Pouch Method Research Articles

Pemanfaatan Gel Ekstrak Kulit Buah Mangga Arumanis (Mangifera indica L.) Sebagai Antiinflamasi Dengan Metode Kantong Granuloma Secara In-Vivo

In previous research, mango rind extract has been studied as an antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic, because it contains flavonoids and 17% mangiferin compounds. In this research, the effect of arumanis mango rind extract gel (Mangifera indica L.) as an anti-inflammatory was tested in male white mice induced by carrageenan using the granuloma pouch method. This experimental study used experimental white male mice which were grouped into 5 groups: the control group, the group with 2% mango rinf extract, the group with 4% mango rind extract, the group with 8% mango rind extract, and the comparison group. The parameters that were analyzed were exudate volume, total leukocytes, and type of leukocytes on days 3, 5, 7. The results showed that mango arumanis (Mangifera indica L.) rind extract had anti-inflammatory effectiveness topically as indicated by a decrease in the average exudate volume, total leukocytes, and leukocyte cell types (segmented neutrophil cells and lymphocyte cells) in each concentration group of mango rind extract, based on two-way ANOVA test and Duncan's test showed significant differences with respect to concentration and time (p<0.05). It can be concluded that all gel concentrations of arumanis mango rind extract (Mangifera indica L.) 2%, 4%, and 8% have anti-inflammatory effects.

The Crystal Structure of BaZn2Se2(OH)2 Featuring Brownmillerite‐Type Layers

AbstractA bimetallic hydroxychalcogenide, BaZn2Se2(OH)2, was synthesized through hydrothermal pouch methods. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction and electron diffraction indicates that the phase crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma and is composed of anionic layers [ZnSe3/3(OH)1/1]− that are separated and charged balanced by Ba2+ cations. The [ZnSe3/3(OH)1/1]– layer comprises two unique Zn sites, which form interpenetrating zigzag chains with an in‐plane dipole moment and adopts a brownmillerite‐type structural motif. The adjacent layers contain tetrahedrally coordinated Zn chains of opposite handedness related by an inversion center, which cancel the microscopic dipoles to minimize the macroscopic electric polarization. The adoption of a brownmillerite structural motif in BaZn2Se2(OH)2 can be rationalized by the distinct charge difference between Se2− and OH− anions, which creates a sufficient dipole moment in the ZnSe3(OH) tetrahedra to allow the occurrence of twisted chains. FTIR spectroscopy confirms the existence of OH− anions and DFT calculations indicate that BaZn2Se2(OH)2 is a semiconductor with a direct band gap. This work expands the chemistry of the brownmillerite family from traditional homoanionic oxides to multianion hydroxychalcogenides, offering a new opportunity to explore tunable structural complexity for better design of functional materials.

Host status of Bambara groundnut accessions to Meloidogyne incognita using conventional screenhouse and novel seedling pouch methods

Summary Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is an underexploited legume indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa with high protein content. Production constraints of Bambara groundnut include the root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), which causes substantial losses that present an additional burden that growers need to manage. In this study we: i) assessed genetic resistance against Meloidogyne incognita in Bambara groundnut; and ii) evaluated an improved, more efficient screening method for Bambara. Fifty accessions were evaluated in two screenhouse trials. Following this, the use of seedling pouches was assessed for a high throughput screening method, using two accessions identified from each of three host status categories (resistant, tolerant and susceptible). Variability in host response was observed between the trials but five accessions demonstrated good resistance to M. incognita. A general reduction in plant growth parameters was observed on inoculated plants, especially for chlorophyll content at 11 weeks after planting. The pouch screening system confirmed the screenhouse pot results but appears to be more sensitive. From a range of inocula no differences in gall index were observed over the 28 days of assessment in pouches but the number of egg masses proved a useful parameter and differed between inoculum levels, with 500 juveniles/eggs determined as the optimum inoculum level. The use of seedling pouches reduced time, space and cost to screen Bambara groundnuts for resistance against M. incognita. Consequently, it is recommended as an efficient, high throughput, rapid screening protocol for Bambara groundnut compared to conventional pot screening methods.

A PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF CALENDULA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT ON EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Introduction: Calendula officinalis is one of those plants which have medicinal importance due to its flowers has pharmacological activity the important pharmacological parameters have been less investigated properly and can be scientifically proved by reverse pharmacology. It was found of interest to evaluate these properties of extract of flowers of Calendula officinalis scientifically in experimental models.
 Methods: Study was conducted in Albino Wistar rats.Fresh Calendula officinalis flowers were collected, extraction and drug formulation was made. Anti-inflammatory activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Calendula officinalis (HECO) flowers was studied in the Carrageenan induced paw edema model & Cotton pellet induced granuloma models The differences between experimental groups were compared by ANOVA followed by Students “t” unpaired test.
 Results: The Calendula officinalis extract of flowers at 200 and 400 mg/kg showed significant and highly significant inhibition (p< 0.05 and p<0.001, respectively) of paw edema after giving the carrageenan in the rat paw in comparison of control. In cotton pellets induced granuloma pouch method also, the Hydrochloric extract of Calendula officinalis (HECO) flowers showed very significant reduction of weight of granuloma (p<0.01) with 22.80% protection as compared with control.
 Conclusion: We conclude that the Anti-inflammatory activity was noted with Hydrochloric extract of Calendula officinalis in a dose-dependent manner in acute (carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model) as well as sub-acute (cotton pellet induced granuloma model) inflammatory experimental models. They decrease the chemical mediators of inflammation
 Key Words: Calendula Officinalis, anti inflammation, Paw Edema Model, granuloma pouch method , HECO

Study of anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of 3-benzoyl-propionic acid

Inflammation is an attempt by the body to remove noxious stimuli and initiate thus a cascade of responses in order to promote healing. There are a variety of inflammatory mechanisms involved in infections, chronic diseases and other tissue damage. Understanding these mechanisms and the search for new anti-inflammatory drugs with greater specificity and fewer side effects, underlying the development and improvement of new protocols and standardization of experimental inflammatory models to understand better these issues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of 3-benzoyl-propionic acid (3BPA) and its potential toxicological effect. To test the 3BPA as new anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug, the use carrageenan air pouch model 1% by in vitro model of cell culture to test genocytotoxicity. In the in vitro model the 3BPA presented low level of genotoxic and low cytotoxicity risk, shown by comet assay and no damage to the plasma membrane by hemolytic test erythrocytes. In the study of anti-inflammatory activityin vivo by the air pouch method were conducted nitrite dose trials, PGE2 levels and cell migration. To verify analgesic effects of 3BPA drugin vivo tests of abdominal contortions induced by acetic acid and formalin were performed. Regard to the anti-inflammatory activity, 3BPA showed intense activity shown in marked reduction of cell migration and levels of NO, with large populations of neutrophils and reduction of PGE 2 values at a dose of 0.5mg/kg. In studies of antinociceptive activity, 3BPA reduced the number of writhes and the time lick the neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin test. The results of this study also advanced substantially with respect to anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of 3BPA by providing evidence of their likely mechanism of action, through the evaluation of antinociceptive activity, as well as the anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo, where the 3BPA showed no genotoxic effect.

Extraction of Volatile Flavor Compounds From Tobacco Leaf Through a Low-Density Polyethylene Membrane.

A low-density polyethylene (LDPE) membrane pouch method was developed to extract volatile flavor compounds from tobacco leaf. Tobacco leaf suspended in water was enclosed in a pouch prepared from a LDPE membrane of specific gravity 0.92 g/cm3 and 0.03 mm thickness and then extracted with diethyl ether. In comparison with direct solvent extraction, LDPE membrane excluded larger and higher boiling point compounds which could contaminate a gas chromatograph inlet and damage a column. Whilst being more convenient than a reduced-pressure steam distillation, it could extract volatile flavor compounds of wide range of molecular weight and polarity. Repeatabilities in the extracted amounts were ranged from 0.38% of 2.3-bipyridyl to 26% of β-ionone, and average value of 39 compounds was 5.9%.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract of Aloe vera in Albino rats

Background: The study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of the aqueous extract of Aloe vera [AEAV] leaves. AEAV was prepared by the Soxhlet apparatus and 500mg/kg body weight was used. Methods: To screen for acute inflammation by carrageenan induced rat paw edema method, eighteen healthy albino rats weighing 150-200 gm each were used. They were divided in three groups with six animals in each group. At the 1st hr, 2nd hour, 3rd hour and the 4th hour, the test drug i.e. AEAV [aqueous extract of Aloe vera] showed 26.92%, 41.6%, 44.44% and 48.21 % inhibition of edema formation, whereas the standard drug Indomethacin [10 mg/kg] showed 53.85%, 61.11%, 66.67% and 71.43% inhibition respectively. Reduction of paw edema formation was highly significant in both Aloe vera and Indomethacin. Results: In Granuloma pouch method for subacute inflammation, the chemical used was 1 ml of 20 % carrageenan suspension in sesame oil. On the 5th day pouch is opened, exudates measured. Both Aloe vera and Indomethacin showed highly significant inhibition of exudate formation. Conclusions: In Adjuvant arthritis method for chronic inflammation, paw edema of the injected and the non-injected were measured on the 5th day and the 21st day respectively. Arthritic index was measured on the 21st day. These results were highly significant for AEAV and Indomethacin in comparison with the control. The results for the arthritic index were highly significant for both Aloe vera and Indomethacin. It is easily illustrated that the herbal plant Aloe vera at the dose of 500mg/kg demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effect against all the experimental methods on inflammation.

Quantifying herbicide dose–response and resistance in Echinochloa spp. by measuring root length in growth pouches

Zhang, C. J., Lim, S. H., Kim, J. W., Song, J. S., Yook, M. J., Nah, G., Valverde, N. E. and Kim, D. S. 2015. Quantifying herbicide dose–response and resistance in Echinochloa spp. by measuring root length in growth pouches. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 1181–1192. The aim of the presented study was to develop a bioassay for rapid diagnosis of herbicide dose–response and resistance in Echinochloa. Pre-germinated seeds of Echinochloa spp. were incubated in growth pouches (18 cm×16.5 cm) containing herbicide solutions in a range of concentrations. Shoot and root lengths were measured after 6 d of incubation. Dose–responses estimated by measuring root lengths in the growth pouches were well-described by the log-logistic dose–response model and similar to those estimated by a whole-plant assay. Accurate dose–response curves were successfully generated for several herbicides with different modes of action, suggesting that the growth pouch method can be used for herbicide bioassays. The suitability of the growth pouch method for rapid diagnosis of acetyl coenzyme-A carboxylase (ACCase) and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor resistance in Echinochloa spp. was also tested. For cyhalofop-butyl, resistant and susceptible biotypes were discriminated at 180–300 mg a.i. L−1 and 80–120 mg a.i. L−1 for barnyardgrass (E. crus-galli) and late watergrass (E. oryzicola), respectively. For penoxsulam, the discriminatory dosage was 350–500 mg a.i. L−1 for barnyardgrass and 650–1000 mg a.i. L−1 for late watergrass. The method was further used to identify late watergrass biotypes resistant and susceptible to two other ALS inhibitors, azimsulfuron and bispyribac-sodium. Our results show that the growth pouch method can be reliably used in herbicide dose–response studies and to diagnose herbicide resistance in Echinochloa spp., with significant time and cost savings compared with conventional whole-plant assays.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Tectona grandis Linn. stem extract.

The objective of this work was to study the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Tectona grandis Linn. (TG) stem extract. Healthy albino rats (150-200 g) and mice (25-50 g) were arranged and divided into five groups. Group 1 received distilled water and served as control, groups 2, 3, 4 were treated with TG stem extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) and group 5 received standard drug. For analgesic activity, the radiant heat method and writhing test were used, and for anti-inflammatory activity, the paw oedema model and granuloma pouch method were used. Statistical analysis was done by one-way analysis of variance followed by the t-test. In the radiant heat method, there was a dose-dependent increase in reaction time in TG stem extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) and standard drug (buprenorphine). In the writhing test, TG stem extract (200, 400 mg/kg) and aspirin decreased the number of writhes which was significant (p<0.01, p<0.001) as compared to controls. The percentage protection was 8.88%, 15.55%, 22.22% and 35.55% in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. In the rat paw oedema test, TG stem extract (200, 400 mg/kg) and aspirin showed 20%, 40% and 54% inhibition of oedema which was statistically significant (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001), respectively, as compared to control at the end of 4 h. In the granuloma pouch method, TG stem extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) and aspirin showed 13.33%, 22.22%, 33.33% and 66.66% inhibition of granuloma, respectively, which was significant (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001). TG stem extract possesses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.

Alveolar ridge augmentation by connective tissue grafting using a pouch method and modified connective tissue technique: A prospective study.

Localized alveolar ridge defect may create physiological and pathological problems. Developments in surgical techniques have made it simpler to change the configuration of a ridge to create a more aesthetic and more easily cleansable shape. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of alveolar ridge augmentation using a subepithelial connective tissue graft in pouch and modified connective tissue graft technique. In this randomized, double blind, parallel and prospective study, 40 non-smoker individuals with 40 class III alveolar ridge defects in maxillary anterior were randomly divided in two groups. Group I received modified connective tissue graft, while group II were treated with subepithelial connective tissue graft in pouch technique. The defect size was measured in its horizontal and vertical dimension by utilizing a periodontal probe in a stone cast at base line, after 3 months, and 6 months post surgically. Analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc test were used for statistical analysis. A two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Mean values in horizontal width after 6 months were 4.70 ± 0.87 mm, and 4.05 ± 0.89 mm for group I and II, respectively. Regarding vertical heights, obtained mean values were 4.75 ± 0.97 mm and 3.70 ± 0.92 mm for group I and group II, respectively. Within the limitations of this study, connective tissue graft proposed significantly more improvement as compare to connective tissue graft in pouch.

High-throughput phenotyping of seminal root traits in wheat.

BackgroundWater availability is a major limiting factor for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in rain-fed agricultural systems worldwide. Root system architecture has important functional implications for the timing and extent of soil water extraction, yet selection for root architectural traits in breeding programs has been limited by a lack of suitable phenotyping methods. The aim of this research was to develop low-cost high-throughput phenotyping methods to facilitate selection for desirable root architectural traits. Here, we report two methods, one using clear pots and the other using growth pouches, to assess the angle and the number of seminal roots in wheat seedlings– two proxy traits associated with the root architecture of mature wheat plants.ResultsBoth methods revealed genetic variation for seminal root angle and number in the panel of 24 wheat cultivars. The clear pot method provided higher heritability and higher genetic correlations across experiments compared to the growth pouch method. In addition, the clear pot method was more efficient – requiring less time, space, and labour compared to the growth pouch method. Therefore the clear pot method was considered the most suitable for large-scale and high-throughput screening of seedling root characteristics in crop improvement programs.ConclusionsThe clear-pot method could be easily integrated in breeding programs targeting drought tolerance to rapidly enrich breeding populations with desirable alleles. For instance, selection for narrow root angle and high number of seminal roots could lead to deeper root systems with higher branching at depth. Such root characteristics are highly desirable in wheat to cope with anticipated future climate conditions, particularly where crops rely heavily on stored soil moisture at depth, including some Australian, Indian, South American, and African cropping regions.

Spontaneous Pregnancy after Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion by Indiana Pouch Method for Congenital Bladder Exstrophy: A Case Report

Aims: To share our experience in the management of a patient of congenital bladder exstrophy, who conceived spontaneously following Indiana pouch surgery for urinary diversion. Presentation of Case:21 year old primigravida, who had undergone urinary diversion

Assessment of anti-inflammatory activity of Artemisia vulgaris leaves by cotton pellet granuloma method in Wistar albino rats

AimThe present study was made to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Artemisia vulgaris leaves by cotton pellet granuloma method. MethodThe rats weighing around 150–250 g were selected, the methanolic extracts of leaves of A. vulgaris were administered at following dose of 200 & 400 mg/kg body weight respectively after surgical insertion of cotton pellets into groin region of rats. The study was conducted as per the “Cotton Pellet Granuloma method”. A. vulgaris has shown significant anti-inflammatory activity at 200 and 400 mg/kg, whereas 400 mg/kg dose shown significant results when compared with control (P < 0.05). ResultsThe extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg had shown 55.3% inhibition in weight of wet cotton pellets and 64.06% inhibition in weight of dry cotton pellets, while the extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg had shown 33% inhibition in weight of wet cotton pellets and 20.07% inhibition in weight of dry cotton pellets, 50% inhibition of implants when compared to that of control group in “Cotton Pellet Granuloma pouch method”. ConclusionThe findings indicated the anti-inflammatory evaluation of methanolic leaf extract of A. vulgaris.

Extraction of volatile flavour compounds from butter oil in a low‐density polyethylene membrane pouch

ABSTRACTA low‐density polyethylene membrane pouch method was developed to extract volatile flavour compounds from butter oil prior to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The butter oil represented oil‐based sample with complex flavour compounds. It was placed in the pouch and heat‐sealed for extraction in diethyl ether at 40°C for 1 h. The extraction mechanism can be explained by the molecular sieve effect. The extracted volatile flavour compounds are essential for butter oil aroma, e.g. fatty acids and lactones. The percent recoveries of fatty acids and lactones by this method were 1.00–1.74% and 10.1–11.2%, respectively. Sensory evaluation of the aroma recombinate and butter oil indicated the promise of this extraction technique. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Methods for Determining Nitrogen Release from Controlled-release Fertilizers Used for Vegetable Production

The purpose of this article is to review nitrogen (N) controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) research methods used to measure nutrient release from CRFs. If CRF-N release patterns match vegetable crop needs, crop N uptake may become more efficient, thus resulting in similar or greater yields, reduced fertilizer N needs, and reduced environmental N losses. Three methods categories to estimate N release are: laboratory; growth chamber, greenhouse, or both; and field methods. Laboratory methods include a standard and accelerated temperature-controlled incubation methods (TCIMs); methods incubate CRF using selected time periods, temperatures, and/or sampling methods. Accelerated TCIMs, in contrast to the standard method, allow for shorter incubation periods. Growth chamber and greenhouse methods, including column and plastic bag studies, may be used to test new CRF products in conditions similar to particular vegetable production systems. However, the column method predicts N release from CRFs more effectively than the plastic bag method because of ammonia volatilization and lower N recovery rates associated with the bag method. Both field methods, pot-in-pot and pouch methods, are viable vegetable research options. The pouch method measures N remaining in the CRF prill and the pot-in-pot method measures N released from the CRF, thus each method can be applied to different research objectives. Nitrogen released during incubation may be measured using methods such as total Kjeldahl N (TKN), prill weight loss, combustion, colorimetric, or ion-specific electrodes. The prill weight loss method is the least expensive but can only be used with urea CRF. Thus, the CRF-N source(s) and research objectives will determine the appropriate N analysis method. More research needs to be completed on correlations of field and laboratory CRF extractions. Field release methods should be considered the most reliable indicator of CRF-N performance until a laboratory method reliably predicts CRF-N expected field response.

Assessing the adaptability of the actinorhizal symbiosis in the face of environmental change

Human activity, and in particular industrial activity, has altered natural environments. Here we present an experimental approach adapted to study the actinorhizal symbiosis in alder trees and shrubs submitted to abiotic stress. We measured the impact of exogenous nitrogen on the establishment of the alder symbiosis with Frankia sp., and its primary function; nitrogen fixation. Results showed our version of the growth pouch method was functional, and corroborated the gradual inhibition of symbiosis in the presence of increasing exogenous nitrogen concentrations. In mountain alder ( Alnus viridis ssp. crispa) there was a gradual and suppressive effect of nitrogen on the relative number or root nodules, while in black alder ( Alnus glutinosa) results suggested a threshold effect at 45 ppm N. Shoot to root biomass ratios were increased in the presence of the microsymbiont, and this effect was generally maintained even in the presence of heavy metals (As, Se or V). Alders and the actinorhizal symbiosis were not heavily affected by the presence of heavy metals, confirming potential applications in soil rehabilitation, however the distribution of metals in plant tissues sometimes changed when high levels of metals were present. A. glutinosa plants exposed to high levels of As significantly increased the allocation of As to roots (≈90%), while those exposed to high levels of Se rose their aerial tissue Se allocation to roughly 86%. A. glutinosa plants exposed to high V levels did not change behavior: V was in all cases preferentially accumulated in underground tissues (≥90%). Our results detail the use of a high-throughput approach to study the plasticity of the actinorhizal symbiosis in the presence of fluctuating nitrogen and metal conditions. These methods are transposable to numerous actinorhizal studies in both fundamental and applied research.

Clinical experience in a modified Roux‐Y‐ shaped sigmoid neobladder: assessment of complications and voiding patterns in 43 patients

To evaluate the complications and urinary voiding patterns in patients with a new Roux-Y-shaped continent neobladder, using a modified sigmoid pouch. Between June 2003 and July 2008, 43 patients (26 men and 17 women, mean age 69.5 years) underwent a modified Roux-Y-shaped sigmoid continent neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy. The surgical procedures involved the construction of a Roux-Y-shaped sigmoid pouch, making an antifeces-refluxing valve into the sigmoid urine reservoir and ureterosigmoidostomy using the Leadbetter method. This pouch method has not been described before. The patients' clinical, biochemical, radiological and urodynamic variables were assessed. During the mean (range) follow-up of 24 (6-65) months, there were no deaths related to the procedure. In 16% of the patients, early complications occurred, whereas 12% had late complications. There were no cases with local recurrence and metastasis. Routine electrolyte evaluation revealed a slight metabolic acidosis in six patients (14%). Hypovitaminosis B(12) did not occur in any patients. All patients were continent in the daytime and night-time continence was poor in eight patients (19%). The mean (sd, range) neobladder capacity and residual urine volume was 330 (110, 120-410) mL and 48 (26, 25-80) mL, respectively. Moreover, the maximum urinary flow rate was 9.2-25.3 mL/s. The modified Roux-Y-shaped sigmoid neobladder replacement provides a new simple surgical procedure with low complication rates. The procedure offers comparatively satisfactory daytime continence with low postvoid residual urine volumes and voiding patterns. This technique is a valid alternative to continent urinary diversion.

A study of the anti-inflammatory effect of the leaves of Psidium guajava Linn. on experimental animal models

Introduction:The aim is to study the anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Psidium guajava(PGE) on experimental animal models.Materials and Methods:Fresh leaves were collected, air-dried, powdered, and percolated in 95% ethanol. Acute toxicity test was done according to OECD guidelines. Four groups of animals of either sex, weighing 150–200g of the species Rattus norvegicus were taken for the study (n = 6). Group A was taken as control (3% gum acacia in 10 mL/kg body weight), Group B as test group (PGE 250 mg/kg body weight), Group C as test group (PGE 500 mg/kg body weight), and Group D as standard (Aspirin 100 mg/kg body weight). The animals were studied for acute inflammation by Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, subacute inflammation by Granuloma pouch method, and chronic inflammation by Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis method. Statistical analysis was done by one-way analysis of variance followed by multiple comparison tests.Results:In acute inflammation, there was significant inhibition of paw edema in Groups B, C, and D in comparison with Group A (P < 0.05). In subacute inflammation, there was significant inhibition of exudate formation in Groups B, C, and D in comparison to Group A (P < 0.05). In chronic inflammation, there was significant inhibition of paw edema and inhibition of weight reduction in Groups B, C, and D compared with Group A. Downregulation of arthritis index was also significant in Groups B, C, and D in comparison with Group A (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The ethanolic extract of PGE has significant anti-inflammatory activity.

MICROSYSTEMS FOR RAPID EVALUATION OF PLANT GROWTH RESPONSE TO ORGANIC AMENDMENTS

Organic matter (OM)-based amendments offered to farmers vary greatly in their source, properties, and effectiveness. Some of these are produced from natural organic resources, whereas others originate from recycled organic waste, in part as an environment-friendly low-cost alternative to waste disposal. Stimulatory effects of OM on plant growth have been noticed in many systems, but a few reports have indicated negative effects. Many factors and interactions dictate plant response to these materials, and not all are well understood. Procedures that can be used to evaluate OM composition and characteristics that might affect plant growth are complicated and expensive. Deleterious effects of OM additions are frequently associated with a nonmature status of the decomposing material, but maturity is difficult to define. Evaluation of humic substances (HS)-based products is even more complex and needs improvement of the available methodologies. This article presents two simple versatile bioassay methods carried out in microplates or pouches for screening and evaluating soluble organic products for agronomic and horticultural use. To illustrate the two methods, we present microplate experiments with creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) that provide an evaluation of plant response to N rates spanning from deficient to excessive levels (0.9-57.6 mg N L−1) and to 11 different soluble HS products. The pouch method is presented by soybean (Glycine max L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) experiments that evaluate plant response to two HS and determine whether it is related to Fe or Zn mediation by the tested substances. The two methods are shown to be sensitive for nutritional factors and could effectively rank various OM materials frombeing deleterious to stimulatory to plant growth.

Laparoscopy-Assisted Total Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer

Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy has been applied to the treatment of early gastric cancer in Japan. So far, several studies about comparison between laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy and conventional open distal gastrectomy were reported. However, there are few reports on the laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy, mainly because this procedure is performed relatively infrequently, and the procedure is more difficult than laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy. This was a case-control study comparing between laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy group and open total gastrectomy group. From June 2001 to August 2004, laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy was performed in 20 patients. Reconstruction was performed by Roux-en-Y method or Roux-en-Y with jejunal pouch method through the mini-laparotomy. These cases were compared with 19 cases of open total gastrectomy, regarding operating time, blood loss, leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, time to the first passage of gas, time to initiate oral intake, and postoperative hospital stay.Laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy was successful in 20 patients. The mean operating time was 280 minutes and blood loss was 227.5 mL. Leukocyte counts on days 1, 3, and 7 were significantly lower in laparoscopic surgery group than in open surgery group. The time to first flatus, time to initiate oral intake, and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in the laparoscopic surgery group than in the open surgery group. This study demonstrated that laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy is suitable and feasible for early gastric cancer and has the advantage of a shorter recovery time compared with open total gastrectomy.