Dry Weight Ratio Research Articles

Species-specific wet-dry mass calibrations for dominant Northeastern Pacific Ocean macroalgae and seagrass

Macroalgae and seagrasses form the base of productive ecosystems in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean. Often, ecological research on macroalgae, seagrasses, and sea wrack requires the conversion of biomass from wet to dry to create consistency across investigations. This process, however, can be destructive, impractical, time consuming, and labour intensive. We collected samples of twelve common Northeastern Pacific Ocean seaweed species (Alaria marginata, Codium fragile, Egregia menziesii, Fucus distichus, Macrocystis pyrifera, Mazzaella spp., Nereocystis luetkeana, Pterygophora californica, Pyropia spp., Ulva spp., and the seagrasses Zostera marina and Phyllospadix spp.) in two states: wet and fresh, or aged and partially desiccated. We weighed, dried, and compared samples, finding that many species displayed a strong (R2> 0.8) and predictable linear relationship between wet and dried conditions. In contrast, half the aged samples did not have a significant relationship between partially desiccated and dried conditions. Our results provide practical wet weight to dry weight ratios for many species, and with further research, a reliable set of species-specific wet to dry weight ratios for all species could be established. Wet to dry weight ratios are useful for macroalgae, seagrass, and sea wrack research or commercial applications and would reduce the need to conduct extensive wet-dry calibrations in each study.

Airborne foliar transfer of particular metals in Lactuca sativa L.: translocation, phytotoxicity, and bioaccessibility.

The uptake, translocation, and human bioaccessibility of metals originating from atmospheric fine particulate matters (PM) after foliar exposure is not well understood. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants were exposed to micronic PbO, CuO, and CdO particulate matters (PMs) by the foliar pathway and mature plants (6weeks old) were analyzed in terms of: (1) metal accumulation and localization on plant leaf surface, and metal translocation factor (TF) and global enrichment factor (GEF) in the plants; (2) shoot growth, plant dry weight (DW), net photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and fatty acid ratio; (3) metal bioaccessibility in the plants and soil; and (4) the hazard quotient (HQ) associated with consumption of contaminated plants. Substantial levels of metals were observed in the directly exposed edible leaves and newly formed leaves of lettuce, highlighting both the possible metal transfers throughout the plant and the potential for human exposure after plant ingestion. No significant changes were observed in plant biomass after exposure to PbO, CuO, and CdO-PMs. The Gs and fatty acid ratio were increased in leaves after metal exposure. A dilution effect after foliar uptake was suggested which could alleviate metal phytotoxicity to some degree. However, plant shoot growth and Pn were inhibited when the plants are exposed to PbO, and necrosis enriched with Cd was observed on the leaf surface. Gastric bioaccessibility of plant leaves is ranked: Cd > Cu > Pb. Our results highlight a serious health risk of PbO, CuO, and CdO-PMs associated with consumption of vegetables exposed to these metals, even in newly formed leaves in the case of PbO and CdO exposure. Finally, the study highlights the fate and toxicity of metal rich-PMs, especially in the highly populated urban areas which are increasingly cultivated to promote local food.

Dexmedetomidine Protects Against Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice.

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to acute lung injury (ALI), in which the inflammatory response plays an important role in its pathophysiology. Recent studies suggest that dexmedetomidine (Dex) plays a protective role in acute inflammatory diseases. However, whether Dex has a protective effect on TBI-induced ALI is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Dex on TBI-induced ALI in mice.Material/MethodsMice were randomly divided into 5 groups: 1) sham group; 2) TBI group; 3) TBI+Dex group; 4) TBI+atipamezole (Atip) group; and 5) TBI+Dex+Atip group. Dex (50 μg/kg) was intraperitoneal injected immediately after TBI. The α2 adrenergic antagonist Atip (250 μg/kg) was intraperitoneal injected 15 minutes prior to Dex treatment. Then 24 hours later, the protein concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung wet to dry weight ratio, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of lungs, the level of high-mobility group box protein 1(HMGB1) in serum, and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) expression in lung were detected.ResultsDex ameliorated the score of lung histological examination, as well as the severity of pulmonary edema and permeability. Moreover, Dex was observed to significantly suppress the expression of HMGBI and RAGE. However, the protective effects of Dex were partially reversed by the administration of Atip.ConclusionsDex may protect against TBI-induced ALI via the HMGB1-RAGE signal pathway, and this protective effect is partly dependent on its α2 adrenoceptor agonist action.

Feeding preference of Apostichopus japonicus: comparing carbon stable isotope analysis and carbon budget approach

Research into the feeding preferences of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is essential for its aquaculture. We adopted both carbon budget and stable isotope analysis approaches to determine the feeding preference of this species. Powdered Chaetomorpha linum, Zostera marina detritus, and muddy sediment mixed at 5 dry weight ratios (40:0:60, 30:10:60, 20:20:60, 10:30:60, and 0:40:60; diets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively) were fed to juvenile sea cucumbers (mean body weight: 10.45 g) for 2 mo. Carbon budget analysis revealed that, based on carbon specific growth rate (% d(-1)) and food carbon conversion efficiency (%), the experimental treatments could be divided into 2 groups, diets 1-3 and diets 4-5. Carbon contributions of the 3 ingredients based on the stable isotope analysis suggested that C. linum and Z. marina were the main carbon sources for A. japonicus in the 5 treatments, and C. linum was a better food source than Z. marina. In addition, a new potential index, i.e. the ratio of carbon contribution to composition (R-C_con:C_com), was constructed to assess the feeding preferences of A. japonicus; according to this ratio, the preferences for the 3 diet ingredients were: muddy sediment > C. linum > Z. marina in the 5 treatments. Compared to the carbon budget method, carbon isotope analysis could distinguish the feeding preferences of A. japonicus for the diet ingredients in each treatment and had the advantage of being less labor intensive; thus it was considered to be a better approach for measuring the feeding preference of A. japonicus.

Differences in Seedling Growth of 23 Creeping Bentgrass Cultivars under Polyethylene Glycol-induced Drought Conditions

Drought is the most important abiotic stress in crop production including turfgrass management. Using drought tolerant plants can help minimize stress damage. In this study, 23 commercially available cultivars of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) were evaluated for their responses to drought stress that was induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 in a hydroponic system during the seed germination and seedling growth stage. In such a system, water potential was adjusted to 0.0 (the control), −0.3, and −0.6 MPa to mimic the drought condition. The absolute water content (AWC), shoot dry weight (SDW), root dry weight (RDW), longest root length (LRL), specific root length (SRL), and root-to-shoot dry weight ratio (RSR) in the plants grown for 4 weeks in the treatment were determined. Results showed that SDW and LRL were unaffected by drought; however, RDW and RSR increased, whereas SRL and AWC were reduced under drought. Among the 23 creeping bentgrass cultivars evaluated, Independence and Crystal Bluelinks had a higher turfgrass performance index (TPI), which represented the number of times a cultivar ranked in the top statistical group across all parameters. The results suggest that ‘Independence’ and ‘Crystal Bluelinks’ may be more adapted to drought than the other cultivars at the seedling stage.

Effects of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, or Magnesium Deficiency on Growth and Photosynthesis of Eustoma

Growth and photosynthetic parameters were measured in Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn. ‘Umihonoka’ grown hydroponically under nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), or magnesium (Mg) deficiency in 1/2 strength of modified Johnson’s solution. Plant height, node number, and leaf area were all reduced under N, P, K, and Ca deficiencies but not under Mg deficiency as compared with plants grown in the complete nutrient solution. Shoot and root dry weight were reduced in the N-, P-, K-, and Ca-deficient treatments, whereas root but not shoot dry weight was lowered by Mg-deficient treatment. Shoot-to-root dry weight ratio decreased under N and P deficiencies, increased under K and Mg deficiency, but was not altered under Ca deficiency. Decreased net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of N-, P-, and K-deficient leaves was all related to lower stomatal conductance (gS), whereas N-deficient leaves also accompanied by a higher intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci). The Mg-deficient treatment did not alter chlorophyll fluorescence Fv/Fm, maximal fluorescence (Fm), or minimal fluorescence (Fo). Decreased Fv/Fm of N-, P-, K-, and Ca-deficient leaves was all related to lower Fm, whereas N- and P-deficient leaves also accompanied by lower Fo. A key was developed for the identification of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg deficiency symptoms.

Plant Communities Suitable for Green Roofs in Arid Regions

In extensive green roof settings, plant communities can be more robust than monocultures. In addition, native plants might be hardier and more ecologically sound choices than non-native plants in green roof systems. The objectives of this research were to (1) compare the performance of plant communities with that of monocultures and (2) compare the growth of natives to non-natives in a simulated green roof setting. We conducted a two-year experiment at an outdoor site in a desert environment using four plant morphological types (groundcover, forb, succulent and grass). Native plants selected were Chrysactinia mexicana, Melampodium leucanthum, Euphorbia antisyphilitica, and Nassella tenuissima, and non-natives were Delosperma nubigenum, Stachys byzantina, Sedum kamtschiaticum and Festuca glauca. Plants were assigned randomly to either monoculture or community and grown in 1 m × 1 m custom-built trays filled with 15 cm of a proprietary blend of 50/20/30 lightweight aggregate/sand/compost (by volume). Native forb, Melampodium, in community had greater coverage for four of the five measurements in the first year over native forb in monoculture and non-native forb regardless of setting. Native forb coverage was also greater than non-native forb for three of the four measurements in year 2, regardless of setting. Coverage of native grass was significantly greater than non-native grasses throughout the experiment. Coverage was also greater for eight of nine measurements for native succulent over non-natives succulent. However, non-native groundcover coverage was significantly greater than native groundcover for seven of nine measurements. On 1 November 2016, relative water content (RWC) for succulents (p = 0.0424) was greatest for native Euphorbia in monoculture at 88%. Native Euphorbia also had greater RWC than non-native Sedum on 4 April 2017 (78%) and 4 July 2017 (80%). However, non-native Sedum had greater root length (6548 cm), root dry weight (12.1 g), and root-to-shoot dry weight ratio (0.45) than native Euphorbia. At the end of year 2, the relative growth rate (RGR) of native Euphorbia of 0.15 g·g−1·d−1 was greater than that of Sedum. While the native succulent had a smaller root biomass, its greater RWC and RGR would indicate it had better plant water status and grew faster than the non-native. The lack of differences in plant performance regardless of assignment to monoculture or community would imply that communities and monocultures are equally suitable for arid region green roofs.

Differential interactive effects of the Ca/Mg quotient and PEG-simulated drought in Alyssum inflatum and Fortuynia garcinii

Serpentine soils typically have low Ca/Mg quotients, low water-holding capacities, and are rich in Ni and Cr, but poor in N and P. To better understand the role of drought and low Ca/Mg quotients in plant adaptation to serpentine soil, we compared the effects of different Ca/Mg quotients (0.18, 2 and 4) and polyethyleneglycol (PEG)–imposed osmotic stress on growth and Ca and Mg uptake and translocation between two Iranian serpentine endemic plant species, the Ni-hyperaccumulator Alyssum inflatum, and the non-accumulator Fortuynia garcinii. Seedlings were grown in modified Hoagland’s solution with varying Ca/Mg molar quotients (0.18, 2 and 4) and then exposed to PEG (209.7 g L−1) for 8 days. In both species, shoot dry weight was highest at the highest Ca/Mg quotient (4). However, at this Ca/Mg quotient A. inflatum suffered much more from PEG-induced drought (84% mortality and severe growth inhibition in the survivors), compared with the lower Ca/Mg quotients (<20% mortality and no significant growth inhibition). In F. garcinii, the PEG*Ca/Mg interaction was not significant. Shoot Ca concentrations and translocation factors in A. inflatum were higher than in F. garcinii in all the treatments. In both species the Mg translocation factor was highest at the highest Ca/Mg quotient (4) in the PEG treatment. We conclude that a high Ca/Mg quotient stimulated growth in the absence of PEG in both species, but strongly decreased survival and growth in combination with PEG in A. inflatum. In F. garcinii root dry weight and the root to shoot dry weight ratio were significantly decreased at the highest Ca/Mg quotient (4), particularly after PEG treatment, suggesting that F. garcinii also may require a moderate or low Ca/Mg quotient to cope with natural drought.

Evaluation of Salinity Tolerance of Some Selected Almond Genotypes Budded on GF677 Rootstock

ABSTRACTIn order to evaluate the tolerance of some almond genotypes to salinity, a factorial experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design (CRD), with two factors: genotypes in 11 levels (Tuono, Nonparaeil, Mamaie, Shokoufeh, Sahand, ‘Ferragnès,’ 1–16, 1–25, A200, 13–40 budded on GF677 rootstock, and GF677 (without budding)) and irrigation water salinity in five levels (0, 1.2, 2.4, 3.6, and 4.8 g/l of natural salt (equal electrical conductivity 0.5, 2.5, 4.9, 7.3, and 9.8 dS/m, respectively) and with 4 replication for each treatment in research greenhouse of Seed and Plant Institute in years 2013 and 2014. The results showed that with increasing salinity concentration, growth indicators include the branch height, branch diameter, number of total leaves, percentage of green leaves, leaf density on the main branch, leaf area and leaf area ratio, relative humidity content, chlorophyll index, chlorophylls a, b, total, scion fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight have been reduced in the all genotypes studied, but percentage of necrotic leaves, percentage of downfall leaves, root fresh and dry weight ratio to scion fresh and dry weight, relative ionic percentage, and cell membrane injury percentage of leaves were increased. The results of chlorophyll fluorescence showed that salinity stress affected on the young trees by increasing the amount of minimum fluorescence (FO) and decreasing the maximum fluorescence (Fm) and reduced variable fluorescence (Fv) in the plants and reduced variable fluorescence ratio to maximum fluorescence of 0.83 in the control plants to 0.72 in Sahand cultivar and GF677 rootstock. The result showed that type of scion was affected in obstruction of Na+ absorption by the roots and their transported to leaves, as well as was affected in increasing uptake of K+ by the roots and their transported to leaves. In this research, GF677 is well tolerated to water salinity to 4.9 dS/m but with higher range of salinity showed stress effects. The result showed that type of genotypes budded on GF677 rootstock was very effective in tolerant to salinity. Overall, ‘Ferragnès’ was recognized as the most tolerant cultivar to salinity stress. This cultivar could tolerate salinity 3.6 g/l (Ec: 7.3 dS/m). Also, Sahand was recognized as the most sensitive cultivar to salinity stress.

Variation of morpho-physiological traits in geographically diverse pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] germplasm under different phosphorus conditions

ABSTRACTGenotypic variation for morpho-physiological parameters, phosphorus (P) content and root acid phosphatase activity was studied in 52 pigeonpea genotypes. Data related to shoot (length, dry weight, number of leaves, and leaf area), root (volume, length, dry weight, area, perimeter, and number of root tips), acid phosphatase activity, and P content (root, stem, and leaf) were recorded at 60 days after sowing (DAS). The P use efficient genotypes showed high root length, root area, root perimeter, root dry weight, P content in leaves, and root to shoot dry weight ratio under the P not added condition. Significant variation was found among genotypes for root- and shoot-associated characteristics under both P treatments. The P use efficient genotypes with improved root morphological phenes have potential to acquire and utilize more P from immobile soil bound P sources may be of additional factor for increasing efficiency of acquisition and utilization of supplied P fertilizer.

Bromine Exposure In Pregnant Mice May Reduce VEGF Signaling Via Increased Circulating VEGF Decoy Receptor sFlt‐1

Inhalation of oxidant gas and vapor like the halogen bromine (Br2) may pose an increased threat to pregnant women and their unborn fetuses. We recently published that pregnant (P) C57Bl/6 mice exposed to 600 ppm Br2 for 30 minutes on gestational day 14.5 (E14.5) exhibited increased mortality, lung injury, and blood pressure at E18.5 when compared to similarly exposed non‐pregnant (NP) mice. Additionally, fetuses of Br2‐exposed pregnant mice displayed severe growth restriction, which cumulatively indicated a preeclampsia‐like phenotype. Administration of the phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor tadalafil abrogated or significantly mitigated these effects in Br2‐exposed pregnant mice but had no effect on non‐pregnant counterparts. We hypothesize that exposure to Br2 via inhalation in pregnant mice results in placental damage and subsequent release of anti‐angiogenic molecules into maternal circulation resulting in systemic endothelial dysfunction and a vasoconstrictive environment mediated by dysfunctional VEGF signaling. Firstly, we have identified significant increases at 0.5 h post‐Br2 exposure of circulating brominated fatty acids and fatty acid aldehydes (2‐BrPA and 2‐BrPALD) as well as their glutathionylated species at 6h. These may serve as potential biomarkers and/or mediators of Br2‐inhalation induced systemic injury. Furthermore, preliminary results indicate aortas incubated ex vivo in the presence of 2‐BrPA and 2‐BrPALD are more sensitive to the vasoconstricting agent phenylephrine and less sensitive to the vasodilator acetylcholine. Similarly, aortas pregnant mice exposed to Br2 are less sensitive to acetylcholine when compared with similarly exposed non‐pregnant mice. Secondly, utilizing time‐course measurements, we have identified increases in the circulating VEGF decoy receptor sFlt‐1 beginning at 72h post‐exposure in pregnant mice. No increase is observed in similarly exposed non‐pregnant mice (PBr272h 7280.3 ± 1592 vs NPBr272h 1233.5 ± 1063 pg/mL p≤0.001). Additionally, this time point also coincides with a pregnancy specific increase in lung edema/injury as evidenced by lung wet:dry weight ratios (P Br272h 4.68 ± 0.10 vs NP Br272h 4.22 ± 0.04 p≤0.05). Lastly, supplementation of exogenous VEGF‐121 intended to overcome the effects of increased circulating sFlt‐1 improves both survival and weight gain profiles of pregnant mice exposed to Br2 as well as their fetuses. This study implicates diminished VEGF signaling in pregnancy specific Br2 inhalation injury contributing to increased blood pressures, lung injury and subsequent mortality.Support or Funding InformationNIEHS CounterACT ‐5U01ES026458 02, 1 U01 ES027697 01, Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Training Grant ‐ T32HL007918.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Swelling of the Subcutaneous Adipose, but not the Dermis, in Burn Wound Edema is Exacerbated by IV Fluids

Intravenous (IV) resuscitation of burn patients has greatly improved outcomes and become a cornerstone of modern burn care. However, the large volumes of crystalloid given can lead to various comorbidities such as compartment syndromes and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Simultaneously, it is well established that vascular leak leads to significant edema in the severely burned patient. The objective of this study was to begin to examine the interaction of edema of burn wounds and IV fluids. Anesthetized Yorkshire swine sustained 40% total body surface area (TBSA) full‐thickness contact burns with brass probes heated to 100°C placed on the skin for 30 seconds. Animals were recovered from anesthesia and randomized to one of four treatment groups: no IV fluids (n=6), IV lactated Ringer's (LR) resuscitation with the modified Brooke formula (MB; 2 ml/kg/%TBSA, n=6), 15 mL/kg/d of IV LR (LR: n=6), or 15 mL/kg/d fresh frozen plasma (FFP: n=6). Unburned sham animals (n=4) and injured animals were assessed for 48 hours, at which point animals were humanely euthanized and dorsal and ventral dermis was taken to determine wet to dry weight ratios. Additionally, 3 biopsies to include dermis and the entire subcutaneous fat were taken from both the dorsal and ventral aspects of the animal for histological determination of tissue thickness. Burn wound edema was demonstrated by a significantly higher wet:dry ratio in all groups compared to sham animals for dorsal (P=0.017) and ventral (P=0.044) dermis. However, there was no difference amongst the various IV regimens. Moreover, neither burn nor IV fluids induced a difference in the thickness of the dermis on dorsal or ventral locations. In contrast, the thickness of the subcutaneous fat was significantly elevated in both dorsal (P=0.028) and ventral (P=0.0045) samples, depending on IV fluid regimen. Thickness of the dorsal fat layer was 1865 ± 327 μm, 2170 ± 205 μm, 3466 ± 421 μm, 2452 ± 271 μm, and 2707 ± 302 μm for Sham, no IV, MB, LR, and FFP groups, respectively. Thickness of the ventral fat layer was 1557 ± 164 μm, 2728 ± 184 μm, 2618 ± 172 μm, 2368 ± 236 μm, and 3329 ± 352 μm for Sham, no IV, MB, LR, and FFP groups, respectively. Collectively, these data demonstrate that volumes and types of IV fluids can alter burn‐induced edema in an anatomically‐dependent manner. Elucidating the specific drivers of burn wound edema may lead to personalized medicine approaches that can minimize comorbidities associated with over/under resuscitation of the burn patient.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by Military Burn Research Program Award# W81XWH‐16‐2‐0041.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

English

Salinity being a serious limitation to crop production is an established fact since ages. It has adversely affected the adaptive behavior of our field crops particularly at seed germination and seedling stages. Identification of particular plant traits conferring salinity tolerance is important for inducing genetic variation among the target traits and adjusting the selection pressure for them in field. This experimental study was conducted to explore percent (%) weight loss of roots and shoots at increasing salt stresses (control, 10 dS m-1 and 15 dS m-1) along with certain dry weight and cationic ratio tolerance indices. The experiment was conducted in the glasshouse to screen seedlings of 25 tomato genotypes. Principal component analysis and correlation analysis were used to screen the genotypes for variability and salt tolerance. Based on associative interactions for salt tolerance traits and highly negative response towards weight percent (%) reductions, three genotypes were identified as salt tolerant; BEAVER LODGE SLICER, ZARNITZA, and FORME DE COEUR. Two genotypes GLACIER and Rio-GRANDE were highly positive for K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ ratios tolerance indices. Based on these findings, the genotypes BEAVER LODGE SLICER, ZARNITZA and FORME DE COEUR are suggested to be planted in salt affected area. The six genotypes (ANAHU, LO-2707, 17860, UOVO ROSEO, NAGINA and LA-2821) showed significant negative behavior towards weight % reduction, and a little positive towards salt tolerance indices were considered as moderately salt tolerant. Key words: Weight percent reduction, NaCl, tomato seedling, physio-agronomic, salt tolerance.

Effect of ambroxol on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in mice with sepsis-induced lung injury

Objective To evaluate the effect of ambroxol on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in mice with sepsis-induced lung injury. Methods Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were equally and randomly divided into 3 groups (n=20 each) using a random number table: sham operation group (group S), sepsis-induced lung injury group (group CLP), and sepsis-induced lung injury + ambroxol group (group AMB). Sespsis was produced by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP). Ambroxol 50 mg/kg preconditioning was injected intraperitoneally for 3 days in group AMB, while the equal volume of normal saline instead was given in S and VILI groups. The arterial blood gas was detected 24 h after CLP. Then the mice were sacrificed and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for determination of the concentrations of total protein, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). The lung tissues were taken for determination of wet to dry lung weight ratio (W/D ratio), expression of p-p38 MAPK, IL-1β mRNA, TNF-α mRNA, IL-6 mRNA and ICAM-1 mRNA, and for examination of the pathological changes which were scored. Results Compared with group S, partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood(PaO2) was decreased (P<0.05), and W/D ratio, lung injury score, concentrations of total protein, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and ICAM-1 in BALF, and expression of p-p38 MAPK, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and ICAM-1 mRNA were significantly increased in CLP group (P<0.05). Compared with group CLP, PaO2 was increased (P<0.05), W/D ratio, lung injury score, concentrations of total protein, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and ICAM-1 in BALF, and expression of p-p38 MAPK, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and ICAM-1 mRNA were decreased in group AMB (P<0.05). Conclusion Ambroxol can attenuate sepsis-induced lung injury probably through inhibiting p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in mice. Key words: Ambroxol; Preconditioning; Sepsis-induced lung injury; p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

Produksi selada (Lactuca sativa l.) dengan penyinaran lampu led merah dan biru di malam hari pada teknologi hidroponik sistem terapung termodifikasi

This research has an aim to observe the production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) on hydroponic technology of floating system with red and blue LED (Light Emitting Diode) at night. This research was conducted inside the Screenhouse in which located on the top of Griya Kads House building, Bulusan Village, Tembalang Sub-district from May to June 2017. The research was conducted by 3x3 factorial experiments in Nested Design with 3 replications. The first factor was 0, 1.5 and 3 hours irradiation of red and blue LED lights at night. The second factor was 3, 5 and 7 ml/liter of AB mix nutrient concentration which was nested in the first factor. The data collected were fresh weight, dry weight and root canopy ratio. The results of the study showed that the treatment of AB mix nutrient concentration had no significant effect on all parameters. The production of lettuce with level of 5 ml concentration of AB mix was quite good, yet 3 ml and 7 ml levels didn’t improve lettuce production. The duration of red and blue LED irradiation only resulted in an increase in the production of canopy fresh weight. This research can be concluded that 3 hours was sufficient to give the good results to improve the results of lettuce plants production. Keywords : Lettuce Production, AB Mix Nutrition, Red and Blue LED.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on HMGB1/TLRs signaling pathway during lung injury in septic rats

Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1)/Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling pathway during lung injury in septic rats. Methods Twenty-four SPF healthy adult male Wistar rats, aged 15-18 weeks, weighing 200-250 g, were divided into 3 groups (n=8 each) using a random number table: sham operation group (group S), sepsis group (group Sep) and dexmedetomidine group (group D). Dexmedetomidine 25 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in D group, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in S and Sep groups.Sepsis was produced by cecal ligation and puncture in Sep and D groups.The rats were sacrificed at 24 h after operation, and the right lung was removed for examination of the pathological changes which were scored and for determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, content of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in lung tissues (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), wet to dry weight ratio (W/D ratio) and expression of HMGB1, TLR2 and TLR4 in lung tissues (by Western blot). Results Compared with group S, the MPO activity, lung injury score, W/D ratio, content of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and expression of HMGB1, TLR2 and TLR4 were significantly increased in Sep and D groups (P<0.05). Compared with group Sep, the MPO activity, lung injury score, W/D ratio, content of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and expression of HMGB1, TLR2 and TLR4 were significantly decreased in group D (P<0.05). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine reduces lung injury through inhibiting HMGB1/TLRs signaling pathway in septic rats. Key words: Dexmedetomidine; Sepsis; Respiratory distress syndrome, adult; High mobility group proteins; Toll-like receptors

Effect of regional hypothermia on limb ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rabbit model of hemorrhagic shock

Objective To evaluate the effect of regional hypothermia on limb ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in a rabbit model of hemorrhagic shock. Methods Eighteen healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits of both sexes, weighing 2.0-2.5 kg, were divided into 3 groups (n=6 each) using a random number table: sham operation group (S group), limb I/R group (I/R group) and regional hypothermia group (RH group). Rabbits were shot with 0.25 g steel ball with a 7.62 mm smoothbore at the middle and lower 1/3 of the left hindlimb in I/R and RH groups.When the blood pressure was stable for 30 min after injury, blood was drawn via the right femoral artery at a rate of 2 ml/min until mean arterial pressure decreased to 45-50 mmHg.Then a rubber tourniquet was used to ligate left hindlimbs 10 min later.The injured limb was cooled down for 4 h after applying tourniquet to maintain the subcutaneous temperature at 9-11 ℃ in group RH.After tourniquet was applied for 4 h, perfusion was restored and lasted 6 h. After catheterization (T0) and at 2, 4 and 6 h of reperfusion (T1-3), blood samples were collected from the right femoral artery for blood gas analysis and for determination of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-6 concentrations in serum (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The animals were sacrificed at T3, and tissues around the margin of the inferior lobe of right lung were obtained for examination of the pathological changes which were scored and for determination of wet to dry weight ratio (W/D ratio). Results Compared with group S, the respiratory rate was significantly increased and PaCO2 was decreased at T2, 3, the pathological score and W/D ratio were increased, and the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-6 in serum were increased at T1-3 in I/R and RH groups (P<0.05). Compared with group I/R, the respiratory rate was significantly decreased and PaCO2 was increased at T2, 3, the pathological score and W/D ratio were decreased, and the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-6 in serum were decreased at T1-3 (P<0.05), and the pathological score was significantly attenuated in group RH. Conclusion Regional hypothermia can reduce limb I/R injury in a rabbit model of hemorrhagic shock, and the mechanism may be related to inhibiting systemic inflammatory responses. Key words: Hypothermia, induced; Shock, hemorrhagic; Reperfusion injury; Extremities

Upaya Mengatasi Cekaman Kekeringan pada Tanaman Nilam (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) dengan Memanfaatkan Kompos Kiambang

Productivity and quality of patchouli is influenced by environmental factors especially drought stress. This study a im i s to determine application of giant salvinia compost for resolving drought stress on patchouli . This study used a randomized block design and experiment with three replication arranged in fa c torial 3 x 4 . The first factor is percentage of drought stress 0% ( L 0 ), 40% ( L 1 ), and 80% ( L 2 ). The second factor is application of giant salvinia compost, topsoil 100% ( G 0 ), topsoil an d giant salvinia compost 1:1 ( G 1 ) , topsoil an d giant salvinia compost 2:1 (G 2 ) , and topsoil an d giant salvinia compost 3:1 (G 3 ) . The result showed that giant salvinia affected increasing on plant height, number of branch, the ratio of root-shoot dry weight, and patchouli oil content . Keywords: growth medium, patchouli oil content, soil moisture

Characterization of the Symbiotic Nitrogen-Fixing Common Bean Low Phytic Acid (lpa1) Mutant Response to Water Stress.

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) low phytic acid (lpa1) biofortified genotype produces seeds with improved nutritional characteristics and does not display negative pleiotropic effects. Here we demonstrated that lpa1 plants establish an efficient nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with Rhizobium etli CE3. The lpa1 nodules showed a higher expression of nodule-function related genes than the nodules of the parental wild type genotype (BAT 93). We analyzed the response to water stress of lpa1 vs. BAT 93 plants grown under fertilized or under symbiotic N2-fixation conditions. Water stress was induced by water withholding (up to 14% soil moisture) to fertilized or R. etli nodulated plants previously grown with normal irrigation. The fertilized lpa1 plants showed milder water stress symptoms during the water deployment period and after the rehydration recovery period when lpa1 plants showed less biomass reduction. The symbiotic water-stressed lpa1 plants showed decreased nitrogenase activity that coincides with decreased sucrose synthase gene expression in nodules; lower turgor weight to dry weight (DW) ratio, which has been associated with higher drought resistance index; downregulation of carbon/nitrogen (C/N)-related and upregulation of stress-related genes. Higher expression of stress-related genes was also observed in bacteroids of stressed lpa1 plants that also displayed very high expression of the symbiotic cbb3 oxidase (fixNd).

Sodium butyrate alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice via inhibiting HMGB1 release

Sodium butyrate (SB) is a short chain 4-carbon fatty acid salt naturally exists in animal fats. Previous studies have proven that sodium butyrate has many beneficial functions such as anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory actions. In the current study we investigated the effect and possible mechanism of sodium butyrate in LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI). ALI was induced by intratracheal administration of LPS (10 mg/kg) in male BALB/c mice. Sodium butyrate (500 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min prior to LPS exposure. We found that sodium butyrate significantly protected animals from LPS-induced ALI as evidenced by decreased the lung wet to dry weight ratio, total cells, neutrophils, macrophages, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and lung histological damage compared to vehicle control. Sodium butyrate pretreatment markedly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Furthermore, sodium butyrate pretreatment dramatically suppressed HMGB1 release and NF-κ B activation. Together, these results suggest that sodium butyrate pretreatment protects mice from LPS-induced acute lung injury, possibly through the modulation of HMGB1 and inflammatory responses.