and the prevention and treatment of Toxicodendron dermatitis., (Copyright © 2023 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Premise: Previous experimental studies have shown that poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans; Anacardicaceae) responds to elevated CO 2 with increased leaf production, water-use efficiency, and toxicity (allergenic urushiol). However, long-term field data suggest no increase in poison ivy abundance over time. Using herbarium specimens, we examined whether poison ivy and other species shifted leaf traits under natural conditions with increasing atmospheric CO 2 (pCO 2 ) over the past century., Methods: We measured stomatal density, leaf area, leaf N, leaf C:N, leaf carbon isotope discrimination (Δ leaf ), and intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) from 327 specimens collected from 1838 to 2020 across Pennsylvania. We compared poison ivy's responses to two evolutionarily related tree species, Toxicodendron vernix and Rhus typhina (Anacardiacae) and one ecological analog, Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Vitaceae), a common co-occurring liana., Results: Stomatal density significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in poison ivy and the ecologically similar liana P. quinquefolia over the past century, but did not change in the related trees T. vernix and R. typhina. None of these species showed significant trends in changes in leaf N or C:N. Surprisingly, in poison ivy, but not the other species, Δ leaf increased with increased pCO 2 , corresponding to significant declines in iWUE over time., Conclusions: In contrast to the results of short-term experimental studies, iWUE decreased in poison ivy over the last century. Trait responses to pCO 2 varied by species. Herbarium specimens suggest that realized long-term plant physiological responses to increased CO 2 may not be reflected in short-term experimental growth studies, highlighting the value of collections., (© 2023 Botanical Society of America.)

The meeting of multiple cultures and their mutual influence during the Portuguese expansion in Asia led to the emergence of different types of fusion styles in objects commissioned by the settlers, merchants, and religious orders present in Portuguese India. The east-Asian lacquer coatings of modestly sized wooden objects of various types dating from the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries have been analyzed as part of the research for a doctoral thesis that aims to establish their cultural and geographical attribution within the context of the Getty Conservation Institute's lacquer research project. Among the objects were three seventeenth-century lacquered trays from Portuguese museums and private collections that had previously been classified as JapaneseNanban, Chinese or Ryukyuan lacquers or even as Indo-Portuguese artifacts. The materials and techniques that were identified show close similarities with Chinese techniques mentioned in historic accounts — the only existing Ming ChineseTreatise on lacqueringXiushi luand the eighteenth-century memoirs of the Jesuit priest d'Incarville. These nearly 400-year-old artifacts are among the first lacquered objects commissioned by Europeans and probably the first of Chinese origin. Their detailed technical study contributes to international lacquer research and complements existing knowledge and perceptions of the lacquering processes that were applied in response to an early European demand for exotic items. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A Chinese Qin-Han dynasty lacquerware was analyzed by cross-section, field emission scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), strontium isotope ratios ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr), carbon-14 age determination, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The carbon-14 analysis results showed that the wood base was from a Zelkova schneideriana tree grown in the Yangtze River area about 2300 years ago, and the film was sap collected from lacquer tree about 2200–2250 years ago. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr isotope ratio was 0.71146 consistent with that of the Chinese mainland (> 0.71). Pyrolysis GC–MS detected 3-heptylphenol and 3-pentadecylphenol in the mass chromatograms at m/z = 108, and palmitic acid and stearic acid were detected at m/z = 60, suggesting that the sap collected from Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree and that many additives had been added. The cross-section and EDX revealed the coating technique and pigment species of lacquerware. Based on these results, the Chinese Qin-Han Dynasty lacquer culture is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion : Deciduous ring-porous species in Japan shed all of their leaves under severe water stress before large vessels in earlywood are embolized, and embolization take place during winter. Abstract: Water in deciduous ring-porous species is mainly conducted upward via large earlywood vessels of the current year. Water columns in large vessels are vulnerable to drought-induced and freeze stress-induced embolisms. Although a vulnerability curve can be created to estimate the hydraulic capacity of plants, it remains unclear why the loss of conductivity in potted plants of ring-porous species does not reach 100 % under severe drought stress. In this study, two deciduous ring-porous species in Japan ( Kalopanax septemlobus and Toxicodendron trichocarpum) were used to explain the species-specific pattern in the water-conducting pathway of the stem. We monitored and visualized the spatial distribution of xylem embolisms in the stem of K. septemlobus saplings under drought stress and freeze stress using compact magnetic resonance imaging and cryo-scanning microscopy. In addition, we evaluated the water ascent in the stems of both species using a dye uptake method. Although embolisms of large vessels were observed under drought stress and in winter, all leaves were dropped to avoid fatal water loss after embolization of some large vessels. In contrast, all large vessels were embolized in winter. Larger-diameter vessels of latewood in T. trichocarpum tended to function in trees growing in the warm temperate zone. Thus, our results suggest that the unclear curve may be derived from a discrepancy between leaf water potential and actual water potential in the xylem under severe drought stress. The frequency of xylem embolisms in deciduous ring-porous species in Japan mainly depends on the number of freeze-thaw cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Toxicodendron vernicifluum (Stokes) F.A. Barkley (RVS) is an economic tree species and widely distributed in East Asia. Wood parts and raw lacquers of RVS have been used in coatings, herbal medicines or food supplements, and the leaves, flowers, roots, and fruits of RVS are also widely used in medicine traditionally. Lacquer seed oil (LSO) has potential health benefits and has not previously been evaluated for safety., Aim of the Study: The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxicological potential of LSO by acute and subchronic toxicity tests., Materials and Methods: The characterization of fatty acids of the LSO was carried out by gas chromatography. In the acute toxicity study, LSO was administered at single doses of 5000 or 10000 mg/kg by oral gavage. The subchronic toxicity study was conducted by daily oral administration of LSO at doses of 1250, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg/day for 30 consecutive days. The animals were evaluated for clinical observations, body weight, organ weight, feed consumption, biochemical and hematological parameters, and liver, lung, and kidney histology., Results: There were no mortality and toxic changes were observed in acute toxicity study. The results of subchronic toxicity showed no toxicologically significant changes in clinical observations, body weight, organ weight, biochemical or hematological parameters. Histopathologic results indicated slight hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration in the rats of 5000 mg/kg/day LSO treated group. However, the histopathologic observation was not confirmed by hepatic biochemical analysis., Conclusions: These results suggested that the LD 50 of LSO is over 10000 mg/kg and LSO is non-toxic for SD rats in acute toxicity study. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of LSO in rats is considered to be 5000 mg/kg/day, and liver is the potential target organ of LSO for 30-day subchronic toxicity study., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The article presents abstracts on pharmacology topics which include the anti-inflammatory activity of hyoscine butyl bromide in rats, anti-arthritic activity of RhusToxicodendron plant, and a case report on toxic epidermal necrolysis after diclofenac potassium and serratiopeptidase administration.

Background: Toxicodendron vernicifluum, belonging to the family Anacardiaceae, is an important commercial arbor species, which can provide us with the raw lacquer, an excellent adhesive and painting material used to make lacquer ware. Compared with diploid, triploid lacquer tree has a higher yield of raw lacquer and stronger resistance to stress. Triploid T. vernicifluum was a newly discovered natural triploid lacquer tree. However, the taxonomy of triploid T. vernicifluum has remained uncertain. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of triploid T. vernicifluum and compared it with related species of Toxicodendron genus based on chloroplast genome and SSR markers., Results: The plastome of triploid T. vernicifluum is 158,221 bp in length, including a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,462 bp, separated by a large single-copy region of 86,951 bp and a small single-copy region of 18,346 bp. In total, 132 genes including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes were identified in the triploid T. vernicifluum. Among these, 16 genes were duplicated in the IR regions, 14 genes contain one intron, while three genes contain two introns. After nucleotide substitutions, seven small inversions were analyzed in the chloroplast genomes, eight hotspot regions were found, which could be useful molecular genetic markers for future population genetics. Phylogenetic analyses showed that triploid T. vernicifluum was a sister to T. vernicifluum cv. Dahongpao and T. vernicifluum cv. Hongpigaobachi. Moreover, phylogenetic clustering based on the SSR markers showed that all the samples of triploid T. vernicifluum, T. vernicifluum cv. Dahongpao and T. vernicifluum cv. Hongpigaobachi in one group, while the samples of T. vernicifluum and T. succedaneum in another group, which is consistent with the cp genome and morphological analysis., Conclusions: The current genomic datasets provide pivotal genetic resources to determine the phylogenetic relationships, variety identification, breeding and resource exploitation, and future genetic diversity-related studies of T. vernicifluum., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Eleven undescribed derivatives of flavan, including flavan-3,4-diols vernicinosides A-H and profisetinidin-type-4-arylflavan-3-ols verniciflavanols A-C, together with eight known compounds were purified from the heartwood of Toxicodendron vernicifluum. The chemical structures of the undescribed compounds were characterized by spectroscopic data interpretation, including NMR ( 1 H and 13 C NMR HSQC and HMBC) and HRESIMS analysis. CD data analysis was conducted to assign the absolute configurations of the undescribed compounds and the active compound verniciflavanol A was also confirmed by ECD experiment. The absolute configuration of the sugar moiety was identified by GC analysis of chiral derivatives in the hydrolysate. MTT assay was applied to test these compounds against H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Results found that verniciflavanol A demonstrated the best potential in protecting SH-SY5Y cells against H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress by inhibiting cell apoptosis and attenuate reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and mitochondrial dysfunction. And the underlying mechanism was confirmed to be associated with Nrf2-antioxidant response element signaling and IL-6 cell survival pathways., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Since the beginning of honey production, certain honey types have been favored because they taste better, are better for cooking or do not rapidly crystallize. Thus, they are preferred over others, are in high demand and are sold at higher prices. The pollen of 37 honey samples from East Texas was examined. Pollen was recovered from the honey by using an alcohol-dilution method. Overall, 431 taxa identified into 61 families, 104 genera and 85 species were found in the samples. The number of taxa per sample varied from 17–52. Half of the samples contained 31–40 taxa, indicating a high diversity in botanical origin. Three taxa were found in >50% of the samples and are the most important:Berchemia scandens,Salix nigraandToxicodendron radicans.Berchemia scandenswas found in 89% of the samples and was a predominant type in three samples and an important secondary type in 14. BothSalix nigraandToxicodendron radicanspollen occurred in 83% of the samples and neither occurred as a predominant or secondary type. Three samples wereBerchemia scandensunifloral honey. By examining the pollen in honey, it can determined which habitats honeybees visit, which plants honeybees use as food, if they visit row crops and orchards and their role in pollination. In order to differentiate honey from the United States of America (USA) from honey produced in other countries, the honey from each state must be analyzed. Only by analyzing the pollen in the honey of the USA can it be reliably differentiated from foreign honey that is being sold as produced in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the collaboration between the non-profit arts foundation Asiarta Foundation and visual arts conservation organization Getty Conservation Institute for a research project to study Vietnamese lacquer paintings. Topics include the study of lacquer paintings from the Witness Collection of modern Vietnamese art, details on the Vietnamese practice of obtaining lacquer from the sap of Toxicodendron succedaneum trees, details on the materials present in lacquer paintings, and details on the research's effect on treatment approaches of Vietnamese paintings.