Tissue Dry Weight Research Articles

Biometry, shell resistance and attachment of zebra and quagga mussels at the beginning of their co-existence in large European lakes

In invasive dreissenid communities, the zebra mussel usually appears earlier and then is displaced by the quagga mussel. We analysed length-weight allometric relationships, attachment strength (2 days, 1 week and 1 month of exposure), shell crushing resistance and glycogen content across the entire size range of both species in large shallow European lakes where this displacement has recently occurred. In Lake Balaton (Hungary) and Ijsselmeer (The Netherlands), the soft tissue dry weight increment of zebra mussels per unit length decreased after the quagga mussel invasion and became lower than that of quagga mussels. In Lake Markermeer (the Netherlands), having relatively worse environmental conditions, dry weight increment per unit length was always higher in quagga mussels than in zebra mussels, but no negative change in dry weight increment occurred in zebra mussels during the quagga mussel invasion. Small zebra mussels had more resistant shells and stronger attachment than quagga mussels. These differences were reduced (shell hardness) or reversed (long-term attachment) in larger individuals. Zebra mussels had lower glycogen content than quagga mussels across the entire size range. Thus, the quagga mussel advantage over zebra mussel likely consists in the faster dry weight increment per unit length and higher storage product contents of the former, due to its lower investments in attachment strength and shell crushing resistance.

Efficacy and mechanism of Lianhua Qingwen Capsules(LHQW) on chemotaxis of macrophages in acute lung injury (ALI) animal model

This paper was mainly to discuss the potential role and mechanism of Lianhua Qingwen Capsules(LHQW) in inhibiting pathological inflammation in the model of acute lung injury caused by bacterial infection. For in vitro study, the mRNA expression of MCP-1 in RAW264.7 cells and THP-1 cells, the content of MCP-1 in cell supernatant, as well as the effect of LHQW on chemotaxis of macrophages were detected. For in vivo study, mice were randomly divided into 7 groups, including normal group, model group(LPS 5 mg·kg~(-1)), LHQW 300, 600 and 1 200 mg·kg~(-1)(low, middle and high dose) groups, dexamethasone 5 mg·kg~(-1) group and penicillin-streptomycin group. Then, the anal temperature was detected two hours later. Dry weight and wet weight of lung tissues in mice were determined; TNF-α and MCP-1 levels in alveolar lavage fluid and MCP-1 in serum were detected. In addition, the infiltration of alveolar macrophages was also observed and the infiltration count of alveolar macrophages was measured by CCK-8 method. HE staining was also used to observe the inflammatory infiltration of lung tissues in mice. Both of the in vitro and in vivo data consistently have confirmed that: by down-regulating the expression of MCP-1, LHWQ could efficiently decrease the chemotaxis of monocytes toward the pulmonary infection foci, thus blocking the disease development in ALI animal model.

The euryhaline pygmy mussel, Xenostrobus securis, is a useful biomonitor of key metal contamination in the highly urbanised Sydney Estuary, Australia

This study critically evaluated the native pygmy mussel (Xenostrobus securis) as a biomonitor of the key metal contaminants in the highly urbanised Sydney Estuary, south-eastern Australia. Five metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) were identified as key contaminants, based on their enrichment factors (EFs) in the whole soft tissue of X. securis at 24 sampling sites, relative to baseline values from near-pristine reference sites in the adjacent Hawkesbury Estuary. Inverse relationships established between mussel size (dry tissue weight) and tissue concentrations of each metal were used to reduce variance (by 4-fold) among individuals; gender and reproductive status had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on tissue metal concentrations in X. securis. Metal concentrations in three environmental matrices – filtered (<0.2 μm) surface water (operationally defined as the dissolved/colloidal phase), suspended particulate matter (SPM; >0.2 μm) and surface sediment (<2 mm particle size), which are most relevant to a suspension-feeding estuarine bivalve, were also determined at each sampling site. For each of the five metals, highly significant (p < 0.01) positive linear regressions were established between metal EFs for mussel tissue and each environmental matrix. Metals in surface sediment and SPM explained 80–91% and 81–90%, respectively, of the variability in metal concentrations in mussel tissue, with filtered surface water explaining 74–86%. Cumulative mussel tissue EFs of all five metals, when regressed against each environmental matrix, showed that surface sediment concentrations explained 93% of their variability between sites, SPM 94% and filtered surface water 87–90%. Hence, X. securis very closely reflects the metal concentrations in its aquatic environment. The study provides a quality-assured benchmark of key metal contamination in the Sydney Estuary, and an appropriate methodology that may be used to discern any changes in metal contaminant status using X. securis.

Phytoextraction of Nickel Contaminated Soil with Citric Acid and Humic Acid treatments using Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Plant

In this study, the removal possibilities of Ni from contaminated soil using perennial rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) plants were investigated. This decontamination process was conducted adding citric acid (C6H8O7) and humic acid. Increasing dose of Ni (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400mg Ni kg-1), 0.005mM citric acid and 2 humic acid were added to the test soil in the pots and incubated under controlled conditions for a month. The seedlings of rosemary plant were transferred to the pots and they were grown for 45 days. At the end of the experiments, dry weight of plant tissues and the concentrations of Ni, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) were determined.

The accumulation of cadmium in wheat (Triticum aestivum) as influenced by zinc oxide nanoparticles and soil moisture conditions.

Both cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils and drought stress pose a serious problem for crop quality and human health. Owing to the specific physical and chemical characteristics, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) can be used in agriculture as a nanofertilizer but their impact on Cd accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum) grains under normal and limited water conditions remains insufficient. In this study, the efficiency of ZnO NPs on Cd intake by wheat was investigated under normal and water-limited conditions grown in Cd-contaminated soil for 125 days after seed sowing. The lower biomass and higher oxidative stress were observed in the tissues of the control and drought stress further decreased the plant biomass and caused oxidative stress. Zinc oxide NP treatments increased the tissue dry weight and minimized the oxidative stress either Cd stress alone or combined with drought. Drought stress enhanced the Cd contents in wheat tissues and grains, while ZnO NPs significantly reduced the Cd accumulation in tissues and grains by reducing the soil bioavailable Cd and its accumulation by roots. These findings depicted that NP application to contaminated soils can promote wheat productivity and effectively alleviate soil Cd contamination either alone or under water-limited conditions. The baseline data demonstrated in this study provide insights that pave the way towards safer wheat production under combined drought and metal stress. However, the application of NPs at field levels with numerous crops and climatic conditions needs to be investigated before final recommendation.

Characterization of cadmium-resistant rhizobacteria and their promotion effects on Brassica napus growth and cadmium uptake.

Excessive cadmium (Cd) accumulation in soil can adversely affect plants, animals, microbes, and humans; therefore, novel and uncharacterized Cd-resistant plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are required to address this issue. In the paper, 13 bacteria were screened, their partial 16S rRNA sequences determined, and the isolates, respectively, clustered into Curtobacterium (7), Chryseobacterium (4), Cupriavidus (1), and Sphingomonas (1). Evaluation of PGP traits, including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, siderophore secretion, and cyanhydric acid production, identified Cupriavidus necator GX_5, Sphingomonas sp. GX_15, and Curtobacterium sp. GX_31 as promising candidates for PGPR based on high IAA or ACC deaminase production. Additionally, root-elongation assays indicated that inoculating GX_5, _15, or _31 increased Brassica napus root length both in the presence and absence of Cd by 19.75-29.96% and 19.15-31.69%, respectively. Pot experiments indicated that inoculating B. napus with GX_5, _15, and _31 significantly increased the dry weight of above-ground tissues and root biomass by 40.97-85.55% and 18.99-103.13%, respectively. Moreover, these isolates significantly increased Cd uptake in the aerial parts and root tissue of B. napus by 7.38-11.98% and 48.09-79.73%, respectively. These results identified GX_5, _15, or _31 as excellent promoters of metal remediation by using microorganism-associated phytoremediation.

Antibiotics in corals of the South China Sea: Occurrence, distribution, bioaccumulation, and considerable role of coral mucus

Manmade antibiotics are emerging organic pollutants widely detected in the marine environment. In this study, 14 out of 19 target antibiotics were detected in corals collected from coastal and offshore regions in the South China Sea. The average total antibiotic concentrations (∑19ABs) in the two regions were similar: 28 ng/g for coastal corals and 31 ng/g for offshore corals, based on dry tissue weight (dw). Fluoroquinolones (FQs) were predominant antibiotics in the coastal corals (mean ∑FQs: 18 ng/g dw), while sulfonamides (SAs) predominated in the offshore corals (mean ∑SAs: 23 ng/g dw). However, corals living in coastal regions tend to excrete more mucus than corals in offshore habitat. We found 53% by average of ∑19ABs in the mucus of the coastal corals; while in offshore corals, most antibiotics (88% by average) were accumulated in the tissues. In addition, the tissue-mucus mass distribution differs among individual antibiotics. Sulfonamides were mainly accumulated in tissues while fluoroquinolones were present mainly in mucus. The results of this study suggest that mucus played an important role in the bioaccumulation of antibiotics by corals. It may resist the bioaccumulation of antibiotics by coral tissue, especially for the coastal corals. Additionally, corals were compared with other marine biotas in the study area and found to be more bioaccumulative towards antibiotics.

Variations in the antioxidant and free radical scavenging under induced heavy metal stress expressed as proline content in chickpea.

Thisstudy pertains to the effects of heavy metal salts viz., copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) on the chickpea accession ICC-4812. The salts were given as treatments to the chickpea seeds at various ascending levels of doses till proving toxic. The treatment of 24h soaked and swollen seeds were then extended to 7days duration from the date of treatment. Atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis of bioassay tissue Cicer, showed maximum uptake of 9.41mg/g and minimum of 1.65mg/g tissue dry weight for Pb and Zn respectively. The study reveals that enhanced antioxidant responses are associated with substantial proline accumulation indicating induced stress. Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay measuring antioxidant activity was highest in the chickpea seedling treated with Zn, whereas, free radical scavenging activity was highest in the treatments with Mn. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged between 0.24-0.97 and 0.27-1.00mg/g of dry matter content respectively. Higher Pb and Zn doses seem to elicit higher proline levels therefore, suggesting an extreme condition of induced abiotic stress. Dose dependent protein oxidation coupled with DNA degradation was observed in all treatments, depicting genotoxicity. Unweighted pair-group method arithmetic average analysis presented similarity coefficients between the treatments.

Effect of the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill on the Condition, Reproduction, and Energy Storage Cycle of the Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum on the West Coast of Korea

Seasonal variations in the condition, biochemical composition, and reproduction of Ruditapes philippinarum were investigated from August 2009 to October 2010, 18 months after the Hebei Spirit oil spill off Malipo Beach on the west coast of Korea. No significant differences in physical and nutritional conditions were found between the oil-damaged and the undamaged control beaches. At the undamaged Mongsanpo Beach, all the biometric components (dry tissue weights and biochemical components) remained at low levels during autumn–winter but increased rapidly through spring, followed by a dramatic drop in August. In contrast, at the oil-damaged beach, no clear seasonal fluctuations were detected in the biometric components during the study period. Absolute values of all the components were much higher at the control than at the damaged site. This lack of energy reserves in the clams in the damaged area likely resulted in a failure of gametogenic development. Gonadal maturity index peaked in summer at both beaches. However, the gross egg weight was much higher at the control than at the damaged site during June–July. In addition, its different peak timing between sites indicated a month’s lag in the major spawning pulse at the oil-damaged beach. The spatial variations in all the biometric components of the clams observed in this study clearly implied that the Hebei Spirit oil spill may interfere with the clam phenology at Malipo Beach within 2 to 3 years after the incident.

Surface coating determines the response of soybean plants to cadmium sulfide quantum dots

Quantum dots (QDs) are used in an array of applications from electronic devices to medicine, leading to environmental release and accumulation in landfills and agricultural soils. However, their effects on plants have been least studied among other engineered nanomaterials. In the current study, soybean seedlings were exposed to 50–200 mg/L cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS-QDs) to elucidate their bioaccumulation and biological response in comparison to Cd2+ ions and bulk-CdS. To understand the role of surface coatings on QD stability, uptake, translocation, subcellular localization and cellular response, bare CdS-QDs were capped with ligands varying in polarity and surface charge. Four common ligands, including trioctylphosphine oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, mercaptoacetic acid, and glycine were used to synthesize QD-TOPO, QD-PVP, QD-MAA, and QD-GLY, respectively. In aqueous suspension, QD-MAA particles were most stable, maintaining their size at 332 nm with least Cd2+ dissolution (9%) after 14 d, whereas QD-TOPO formed large aggregates of size 3861 nm with 27% Cd2+ dissolution. Upon exposure to 100 mg/L bare and coated CdS-QDs in vermiculite for 14 d, soybean roots accumulated Cd, ranging from 568 (QD-MAA) to 1010 (QD-PVP) μg/g tissue dry weight (DW); statistically equivalent to bulk-CdS treatment (639 μg/g DW). In the roots, Cd from CdCl2, bulk- CdS, QD-MAA and QD-GLY accumulated primarily in the cell wall (~40–55%) followed by organelles (28–40%), suggesting apoplastic pathway; whereas in QD-TOPO, dissolved Cd2+ ions accumulated mainly in the membranes. The exception was QD-PVP, which sequestered Cd mainly in the organelles (49%) in roots, potentially via symplastic pathway and translocated to shoots, resulting in reduced leaf biomass. Results suggested that peroxidases play the predominant role in quenching the oxidative stress caused by CdS-QD exposure. At the highest CdS-QD treatment (200 mg/L), root lignification allowed the plants to restrict Cd accumulation, except in QD-PVP, where lignification was reduced by 21% leading to higher Cd content in shoots. Increased amino acid content in the leaves was noted as a stress tolerance mechanism by the plants exposed to 200 mg/L QD treatments. This study highlights the significant influence that surface coating exerts on QDs fate and effects in a planted system.

Traceability the provenience of cultivated Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics

The conventional procedures, based on attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (ATR-FTIR), have been developed for the origins traceability of cultivated Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (PPY) samples with the help of partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and random forest. In this study, a set of 219 batch cultivated PPY samples, containing the cultivation years of 5, 6 and 7, and covering the municipal districts of Chuxiong, Dali, Honghe, Lijiang and Yuxi in Yunnan Province, China, were used to build the discrimination models. Firstly, a visualized analysis was carried out by t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) to reduce each data point in a two-dimensional map and make a knowledge of the sample distribution tendency. Secondly, the single spectra data sets of Paridis rhizome and leaf tissues, and the combination of these two data sets with variable selection (mid-level data fusion strategy), were used to establish PLS-DA and random forest models, and parallelly compared the model performance. Results demonstrated that the discrimination ability of PLS-DA preceded the random forest model, and the classification performance was remarkably improved after mid-level data fusion. These results verified each other by 5-, 6- and 7-year old Paridis samples and indicated that the model performance established in the present study was reliable. Besides, five agronomic characters, including the plant height, dry weight of rhizome and leaf tissues, and the allocation of rhizome and leaf were determined and analyzed, results of which indicated that the dry weight and their allocation was significantly different among various origins and fluctuated with the cultivation years. This study was using a comprehensive and green analytical method to discriminate the cultivated Paridis according to their provenances, which was simultaneously benefited for the appropriate cultivation areas selection based on the dry weight of rhizome tissues.

Gross biochemical and isotopic analyses of nutrition-allocation strategies for somatic growth and reproduction in the bay scallop Argopecten irradians newly introduced into Korean waters

The bay scallop Argopecten irradians, a warm-water and hermaphroditic bivalve species, is native of the Atlantic coast of North America and was introduced for aquaculture to the Chinese coast in 1982 and, in turn, to the Korean coast in 1996. The present study analyzed the gross biochemical composition and stable isotope ratios of separated organs (i.e., the adductor muscle, digestive gland, gonad, mantle, and gill tissues) of the scallop over a culturing cycle (September 2015 to May 2016), to understand its energy-storage allocation strategy in association with reproductive success for survival in the new habitat. The condition index (CI) of the bay scallop increased slowly but steadily from the beginning of deployment in the grow-out area in September and peaked in the following month of March. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) increased rapidly in April and peaked in May, when the CI decreased drastically. The seasonal somatic growth, as defined by dry tissue weight, of whole tissues and individual organ tissues differed from each other. Most of the energy reserves were stored in the adductor muscle in the summer–fall period. The subsequent sudden decreases in proteins and carbohydrates in the adductor muscle suggested that these reserves were used as catabolic substrates during winter maintenance in the December–January period, and during spring spawning in the April–May period. The δ13C values of all the lipid-free organ tissues displayed seasonal fluctuations in parallel with those of phytoplankton. Seasonal fluctuations in gross weights of biochemical constituents as well as δ13C and δ15N values of individual organ tissues confirmed a mobilization of proteins from the digestive gland to the gonad, suggesting that gonadal growth is catabolized by recently assimilated food (i.e., phytoplankton). Overall, our results clearly indicate that, although the bay scallop in a newly introduced coast of Korea possessed slightly different energy-gain-allocation processes vs the native US populations, they might adapt to new environments and keep an intrinsic trait of fast growth and reproductive success through a slight modification of adaptive strategy for survival.

Cinnamate and phytohormones interaction interplay on sugar pool fractions, phytochemical constituents and molecular changes in isolated cucumber cotyledons

Every plant biological activity is manipulated by more than one hormone, thus the biological phenomenon often reflects the combined interplay of several different hormones. Cinnamic acid, being precursor for the production of various di (lignans), polyphenols (lignins) and also substituted derivatives. In this study a comparative study had been undertaken to ascertain whether, the cinnamate alone or in conjunction with kinetin, indole acetic acid, gibberellin and abscisic acid, can have biochemical effect on the carbohydrate fractions, phytochemical constituents and molecular changes using a photosynthetic tissue. Surface sterilized cucumber seeds were germinated under constant temperature and illumination. The cotyledons scored after 48 h. of germination were subjected to different treatment combinations of cinnamate alone and in conjugation with other plant growth regulators (PGRs) in sterilized petri plates lined with sterile chromatographic grade filter paper discs. Results showed a concomitant increase in the tissue fresh and dry weight contents and also increase in sugar pool with increasing cinnamate dose concentration irrespective of whether these were imposed with any other PGRs. Phytochemical and molecular analysis depicted the same that cinnamate acts independently and also showed both synergistic and antagonistic interference with other PGRs viz., kinetin, auxin, gibberellic acid and abscisic acid.

Differential growth of the brown mussel, Perna perna (Linnaeus, 1758), in longline and pole cultures in Dakhla Bay ( SW Morocco, Atlantic Ocean)

There is a great interest in establishing mussel farming in Dakhla bay. Selection of suitable sites is more meaningful only if a reliable culture method at proposed site is included. We compared two different culture methods, longline and pole, over 1 year (June 2016 to June 2017). Growth indicators for Perna perna (size and weight growth rates, frequency distributions and estimating growth curves) were analysed from seeding to harvest. The results highlighted the influence of culture method on growth rates of mussels (p < 0.05). At harvest, individuals reared on longline presented higher growth rates and consequently reached greater weight and length values than those reared on pole. Mussels reared at the longline grew 73.2 mm and gained 53.5 g WL (live weight) and 3.3 g Wt (tissue dry weight) after 12 months of cultivation. However, mussels cultured at the pole gained only 52.3 mm, 26.7 g WL and 1.6 g Wt. Aerial exposure of mussels at low tides could explain this reduced performance on pole compared with longline. Size frequency distributions at harvest fitted bimodal distribution in both cultures due to an asymmetric competition among individuals. Effect of density started in both treatments after 7 months of culture when mussels reached 60–70 mm, implying an increment of their food and space requirements. To prevent overcrowding, the initial density should have been reduced through “thinning-out.” The longline method exhibited high-performance growth and hence is highly recommended for cultivation of P. perna in Dakhla bay.

GROWTH AND NUTRIENT ACCUMULATION AND EXPORT IN A SHORT-DAY ONION

ABSTRACT New hybrid onions that are more productive are currently being cultivated. Information on growth and nutrient accumulation must thus be updated to assist in the refinement of existing recommendations, enabling the better exploitation of the productive potential of these new genotypes. We determined the growth of plants and the accumulation and export of nutrients of the short-day onion ‘Soberana’ established by direct seeding. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replicates and the treatments were evaluation times. Leaf number, tissue dry weight, nutrient accumulation, and the maximum daily rate of accumulation were evaluated throughout the growing cycle. The order of nutrient accumulation was (g plant-1) K (0.72) &gt; Ca (0.38) &gt; N (0.32) &gt; S (0.14) &gt; P (0.08) &gt; Mg (0.06) and (mg plant-1) Fe (2.26) &gt; Mn (1.43) &gt; Cu (0.93) &gt; Zn (0.91) &gt; B (0.85). Macronutrient demand was highest between 61 and 148 days after sowing (DAS), and micronutrient demand was highest between 70 and 148 DAS.

Measuring carbon and nitrogen bioassimilation, burial, and denitrification contributions of oyster reefs in Gulf coast estuaries

The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and the reefs they create provide significant ecosystem services. This study measured their possible role in nutrient mitigation through bioassimilation, burial, and oyster-mediated sediment denitrification in near-shore shallow water ( 1 m water depth) oyster reefs in Louisiana. Nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) in shell and tissue differed by oyster reproductive status, size, and habitat type. Changes in tissue percent N and C post-spawning combined with significant reductions in tissue dry weight from the release of gametes, resulted in 20 and 46% reductions in tissue N and C load (mg), respectively, for a 100-mm oyster. Oyster reefs did not enhance burial rates, with burial range rates estimated at 1.4–2.6 g N m−2 year−1, and 26.9–43.8 g C m−2 year−1. Closed-system ex situ incubations indicated net denitrification in all habitat types studied, with the highest rates exceeding 600 µmol N m−2 h−1 during the summer, but no enhancement attributable to oyster reefs specifically. Within the highly productive, organic-rich wetland complex systems of coastal Louisiana, oyster reefs were not associated with enhanced denitrification, likely due to the organic-rich setting, and redundant supplies of organic nitrogen and carbon from adjacent marshes. Context remains critical in determining ecosystem provision of habitats, and efforts to extrapolate and predict nitrogen removal across locations necessitates consideration of local conditions. Considering the large extent of reefs and oyster production across coastal Louisiana, oyster habitats may still contribute to N and C mitigation, but their unique contribution likely comes from bioassimilation, and removal of the oysters from the system.

Protective effects of dexmedetomidine on lung in rats with one-lung ventilation.

Protective effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the lungs of one-lung ventilation (OLV) rat model and its effect on inflammatory factors were investigated. Ninety-two rats were selected and divided into groups A, B, C and D (n=23) according to the principle of similar body weight. OLV rat model was established. Before modeling (15 min), rats in group C were injected with sodium chloride. Rats in group D were injected with DEX at a speed of 5 µg/kg/h. Group A rats were ventilated in both lungs for 2 h. Rats in groups B and C (0.9% sodium chloride injection + OLV) and in group D (DEX + OLV) were subjected to OLV for 2 h and bilateral ventilation for 10 min. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in lung tissue of rats were detected by ELISA. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in rat lung tissue were detected by radioimmunoassay. Wet weight (W)/dry weight (D) of lung tissue was calculated and indexes of the four groups of rats were compared. Compared with group A, IL-6, TNF-α and MDA concentrations and W/D of lung tissue of rats in groups B, C and D were significantly increased (p<0.05); SOD activity and IL-10 concentration were significantly decreased (p<0.01). Compared with groups B and C, the concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α and W/D in rats of group D were significantly decreased (p<0.01), but IL-10 significantly increased (p<0.01). Compared with groups B and C, the MDA concentration in lung tissue of rats in group D was significantly decreased (p<0.01), but SOD activity significantly increased (p<0.01). DEX can inhibit the production of inflammatory factors in the development and progression of pulmonary inflammation. It can inhibit lipid peroxidation, relieve pulmonary edema, and reduce lung injury after OLV, sin order to protect the lung.

Effect of plant age on in-soil decomposition and nitrogen content of sunn hemp tissue

ABSTRACTThe effects of plant age at the time of mowing on sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) tissue decomposition, nitrogen (N) release, and fiber content in Krome very gravelly loam were assessed. Combined leaf and stem tissue from 42-, 77- or 112-day-old sunn hemp plants was placed in mesh bags and buried below the soil surface in the field. Bags were removed bi-weekly and dry weights, N concentration, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations in buried sunn hemp tissues were determined. There was a rapid decrease plant tissue dry weight during the first 14 days after tissue was buried, followed by a slow gradual decrease. The amount N per hectare was much lower for 42-day-old than 112-day-old sunn hemp. Tissue of the youngest plants decomposed the quickest. Forty two-day-old tissue had a higher N concentration, N mineralization rate, and lower NDF and ADF than 77- or 112-day-old tissue. Mowing and soil incorporation of a 42-day-old instead of a 77- to 112-day-old sunn hemp cover crop prior to planting a cash crop can be beneficial for a fast-growing cash crop planted soon after soil incorporation of the cover crop.

EFFECT OF SITAGLIPTIN AND VILDAGLIPTIN ON WOUND HEALING IN MALE WISTAR RATS - AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a spectrum of common metabolic disorders, arising from a variety of pathogenic mechanisms. With an increasing incidence worldwide, DM will be likely a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the future. Delayed wound healing in diabetes is a major source of morbidity and mortality. Sitagliptin and Vildagliptin are novel antihyperglycemic agents used for the treatment of DM. The present study was planned to investigate the effect of Sitagliptin and Vildagliptin on various wound healing models in male Wistar rats.Methods: Male Wistar rats (150–200 g) were divided into three groups, i.e., control, Sitagliptin, and Vildagliptin (n=6 animals in each group) for each wound model. Excision wound, resutured incision wound, and dead space wounds were inflicted under thiopentone anesthesia in male Wistar rats. The rats received Sitagliptin and Vildagliptin orally during the study period. Resutured incision was assessed by wound breaking strength; dead space wound was assessed by granuloma dry weight and histopathology of granulation tissue. In excision wounds, treatment was monitored by planimetry. Data were expressed as mean±standard error of mean and analyzed by analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test. p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Sitagliptin and Vildagliptin significantly promoted the healing process in all three wound models studied. Histopathological studies revealed increased collagen content and granulation tissue in Sitagliptin and Vildagliptin groups.Conclusion: In all the three wound models studied, Sitagliptin and Vildagliptin promoted wound healing. The pro-healing effect of Sitagliptin and Vildagliptin needs to be explored clinically.

The Concentration of Lead in Windowpane Oyster (Placuna placenta) and Potential of Condition Index as a Morphological Biomarker to Detect Metal Pollution

As a filter feeder, windowpane oyster, Placuna placenta, which lives as a sedentary animal is very appropriate to be used as an eco-sentinel organism in marine bio-monitoring campaign. The study of lead (Pb) content in the tissue and shell of P. placenta was conducted in coastal waters of Mandalle, Pangkajene Kepulauan District, South Sulawesi. A hundred of oysters were collected from coastal waters of Mandalle. Morphometry parameters which were length, high, width, and dry weight of tissue were measured in the laboratory. Those parameters were used for determination of Condition Index (CI). Metal was analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The results showed that the contents of Pb in tissue and shell were 0.021 and 0.014 mg/kg DW (dry weight) respectively. The concentration of Pb in tissue was not overreach by BPOM 2009 Number Hk.00.06.1.52.4011 of 1.5 mg / kg DW (dry weight). After calculating Maximum Tolerable Intake (MTI), we found that MTI was 7.79 kg/day. In terms of marine monitoring campaign, we can theoretically use the CI as a morphological biomarker. After calculating the relationship between Pb in tissue and shell, we found that the value of CI was not correlated significantly with Pb content in tissue and shell. However, the correlation coefficient between Pb in tissue and CI was stronger than that in the shell. The potential of CI of windowpane oyster as a morphological biomarker was discussed.Keywords: Placuna placenta, lead, MTI, morphological biomarker