Photosynthetic acclamatory response of Panicum antidotale Retz. populations to root zone desiccation stress

Abstract Growth of plants is severely reduced due to water stress by affecting photosynthesis including photosystem II (PSII) activity and electron transport. This study emphasised on comparative and priority targeted changes in PSII activity due to progressive drought in seven populations of Panicum antidotale (P. antidotale) collected from Cholistan Desert and non-Cholistan regions. Tillers of equal growth of seven populations of P. antidotale grown in plastic pots filled with soil were subjected progressive drought by withholding water irrigation for three weeks. Progressive drought reduced the soil moisture content, leaf relative water content, photosynthetic pigments and fresh and dry biomass of shoots in all seven populations. Populations from Dingarh Fort, Dingarh Grassland and Haiderwali had higher growth than those of other populations. Cholistani populations especially in Dingarh Grassland and Haiderwali had greater ability of osmotic adjustment as reflected by osmotic potential and greater accumulation of total soluble proteins. Maximum H2O2 under water stress was observed in populations from Muzaffargarh and Khanewal but these were intermediate in MDA content. Under water stress, populations from Muzaffargarh and Dingarh Fort had greater K+ accumulation in their leaves. During progressive drought, non-Cholistani populations showed complete leaf rolling after 23 days of drought, and these populations could not withstand with more water stress condition while Cholistani populations tolerated more water stress condition for 31 days. Moreover, progressive drought caused PSII damages after 19 days and it became severe after 23 days in non-Cholistani populations of P. antidotale than in Cholistani populations.

Resumo O crescimento das plantas é severamente reduzido devido ao estresse hídrico, afetando a fotossíntese, incluindo a atividade do fotossistema II (PSII) e o transporte de elétrons. Este estudo enfatizou as mudanças comparativas e prioritárias na atividade do PSII devido à seca progressiva em sete populações de Panicum antidotale (P. antidotale) coletadas no Deserto do Cholistão e regiões fora do Cholistão. Perfilhos de igual crescimento de sete populações de P. antidotale cultivadas em vasos de plástico cheios de solo foram submetidos à seca progressiva, retendo a irrigação com água por três semanas. A seca progressiva reduziu o teor de umidade do solo, teor de água relativo nas folhas, pigmentos fotossintéticos e biomassa fresca e seca dos brotos em todas as sete populações. Populações de Dingarh Fort, Dingarh Grassland e Haiderwali tiveram maior crescimento do que as de outras populações. As populações de Cholistani, especialmente em Dingarh Grassland e Haiderwali, apresentaram maior capacidade de ajuste osmótico, refletido pelo potencial osmótico e maior acúmulo de proteínas solúveis totais. H2O2 máximo sob estresse hídrico foi observado em populações de Muzaffargarh e Khanewal, mas estas foram intermediárias no conteúdo de MDA. Sob estresse hídrico, as populações de Muzaffargarh e Dingarh Fort tiveram maior acúmulo de K+ em suas folhas. Durante a seca progressiva, as populações não cholistanesas mostraram rolagem completa das folhas após 23 dias de seca, e essas populações não conseguiram suportar mais condições de estresse hídrico, enquanto as populações cholistani toleraram mais condições de estresse hídrico por 31 dias. Além disso, a seca progressiva causou danos ao PSII após 19 dias e tornou-se severa após 23 dias em populações não cholistanesas de P. antidotale do que em populações cholistanesas.

Photosynthetic acclamatory response of Panicum antidotale Retz. populations to root zone desiccation stress / Reação fotossintética aclamatória de Panicum antidotale Retz. populações submetidas ao estresse da dessecação da zona radicular

Abstract Growth of plants is severely reduced due to water stress by affecting photosynthesis including photosystem II (PSII) activity and electron transport. This study emphasised on comparative and priority targeted changes in PSII activity due to progressive drought in seven populations of Panicum antidotale (P. antidotale) collected from Cholistan Desert and non-Cholistan regions. Tillers of equal growth of seven populations of P. antidotale grown in plastic pots filled with soil were subjected progressive drought by withholding water irrigation for three weeks. Progressive drought reduced the soil moisture content, leaf relative water content, photosynthetic pigments and fresh and dry biomass of shoots in all seven populations. Populations from Dingarh Fort, Dingarh Grassland and Haiderwali had higher growth than those of other populations. Cholistani populations especially in Dingarh Grassland and Haiderwali had greater ability of osmotic adjustment as reflected by osmotic potential and greater accumulation of total soluble proteins. Maximum H2O2 under water stress was observed in populations from Muzaffargarh and Khanewal but these were intermediate in MDA content. Under water stress, populations from Muzaffargarh and Dingarh Fort had greater K+ accumulation in their leaves. During progressive drought, non-Cholistani populations showed complete leaf rolling after 23 days of drought, and these populations could not withstand with more water stress condition while Cholistani populations tolerated more water stress condition for 31 days. Moreover, progressive drought caused PSII damages after 19 days and it became severe after 23 days in non-Cholistani populations of P. antidotale than in Cholistani populations.

Resumo O crescimento das plantas é severamente reduzido devido ao estresse hídrico, afetando a fotossíntese, incluindo a atividade do fotossistema II (PSII) e o transporte de elétrons. Este estudo enfatizou as mudanças comparativas e prioritárias na atividade do PSII devido à seca progressiva em sete populações de Panicum antidotale (P. antidotale) coletadas no Deserto do Cholistão e regiões fora do Cholistão. Perfilhos de igual crescimento de sete populações de P. antidotale cultivadas em vasos de plástico cheios de solo foram submetidos à seca progressiva, retendo a irrigação com água por três semanas. A seca progressiva reduziu o teor de umidade do solo, teor de água relativo nas folhas, pigmentos fotossintéticos e biomassa fresca e seca dos brotos em todas as sete populações. Populações de Dingarh Fort, Dingarh Grassland e Haiderwali tiveram maior crescimento do que as de outras populações. As populações de Cholistani, especialmente em Dingarh Grassland e Haiderwali, apresentaram maior capacidade de ajuste osmótico, refletido pelo potencial osmótico e maior acúmulo de proteínas solúveis totais. H2O2 máximo sob estresse hídrico foi observado em populações de Muzaffargarh e Khanewal, mas estas foram intermediárias no conteúdo de MDA. Sob estresse hídrico, as populações de Muzaffargarh e Dingarh Fort tiveram maior acúmulo de K+ em suas folhas. Durante a seca progressiva, as populações não cholistanesas mostraram rolagem completa das folhas após 23 dias de seca, e essas populações não conseguiram suportar mais condições de estresse hídrico, enquanto as populações cholistani toleraram mais condições de estresse hídrico por 31 dias. Além disso, a seca progressiva causou danos ao PSII após 19 dias e tornou-se severa após 23 dias em populações não cholistanesas de P. antidotale do que em populações cholistanesas.

Effect of Porcine Large Intestine-processed Dahuang （Radix et Rhizoma Rhei） on Defecation and Colon Pathological Changes in Constipation Model Mice / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of porcine large intestine-processed Dahuang （Radix et Rhizoma Rhei） on defecation in constipation model mice and the possible mechanism. MethodsFifty Kunming mice were randomized to blank group （n=10） and model group （n=40）. Loperamide suspension at the dose of 8 mg/（kg·d） was given by gavage for four consecutive days to establish a model of constipation. The 24 successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group， processed Dahuang group， lactulose group， raw Dahuang group， with six mice in each group. Moreover， six randomly selected mice were chosen as control group. Since the fifth day， 8 mg/（kg·d） of loperamide suspension by gavage was given to the model group， processed Dahuang group， raw Dahuang group， and lactulose group； two hours later， the processed and raw Dahuang groups were administered with 0.6 g/（kg·d） of processed and raw Dahuang suspension， respectively， while the lactulose group was given 0.6 g/（kg·d） of latulose suspension， and the blank group and the model group were given 0.2 ml/10 g of distilled water by gavage， all for four days. The general condition， body weight after the last gavage， number of fecal particles within six hours， fecal wet weight， fecal water content ratio， intestinal propulsion rate and colonic histology changes by HE staining of each group were detected. ResultsThe body weight of the mice in the raw Dahuang group was significantly lighter than that in the other groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The number of fecal particles， fecal wet weight and intestinal propulsion rate of mice significantly decreased in the model group than in the blank group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the number of fecal particles and fecal wet weight in the processed Dahuang group， lactulose group and raw Dahuang group significantly increased， and the fecal water content ratio in the raw Dahuang group increased as well （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the processed Dahuang group， the number of fecal particles and fecal wet weight in the raw Dahuang group decreased， while the fecal water content ratio increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， and the fecal water content ratio in the lactulose group increased significantly （P＜0.05）. The intestinal propulsion rate in the processed Dahuang group was higher than that in the model group， lactulose group and raw Dahuang group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Histopathological analysis showed that the colonic crypts and goblet cells in the blank group were normal and clear， and the colonic muscular layer was thicker. The colonic crypts of the mice in the model group were damaged， with reduced goblet cells to varying degrees and changed colonic muscularis. In the lactulose group and raw Dahuang group， part of the crypts were broken， and the goblet cells were damaged to varying degrees， while in the processed Dahuang group， still the colonic tissue structure of the mice was relatively clear， and the colonic crypts and goblet cells were relatively normal， with thickened muscular layer of the colon. ConclusionPorcine large intestine-processed Dahuang could improve defecation in constipation model mice， and reduce the drastic purgation function of raw Dahuang， for which the mechanism may be related to the protection of colon histopathological damage.

Comparative physiological and histological investigations on resistant and susceptible pomegranate genotypes infected with Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Punicae

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap) is a bacterial pathogen wreaking havoc in pomegranate cultivation. It causes bacterial blight disease dwindling yield and making fruit unfit for consumption. Physiological and histological investigations during host-pathogen interaction are prerequisite to assess the onset of defense mechanism in plants. Therefore, we tried to compare the pomegranate resistant (IC 318734) and highly susceptible (Ruby) genotypes challenged with Xap. The bacterial suspension containing Xap cells of 0.3 OD600 (~106 to 107CFU mL?1) was used for challenge inoculation. Uniformly grown resistant and highly susceptible plants were selected, the surface of leaves was pricked and spray-inoculated with bacterial suspension using native strain IIHR1 (NCBI Gen Bank ID: KT 222897). Simultaneously, the control plants were also sprayed with only distilled water and observed. A total of three replications with five plants per replication were maintained and evaluated under completely randomized design. Physiological investigations were recorded using Portable photosynthesis system (LCpro+, ADC BioScientific limited, UK) for one cycle of disease progression viz., 0, 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days after bacterial spray inoculation (DAI). Significant changes in gas exchange parameters were witnessed on pathogen inoculation. Higher reduction in mean percent change of photosynthetic and transpiration rate, instantaneous water use efficiency, internal CO2 content, stomatal conductance and relative water content were noticed in highly susceptible genotype than resistant one. On contrary, an increased percent mean change of intrinsic water use efficiency, carboxylation capacity and lignin was documented in resistant genotype. Relative injury caused due to bacterial infection was found high in highly susceptible genotype than resistant one. Histological investigations in highly susceptible and resistant genotype were studied on 20th day of Xap inoculation using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Highly susceptible genotype exhibited maximum deformed cells, tissues and other visible abnormalities upon Xap inoculation. Thus, this study forms a basis for effective disease management and breeding programmes in pomegranate.

Effects of Mulching on Soil Water Content, Maize Performance and Weed Growth in Dry Land Area of Bangladesh

Aims: The objectives of the research work were to evaluate the effects of mulching on soil water content, maize performance and weed growth in dry land area of Bangladesh Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications Place and Duration of Study: Central research field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207 during November 2019 to April 2020. Methodology: The experimental field is divided into 3 blocks to represent 3 replications. There are 6 unit plots (each unit plot consists of 3m � 2m area) in the experimental farm. Distances of 1 m and 0.5 m are maintained between replication to replication and plots to plots, respectively. Plant to plant and row to row distances are considered to be 0.25 m and 0.75 m, respectively. The treatments are assigned in random plots. The land is ploughed four times followed by laddering to have fine tilth of the soil. The maize cultivars Shuvra and KS-510 are used as plant materials. Fig. 1 represents the six mulch treatments are imposed on the plants: Control (without mulch, CK), water hyacinth dry (10 t/ha, WH), rice straw dry (10 t/ha, RS), black polythene (4m � 3m, BP), white polythene (4m � 3m, WP), and transparent polythene (4m � 3m, TP) (S2). The mulches are applied as per treatment in each plot just after sowing to maintaining an equal thickness throughout the plot. Dried and cleaned mulches are used before applying to the experiment. The significance of the difference among the treatment means were estimated by the MSTAT-C package programme at 5% level of probability. Results: It is found in the experimental results that the soil water content of the no-mulching treatment is lower as compared to that of the other treatments from 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm soil depths. It is also observed that the RS mulching provides the highest soil water content, leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll contents, and total biomass. Significant enhancement of maize yield (20.55 ton/ha) is recorded for the rice straw mulching. In contrast, the weed dry weight of 7.45g/m2 is observed in the RS mulching, which is lower than the other treatments. Conclusions: Therefore, it can be concluded that the RS mulching, compared to other mulching, would be more efficient for maximum utilization of limited water resources, weed suppression as well as to increase the maize yield. The present research approach would be applicable to manage the soil water for enhancing the maize production in dry land area.

Effects of skin care products containing oligopeptides and bio-polysaccharides on sensitive skin barrier function / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effects and adverse reactions of external skin care products containing oltides and bio-polysaccharides on epidermaligopep barrier function of sensitive skin.Methods:From December 2019 to July 2020, there were 30 sensitive skin volunteers diagnosed and treated in the dermatology clinic of Beijing Tongren Hospital, including 3 males and 27 females, aged 18-57 years, with an average of 34 years, and the course of disease was 1-10 years, with an average of 5.75 years. They were treated once with products containing oligopeptides and biopolysaccharides on the day of enrollment. Before treatment, 1 week and 4 weeks after treatment, we observed and evaluated through VISIA analysis; skin physiological index measurement, subjective and objective improvement assessment, and product safety were evaluated through questionnaire surveys.Results:The VISIA data showed that the red zone was significantly lower than the baseline, and the data at the 4th week and before treatment were significantly improved ( P<0.05). On skin physiology, the test showed that after treatment, the difference between two follow-up visits and the water content before was statistically significant ( P<0.05). TEWL value after 4 weeks of treatment was significantly improved as compared with the baseline ( P<0.05). During the entire study process, no adverse reactions related to the product occurred. Conclusions:This skin care product containing oligopeptides and biopolysaccharides can increase the water content of the sensitive skin, reduce the water loss through the skin, and improve the skin barrier function. Meanwhile, no server adverse reaction is detected through the whole experiment.

Cryopreservation Conditions of Carthamus tinctorius Seeds / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study on the suitable cryopreservation conditions of Carthamus tinctorius seeds. MethodThe germination rate，relative conductivity，soluble sugar，soluble protein， and related enzyme activities of C. tinctorius seeds， as well as the hydroxysafflor yellow A （HSYA） content in Carthami Flos after storage and breeding for four months were detected under different temperature conditions （long-term storage，medium-term storage，short-term storage，room temperature，and ultra-low temperature refrigerator），different water content （8.1%，6.6%，5.2%，and 3.9%），and different storage time （2，4，6，8， 10 months）. SPSS 20.0 was used for statistical analysis. ResultDuring the storage for 10 months，the changing trend of the germination rate of C. tinctorius seeds revealed that it was more suitable to store seeds with low water content at a lower temperature. The differences in germination rate of seeds caused by storage temperature，seeds water content， and storage time were statistically significant. After storage for 10 months，the germination rate was significantly correlated with other detection indexes. ConclusionThe proper water content of C. tinctorius seeds in long-term and medium-term storage is 5.2% or 6.6%，and that in short-term and ultra-low temperature refrigerator is 3.9% or 5.2%. As revealed by the comparison results， the optimal storage conditions for C. tinctorius seeds were long-term storage and water content of 5.2%， which resulted in the highest germination rate and content of soluble sugar and soluble protein and the lowest relative conductivity after storage for 10 months. Additionally， the content of hydroxy safflor yellow A （HSYA） in Carthami Flos obtained after breeding and regeneration for four months was higher than that obtained after room temperature storage.

Selection and strategy of water determination methods in pharmaceuticals / 中国药科大学学报

@#Water content determination is an important aspect of quality research in the whole process of pharmaceutical development, production, storage and use.Therefore, it is significant to develop an accurate and robust method for the determination of water content in the quality control of pharmaceuticals.In this article, the selection and strategy for the study of water determination methods are explained on the basis of general water determination principles and application examples in Chinese and foreign pharmacopoeias, together with the analysis of sample structure, solubility and water content.This article aims to provide basis for the development of moisture testing methods and formulation of proper quality standards for pharmaceuticals.

Analysis of Rancidity Mechanism of Armeniacae Semen Amarum During Storage / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the mechanism of rancidity during storage by researching the changes of water content， relative permeability of cell membrane and rancidity levels of Armeniacae Semen Amarum in deterioration process. Method:Armeniacae Semen Amarum samples under different storage conditions were evaluated and classified by sensory assessors， and samples with different levels of rancidity were obtained. Water content was measured by toluene method， and water activity was obtained by water activity meter. Malondialdehyde （MDA） and relative conductivity were measured using thiobarbituric acid colorimetry and conductivity meter， respectively. The content of fatty oil was obtained by Soxhlet extraction. The acid value and peroxide value were measured in accordance with the general rules 0713 and 2303 of the 2020 edition of <italic>Chinese Pharmacopoeia</italic> （part Ⅳ）， respectively. Based on the above experimental data， chemometric methods （cluster analysis， principal component analysis） were selected to establish classification and discriminant models of Armeniacae Semen Amarum with different rancidity levels， in order to verify the accuracy of the classification results. Result:According to the results of sensory evaluation， Armeniacae Semen Amarum samples were divided into three classes， including no rancidity， slight rancidity and rancidity. Compared with the no rancid samples， the color of surface and cotyledon were deepened in rancid samples， and the oil was appeared on surface with rancid taste. The values of water content， water activity， MDA content and relative conductivity were all significantly increased in deterioration process （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The content of fatty oil was significantly decreased with the occurrence of rancidness （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the acid value and peroxide value increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The results of cluster analysis and principal component analysis showed that the rancid samples could be distinguished from the no rancid and slightly rancid samples. Conclusion:The storage conditions under high temperature and high humidity can accelerate the rancidness of Armeniacae Semen Amarum， which is accompanied by the increase of internal water content， the increase of cell membrane permeability and the occurrence of fatty acid rancidity. It is suggested that Armeniacae Semen Amarum should be stored in low temperature， dry environment， as well as short storage time.

Establishment of online quantitative model for moisture content determination of hydroxychloroquine sulfate particles by near infrared spectroscopy / 药学实践杂志

Objective To establish an online quantitative analysis model for moisture content assay of hydroxychloroquine sulfate particles by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Methods The NIR spectra were collected in real time when the material particles were dried in the fluidized bed. Meanwhile the water content of the particles was measured with the standard moisture tester. The multiplicative signal correction (MSC) and first derivative followed by Karl Norris smoothing were used for spectra pretreatment. Two spectral range (4 935−5 336 cm−1 and 6 911−7 297 cm−1) were selected for the quantitative model with the partial least squares (PLS) regression. Results The quantitative calibration model had good correlation coefficients with Rc value=0.952 9 and Rp value=0.936 6. The root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) was 0.408 and the root mean square error of prediction error (RMSEP) was 0.435. The ratio of standard deviation of validation set to prediction standard deviation (RPD) was 5.18. There was no significant difference between the predicted value and the reference value by t test when the established model was applied in large-scale production. Conclusion The online model established for monitoring water content has high accuracy and stability, which can be applied in industrial scale process to monitor the particle moisture in real time.

Aquaporin Over-expression for Constipation in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the relation between aquaporins (AQPs) and fecal water content in rats with spinal cord injury. Methods:A total of 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control group (n= 24) and spinal cord injury group (SCI group,n = 24). SCI group underwent transection at T8, while the control group was only subjected to laminectomy. Posterior limb function was assessed by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score before modeling and on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 28th day after SCI. Fecal water content was measured before modeling and on the 3rd, 14th and 28th day after SCI. Colon specimens were collected to detect the expression of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP4 by immunohistochemistry on the 3rd, 14th and 28th day after SCI. Results:The BBB score was significantly lower in SCI group than in the control group (t > 69.230,P< 0.001) after SCI, as well as the fecal water content (t > 5.814,P< 0.001). The expression of AQP1, AQP3, and AQP4 in the colon was higher in SCI group than in the control group (|t|> 5.165,P < 0.01) on the 3rd, 14th, and 28th day after SCI. The expression of AQPs negatively correlated with fecal water content (r = -0791~-0.730,P< 0.001). Conclusion:The expression of AQPs in the colon of rats after SCI was up-regulated, which was correlated with excessive water absorption after SCI.

Effect of Packaging and Storage Conditions on Quality of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix Pieces / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To study the effect of different packaging methods and storage conditions on the quality of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix pieces, in order to determine the optimal packaging method and suitable storage conditions for Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix pieces. Method::Different packaged Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix pieces were stored in different environments in a one-year long-term stability experiment. The appearance, water content, extract content and volatile oil content of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix pieces were regularly observed. Result::During the 1-year storage period, the Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix pieces under different packaging and storage conditions showed different degrees of quality changes. Among them, the samples packed in polyethylene plastic bags and polyethylene aluminum foil composite bags were better preserved. The fluctuations in water content of the sample packed in polyethylene plastic bags were relatively low, and the RSD value of water content during the month was less than 11.5%. The extracts and volatile oil contents of each sample were reduced to different degree, but the samples packed in plastic sealed bags and protected from light had the smallest annual loss of extracts (1.27%), with the lowest monthly loss rate of volatile oil (0.08%). Conclusion::The quality of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix pieces can be well preserved in plastic sealed bags and storage in dark and cool conditions, which is suitable for the storage of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix pieces.

Protective effect of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells on the rat’s blood-brain barrier after traumatic brain injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells play a vital role in the repair of the blood-brain barrier after traumatic brain injury. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on the blood-brain barrier after traumatic brain injury in rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS: Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, injury control group (model group), cell transplantation group and Sunitinib group, with 15 rats in each group. Traumatic brain injury model was established by improved hydraulic impact method in all the groups except for the sham operation group. Rats in the sham operation group and model group were injected with 1 mL of normal saline, and those in the cell transplantation group were injected with 1 mL of 2×109/L human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells. The injection was done via the tail vein at 0.5, 24, and 48 hours after modeling. In the Sunitinib inhibitor group, the rats were given oral PDGFR-β pathway inhibitor, Sunitinib (80 mg/kg), from 1 day before modeling until being executed. Three days after modeling, the water content in brain tissue was measured by dry-wet specific gravity method, the permeability of the blood-brain barrier was measured by Evans blue method, expression of GFAP and vWF was observed by immunofluorescence staining and the expression of blood-brain barrier related proteins and PDGFR-β pathway proteins was detected by western blot method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the sham operation group, the brain water content of the model group increased significantly (P < 0.05), while that of the cell transplantation group was significantly lower than that of the model group (P < 0.05). The Evans blue content in the model group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group (P < 0.05), while the Evans blue content in the cell transplantation group was significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the expression of vWF and GFAP increased significantly in the model group (P < 0.05), while compared with the model group, the expression was significantly reduced in the cell transplantation group (P < 0.05). Western blot showed that ZO-1, Oclaudin-5, and PDGFR-β protein expressions in the model group were significantly lower than those in the sham operation group (P < 0.05), while these expressions were significantly increased in the cell transplantation group as compared with the model group (P < 0.05). To conclude, intravenous injection of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells through the tail ein can reduce the permeability of blood-brain barrier and play a neuroprotective role in rats with traumatic brain injury. Its possible mechanism is related to the promotion of PDGFR-β expression in the injured area.

Comparison of soil hydraulic properties in wild and cultivated areas of Notopterygium incisum / 中国中药杂志

To clarify the difference of soil moisture characteristics between mixed broad leaf-conifer forest soil and artificial cultivation of Notopterygium incisum, the HYPROP system and the dew point potential meter were used to determine soil water retention curves(SWRC) for samples of two horizons(i.e. 2-7 cm, 10-15 cm). The basic physical and chemical properties of soil and its water characteristic parameters were also determined. The result showed as fllows:①The bulk density of mixed coniferous-broad leaf forest soil was between 0.33 and 0.52 g·cm~(-3), significantly lower than the corresponding value of field soil(1.01-1.18 g·cm~(-3))(P<0.05), While the organic matter content was significantly higher than the corresponding value of field soil(P<0.05). ②The saturated water content(θ_s), field water holding capacity(θ_(FC)) and Water that can be effectively utilized by plants(θ_(PAC)) of mixed coniferous-broadleaved forest soil were significantly higher than the corresponding value of field soil(P<0.05), while the retained water content(θ_r) value that cannot be effectively utilized by plants was significantly lower than that of field soil(P<0.05). ③The values of structural porosity(0.13-0.24 cm~3·cm~(-3)) and Matrix porosity(0.34-0.44 cm~3·cm~(-3)) of mixed coniferous-broadleaved forest soil were higher than the corresponding values of field soil. Therefore, with low bulk density and high content of organic matter, mixed coniferous-broadleaved forest soil can store more water in soil in the form of effective water to meet the needs of plants for water, thus possibly forming high quality medicinal materials of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix. In conclusion, the results of this study can provide theoretical basis guidance for soil structure improvement and water management to form high quality medicinal materials in the artificial cultivation of N. incisum.

Efecto de la interacción luz-agua sobre la fotosíntesis de la Vanilla planifolia (Orchidaceae)

Introducción: La vainilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) es una planta CAM de gran importancia económica en el mercado mundial de saborizantes y aromatizantes. Por ser una planta hemiepífita que inicialmente crece en el sotobosque sombreado y posteriormente asciende hasta el dosel, se aclimata a diferentes condiciones de radiación y humedad. La posibilidad de extender su cultivo a zonas secas donde sea menor la incidencia de enfermedades, dependerá de su respuesta a períodos prolongados de sequía. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de la interacción entre la radiación y la humedad sobre los parámetros de la fotosíntesis y funcionamiento del CAM de plantas de vainilla en sus fases iniciales de desarrollo vegetativo, y determinar si las condiciones de radiación en las que crece la planta pueden ayudar a moderar los efectos negativos de la sequía. Métodos: Se evaluaron plantas de vainilla que crecieron con riego durante 18 meses en casetas con iluminación relativa (IR) de 8, 17, 31 y 67 %; posteriormente se suspendió el riego y se fueron deshidratando durante 94 días hasta alcanzar un contenido de humedad crítico (contenido hídrico relativo, CHR ≤ 50 %), y finalmente se reinició el riego durante 22 días; se evaluó el efecto de estos procesos sobre la asimilación de CO2, la acidez titulable y la eficiencia cuántica del Fotosistema II (Fv/Fm). Resultados: Bajo condiciones intermedias de IR (17 % y 31 %), la asimilación de CO2 y laacumulación nocturna de ácidos orgánicos presentaron la menor afectación por el déficit hídrico, así como la mejor recuperación luego de la rehidratación. El CHR se vio más afectado por la disponibilidad de agua en el tejido vegetal, mientras que Fv/Fm lo fue por el ambiente de radiación. Los efectos combinados de estrés hídrico y alta radiación ocasionaron daños irreversibles en la fotosíntesis para el tratamiento de IR de 67 %. Conclusiones: En las plantas de vainilla, el impacto negativo de la sequía sobre los parámetros de la fotosíntesis fue mayor en alta radiación; sin embargo, en condiciones de baja radiación también aumentó la susceptibilidad de las plantas a la sequía, en comparación con los ambientes de radiación intermedia, en los cuales la densidad de flujo de fotones media fue de 340 μmol m-2 seg-1 (17 % de IR) y 620 μmol m-2 seg-1 (31 % de IR). Estos resultados sugieren el potencial de cultivar vainilla en zonas con sequía estacional bajo sistemas productivos de baja tecnificación, manteniendo estas condiciones de radiación.

Introduction: Vanilla planifolia Andrews is a CAM plant of economic importance in the global market of flavorings and essences. Being a hemiepiphyte which initially grows in the shady understory and later climbs to the canopy, it acclimates to different conditions of radiation and humidity. The possibility of extending this crop to dry areas where the incidence of diseases is lower will depend on the response to prolonged periods of drought. Objective: To evaluate the effects of the interaction of radiation and humidity on the parameters of photosynthesis and operation of CAM of vanilla plants, and to determine if the radiation environment could help to moderate the negative effects of drought. Methods: We evaluated well-watered vanilla plants grown for 18 months in relative illumination (RI) of 8, 17, 31 and 67 %, which underwent dehydration for 94 days until reaching critical water content (relative water content, RWC < 50 %) and then rehydration for 22 days; variables evaluated were: CO2 assimilation, titratable acidity, and quantum efficiency of Photosystem II (Fv / Fm). Results: Under intermediate conditions of radiation (17 % and 31 % RI), CO2 assimilation and nocturnal accumulation of organic acids were less affected by water deficit and also showed the best recovery after rehydration. The RWC was most affected by the water available in plant tissue, while Fv / Fm was affected by radiation. The combined effects of water stress and high radiation caused irreversible damage to photosynthesis for the 67 % RI treatment. Conclusions: In vanilla plants, the negative impact of drought on photosynthetic parameters was greater in high radiation; however, in low radiation conditions the susceptibility of plants to drought also increased, as compared to intermediate radiation environments, which were under a mean photon flux density of 340 µmol m-2 s-1 (17 % IR) and 620 µmol m-2 s-1 (31 % IR). These results suggest the potential for growing vanilla in areas with seasonal drought under low-tech production systems, maintaining these radiation conditions.

Cell Membrane Stability and Relative Water Content of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon Grass)

In this research the cell membrane stability (CMS), relative water content (RWC) and effect of different water interval on Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) was assessed. The cell membrane stability and relative water content of the plant shows the physiological activity of the plant. The plant sample was subjected to three different watering regimes viz: one, two- and three-days intervals with a control sample irrigated daily for a period of twelve months. Uniform stalk of lemon grass plants were planted into a depth of 7.5 cm composted soil, each treatment was made in triplicate. The evaluated growth parameters where height of the plant, number of leaves and tillers, which were taken weekly for period of twelve months (year). The height shows a significant difference from first to twelfth month after planting. The height of the plant increases simultaneous with the age of the plant. First month after planting show significant difference in height of sample watered daily and treated samples. The results shows that the RWC (07.14%) and CMS (52.58%) was low in samples under water stress respectively when compared to well-watered samples (55.41%). No significant difference was observed between samples under one, two and three days interval. The number of leaves differs significantly in the first MAP except in the samples watered daily and three days interval. Maximum number of leaves was achieved at twelfth MAP under one day interval (137.33) followed by samples watered daily (126) and two days interval, while three days interval has the least number of leaves (leaf number). The number of tillers shows significant differences between the means at fifth and sixth MAP, (fifth MAP = 73.33 and sixth MAP = 126) and the treatments under one day intervals (fifth MAP = 18.33 and sixth MAP = 35.67). In the research, samples watered daily and under one day intervals shows high productivity when compared to the remaining treatment.

Evaluation of Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench] Varieties in Response Salinity Stress

Salinity is among the most severe and widespread environmental constrains to global crop production, especially in arid and semi-arid climates and negatively affecting productivity of salt sensitive crop species. Breeding and selection of salt tolerant crop varieties is therefore necessary for sustainable plant productivity. Given that germination and seeding phases are the most critical phase in the plant life cycle, this study aimed to evaluate seed germination potential and associated traits under salt stress conditions as a simple approach to identify salt tolerant sorghum varieties [Gadam, Sc Sila and Serena] which are adaptated to various agroecological regions. Salinity stress was applied by addition of NaCl at three different levels of stress [100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl], while plants irrigated with water were used as control. Evaluation of tolerance was performed on the basis of germination percentage, shoot and seed water absorbance, shoot and root length, leave water content, seedling total chlorophyll content and morphologic abnormality. Our results showed that salinity stress significantly impacts all features associated with germination and early development of seedlings. Our results indicated that salinity stress substantially affects all traits associated with germination and early seedling growth, with the effect of salinity being dependent on the variety used and level of salinity stress applied. Among the tested sorghum varieties, Gadam was established to the most salt tolerant variety, suggesting its potential use for cultivation under salinity stress conditions as well as its suitability for use as germplasm material in future sorghum breeding programmes. For a greater insight into comprehensive mechanisms of salinity tolerance in sorghum, we suggest further research on genomic and molecular analysis.

Assessment of salinity tolerance based upon morpho-physiological attributes in white jute (Corchorus capsularis L.)

Aim: A study was conducted to evaluate the salinity tolerance of white jute (C. capsularis) cultivars. Methodology: Five white jute cultivars were assessed for different salinity concentrations (0, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM NaCl) in a split plot design with three replications per concentration under greenhouse condition. A total of fifteen plants were sampled from each treatment ten days after treatment with NaCl to determine morphological and physiological parameters. Results: Increased NaCl concentrations reduced all the morphological and physiological parameters such as plant height, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, relative leaf water content (RLWC), chlorophyll, protein, proline content, K+ accumulation in shoot and leaves, but water saturation deficit (WSD) and Na+ contents were increased in the shoot and leaves. Interpretation: The study revealed that among all cultivars assessed JRC-532 and JRC-321 showed relatively better performance against salt stress whereas cultivar JRC-517 was found more susceptible to salt stress.

Comparative evaluation of air pollution tolerance of plants from polluted and non-polluted regions of Bengaluru

Green vegetation acts as a sink for particulate air pollutants and is considered as ecologically sustainable costeffective strategies to mitigate ill effects of air pollution in industrialized areas and urban environment. In this context,assessment of air pollution tolerance index (APTI) offers simple tool for screening and identifying plants that tolerateair pollution. Six plants commonly growing in the polluted regions of Bengaluru were selected for assessing the airpollution tolerance response. APTI indices of Ocimum sanctum, Ricinus communis, Leucas aspera, Lantana camara,Bougainvillea spectabilis, and Vinca rosea were assessed and compared with the plants grown in non-polluted sitesof Bengaluru to analyze the response to air pollution. APTI correlations with the biochemical and physicochemicalparameters were analyzed to identify the important determinants of air pollution tolerance. Among the parametersassessed ascorbic acid content correlated with APTI scores of plants (R2 0.88). Among the plants evaluated, highAPTI of >23 was recorded in B. spectabilis and V. rosea, indicating that these plants are tolerant to air pollutants atthe collected sites. O. sanctum recorded lowest APTI of 8.77–9.42, indicating that these plants are sensitive to airpollutants and can be used for biomonitoring the air pollution. L. aspera, V. rosea, and B. spectabilis with APTI scoreof >16 can be used as green belt in polluted areas.

ESTABLISHING FREEZE DRYING PROCESS FOR CORTICAL AND CANCELLOUS BONE ALLOGRAFT CUBES

@#Freeze drying is a dehydration method to dry bone under freezing environment, enabling removal of water with no or minimial effects on bone strength and durability. Larger size bones obviously require longer freeze drying time to reduce water content to the required level for long term storage at room temperature. For small size bone cubes or chips, it is a normal practice to pool cortical and cancellous bones for freeze drying. The study was aimed at determining if different type of bones of the same size influence the drying time. Human bone cubes of 10 mm x 10 mm x 10 mm were prepared from cortical bone of tibiae and cancellous bone from femoral heads. The bone cubes were freeze dried to reduce water content to less than 6%. Moisture content was monitored using gravimetric method.Weight and density of cortical bone were significantly higher than cancellous bone despite of having similar small size (p<0.05). Cortical bones (density 2.05 ± 0.35 g/cm3) with initial water content of 10.93% required 5 hours to freeze dry, while cancellous bone cubes (density 0.72 ± 0.44 g/cm3) with initial water content of 78.95% required only 1.87 hours. This study confirmed that the structure hence density of human bone cubes determine the freeze drying time. Therefore in the standard operating procedure for freeze drying of bone allograft cubes, high density cortical bone cubes and low density cancellous bone cubes must be freeze dried separately despite being of similar small size