Humic Acid Effects on Reducing Corn Leaf Burn Caused by Foliar Spray of Urea-Ammonium Nitrate at Different Humic Acid/Urea-Ammonium Nitrate Ratios

Technologies for reducing corn leaf burn caused by foliar spray of urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) during the early growing season are limited. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of humic acid on corn leaf burn caused by foliar spray of undiluted UAN solution on corn canopy at Jackson, TN in 2018. Thirteen treatments of the mixtures of UAN and humic acid were evaluated at V6 of corn with different UAN application rates and different UAN/humic acid ratios. Leaf burn during 1 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 14 days after UAN foliar spray significantly differed between with or without humic acid addition. The addition of humic acid to UAN significantly reduced leaf burn at each UAN application rate (15, 25, and 35 gal/acre). The reduction of leaf burn was enhanced as the humic acid/UAN ratio went up from 10% to 30%. Leaf burn due to foliar application of UAN became severer with higher UAN rates. The linear regression of leaf burn 14 days after application with humic acid/UAN ratio was highly significant and negative. However, the linear regression of leaf burn 14 days after application with the UAN application rate was highly significant and positive. In conclusion, adding humic acid to foliar-applied UAN is beneficial for reducing corn leaf burn during the early growing season.

Study on the Relationship of Seedling Density and Line Spacing to Leaf-stem Ratio, DW/FW Ratio and Grass Yield of Forage Sweet Sorghum

[ Objectives ] The aim was to optimize the configuration of seedling density and line spacing of forage sweet sorghum （ Sorghum blcolor （ L. ） Moench） and explore its high-yield cultivation techniques. [ Methods] Effects of such two influencing factors as line spacing and seedling density on the leaf-stem ratio, DW/FW ratio and grass yield of forage sweet sorghum were analyzed by using split-plot experiment design experiment method and LSD method of IBM. SPSS. Statis- tics. v22 stati, stics software. [ Results ~ Seedling density and line spacing had no obvious effect on the leaf-stem ratio and DW/FW ratio of forage sweet sorghum but had obvious influences on the grass yield. Moreover, the optimal combination of seedling density and line spacing for high yield of forage sweet sorghum was A2 B4, that is, seedling density was 225 000 plants/hm2, and line spacing was 40 cm. [ Conclusions] The results provided a theoretical basis and technical support for high-yield cultivation techniques of forage sweet sorghum.

Determination of the Photoperiod-Sensitive Inductive Phase in Maize with Leaf Numbers and Morphologies of Stem Apical Meristem

It is vital to determine the effective photoperiods of maize for making full use of tropical germplasm, which is the foundation for determining the effect of latitude and planting date on the development of photoperiod-sensitive maize cultivars. The objective of this study is to determine the photoperiod-sensitive inductive phase using reciprocal transfer between long- day （LD） （15 h d^-1） and short-day conditions （SD） （9 h d^-1）. For Huangzao 4 and CML288, days to tassel and pollen shedding were recorded, and stem apical meristems （SAM） were observed by a laser scanning confocal microscope. The results show that the seedlings are insensitive to photoperiod when they are very young （juvenile）. However, after this period, LD delays flowering and increases the leaf numbers below the inflorescence, and the length of the interval of the photoperiod-sensitive inductive phase is longer under LD conditions than under SD conditions. Transferred from SD to LD, plants show a sudden decrease in leaf numbers once sufficient SD has been received for flower commitment. While transferred from LD to SD, plants have a continuous increase in leaf numbers during the photoperiod sensitive inductive phase under LD conditions. At the same time, when plants are competent to flowers, the obvious morphology is the elongation of maize SAM. There is an obvious variance of the photoperiod sensitive phase under LD and SD conditions in different maize.

The Variety Screening of Green-stem Non-heading Chinese Cabbage and Dark-green-leaf Non-heading Chinese Cabbage Tolerant to Heat

[Objectives] Introducing and screening leaf vegetable varieties tolerant to heat and humidity has great significance to ensure balanced supply of vegetables in summer and autumn in Hainan Province. [Methods] On the basis of the introduction of green-stem non-heading Chinese cabbage and dark-green-leaf non-heading Chinese cabbage varieties, the varieties tolerant to heat and humidity were identified by the investigation of agronomic traits and evaluation of heat injury index. [Results] The data analysis results showed that four green-stem non-heading Chinese cabbage varieties including Huaguan Qingcaigeng F_1, Zhongguan Qinggeng, Hanshen No. 1 Qinggengcai F_1 and Huaxiawang Piaocai have the characteristics of strong tolerance to heat and high yield, and four dark-green-leaf non-heading Chinese cabbage varieties including Baimeigui, Heijingang, Xiaxue Naibaicai and Siji Baicai have the characteristics of strong tolerance to heat and high yield. [Conclusions] These eight leaf vegetable varieties are suitable for popularization in summer and autumn in Hainan Province.

Effects of Soil Fertility and Atmospheric CO_2 Enrichment on Leaf, Stem and Root Dark Respiration of Populus tremuloides

An open-top chamber experiment was conducted at the University of Michigan Biological Station near Pellston, Michigan, USA, to study the effects of soil fertility and CO2 on leaf, stem and root dark respiration (Rd) of Populus tremuloides. Overall, area-based day-time leaf Rd (Rda) was significantly greater at elevated than at ambient CO2 in high-fertility soil, but not in low-fertility soil. Mass-based leaf Rd (Rdm) was overall greater for high- than for low-fertility soil grown trees at elected, but not at ambient CO2. Nighttime leaf Rd. and Rdm were unthected by soil fertility or CO2, nor was stem Rda, which ranged from 1.0 to 1.4 μmol m-2 s-1 in the spring and 3.5 to 4.5 μmol m-2 s-1 in the summer. Root Rda. was significantly higher in high- than in low-fertility soil, but was unaffected by CO2. Since biomass production of P. tremuloides will be significantly greater at elevated CO2 while specific Rd will either increase or remain unchanged, we predict that carbon loss to the atmosphere through respiration from this ecologically important species would increase at higher CO2. Soil fertility would also interact with elevated CO2 in affecting the carbon flow in the plant-soil-air system.

Synergistic effects of ginseng stem and leaf-extracted ginsenoside and choline on improving learning and memory in rats Association verification experiment in animals with multiple learning and memory disorders

BACKGROUND： Ginsenoside extracted from the stem and leaf of ginseng （GSL） and choline have both been shown to improve learning and memory functions; however, further studies are needed to understand the synergistic effects of a combination of both. OBJECTIVE： To verify the combined improved synergistic effects of GSL and choline on learning and memory disorders in rats. DESIGN： Control observation. SETTING： Taishan Medical College. MATERIALS： A total of 150 male Kunming mice weighing （204-2） g and 40 healthy male Wistar rats weighing （2204-20） g were provided by the Experimental Animal Department of Jilin University. Animal experimentation received confirmed consent from the local ethic committee. GSL was provided by the Department of Chemistry, Norman Bethune Medical University, and choline was provided by the Third Experiment Factory, Shanghai. METHODS： This study was performed at the Life Science Institute, Taishan Medical College from October 2006 to February 2007. ① Scopolamine-induced learning and memory disorders in rats： Forty rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, combination group （400 mg/kg GSL ＋ 200 mg/kg choline）, GSL （400 mg/kg） group, and choline （200 mg/kg） group, 8 rats/group. Rats were perfused and administrated in the morning, once a day for 14 successive days. Rats in the control group and model group were perfused with 20 mL/kg distilled water and underwent Morris water maze spatial resolution test 1 hour after perfusion on the 10m, 11m, and 12m days after administration. Rats also underwent passive step-down avoidance test 1 hour after reperfusion on the 13m and 14m days after administration. Thirty minutes prior to experimentation, rats in the remaining three groups were intraperitoneally （i.p） injected with 2 mg/kg scopolamine, and rats in the control group were i.p. injected with 2 mL/kg saline. ② Scopolamine-induced learning disorder and memory acquired disorder in mice： Fifty mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, combination group （400 mg/kg GSL ＋200 mg/kg choline）, GSL （400 mg/kg） group, and choline （200 mg/kg） group, with 10 mice/group. Mice were perfused and administrated in the morning, once a day for 9 successive days. Mice in the control group and model group were perfused with 20 mL/kg distilled water and underwent passive step down avoidance test 1 hour after reperfusion on the 8th and 9th day after administration. Twenty minutes prior to training, mice in the remaining three groups were i.p. injected with 2 mg/kg scopolamine, and mice in the control group were i.p. injected with 10 mL/kg saline. ③ Sodium nitrite-induced memory consolidation disorder in mice： Grouping, administration, and testing were the same as mentioned above. After training, mice in the remaining three groups were immediately subcutaneously injected with 120 mg/kg sodium nitrite, and mice in the control group were subcutaneously injected with 20 mL/kg saline. ④ Ethanol-induced memory reconsolidation disorder in mice： Grouping, administration, and testing were the same as mentioned above. At 24 hours after training and 20 minutes before retraining, mice in the remaining four groups were perfused with 10 mL/kg ethanol （0.3 volume fraction）, and mice in the control group were perfused with 10 mL/kg saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Synergistic effects of GSL and choline on learning and memory deficits induced by scopolamine, sodium nitrite, and ethanol in experimental animals. RESULTS： All 40 rats and 150 mice were included in the final analysis. ① Synergistic effects of GSL and choline on learning and memory disorders induced by scopolamine in rats： During passive step-down avoidance and Morris water maze spatial resolution tests, the number of error responses and length of maze training in the model group were significantly greater than in the control group （P 〈 0.01）; while the number of error responses and length of maze training in the combination group were significantly less than in the model group, GSL group, and choline group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. The Q value was 〉 1 after combining administration, which suggests that the combination of GSL and choline had synergistic effects. ② Synergistic effects of GSL and choline on learning disorder and memory-acquired disorder induced by scopolamine in mice： During passive step-down avoidance test, the number of error responses in the model group were significantly greater than in the control group （P 〈 0.01 ）; while the number of error responses in the combination group were significantly less than in the model group, GSL group, and choline group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. The Q value was 〉 1 after combining administration, which suggests GSL and choline had synergistic effects. ③ Synergistic effects of GSL and choline on memory sodium nitrate-induced consolidation disorder in mice： During passive step down avoidance test, the number of error responses in the model group were significantly less than in the control group （P 〈 0.01 ）; while the number of error responses in the combination group were significantly less than in the model group, GSL group, and choline group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. The Q value was 〉 1 after combined administration, which suggests GSL and choline had synergistic effects. ④ Synergistic effects of GSL and choline on ethanol-induced memory reconsolidation disorder in mice： During passive step down avoidance test, the number of error responses in the model group were significantly greater than in the control group （P 〈 0.01）; while the number of error responses in the combination group were significantly less than in the model group, GSL group, and choline group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. The Q value was 〉 1 after combined administration, which suggests GSL and choline had synergistic effects. CONCLUSION： GSL and choline have synergistic effects on learning and memory functions.

Cell multiplication, apoptosis and p-Akt protein expression of bone mesenchymal stem cells of rat under hypoxia environment

Objective ：To elucidate whether cell multiplication, apoptosis, glucose intake and p-Akt protein expression of bone Mesenchyreal Stem Cells（MSCs） of rats is influenced by a hypoxic environment ex vivo. Methods ：Passage 3 of bone marrow MSCs taken from Wistar rats,were cultured in a culturing chamber with 94%N2,1%O2,5%CO2 at 37℃. At different hypoxia time points ,0,0.5, 1,4 and 8 h, glucose uptake was assayed by using radiation isotope ^3H-G, Apoptotic Rate（AR） and dead rate（DR） were analyzed by flow cytometry（FCM） after Annexin V/PI staining, cell multiplication（by MTr methods） and p-Akt protein by immunocytochemistry and western blot. Results ：Assay for CD29^± ,CD44^± ,CD71^± ,CD34^-, Tn T^±（after 5-azacytidine agent inducing） and ALP^±（after bone differentiation agent inducing） suggested these bone-derived cells were MSCs. The ^3H-G intaking ratio （CPM/ flask value：157 ± 11,110 ± 11,107 ± 13,103 ± 10,100 ± 9 and 98 ± 10） of MSCs at different hypoxia time points, significantly decreased compared to that of normoxia（P 〈 0.01） and tended to descend slowly with hypoxia time duration, for which there was no statistical significance（P 〉 0.05）. The AR（0.09 ± 2.03%,12.9 ± 1.72%,13.7 ± 2.26%,13.8 ± 3.01%,14.1 ± 2.78% and 14.7 ± 4.01% at 0,0.5,1,4 and 8 h,respectively,P 〈 0.01） and DR （0.04, ± 1.79% ,0.93 ± 1.85% ,3.11 ± 2.14% ,4.09 ± 2.36% ,4.72 ± 2.05% and 4.91 ± 3.72% at 0,0.5,1,4 and 8 h, respectively, P 〈 0.05） at different hypoxia time points significantly increased compared to those time in normoxia; The AR further went up with time （P 〈 0.05）, however there was no statistical significance （P 〉 0.05） for the DR. Optical absorption value of MTr methods at different hypoxia time points significantly decreased compared to those with a corresponding normoxia time （P 〈 0.01） and degraded with time （in an hypoxic environment -P 〈 0.01）. IOD of p-Akt protein of MSCs at different hypoxia time points significantly increased （0.367 ± 0.031,0.556 ± 0.023,0.579 ± 0.013, 0.660 ± 0.024, 0.685 ± 0.039 and 0.685 ± 0.011, respectively） compared to their equivalents in normoxia （P〈0.05）, however, there was no statistical significance （P 〉 0.05） for different hypoxia time points. Hypoxia may result in ultramicrostructure changes, such as defluvium of Microvilli, apoptotic body, ＂margination＂ and so on and are further aggravated with hypoxia time stretching. Conclusion： Hypoxia may lead to a depression of MSCs intaldng glucose, creep of cell multiplication, upregulation of p-Akt protein and apoptosis of MSCs ex vivo.

Evidence of the oldest extant vascular plant(horsetails)from the Indian Cenozoic

Equisetum(Equisetaceae)has long been a focus of attention for botanists and palaeontologists because,given its extensive and well-documented fossil record,it is considered the oldest extant vascular plant and a key element in understanding vascular plant evolution.However,to date,no authentic fossil evidence of Equisetum has been found from the Indian Cenozoic.Here,we describe a new fossil species,namely,E.siwalikum sp.nov.,recovered from the middle Siwalik(Late Miocene)sediments of Himachal Pradesh,western Himalaya.We identified fossil specimens based on morphological and epidermal characters.In addition,X-Ray diffraction(XRD)analysis was used to determine the mineral composition of compressed stems of Equisetum.The close affinity of our recovered Siwalik fossils to Equisetum is supported by the presence of both macromorphological and epidermal characters.Because Equisetum generally grows in wet conditions around water reservoirs,our findings indicate that the fossil locality was humid and surrounded by swamp and lowland regions during deposition.Ample fossil evidence indicates that this sphenopsid once existed in the western Himalaya during the Siwalik period.However,at present Equisetum is confined to a particular area of our fossil locality,probably a consequence of severe environmental changes coupled with competition from opportunistic angiosperms.Our discovery of Equisetum fossils in appreciable numbers from the Siwalik sediments of the Himachal Himalayas is unique and constitutes the first reliable recognition of Equisetum from the Indian Cenozoic.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation and Supplementation with Phosphorus and Potassium on Growth and Total Leaf Chlorophyll (Chl) Content of Bush Bean <i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i>, L.

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation and supplementation of phosphorus and potassium on growth and total leaf chlorophyll content to the three released bush bean varieties in northern Tanzania. To achieve this aim, the glasshouse experiment was conducted at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology while field experiment were carried out at Tanzania Coffee Research Institute, in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania between April-July 2014. The experiment was laid out in factorial arrangement. Factor I comprised of three bush bean varieties. Factor II involved two inoculation treatments viz 1) inoculation with Rhizobium spp. and 2) without inoculation. Factor III included four fertilizer levels (0 Kg·ha-1 20 Kg K ha-1, 30 Kg P ha-1 and 20 kg·K + 30 Kg P ha-1). Both screen house and field experiments were replicated four times. Plant growth parameters (plant height (cm), number leaves per plant, stem girth (mm)) were measured at 2, 4 and 6 weaks after planting (WAP). The chlorophyll was extracted by using Dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and absorbance was determined at 645 and 663nm using UV/Visible spectrophotometer. Results showed that Rhizobium application significantly improved the number of leaves per plant, plant height, pant girth and total leaf chlorophyll content. Furthermore, compared with the zero treatment control, potassium fertilization significantly increased the number of leaves per plant, plant height, pant girth and total leaf chlorophyll content of the three varieties. In general, these parameters were significantly increased with phosphorus supplied at 30 kg/ha. The combination of these supplies at different levels resulted in significant interactions in some parameters and thus indicating need for these inputs in the study area.

Yield, Leaf Senescence, and Cry1Ac Expression in Response to Removal of Early Fruiting Branches in Transgenic Bt Cotton

Two-year field experiments were conducted at Linqing, Yellow River valley of China, to study the plant response to the removal of early fruiting branches in transgenic Bt （Bacillus thuringiensis） cotton （Gossypium hirsutum L.） from 2003 to 2004. Plants were undamaged and treated by removing two basal fruiting branches （FB） at squaring to form the control and the removal treatment, respectively. The plant height, leaf area （LA）, dry weight of fruiting forms （DWFF）, the number of fruiting nodes （NFN）, photosynthetic （Pn） rate, and levels of leaf chlorophyll （Chl）, N, P, K, and Cry lAc protein in main- stem leaves were measured at a 10- or 20-d interval after FB removal, and the sink/source ratio as indicated by NFN/LA and DWFF/LA was determined. FB removal significantly increased the plant height, LA, and plant biomass in both years. Lint yields were increased 7.5 and 5.2% by removal compared with their controls in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Significant increases in boll size （5.7 and 5.1%） were also observed in removal than in control for both years. Either NFN/LA or DWFF/LA was significantly reduced by removal before 40 d after removal; however, both NFN/LA and DWFF/LA were significantly enhanced by FB removal at 80 d after removal compared to the untreated control. There was no significant difference in fiber quality in the first two harvests between removal and control, but fiber strength and micronarie in the third harvest were significantly improved by FB removal. In terms of leaf Chl, Pn rate, levels of total N, P, and K in late season, leaf senescence was considerably delayed by FB removal. Levels of CrylAc protein in the fully expanded young leaves were considerably higher in FB-excised plants than in control, indicating FB removal enhanced CrylAc expression. It is suggested that the yield and quality improvement with FB removal may be attributed to the increased NFN/LA or DWFF/LA in late season and delayed leaf senescence, respectively. FB removal can be a potential practice incorporated into the intensive cultivation system for enhancing transgenic Bt cotton production.

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus addition on leaf nutrient concentrations and nutrient resorption efficiency of two dominant alpine grass species

Nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)are two essential nutrients that determine plant growth and many nutrient cycling processes.Increasing N and P deposition is an important driver of ecosystem changes.However,in contrast to numerous studies about the impacts of nutrient addition on forests and temperate grasslands,how plant foliar stoichiometry and nutrient resorption respond to N and P addition in alpine grasslands is poorly understood.Therefore,we conducted an N and P addition experiment(involving control,N addition,P addition,and N+P addition)in an alpine grassland on Kunlun Mountains(Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,China)in 2016 and 2017 to investigate the changes in leaf nutrient concentrations(i.e.,leaf N,Leaf P,and leaf N:P ratio)and nutrient resorption efficiency of Seriphidium rhodanthum and Stipa capillata,which are dominant species in this grassland.Results showed that N addition has significant effects on soil inorganic N(NO_(3)^(-)-N and NH_(4)^(+)-N)and leaf N of both species in the study periods.Compared with green leaves,leaf nutrient concentrations and nutrient resorption efficiency in senesced leaves of S.rhodanthum was more sensitive to N addition,whereas N addition influenced leaf N and leaf N:P ratio in green and senesced leaves of S.capillata.N addition did not influence N resorption efficiency of the two species.P addition and N+P addition significantly improved leaf P and had a negative effect on P resorption efficiency of the two species in the study period.These influences on plants can be explained by increasing P availability.The present results illustrated that the two species are more sensitive to P addition than N addition,which implies that P is the major limiting factor in the studied alpine grassland ecosystem.In addition,an interactive effect of N+P addition was only discernable with respect to soil availability,but did not affect plants.Therefore,exploring how nutrient characteristics and resorption response to N and P addition in the alpine grassland is important to understand nutrient use strategy of plants in terrestrial ecosystems.

Effects of ginsenoside of stem and leaf combined with choline on learning and memory ability of rat models with Alzheimer diseases

BACKGROUND： Central adrenergic nerve and 5-serotonergic nerve can influence central cholinergic nerve on learning and memory and make easy for study; however, ginsenoside of stem and leaf （GSL） can improve functions of central adrenergic nerve; moreover, 5-serotonergic nerve and the combination with choline can produce synergistic effect and enhance learning and memory ability so as to improve learning and memory disorder of patients with Alzheimer disease （AD）. OBJECTIVE ： To observe the effects of GSL combining with choline on learning and memory of AD model rats DESIGN ： Randomized grouping design and controlled animal study SETIING ： Department of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical College MATERIALS ： The experiment was carried out in the Pharmacological Department of Medical College of Jilin University from October 1996 to January 1997. Forty healthy male Wistar rats of clean grade were randomly divided into 5 groups, including sham-injury group, model group, GSL group, choline group and combination group, with 8 rats in each group. Main medications： GSL with the volume more than 92.8% was provided by Department of Chemistry, Norman Bethune Medical College of Jilin University. Panaxatriol, the main component, was detected with thin layer scanning technique and regarded as the index of GSL quality [（55±1）%, CV= 2%, n = 5]. Choline was provided by the Third Shanghai Laboratory Factory. METHODS ： 150 nmol quinolinic acid was used to damage bilateral Meynert basal nuclei of adult rats so as to establish AD models. Rats in GSL, choline and combination groups were intragastric administrated with 400 mg/kg GSL, 200 mg/kg choline （20 mL/kg）, and both respectively last for 17 days starting from two days before operation. Rats in sham-injury group and model group were perfused with the same volume of distilled water once in each morning for the same days. （1） Passive avoidance step-down test： Five minutes later, rats jumped up safe platform when they were shocked with 36 V alternating current. If rats jumped down from the platform and the feet touched railings, the response was wrong. Numbers of wrong response were recorded within 3 minutes, and then the test was redone after 24 hours. （2） Morris water-maze spatial localization task： Swimming from jumping-off to platform directly was regarded as right response. Additionally, 4 successively right responses were regarded as the standard. Each rat was trained 10 times a day with 120 s per time for 3 successive days. The interval was 30 s. Three days later, numbers of right response were recorded. The training times were increased to 30 for unlearned rats. （3） Measurement of activity of choline acetylase in cerebral cortex： Rats were sacrificed at 17 days after operation to obtain cerebral cortex to measure activity of choline acetylase with radiochemistry technique. （4） Synergistic effect： It was expressed as Q value： Q value = factual incorporative effect/anticipant incorporative effect; Q ≥ 1 was regarded as synergistic effect. Anticipant incorporative effect = （EA＋EB-EA·EB）, EA and EB were single timing effect, respectively in GSL group and choline group. E（step-down test and Morris water maze test） = （x in model group - factual value in medicine groups）/x in model group; E （activity of choline acetylase） = （factual value in medicine groups -xin model group）/xin model group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： （1） Passive avoidance step-down test and Morris water-maze spatial localization task in the study of learning and memory; （2） activity of choline acetylase. RESULTS ： All 40 rats were involved in the final analysis. （1） Passive avoidance response： At learning phase on first day and retesting phase on the next day, numbers of wrong responses within 3 minutes were more in model group than sham operation group, and there was significant difference [（5.88±1.46）, （2.25±0.87） times; （2.63±1.06）, （0.50±0.53） times; P 〈 0.01]; numbers of wrong responses within 3 minutes were less in combination group than model group, and there was significant difference [learning phase： （1.12±0.83）, （5.88±1.46） times; retesting phase： （0.38±0.74）, （2.63±1.06）times, P 〈 0.01]; moreover, effect was stronger than that in GSL group and choline group. The Q value was 1.07 and 1.59, respectively and it showed synergistic effect. Spatial localization task： Training times were more in model group than sham operation group, and there was significant difference [（2.9±2.5）, （12.6±3.5） times; P 〈 0.01]. Training times were less in combination group than model group, and there was significant difference [（11.8±2.4）, （27.9±2.5） times, P 〈 0.01]; moreover, effect was stronger than that in GSL group and choline group. The Q value was 1.07 and it showed synergistic effect. （3） Activity of choline acetylase： Activity was lower in model group than sham operation group, and there was significant difference [（30.56±8.33）, （61.11 ±8.33） nkat/g; P 〈 0.01]. Activity was higher in combination group than model group and there was significant difference [（50.00±8.33）, （30.56±8.33） nkat/g, P 〈 0.01];moreover, effect was stronger than that in GSL group and choline group. The Q value was 1.5 and it showed synergistic effect. CONCLUSZON： GSL in combination with choline can synergically improve the disorder of learning and memory of AD model rats. Its mechanism may be involved in enhancing the function of central cholinergic system.

Pretreatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid prevents cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Pretreatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid has protective effects against ischemia and attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, rats were given scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid intragastrically at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg per day for 7 days before focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury models were established using the suture method. We then determined the protective effects of scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavon- oid pretreatment on focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Results showed that neurological deficit scores increased, infarct volumes enlarged, apoptosis increased and Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression were upregulated at 24 hours after reperfusion. Pretreatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid at any dose lowered the neurological deficit scores, reduced the infarct volume, prevented apoptosis in hippocampal cells, attenuated neuronal and blood-brain barrier damage and upregulated Bcl-2 protein expression but inhibited Bax protein expression. Doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg were the most efficacious. Our findings indicate that pretreatment with scutel- laria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid at 100 and 200 mg/kg can improve the neurological func- tions and have preventive and protective roles after focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Pretreatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in hippocampal neurons

Previous experimental studies have shown that cerebral infarction can be effectively reduced following treatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid （SSTF）. However, the mechanism of action of SSTF as a preventive drug to treat cerebral infarction remains unclear. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with 50, 100, 200 mg/kg SSTF via intragastric ad- ministration for 1 week prior to the establishment of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The results showed that pretreatment with SSTF effectively improved neurological function, reduced brain water content and the permeability of blood vessels, ameliorated ischemia-induced morphology changes in hippocampal microvessels, down-regulated Fas and FasL protein expression, elevated the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and decreased malondialdehyde content. In contrast to low-dose SSTF pretreatment, the above changes were most obvious after pretreatment with moderateand high-doses of SSTF. Experimental findings indicate that SSTF pretreatment can exert protective effects on the brain against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The underlying mechanisms may involve reducing brain water content, increasing microvascular recanalization, inhibiting the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons, and attenuating free radical damage.

Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid reduces neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide (25-35)

Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid might attenuate learning/memory impairment and neuronal loss in rats induced by amyloid beta-peptide. This study aimed to explore the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid on amyloid beta-peptide-induced neuronal apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in the rat hippocampus. Male Wistar rats were given intragastric administration of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid, 50 or 100 mg/kg, once per day. On day 8 after administration, 10 pg amyloid beta-peptide （25-35） was injected into the bilateral hippocampus of rats to induce neuronal apoptosis. On day 20, hippocampal tissue was harvested and probed with the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labeling assay. Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid at 50 and 100 mg/kg reduced neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide （25-35） in the rat hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay revealed that expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, cytochrome c and caspase-3 was significantly diminished by 50 and 100 mg/kg Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid, while expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was increased. Moreover, 100 mg/kg Scutellana baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid had a more dramatic effect than the lower dosage. These experimental findings indicate that Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid dose-dependently attenuates neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide in the hippocampus, and it might mediate this by regulating the expression of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-3 and Bcl-2.

Interactive Effect of Different Nitrogen and Potash Levels on the Incidence of Bacterial Leaf Blight of Rice (<i>Oryza sativa L.</i>)

An experiment was conducted at Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku in 2010 during kharif season to study the influence of nitrogen (N) and potash (K) on severity of Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) aimed at improving productivity. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement with three replications. Treatments comprised of: 0 kg N ha-1, 75 kg N ha-1, 100 kg N ha-1, 125 kg N ha-1 and 0 kg K ha-1, 50 kg K ha-1, 75 kg K ha-1, 100 kg K ha-1. Data on disease severity and paddy yield were recorded using standard procedures. Paddy yield was affected significantly by various combinations of N & K. In case of bacterial leaf blight, minimum diseased incidence percentage was observed when nitrogen alone was applied @ 75 kg·ha-1 in contrast to fertilizer applied @ 125 kg N ha-1 + 50 kg K ha-1 which showed maximum diseased incidence percentage. Maximum paddy yield (4.32 t·ha-1 ) was recorded when rice was fertilized @ 75 kg N ha-1 + 100 kg K ha-1 as compared to sole fertilization of 75 kg K ha-1 that produced minimum paddy yield (2.40 t·ha-1). Maximum gross income, net returns and benefit cost ratio were obtained where rice crop was fertilized @ 75 kg N ha-1 and 100 kg K ha-1.

Antibacterial Activity of Psidium guajava Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts on Selected Bacteria in Ugbokolo, Benue State, Nigeria

Aim: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in researching and developing new antimicrobial agents from various sources to combat microbial resistance. The study was aimed at determining the phytochemical constituents and in vitro antibacterial activity of methanol and aqueous extracts of Psidium guajava leaves and stem bark on Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus sp. in Ugbokolo, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The phytochemical screening of the plant materials for various bioactive components was conducted between July and December, 2019 using standard laboratory techniques. The extracts were purified using column chromatography. The identity of the test isolates were confirmed using morphological characteristics, gram stain, motility and appropriate biochemical tests such as indole, catalase, coagulase, triple sugar iron agar. The susceptibility of the isolates to each bioactive component was determined using the agar well diffusion method. The broth dilution method was employed for the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts. Results: The result of the study showed the presence of phenol, tannins, flavonoids and saponins as bioactive compounds. The antibacterial susceptibility of the isolates to aqueous and methanol extracts of leaf and stem bark of Psidium guajava varied significantly (P Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible isolate at 200 mg/ml concentration with average zone of inhibition of 13.05 mm for leaf extract and 15.34 mm for stem bark extract. Proteus sp. is the least susceptible with average zone of inhibition of 8.88 mm for the leaf extract and 12.36 mm for the stem bark extract respectively. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of aqueous and methanol extract of P. guajava leaf and stem bark showed that dilutions of various concentrations of aqueous and methanol extracts can inhibit and/or kill the isolates. Lower MIC (3.125 mg/ml) was shown by methanol extract than aqueous extract. MBC of methanol extract ranges between 6.25 - 25.0 mg/ml. Statistical analysis of the result showed methanol extract is more effective than aqueous extract while the stem bark of the plant showed higher efficacy than the leaf. Conclusion: The findings of the study imply that the extract of Psidium guajava has shown promising properties against tested microorganisms. Further study of the extract is therefore recommended.

Patterns and driving factors of leaf C,N,and P stoichiometry in two forest types with different stand ages in a mid-subtropical zone

Background:Carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)stoichiometry is a key indicator of nutrient utilization in plants,and C/N/P ratios are related to the life histories and adaptation strategies of tree species.However,no consensus has been reached on how leaf stoichiometric characteristics are affected by forest type and stand ages.The relationships between leaf stoichiometry and geographical,meteorological,and soil factors also remain poorly understood.Methods:Leaf and soil were sampled from forest stands of different age groups(young,middle-aged,near-mature,and mature)in two forest types(Chinese fir(Cunninghamia lanceolata)forests and evergreen broadleaved forests).The relationships between leaf C,N,and P stoichiometric parameters and geographical,meteorological,and soil factors were analysed by using redundancy analysis(RDA)and stepwise linear regression analysis.Results:Leaf C concentrations peaked in the near-mature stands with increasing age irrespective of forest type.Leaf N and P concentrations fluctuated with a rising trend in Chinese fir forests,while decreased first and increased later from young to mature phases in natural evergreen broadleaved forests.Chinese fir forests were primarily limited by N and P,while natural evergreen broadleaved forests were more susceptible to P limitation.Leaf C,N,and P stoichiometric characteristics in Chinese fir forests were mainly affected by the soil total P concentration(SP),longitude(LNG),growing season precipitation(GSP)and mean temperature in July(JUT).The leaf C concentration was mainly affected by GSP and JUT;leaf N and P concentrations were both positively correlated with LNG;and leaf P was positively correlated with SP.In evergreen broadleaved forests,however,leaf stoichiometric parameters displayed significant correlations with latitude(LAT)and mean annual precipitation(MAP).Conclusions:Leaf stoichiometry differed among forest stands of different age groups and forest types.Leaf C,N,and P stoichiometry was primarily explained by the combinations of SP,LNG,GSP and JUT in Chinese fir forests.LAT and MAP were the main controlling factors affecting the variations in the leaf C,N,and P status in natural evergreen broadleaved forests,which supports the temperature-plant physiological hypothesis.These findings improve the understanding of the distribution patterns and driving mechanisms of leaf stoichiometry linked with stand age and forest type.