Effect of solanine on the membrane potential of mitochondria in HepG_2 cells and [Ca^(2+)]i in the cells

AIM： To observe the effect of solanine on the membrane potential of mitochondria in HepG2 cells and [Ca^2＋]i in the cells, and to uncover the mechanism by which solanine induces apoptosis.METHODS： HepG2 cells were double stained with AO/EB, and morphological changes of the cells were observed using laser confocal scanning microscopy （LCSM）. HepG2 cells were stained with TMRE, and change in the membrane potential of mitochondria in the cells were observed using LCSM. HepG2 cells were double stained with Fluo-3/AM, and change of [Ca^2＋]i in the cells were observed using LCSM. HepG2 cells were double stained with TMRE and Fluo-3/AM, and both the change in membrane potential of mitochondria and that of [Ca^2＋]i in the cells were observed using LCSM.RESULTS： Cells in treated groups showed typical signs of apoptosis. Staining with TMRE showed that solanine could lower membrane potential; staining with Fluo-3/AM showed that solanine could increase the concentration of Ca^2＋ in tumor cells; and those of double staining with TMRE and Fluo-3/AM showed that solanine could increase the concentration of Ca^2＋ in the cells at the same time as it lowered the membrane potential of mitochondria.CONCLUSION： Solanine opens up the PT channels in the membrane by lowering the membrane potential, leading to Ca^2＋ being transported down its concentration gradient, which in turn leads to the rise of the concentration of Ca^2＋ in the cell, turning on the mechanism for apoptosis.

Vas deferens, a site of male contraception: an overview

The vas deferens is a site which can be exploited for male contraception without undue side effects. The only ef-fective technique available for male contraception is vasectomy, being practiced world wide, despite that it is a perma-nent surgical procedure and its successful reversal is not assured. Although no-scalpel vasectomy minimizes surgicalprocedures, the fate of its reversal is akin to that of vasectomy. Several occlusive and non-occlusive vasal procedureswhich claim to be reversible without surgical intervention, possess more disadvantages than advantages. Vas occlusionwith plug, ' Shug' or medical grade silicone rubber, although claimed to produce reversible azoospermia without affect-ing spermatogenesis, requires skilled microsurgery for their implantation and later removal. RISUG^R, a non-scleroticpolymer styrene maleic anhydride (SMA), could be more advantageous than vasectomy and other vas occlusive proce-dures in that it could be a totally non-invasive procedure by 'no-scalpel injection' and 'non-invasive reversal'. It isclaimed to offer long-term contraception without adverse side effects and also to be possible as a male spacing methodby repeated vas occlusion and non-invasive reversal. The drug is currently under multicentre Phase Ⅲ clinical trial.

Molecular cross-talk between Helicobacter pylori and human gastric mucosa

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) has co-evolved with humans to be transmitted from person to person and to colonize the stomach persistently.A well-choreographed equilibrium between the bacterial effectors and host responses permits microbial persistence and health of the host,but confers a risk for serious diseases including gastric cancer.During its long coexistence with humans,H.pylori has developed complex strategies to limit the degree and extent of gastric mucosal damage and in? ammation,as well as immune effector activity.The present editorial thus aims to introduce and comment on major advances in the rapidly developing area of H.pylori/human gastric mucosa interaction (and its pathological sequelae),which is the result of millennia of co-evolution of,and thus of reciprocal knowledge between,the pathogen and its human host.

Nitrogen in Relation to Photosynthetic Capacity and Accumulation of Osmoprotectant and Nutrients in Brassica Genotypes Grown Under Salt Stress

Different strategies of the application of nutrients are required to overcome the adverse effects of mustard （Brassica juncea L.） in response to NaCl stress. The objective of the present study was to determine if different added levels of nitrogen （N） in growth medium could alleviate the adverse effects of salt stress on photosynthetic capacity and accumulation of osmoprotectants and nutrients. 14 days mustard seedlings of salt-sensitive （cv. Chuutki） and salt-tolerant （cv. Radha） genotypes were fed with： （i） 0 mmol L^-1 NaCl ＋ 0 mg N kg^-1 sand （control）, （ii） 90 mmol L^-1 NaCl ＋ 30 mg N kg^-1 sand, （iii） 90 mmol L^-1 NaCl ＋60 mg N kg^-1 sand, （iv） 90 mmol L^-1 NaCl ＋90 mg N kg^-1 sand and （v） 90 mmol L^-1NaCl＋ 120 mg N kg^-1 sand. Under the condition of salinity stress, N application caused a significant ameliorative effect on both genotypes with respect to growth attributes [fresh weight （FW） and dry weight （DW）] and physio-biochemical parameters [percent water content （WC）, net photosynthetic rate （PN）, stomatal conductance （gs）, total chlorophyll （Ch1）, carbonic anhydrase （CA） activity and malondialdehyde （MDA）, nitrogen （N）, potassium （K） and sodium （Na） contents, and K/Na ratio] and yield attributes （number of pods/plant, seeds/pod and seed yield/plant）. The salt-tolerant genotype exhibited maximum value for growth, physio-biochemical and yield attributes at 60 mg N kg 1 sand than that of salt-sensitive genotype. These results suggest that application of N may ameliorate most of the attributes and prove to be a physiological remedy to increase the tolerance against the ill effects of salt stress in Brassicas.

The ATAF1 transcription factor： At the convergence point of ABA-dependent plant defense against biotic and abiotic stresses

Because of their sessile lifestyle, plants have evolved sophisticated ways of coping with the various biotic and abiotic stresses they can encounter during their life. Their defensive reactions to a given stress have to be rapid and well adapted to the situation. They are the results of tightly coordinated changes at the molecular level involving the contributions of different signaling pathways. Traditionally, two signal transduction pathways have been investigated preferentially for defense against biotic stresses,

Human sperm immobilization effect of Carica papaya seed extracts: an in vitro study

Aim: To examine if the seed extracts of Carica papaya, which showed anfispermatogenic/sperm immobilizationproperties in animal models, could cause human sperm immobilization in vitro. Methods: Chloroform extract, ben-zene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract, its methanol and ethyl acetate sub-fractions and the isolatedcompounds from the sub-fractions i. e., ECP 1 & 2 and MCP 1 & 2, of the seeds of Carica papaya were used at con-centrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%. Sperm motility was assessed immediately after addition of extracts and ev-ery 5 minutes thereafter for 30 minutes. Results: There were dose-dependent spermicidal effects showing an instantfall in the sperm motility to less than 20% at 2% concentration. Isolated compounds ECP 1 & 2 were more effective in-ducing a motility of less than 10%. Many of the spermatozoa became vibratory on the spot. Total inhibition of motilitywas observed within 20-25 rain at all concentrations of all products. Scanning and transmission electron microscopyrevealed deleterious changes in the plasma membrane of the head and mid-piece of spermatozoa. Sperm viability testand the number of abnormal spermatozoa after completion of incubation suggested that the spermatozoa were infertile.The effects were spermicidal but not spermiostatic as revealed by the sperm revival test. Conclusion: The results re-veal spermicidal activity in vitro of the seed extracts of Carica papaya.

Helicobacter pylori gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and its pathogenic role

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT)is a bacterial virulence factor that converts glutamine into glutamate and ammonia,and converts glutathione into glutamate and cysteinylglycine.H.pylori GGT causes glutamine and glutathione consumption in the host cells,ammonia production and reactive oxygen species generation.These products induce cell-cycle arrest,apoptosis,and necrosis in gastric epithelial cells.H.pylori GGT may also inhibit apoptosis and induce gastric epithelial cell proliferation through the induction of cyclooxygenase-2,epidermal growth factor-related peptides,inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin-8.H.pylori GGT induces immune tolerance through the inhibition of T cell-mediated immunity and dendritic cell differentiation.The effect of GGT on H.pylori colonization and gastric persistence are also discussed.

Contraceptive effect of Curcuma longa (L.) in male albino rat

Aim: To study the contraceptive effect of the crude extracts of Curcuma longa in male albino rats. Methods: Rats were fed orally with Curcuma longa aqueous and 70 % alcoholic extract for 60 days (500 mg·kg-1· day-1). Results: A reduction in sperm motility and density was observed in both the treated groups. Conclusion: Curcuma longa may have affected the androgen synthesis either by inhibiting the Leydig cell function or the hypo-thalamus pituitary axis and as a result, spermatogenesis is arrested.

Effect of Semecarpus anacardium fruits on reproductive function of male albino rats

<abstract>Aim: To evaluate the effect of an ethanolic extract of Semecarpus anacardium fruits on spermatogenesis in albino rats. Methods: Male albino rats were fed with a 50 % ethanolic extract of Semecarpus anacardium fruit at 100 mg·kg-1.day-1, 200 mg·kg-1·day-1 and 300 mg·kg-1·day-1 for 60 days. Fertility test was performed after 60 days of treatment. Sperm motility and density were observed in the cauda epididymis. Biochemical and histological analyses of the blood and reproductive organs were done. Recovery of fertility was followed to evaluate the reversibility of drug action. Results: S. anacardium fruit extract administration resulted in spermatogenic arrest in albino rats. The sperm motility and density was reduced significantly. The RBC and WBC counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit, blood sugar and urea were found to be within the normal range in the whole blood. The protein, cholesterol and glycogen in the testes and the fructose in the seminal vesicle were significantly decreased after the treatment. The fruit extract feeding caused marked reduction in the number of primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. The number of mature Leydig cells was also decreased and degenerating cells increased proportionately. Conclusion: 5. anacardium fruit extract causes spermatogenic arrest in albino rats.

Effect of Alstonia scholaris bark extract on testicular function of Wistar rats

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the antifertility effect ofAlstonia scholaris bark extract in male rats. Methods: In male Wistar rats Alstonia scholaris bark extract was given by oral route at a dose of 200 mg/day for 60 days. The fertility and testicular function were assessed by mating tests, sperm motility, sperm concentration, biochemical indices and testicular cell population dynamics. Results: Oral feeding with the extract at a dose of 200 mg/day for the period of 60 days did not cause body weight loss, while the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate were significantly reduced. The production of step-19 spermatids was reduced by 79.6% in treated rats. The population of preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes were decreased by 61.9% and 60.1%, respectively. Spermatogonia and Sertoli cell population were also affected. The seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear area were reduced significantly (P<0.01) when compared to the controls. Reduced sperm count and motility resulted in a total suppression of fertility. A significant fall in the protein and sialic acid content of the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate as well as glycogen content of testes were also noticed. The fructose content in the seminal vesicle was lowered whereas the testicular cholesterol was elevated as compared with the controls. The following compounds were obtained from the extract with chromatographic separation over Si-gel column: α-amyrin, β-amyrin, lupiol acetate, venenative, rhazine and yohimbine. Conclusion: At the dose level employed, Alstonia scholaris bark extract has a significant antifertility effect in male rats; the primary site of action may be post meiotic germ cells (Step 19 spermatids).

Interactive Effect of GA_3 ,N and P Ameliorate Growth, Seed and Fibre Yield by Enhancing Photosynthetic Capacity and Carbonic Anhydrase Activity of Linseed: A Dual Purpose Crop

Linseed （Linum usitatissimum L.） is an important dual-purpose, industrial crop. Its seeds are used for the extraction of oil and stem for fibres. However, the production of linseed is not going parallel with the increasing demand of its products. The present work was carried out with an aim to find out whether exogenous application of gibberellic acid （GA3） with or without graded levels of nitrogen （N） and phosphorus （P） could improve the performance of three linseed genotypes Parvati, Shekhar and Shubhra together with minimizing the costly fertilizer input and losses. Four combinations of N and P, viz., 0 mg N＋0 mg P kg-1 soil （N0P0）, N13.4 P4.46 , N26.8P8.94 and N40.2P13.4 were constituted. Half dose of each combination was applied basally at the time of sowing and remaining half dose was given at 40 d after sowing （DAS） as foliar spray along with 10-6 mol L-1 GA3 . Prior to sowing, the seeds of each linseed genotype were grouped in to two, one group of seeds was soaked in 0 mol L-1 GA3 （control） and the other group was soaked in 10-6 M GA3 solution, each for 8 hours. Treatments were comprised of （i） 0 mol L-1 GA3＋N0P0 （T0 , control）, （ii） 10-6 mol L-1 GA3 ＋ N13.4P4.46 （T1）, （iii） 10-6 mol L-1 GA 3 ＋N 26.8 P 8.94 （T2） and （iv） 10-6 mol L-1 GA3＋N40.2P13.4 （T3）. The crop performance was assessed in terms of growth, physiological and biochemical parameters at 60 and 75 DAS and yield attributes at harvest （175 DAS）. The results showed a parallel increase in most of the parameters with increasing levels of N and P. However, application of 10-6 mol L-1 GA3 in association with N26.8P8.94 proved best, it enhanced seed yield, oil yield and fibre yield by 83.3, 97.3 and 78.7%, respectively accompanied with increase in net photosynthetic rate, carbonic anhydrase activity and dry matter accumulation. Among the genotypes tested, Shubhra performed best, while Parvati the least for most of the parameters studied. Thus, combined application of 10-6 mol L-1 GA3 plus N26.8P8.94 proved best and can be recommended to exploit the linseed as a dual-purpose crop for good yield of seed and fibre.

Pericyte-like differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells:An in vitro study

BACKGROUND Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(ASCs)are characterized by long-term self-renewal and a high proliferation rate.Under adequate conditions,they may differentiate into cells belonging to mesodermal,endodermal or ectodermal lineages.Pericytes support endothelial cells and play an important role in stabilizing the vessel wall at the microcirculation level.The loss of pericytes,as occurs in diabetic retinopathy,results in a breakdown of the blood-retina barrier(BRB)and infiltration of inflammatory cells.In this context,the use of pericytelike differentiated ASCs may represent a valuable therapeutic strategy for restoring BRB damage.AIM To test in vitro strategies to obtain pericyte-like differentiation of human ASCs(hASCs).METHODS Different culture conditions were tested:hASCs cultured in a basal medium supplemented with transforming growth factorβ1;and hASCs cultured in a specific pericyte medium(PM-hASCs).In a further sample,pericyte growth supplement was omitted from the PM.In addition,cultures of human retinal pericytes(hRPCs)were used for comparison.Pericyte-like differentiation of hASCs was tested by immunocytochemical staining and western blotting to evaluate the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and neural/glial antigen 2(NG2).Interactions between human retinal endothelial cells(hRECs)and different groups of hASCs were investigated in co-culture experiments.In these cases,the expression of typical junctional proteins such as vascular endothelial-Cadherin,zonula occludens-1 and Occludin were assessed in hRECs.In an in vitro model of the BRB,values of trans-endothelial electrical resistance were measured when hRECs were co-cultured with various groups of pretreated hASCs.The values observed were compared with co-cultures of hRECs and hRPCs as well as with cultures of hRECs alone.Three-dimensional co-cultures of hRECs and hRPCs or pericyte-like hASCs in Matrigel were designed to assess their reciprocal localization.RESULTS After 3-6 d of culture,α-SMA and NG2 immunocytochemistry showed that the closest pericyte-like phenotype was observed when hASCs were cultured in Pericyte Medium(PM-hASCs).In particular,α-SMA immunoreactivity,already visible at the basal level in pericytes and ASCs,was strongly increased only when transforming growth factor was added to the culture medium.NG2 expression,almost undetectable in most conditions,was substantially increased only in PMhASCs.Immunocytochemical results were confirmed by western blot analysis.The presence of pericyte growth supplement seems to increase NG2 expression rather thanα-SMA,in agreement with its role in maintaining pericytes in the proliferative state.In co-culture experiments,immunoreactivity of vascular endothelial-Cadherin,zonula occludens-1 and Occludin was considerably increased in hRECs when hRPCs or PM-hASCs were also present.Supporting results were found by trans-endothelial electrical resistance measurements,gathered at 3 and 6 d of co-culture.The highest resistance values were obtained when hRECs were co-cultured with hRPCs or PM-hASCs.The pericyte-like phenotype of PM-hASCs was also confirmed in three-dimensional co-cultures in Matrigel,where PM-hASCs and hRPCs similarly localized around the tubular formations made by hRECs.CONCLUSION PM-hASCs seem able to strengthen the intercellular junctions between hRECs,likely reinforcing the BRB;thus,hASC-based therapeutic approaches may be developed to restore the integrity of retinal microcirculation.

Interplay between nitric oxide and sulfur assimilation in salt tolerance in plants

Nitric oxide(NO),a versatile molecule,plays multiple roles in plant growth and development and is a key signaling molecule in plant response to abiotic stress.Nutrient management strategy is critical for abiotic stress alleviation in plants.Sulfur(S) is important under stress conditions,as its assimilatory products neutralize the imbalances in cells created by excessive generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).NO abates the harmful effects of ROS by enhancing antioxidant enzymes,stimulating S assimilation,and reacting with other target molecules,and regulates the expression of various stress-responsive genes under salt stress.This review focuses on the role of NO and S in responses of plants to salt stress,and describes the crosstalk between NO and S assimilation in salt tolerance.The regulation of NO and/or S assimilation using molecular biology tools may help crops to withstand salinity stress.

Antifertility effects of methanolic pod extract of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth in male rats

Aim: To evaluate the antifertility activity of the methanolic pod extract of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth in male albino rats. Methods: The methanolic pod extract of Albizzia lebbeck was administrated orally for 60 days at 50, 100 and 200 mg·kg-1·day-1 to male albino rats. Sperm motility and density in cauda epididymides were assessed. Biochemical and histological analysis were performed in blood samples and reproductive organs. Results: A. lebbeck pod extract brought about a significant decrease in the weights of testis, seminal vesicles, epdidymis and ventral prostate. The sperm motility and density were significantly reduced. There was a marked reduction in the numbers of primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. The Sertoli cell count as well as its cross sectional surface area were significantly decreased. The Leydig cell nuclear area and the number of mature Leydig celis were also significantly decreased. The protein, glycogen and cholesterol content of the testis, the fructose in the seminal vesicles and protein in the epididymis were significantly decreased. The RBC and WBC counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit and blood sugar were within the normai range. Conclusion: The methanolic extract of A. lebbeck pods causes spermatogenic arrest in male albino rats.

Safety evaluation of long-term vas occlusion with styrene maleic anhydride and its non-invasive reversal on accessory reproductive organs in langurs

Aim:To evaluate the safety of the long term vas occlusion with styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) and its non-invasive reversal at the level of accessory reproductive glands (ARGs) in langurs.Methods:The morphology of seminal vesicle and ventral prostate was evaluated by light as well as transmission electron microscopy.Serum clinical chemistry and urine albumin were evaluated in an autoanalyzer using reagent kits.Fructose,acid phosphatase and zinc in the seminal plasma were evaluated spectrophotometrically according to the WHO manual.Serum testosterone, prostate specific antigen and sperm antibodies were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using reagent kits and hematology was estimated according to standard procedures.Results:The morphological features and secretory activity of the seminal vesicle and prostate were normal as evidenced by the presence of well- developed mitochondria,rough endoplasmic reticulum,Golgi bodies,secretory granules and normal nuclear charac- teristics throughout the course of investigation.Serum testosterone and prostate specific antigen remained unaltered and serum antisperm antibodies level presented negative titres.Urine albumin was nil.Total red blood corpuscles (RBC),white blood corpuscles (WBC),hemoglobin (Hb) and red cell indices,serum protein,glucose,cholesterol, creatinine,creatine kinase (CK),serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (SGOT),serum glutamate pyruvate transami- nase (SGPT),lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),bilirubin,urea,triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) did not show appreciable changes following vas occlusion and after its non-invasive reversal.Although fructose,acid phos- phatase (ACP) and zinc in the seminal plasma showed a significant reduction following vas occlusion,it could not be related to the morphology of seminal vesicle and prostate.Conclusion:SMA vas occlusion and its non-invasive reversal do not damage the accessory reproductive organs.

Drug-Seeking Behavior Is Significantly Attenuated in Nutritionally Supplemented Cocaine Withdrawn Sprague-Dawley Rats

Aim: The effect of patented nutritional supplementation on drug-seeking behavior in cocaine addicted rats during acute drug withdrawal was investigated using a biased Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) paradigm. Method: Twenty-four (24) male Sprague-Dawley rats with pre-conditioned preference for the black chamber of the CPP box were randomly divided into Cocaine (COC) or Saline (SAL) treated groups. Rats (n = 12) treated with cocaine hydrochloride 20 mg/kg/ml, i.p. (COC group) were confined individually to the white chamber on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. On alternate days, they were given 1 ml saline vehicle, i.p. and confined to the black chamber. Control rats (SAL group, n = 12) received only vehicle on all 8 days and were confined on alternate days to the white or black chamber. Positive place preference was confirmed for COC rats, which subsequently received 6 increasing daily doses of cocaine. CPP performances of both COC and SAL rats were recorded following an acute 3-day withdrawal period. All animals were then randomly assigned to rats fed either chow reconstituted with the nutritional supplement (COC-S and SAL-S) or standard rat chow (COC-N and SAL-N) for 8 weeks, followed by final CPP performances. Results: Following supplementation, COC-S rats made significantly less entries and time spent in the white chamber (p < 0.05) compared with COC-N rats. COC-S rats exhibited significant place aversion to the white chamber similar to drug-naive animals;whereas COC-N continued to show positive place preference. Conclusion: Drug-seeking behavior that persisted during cocaine withdrawal was significantly diminished in the nutritionally supplemented.

无创性皮层刺激对慢性卒中患者熟练运动功能的影响

Stroke is a leading cause of adult motor disability. Despite recent progress, recovery of motor function after stroke is usually incomplete. This double blind , Sham-controlled, crossover study was designed to test the hypothesis that non -invasive stimulation of the motor cortex could improve motor function in the p aretic hand of patients with chronic stroke. Hand function was measured using th e Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT),a widely used, well validated test for functional motor assessment that reflects activities of daily living. JTT measu red in the paretic hand improved significantly with non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulat ion (tDCS), but not with Sham, an effect that outlasted the stimulation period, was present in every single patient tested and that correlated with an increment in motor cortical excitability within the affected hemisphe- re, expressed as increased recruitment curves(RC) and reduced short-interval intracortical inhibition. These results document a beneficial effect of non-inv asive cortical stimulation on a set of hand functions that mimic activities of d aily living in the paretic hand of patients with chronic stroke, and suggest tha t this interventional strategy in combination with customary rehabilitative trea tments may play an adjuvant role in neurorehabilitation.

Growth and Economic Assessment of Wheat under Tillage and Nitrogen Levels in Rice-Wheat System

Mechanically post-harvest puddled rice field has stubbles that often delay timely planting of winter wheat crop. Zero tillage increased the net return by decreasing the unwise tillage operations and labor charges. Keep in view, a randomized complete block design experiment in a split plot arrangement was conducted with four tillage system [conventional tillage, CT;deep tillage, DT;zero tillage with zone disc tiller, ZDT;and happy seeder, HS] in main plots and five nitrogen levels [0, 75, 100, 125, and 150 kg&middot;ha-1] in subplots during 2009 to 2010 and 2010 to 2011 cropping seasons. Results showed that in 2009-10 and 2010-11 grain yield (4.6 Mg&middot;ha-1 and 5.7 Mg&middot;ha-1) in DT and (4.5 Mg&middot;ha-1 and 5.8 Mg&middot;ha-1) in HS were significantly higher compared with CT and ZDT. Significantly, maximum leaf area index (5.18 and 5.24) and crop growth rate (12.14 g&middot;m-2&middot;d-1 and 13.15 g&middot;m-2&middot;d-1) were noted in DT. Grain protein (11.78%) was significantly higher in DT compared with CT, ZDT, and HS during 2009-10 and 2010-11. Total yield (12.4 Mg&middot;ha-1 and 16.4 Mg&middot;ha-1) and grain yield (4.9 Mg&middot;ha-1 and 6.5 Mg&middot;ha-1) at N125 kg&middot;ha-1 while grain protein (13.52%) at N150 kg&middot;ha-1 was significantly higher than other nitrogen levels. Maximum LAI (5.08 and 5.51) and crop growth rate (14.68 g m-2&middot;d-1 and 15.77 g<span style='font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;

Chemical Control of Monocot Weeds in Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i>L.)

Due to similar growth pattern and morphology, monocot weeds offer more severe competition with wheat. A field experiment was conducted to screen herbicides most suitable for the control of monocot weeds in wheat. Seven herbicides viz., Puma super 69EW @ 862.5 g a.i. ha-1, Bristle 69 EW @ 1250 ml, Topik 15WP @ 37.05 g a.i. ha-1, Safener15WP @ 247g, Certain 80WD @ 395.2 g and Tremor 24EC @ 247 ml/ha were used. Weedy check where no weed control was practiced was kept as control. All herbicides were sprayed as post-emergence with second irrigation 38 days after crop sowing. The best weed control was accomplished by Safener 15WP 247 g ha-1 as significantly lower weed counts per m2 (11.0) and higher percent weed control (73.4%) were noted after 21 days of its spray. Wheat growth parameters like plant height, number of tillers per m2, spike length and number of spikelets per spike remained statistically at par among various treatments. Significantly higher number of grains per spike (55.67) and 1000 grain weight (36 g) were noted with Puma Super 69EW @ 1250 ml ha-1 and Certain 80WD 395.2 g ha-1, respectively. Although treatments did not differ significantly with respect to wheat grain and biological yields, yet the highest grain yield (3708.3 kg ha-1) and biological yield (10208.3 kg ha-1) were produced by Puma Super 69EW @ 1250 ml ha-1. Based on better weed control and wheat yield, Safener 15WP @ 395.2 ml ha-1 and Puma Super 69EW @ 1250 ml ha-1 were proved to be better in areas where wheat fields are predominantly infested by monocot weeds. Puma super, Bristle Tremore, Safener and Certain were found effective against Avena fatua and Polypogon monspelliensis, less effective against Phalaris minor and ineffective against Poaannua grass.

Arsenic exposure decreases rhythmic contractions of vascular tone through sodium transporters and K^+ channels

Arsenic-contaminated drinking water is a public health problem in countries such as Taiwan, Bangladesh, United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. The chronic ingestion of arsenic-contaminated drinking water increases the risk for ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and prevalence of hypertension. Although toxic arsenic effects are controversial, there is evidence that a high concentration of arsenic may induce hypertension through increase in vascular tone and resistance. Vascular tone is regulated by the rhythmic contractions of the blood vessels, generated by calcium oscillations in the cytosol of vascular smooth muscle cells. To regulate the cytosolic calcium oscillations, the membrane oscillator model involves the participation of Ca2+ channels, calcium-activated K+ channels, Na+/Ca2+exchange, plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase, and the Na+/K+-ATPase. However, little is known about the role of K+ uptake by sodium transporters [Na+/K+-ATPase or Na+-K+-2Cl-(NKCC1)] on the rhythmic contractions.Vascular rhythmic contractions, or vasomotion are a local mechanism to regulate vascular resistance andblood flow. Since vascular rhythmic contractions of blood vessels are involved in modulating the vascular resistance, the blood flow, and the systemic pressure,we suggest a model explaining the participation of the sodium pump and NKCC1 co-transporter in low dose arsenic exposure effects on vasomotion and vascular dysfunction.