The limiting effect of genome size on xylem vessel diameter is shifted by environmental pressures in seed plants.

Current and previous studies have extensively studied the physiological and ecological consequences of genome size (GS) on plants because of the limiting effect of GS on cell size. However, it is still obscure whether such limiting effect could be shifted by environmental pressures, or not. Here, we compiled a global dataset comprised of GS, xylem vessel diameter (V dia), xylem hydraulic conductivity (K S), P 50 (xylem water potential at the loss of 50% maximum K S), and climate factors of 251 phylogeny and habitat divergent species from 59 families. The results showed that GS could limit the V dia of the species from the same family sampled in the similar climate conditions. But the expected positive relationship between GS and V dia became uncertain and even negative across different environmental conditions. V dia was strongly positively coordinated with mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP), and potential evapotranspiration (PET). Furthermore, V dia as the anatomic foundation of plant hydraulic performance was strongly positively coordinated with K S and negatively coordinated with -P 50. The strong environmental selection on K S and P 50 explained the concerted regulation of V dia by environmental factors. The findings revealed the combined regulation of GS and environmental pressures on xylem cell size and thus affected plant eco-physiological performance. The shifted cell size limiting effect of GS by environmental factors manifests plants great plasticity under changed environmental conditions.

Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Catharanthus roseus and Its Cytotoxicity Effect on Vero Cell Lines.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a chronic and sometimes fatal condition which affects people all over the world. Nanotherapeutics have shown tremendous potential to combat chronic diseases­including DM2­as they enhance the overall impact of drugs on biological systems. Greenly synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Catharanthus roseus methanolic extract (C. AgNPs) were examined primarily for their cytotoxic and antidiabetic effects. Methods: Characterization of C. AgNPs was performed by UV−vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The C. AgNPs were trialed on Vero cell line and afterwards on an animal model (rats). Results: The C. AgNPs showed standard structural and functional characterization as revealed by FTIR and XRD analyses. The zetapotential analysis indicated stability while EDX analysis confirmed the formation of composite capping with Ag metal. The cytotoxic effect (IC50) of C. AgNPs on Vero cell lines was found to be 568 g/mL. The animal model analyses further revealed a significant difference in water intake, food intake, body weight, urine volume, and urine sugar of tested rats after treatment with aqueous extract of C. AgNPs. Moreover, five groups of rats including control and diabetic groups (NC1, PC2, DG1, DG2, and DG3) were investigated for their blood glucose and glycemic control analysis. Conclusions: The C. AgNPs exhibited positive potential on the Vero cell line as well as on experimental rats. The lipid profile in all the diabetic groups (DG1-3) were significantly increased compared with both of the control groups (p < 0.05). The present study revealed the significance of C. AgNPs in nanotherapeutics.

Role of Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Management of Eale's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of Intravitreal Bevacizumab (IVB), in preventing vitreo-retinal complications in patients of Eale's Disease (ED). METHODS: This randomized control trial was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), Rawalpindi from May 2015 to December 2016. A total of 52 eyes of 26 patients, diagnosed with stage I or II of ED were randomly divided in two groups. Group A received monthly injections of IVB for 3 months, with steroids and laser photocoagulation. Group B received only steroids and laser treatment. Patients were followed for three months, and were analyzed for different clinical parameters. RESULTS: Mean age of study population was 28.5±2.64 years. Difference in frequency of patients requiring PPV and showing regression in neovascularization was statistically significant between both groups (p=0.005 for both). However, difference in frequency of patients showing progression in stage of ED, regression of vasculitis and best corrected visual acuity at 12 weeks between two groups was not statistically significant (p= 0.012, 0.579, 0.046 respectively). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal Bevacizumab injection, given monthly in patients of ED results in significantly more regression in neovascularization, and less requirement for PPV, as compared to those receiving standard steroids and laser photocoagulation treatment.