Numerical simulation to assess potential groundwater recharge and net groundwater use in a semi-arid region.

Accurate assessment of deep percolation (potential groundwater recharge) under different field crops is essential for sustainable management of scarce water resources and proper planning of crop rotation in irrigated, semi-arid regions of the world. The potential recharge from commonly grown field crops in semi-arid Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of India was estimated using HYDRUS-1D model, where, irrigation, evapotranspiration, and soil moisture dynamics were simulated. Simultaneously, net groundwater use by different cropping patterns was also calculated. Among the hydraulic parameters, n was found most sensitive for water percolation. During rainy season, 293.8 and 159.1 mm water was percolated below the root zone of cotton and soybean, respectively, which accounted for 39.4 and 32.9% of the water input. During winter season, 66.8 and 30.3 mm water was percolated below the root zone of winter maize and mustard, respectively, accounting for 20.5 and 10.6% of added water. It was observed that net groundwater use was positive for cotton, soybean, and summer maize with the values of 168.8, 159.1, and 18.0 mm year-1, respectively, and negative for rice, wheat, winter maize, and mustard. For the eight most important cropping patterns of semi-arid IGP, the net groundwater use was negative and varied between - 4.4 mm year-1 for cotton-maize and -423 mm year-1 for rice-wheat. With these cropping patterns, the overall rate of decline of groundwater was 231 mm year-1. It was found that maize-wheat and soybean-wheat cropping patterns consume much less water than rice-wheat cropping pattern and therefore are suitable to arrest the declining trend of groundwater in semi-arid IGP of India.

Attraction of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) to four varieties of Lathyrus sativus L. seed volatiles.

Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is an important stored grain pest of Lathyrus sativus L. (Leguminosae), commonly known as khesari, in India, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. Volatiles were collected from four varieties, i.e., Bio L 212 Ratan, Nirmal B-1, WBK-14-7 and WBK-13-1 of uninfested khesari seeds, and subsequently identified and quantified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and gas chromatography flame ionization detector analyses, respectively. A total of 23 volatiles were identified in the four varieties of khesari seeds. In Bio L 212 Ratan and WBK-13-1 seeds, nonanal was the most abundant followed by farnesyl acetone; whereas farnesyl acetone was predominant followed by nonanal in Nirmal B-1 and WBK-14-7 khesari seeds. The olfactory responses of female C. maculatus toward volatile blends from four varieties of khesari seeds, and individual synthetic compounds and their combinations were examined through Y-shaped glass tube olfactometer bioassays. Callosobruchus maculatus showed significant preference for the whole volatile blends from Bio L 212 Ratan seeds compared to whole volatile blends from other three varieties. The insect exhibited attraction to five individual synthetic compounds, 3-octanone, 3-octanol, linalool oxide, 1-octanol and nonanal. A synthetic blend of 448, 390, 1182, 659 and 8114 ng/20 µl methylene chloride of 3-octanone, 3-octanol, linalool oxide, 1-octanol and nonanal, respectively, was most attractive to C. maculatus, and this combination might be used for insect pest management program such as baited traps.

Trimerization of ß-cyclodextrin through the click reaction.

Triprop-2-ynyl benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (A) is synthesized by the reaction of 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride with propargyl alcohol and (A) is clicked with mono-6-deoxy-6-azido-ß-cyclodextrin (N3-ß-CD) in the presence of copper(I) bromide catalyst. N3-ß-CD has been prepared from ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) on treatment with toluenesulfonyl chloride (TsCl) and then with sodium azide (NaN3) in two consecutive steps. Further trimer of ß-CD is characterized by (1)H NMR and FTIR studies. Solubility of ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) in water can be increased by increasing the number of alcoholic OH functionalities and hydrophobic cavities in a molecule by the trimerization of ß-CD.

Alteration of blood pressure among the donors in a blood donation camp.

Anxiety can alter the cardiovascular parameters. In the present study, among the normotensive donors, the effect of anxiety on alteration of blood pressure and heart rate was assessed. Blood pressure and pulse rate were recorded in the volunteers just before blood donation and the results were compared with the blood pressure and heart rate recorded previously (one week before the camp) in the same population. There was a rise of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with a significant increase in pulse rate just before blood donation. As the donors had previous experience of blood donation; the mental stress just before blood donation can be regarded as known stress -- which caused increase in norepinephrine secretion leading to peripheral vasoconstrictions and rise in diastolic blood pressure. Anxiety through sympathetic stimulation increased the heart rate, cardiac output and systolic blood pressure.

The reversible antifertility effect of Piper betle Linn. on Swiss albino male mice.

To study the antifertility effect of an extract (alcoholic) of the leaf-stalk of Piper betle Linn., one set of experiments with two different doses in Swiss male albino mice were evaluated. Initially, 500 mg of the leaf-stalk extractive for 30 days and then 1000 mg for next 30 days/animal/day/kg body weight were administered orally. The extract reduced fertility to 0% within 60 days. Suppression of cauda epididymal sperm count and motility (p <0.05) was observed. Biochemical parameters did not show any marked alterations in testosterone content in serum nor 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) activity in testes although fructose content in seminal vesicles was reduced as are the weights of reproductive organs. The cholesterol content in testes increased, although not appreciably. After cessation of drug (plant extract) treatment, the altered parameters recovered. Results suggest that the contraceptive effect of the extract of leaf-stalk of Piper betle Linn. is mainly on the maturation process of spermatozoa in epididymides without influencing hystemic hormonal profiles. Withdrawal of the extract restored all altered parameters including organ weights and fertility after 60 days.

Pre-clinical toxicity evaluation of leaf-stalk extractive of Piper betle Linn. in rodents.

Studies on pre-clinical toxicity were undertaken to determine the haematological and biochemical changes after administration of alcoholic extract of leaf-stalk of P. betle in rats and mice. Acute and chronic toxicity experiments were performed on mice and rats according to WHO protocol. Different doses of plant extractive were administered for toxicity studies on short and long term basis. Haematological, biochemical profiles and enzymatic studies (transaminases and phosphatases) indicated that the drug (plant extractive) was devoid of toxicity.

Cholinergic vasodilatory effect of an imidazoindole on the nephrosclerosis of hypertensive rats.

Pyridino [1,2-a] imidazo [5,4-b] indole (Compound 1) has been reported previously as an antihypertensive agent. Parenteral introductions of Compound 1 in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and in normotensive dogs have been found to reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP) in those animal models. Later studies have shown cholinomimetic effects of Compound 1 in animal tissue preparations and in live animals. Our experiments showed that daily oral administration of Compound 1 minimized the development of hypertensive nephrosclerosis and prevented premature death in male SHR. Compound 1 also potentiated cholinergic activity in isolated rabbit hearts. It is suggested that cholinergic vasodilation by Compound 1 is responsible for the hypotensive effect and prevention of nephrosclerosis in SHR.

Potentiation of cholinergic activity with pyridino[1,2-a]imidazo[5,4-b]indole: in vitro studies.

1. Effects of a novel imidazoindole derivative on cholinergic function were studied in isolated tissue preparations. 2. The compound demonstrated a dose-dependent (10(-11)-10(-9) potentiation (20-60%) of acetylcholine induced tension in guinea pig ileal tissue. 3. Increases in the size of end-plate potentials and nerve evoked muscle twitches were observed in frog nerve-skeletal muscle preparations. 4. Cholinesterase activity was not inhibited. 5. The results suggest that the compound has actions at the post-synaptic muscarinic receptor complex in smooth muscle and causes pre-synaptic increases in ACh release at the neuromuscular junction.

Antifertility effect of Piper betle Linn. extract on ovary and testis of albino rats.

Chronic administration (sc) of the extract of the stalk of P. betle at 30 mg/kg body weight daily for 21 days produced significant decrease in oestrogen and androgen dependent target organ weights along with increase in cholesterol in adrenal, ovary and testis. Acid and alkaline phosphatase activities in serum, liver and kidney did not exhibit any toxic effect. There was marked change in morphology of testis and ovary. Vaginal smear showed prolonged dioestrus in treated female. The treated male showed decreased number and motility of sperm. Both male and female remained infertile after treatment suggesting antifertility activity of the extract on both sexes of albino rats.

Vaso-occlusive crisis episodes in sickle cell disease.

Seventeen adult males and females with Hb-SS, Hb-SC (1) and Hb-S Thal (1) hemoglobinopathies were continuously studied for 3 years. Various hematological and biochemical parameters were measured in the venous blood of the subjects for blood gases, CBC profile, blood chemistry (SMA-18), fibrinogen, alpha-HBD and myoglobin levels, percent sickling, blood viscosity, oxygen affinity of whole blood, osmofragility of red blood cells and calcium and zinc contents in plasma and in RBC. The results were compared between those subjects who encountered more frequent vaso-occlusive crisis episodes (frequent sicklers) and those with fewer crisis episodes (infrequent sicklers), along with parameters between crisis and non-crisis states of frequent sicklers. Our studies showed that percent sickling, P50 for O2, CBC profile, PO2, serum calcium, ALP, LDH, alpha-HBD level, zinc and calcium levels in plasma and in RBC varied between crisis and non-crisis states of frequent sicklers and also between frequent sicklers and infrequent sicklers. A logical explanation of such variations may help in understanding the etiology of vaso-occlusive crisis episodes in sickle cell disease.

A new antisickling agent: in vitro studies of its effect on S/S erythrocytes and on hemoglobin S.

2-(benzoylamino) pyridinium benzoate (BAPB) has exhibited an antisickling effect with homozygous S/S erythrocytes in vitro. This study suggests that BAPB prevents sickling by inhibiting the gelation of hemoglobin S.

Synthesis and antihypertensive activity of some imidazoindole derivatives.

The synthesis of pyridino[1,2-a]imidazo[5,4-b]indole (1) and thiazolo[3,2-a-a]imidazo[5,4-b-a]indole (2) has been achieved by phosphite reduction of 3-nitroso-6-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and 5-nitroso-6-phenylimidazo[2,1-bb]thiazole. Compound 1 has shown strong antihypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats while compound 2 showed similar bioactivity both in spontaneously hypertensive rats and in normotensive dogs. A tricyclic amino derivative, 3-amino-2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, which has structural resemblance to compound 1, showed no hypotensive activity.

Effects of dietary fats on the fatty acid composition of enamel and dentinal lipids of rabbit molars.

The effect of dietary fats such as butter, lard, cottonseed oil, and hydrogenated cottonseed oil on the fatty acid composition of enamel and dentin lipids of rabbit molars was studied. The enamel and dentin of molars of all of the rabbits contained a variety of fatty acids, palmitic, stearic, oliec, linoleic, and eicosapentaenoic being the major ones. Enamal lipids were more unsaturated than dentinal lipids in all of the groups. A significant difference was noticed in the fatty acid composition of both the enamel and dentin between these four groups of rabbits. Linoleic acid content was highest in both the enamel and dentin lipids of rabbits fed cottonseed oil. There was no marked difference in the saturated-unsaturated fatty acid ratio in both the enamel and dentin among rabbits fed cottonseed oil, lard, and butter. It is concluded that tooth lipids are responsive to diets and are in direct equilibrium with dietary components.

Surface and lamina propria lipids of bovine gingiva.

In terms of both quality and quantity, the surface lipids are noticeably different from the lamina propria lipids. The surface lipids are mainly structural in nature (cholesterol, cholesterol esters, and phospholipids), whereas the lamina propria lipids are mostly of storage types (triglycerides). The surface lipids are also more unsaturated, whereas the lamina propria lipids are more saturated. Even though gingiva is histologically similar to skin, bovine gingival surface lipids are different from the bovine skin surface lipids. Further studies are needed to investigate the importance of surface lipids in regulating the various physiologic functions of gingiva.

Study on the composition of bovine gingival lipids.

The lipids in bovine gingival tissue were characterized qualitatively and quantitatively. The total lipid content was 2.35% on wet weight. The total nonpolar lipids and total polar lipids were 70.69 and 29.31% of the total lipids, respectively. Cholesterol esters, free fatty acids, and triglycerides were the major nonpolar lipids. Polar lipids were predominantly phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and sphingomyelin. Traces of glycolipids, lysophosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidyl serine, and prostaglandins were present. Oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids were found to be the major fatty acids in all lipid classes. Cholesterol esters, total polar lipids, and free fatty acids were more unsaturated than glycerides. Linolenic and arachidonic acid contents were highest in cholesterol esters and total polar lipids.

Detection of prostaglandins in bovine gingival tissue.

It has been characterized earlier that bovine gingival lipids contain a fairly high level of arachidonic acid, a potential precursor of prostaglandin biosynthesis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether prostaglandins are natural components of bovine gingival tissues. Qualitative analysis of the lipid extract by a combination of thin-layer chromatography on plain and silver nitrate-impregnated silical gel plates and ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy strongly indicate the presence of PGE1, PGE2, and PGF2. There was also an indication for the occurrence of other prostaglandins, such as PGB, PGE3, PGF1, and PGF3.

Effect of the nature and amount of dietary energy on lipid composition of rat bone marrow.

The effect of the nature and amount of dietary calories on the lipid composition of bone marrow of rats was studied. Male weanling rats were fed 3 isocaloric diets, containing high carbohydrate, normal protein, and high protein, and a fourth high fat diet for 49 days. Feeding of the high carbohydrate, high protein, and high fat diets caused a significant increase in the level of total lipids compared to the normal protein diet. This increase of total lipids was due primarily to the increase in the level of triglycerides. There was no significant difference in fatty acid composition of either nonpolar or polar lipids of bone marrow among rats fed high carbohydrate diet and those fed normal protein diet. A comparison of fatty acid compositions between bone marrow lipids of rats fed high protein diet and the other 2 isocaloric diets revealed that the proportion of palmitic acid was higher and the proportion of oleic acid was lower in animals fed high protein diet than in animals fed the other 2 diets. Compared to the 3 isocaloric low fat diets, dietary feeding of high fat diet caused a decrease in the proportion of palmitic and palmitoleic acids and an increase in the proportion of oleic and linoleic acids in total fatty acids of both nonpolar and polar lipids.

Gestational variation of fatty acid composition of human amniotic fluid lipids.

The amount of total lipids of the amniotic fluid of normal human subjects increases progressively with gestational age and is found to be maximum in labor at term. The lecithin/sphingomeylin ratio, which invariably increased with gestational age, is 2:1 or greater beyong 34 weeks of pregnancy and becomes maximum at term labor. No definite correlation exists between the palmitic acid content of total lipids and gestational age; but the palmitic acid content of the lecithin fraction increases with gestational age and this increase is markedly accelerated near the 34th week of pregnancy. Also it is observed that the arachidonic acid of cholesterol esters increases with gestational age. Therefore, it is suggested that both the palmitic acid level of lecithin and the arachidonic acid level of cholesterol esters might serve as more reliable indices that current methods being employed for the assessment of fetal lung maturity.