Various Organic Nutrient Sources in Combinations with Inorganic Fertilizers Influence the Yield and Quality of Sweet Corn(Zea mays L.saccharata)in New Alluvial Soils of West Bengal,India

Nutrient management plays a crucial role in the yield and quality of sweet corn.A field experiment was conducted in consecutive two kharif seasons in 2018 and 2019 to investigate the effect of various organic sources of nutrients in combination with inorganic sources on the yield and quality of sweet corn under new alluvial soils of West Bengal,India.Treatments were:T_(1):Control(without fertilizers);T_(2):100%recommended dose(RDF)of chemical fertilizers(CF)(RDF CF_(100%));T_(3):100%recommended dose of N(RDN)through vermicompost(VC)(RDN VC_(100%));T_(4):50 RDN through CF+50%RDN through VC(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN VC50%);T_(5):50%RDF through CF+50%RDN through organic source(OS)1,Soligro(Ascophyllum nodosum)granular(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS_(150%));T6:50%RDN through CF+50%RDN through OS 2,Bioenzyme(liquid)(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS250%);T7:50%RDN through CF+50%RDN through OS 3,Opteine(Ascophyllum nodosum)filtrate[RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS350%];T8:50%RDN through VC+50%RDF through OS 1,Soligro(Ascophyllum nodosum)granular(RDN VC50%+RDN OS_(150%)).The OS of fertilizers were VC,SoliGro Gr(OS1)(Ascophyllum nodosum),Bioenzyme liquid(OS2),and Opteine(Ascophyllum nodosum)filtrate(OS3).The inorganic source was traditional CF applied at the RDF(150:75:75 kg ha^(−1) of N:P2O5:K2O).The VC was used to supply 100%RDN as one source or 50%RDN when combined with CF or OS.Maximum fruit yield(10.75 and 10.79 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively)was recorded when RDF was substituted through CF only,being statistically at par with 50%CF+50%VC on a nitrogen equivalent basis(9.92 and 10.00 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively)and 100%VC(8.22 and 8.32 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively).Compared to chemical sources of nutrients,VC-based treatments produced a larger percentage of large-size cob(>25 cm).The 100%VC increased antioxidant(8.35 and 8.45 mg g^(−1)),carotenoid(0.59 and 0.61 mg/100 g),and phenol(55.06 and 55.02 mg 100 g^(−1))content compared with its 50%dose in combination with other sources.The study revealed the potentiality of organic sources towards achieving improved cob quality of sweet corn.

The Beneficial Effects of Components of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in the Poultry Industry

Plant-based antimicrobial agents are readily available, cost-effective, and exhibit low toxicity, making them promising alternatives in combatting microbial infections. Among these plants, garlic (Allium sativum) stands out for its traditional medicinal use in effectively combating various microorganisms. In the poultry industry, preventing avian virus and bacterial infections is paramount for chicken husbandry. However, using conventional drugs poses potential risks to human health. Garlic, a widely used Asian plant in traditional medicine for various pathologies, has shown potential as an herbal prophylactic remedy against viral and bacterial infections. Recently, researchers explored garlic and its derivatives as a scientific strategy in veterinary practices for diverse purposes, such as improving poultry production characteristics and acting as antibiotic growth promoters. This comprehensive review delves into garlic and its derivatives as preventive and corrective treatments for viral diseases in laying hens and broilers. The paper highlights their potential effectiveness and safety as a natural means to enhance poultry health and welfare while mitigating the risks associated with conventional drug usage in the food industry.

Near-infrared leaf reflectance modeling of Annona emarginata seedlings for early detection of variations in nitrogen concentration

Nitrogen(N)monitoring is essential in nurseries to ensure the production of high-quality seedlings.Nearinfrared spectroscopy(NIRS)is an instantaneous,nondestructive method to monitor N.Spectral data such as NIRS can also provide the basis for developing a new vegetation spectral index(VSI).Here,we evaluated whether NIRS combined with statistical modeling can accurately detect early variations in N concentration in leaves of young plants of Annona emargiaata and developed a new VSI for this task.Plants were grown in a hydroponics system with 0,2.75,5.5or 11 mM N for 45 days.Then we measured gas exchange,chlorophylla fluorescence,and pigments in leaves;analyzed complete leaf nutrients,and recorded spectral data for leaves at 966 to 1685 nm using NIRS.With a statistical learning approach,the dimensionality of the spectral data was reduced,then models were generated using two classes(N deficiency,N)or four classes(0,2.75,5.5,11 mM N).The best combination of techniques for dimensionality reduction and classification,respectively,was stepwise regression(PROC STEPDISC)and linear discriminant function.It was possible to detect N deficiency in seedlings leaves with 100%precision,and the four N concentrations with93.55%accuracy before photosynthetic damage to the plant occurred.Thereby,NIRS combined with statistical modeling of multidimensional data is effective for detecting N variations in seedlings leaves of A.emarginata.

Report and Phylogeny of a Novel Euplotes Species from China:E.mazeii n.sp.,and Review of E.balteatus(Alveolata,Ciliophora)

The freshwater species,Euplotes mazeii n.sp.,and the marine species,E.balteatus(Dujardin,1841)Diesing,1850 were collected from China and investigated based on their living morphology,ciliary pattern,and small subunit ribosomal RNA(SSU rRNA)gene sequence data.Euplotes mazeii n.sp.was characterized by its small cell size((40-55)μm×(25-35)μm),nine frontoventral cirri,one marginal and two caudal cirri,seven dorsal kineties,and a double-eurystomus type of dorsal silverline system.Phylogenetic analyses based on molecular data confirmed the branching position of this new taxa within the genus Euplotes,with 5.01%(84 nucleotides)sequence variation,supporting the identification of a new species.We re-examined all described and supposedly conspecific populations and give a review of Euplotes balteatus.E.balteatus has been reported frequently;however,E.balteatus sensu Agamaliev,1968 is different from other populations in the number of marginal cirri or the type of silverline system,which suggests there might be a misidentification.The SSU rRNA gene sequences of two populations of E.balteatus from the studies of Chen et al.(2013)and Pan et al.(2012)differ from each other by more than 135 nucleotides,implying that the identity of the species currently associated with the SSU rRNA gene sequence in molecular databases requires further confirmation.

The potency of N,N′-diphenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine and adiposederived stem cell co-administration in alleviating hepatorenal dysfunction complications associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats

Background:The increasing occurrence of diabetes mellitus(DM)noted worldwide has considerably elicited concern in the recent past.DM is associated with elevated vascular complications,morbidity,mortality,and poor quality of life.In this context,mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have shown significant therapeutic potentialities in managing and curing type 1 DM owing to their self-renewable,immunosuppressive,and differentiation capacities.We investigated the potential action of N,N′-diphenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine(DPPD),a well-known synthetic antioxidant to enhance the therapeutic ability of the adipose-derived stem cells(AD-MSCs)in alleviating kidney and liver complications in diabetic rats.Methods:Over the four weeks of experiments,albino male rats(n=36)were split into six test groups:control,DPPD(250 mg/kg,i.p.),STZ-diabetic(D),D+DPPD,D+AD-MSCs(1×10^(6)cell/rat,i.v.),and D+AD-MSCs+DPPD treated groups.Results:Significant declines in the renal and hepatic oxidative stress markers(MDA,ROS,and AGEs)were observed coupled with a significant elevation in many antioxidant marker levels(GSH,SOD,CAT,GPx,HO-1,and TAC)in the diabetic rats treated with either DPPD or AD-MSCs or their co-administered injection compared to the diabetic untreated rats.This was suggested to be the leading cause of amelioration of the kidney functions(as measured by urea,uric acid,and creatine levels)and liver functions(as evidenced by the levels of AST,ALT,ALP,bilirubin,total proteins,albumin,and globulins).Conclusion:DPPD and AD-MSCs co-administration showed superior results in terms of the enhancement of the relative hepato-renal function,indicating the beneficial role of DPPD supplementation in increasing the therapeutic potential of AD-MSCs.

Use of Polyclonal Antibody for the Diagnosis of Human African Trypanosomiasis

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), commonly known as sleeping sickness is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is fatal if left untreated. Its diagnosis is a challenge since the signs and symptoms of the primary phase are not specific, the existing diagnostic methods have low sensitivity and specificity, and the available drugs have some toxicity. New, robust, and cost-effective techniques are needed for the early identification of parasites. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of two different types of polyclonal antibodies against T. b. gambiense using antigen detection ELISA. Polyclonal antibodies against the expressed proteins Tbg I2 and Tbg I17 were produced using New Zealand white rabbits. The antibody titer measured was greater than 32 g/L after the 3rd immunization for the expressed protein Tbg I2. For the expressed protein Tbg I17, the antibody titer measured was greater than 32 g/L after the 4th immunization. The sensitivity and specificity of the Tbg I2 polyclonal antibody confirmed with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) as gold standard were respectively 89.5% and 80.6%, while for the Tbg I17 polyclonal antibody, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 92.1% and 88.9%. The area under the curve for the Tbg I2 polyclonal antibody was 0.90 ± 0.032, while for the Tbg I17 polyclonal antibody, the area under the curve was 0.92 ± 0.0. The Tbg I17 polyclonal antibody produced in New Zealand white rabbits has good sensitivity and good specificity;it can be successfully used in the diagnosis of HAT.

Expression and Evaluation of Wb-SXP-1 and Wb-123 Recombinant Antigens as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a public health concern as it can cause permanent morbidity and disability to those infected. While the global elimination of LF in these endemic areas is ongoing through mass drug administration, there is the need to develop diagnostic tools that would be utilized to track the progress of total global eradication as well as perform surveillance for the recurrence of lymphatic filariasis transmission. Currently, approved LF diagnosis tools are faced with lack of specificity, low sensitivity, and periodicity dependence. Recombinant filarial antigen-based assays can address these drawbacks and offer practical instruments for LF diagnosis and surveillance. This present study, evaluated rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 antigens as potential diagnostic biomarker tools for Wuchereria banchrofti in human sera using microspheres-based multiplex serological assay. Based on statistical analysis using XLSTAT 2019 (Addinsoft) on data generated from multiplex technology assay, generated ROC curves for both rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 demonstrated 87.1% sensitivity to Wuchereria banchrofti human sera with rWb-SXP-1 antigens having the highest specificity of 96%. Indication that rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 antigens are capable of detecting immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) antibodies in human sera synthesized specifically against W. banchrofti infections. Therefore, rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 antigens can be utilized to detect W. banchrofti infections by antibody profiling with excellent diagnostic sensitivity and specificity using microsphere-based multiplex serological tests. This method can be particularly practical for screening a large number of sera samples and/or for quick, extensive field-testing due to the high-throughput and quick formats applied.

Impact of Water Deterioration on Growth Indices and Meat Quality of Tilapia zillii and Solea aegyptiaca Fish Inhabiting Lake Qaroun, Egypt

The present work studies water deterioration, fish survival and production as a result of effluents discharged directly without prior treatments into lake Qaroun at Fayoum governorate, Egypt. Lake Qaroun represents heavily polluted wild habitat for both studied fish species, Tilapia zillii and Solea aegyptiaca, the most abundant species. Results revealed deterioration in water quality (low dissolved oxygen but high ammonia, nitrite, copper, lead and cadmium) of Northeastern sector where El-Bats drain discharge its effluents without prior treatment followed by that of eastern sector at four km from the point of El-Bats discharge. Water salinity and dissolved oxygen values were in the following order: Western lake Qaroun sector > Eastern lake Qaroun sector > Northeastern lake Qaroun sector. However, Ammonia and nitrite readings were in the following order: Northeastern sector of Lake Qaroun is followed by the Eastern sector, then the Western sector. Moreover, results of the present field study revealed a decrease in fish production with the lowest condition factor and a deterioration in meat quality (an increase in muscle water content and ash but a decrease total protein and total lipids) in case of fish collected from the polluted sites along the lake (Northeastern and eastern sectors). However, fish collected from the unpolluted western sector of the lake showed condition factor and chemical muscle composition more or less similar to normal healthy fish.

Growth Rate and Chemical Muscle Composition of Oreochromis niloticus Fish Cultured in Drainage Water and Fed Antioxidant Supplemented Diet

Irrigation of fish farms with agricultural drainage water may affect cultured fish species. So, the present study utilizes antioxidants supplemented diet to overcome deterioration of drainage water and its negative effect on fish. The studied groups are fish cultured in dechlorinated tap water as control group or drainage water and fed commercial basal diet. While, the other studied groups represented by Oreochromis niloticus fish cultured in drainage water and fed either commercial diet supplemented with vitamin C (5 g/kg diet) or fennel (5 g/kg diet) for 12 weeks. Results of the water physico-chemical parameters of all studied treatments revealed deterioration of the drainage water with a decrease in dissolved oxygen and an increase in pH, total hardness, total alkalinity, salinity, ammonia, nitrite and heavy metals (Cu, Pb and Cd) with significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) in comparison to that of the control dechlorinated tap water group. Data clarified also that Oreochromis niloticus cultured in drainage water showed a decrease in growth rate accompanied by deterioration of fish meat quality. However, fish reared in the same drainage water for the same exposure period and fed vitamin C or fennel supplemented basal diet (5 g/kg diet) recorded values of the studied parameters more or less similar to that of control group fish. Data of the present study, empowered aquaculturist to supplement fish rations with fennel or vitamin C as antioxidants to improve fish growth rate, meat quality as well as protect fish against heavy metals toxicity that could threat Human Being.

中国大杜鹃的鸣声(英文)

一直以来认为广布欧洲大陆和亚洲大陆的大杜鹃 ,其鸣声在地区之间无差异 ,而分布在亚洲的大杜鹃的鸣声至今未有系统的研究报道。本文以分布在中国北部的大杜鹃指名亚种和新疆亚种的广告鸣叫为主要研究对象 ,将其与在四川和云南省分布的大杜鹃华西亚种以及分布在朝鲜、日本、俄罗斯和英格兰的大杜鹃指名亚种的广告鸣叫进行了初步比较。在中国分布的大杜鹃有五种鸣叫类型。中国所有采集地大杜鹃的广告鸣叫都由两个音节组成 ,并且与英国分布种群的广告鸣叫很相似。

寄生小蜂对小青×黑杨树皮及杨圆蚧挥发油的行为反应(英文)

采用四臂式嗅觉仪测定了长棒四节蚜小蜂（Pteroptrix longgiclava(Girault)(Hymenoptera:Aphelinidae))和黄胸扑虱蚜小蜂（Encarsia gigas(Tshumakova)(Hymenoptera:Aphelinidae)),对健康的小青×黑杨（Populus pseudo-simonii×P.nigra)树皮、被杨圆蚧（Quadraspidiotus gigas(Thiem & Gerneck)）危害的杨树皮、杨圆蚧1齿固定若虫的虫体和介壳的挥发油的趋性反应。测定结果表明：被杨圆蚧危害后的小青×黑杨树皮和杨圆蚧1龄因定若虫的介壳对长棒四节蚜小蜂和黄胸扑虱蚜小蜂成虫具有较大的吸引力。3－7μL介壳挥发油和5－9μL受害杨树皮挥发油对长棒四节蚜小蜂的寄主搜寻行为具有较强的引导作用。虫体的挥发油对小蜂的寄生定位也起到了一定的引诱作用。两种小蜂对健康树皮的挥发油几乎没有反应。图4表1参20。

Recombinase polymerase amplification as a promising tool in hepatitis C virus diagnosis

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection represents a significant health problem and represents a heavy load on some countries like Egypt in which about 20%of the total population are infected.Initial infection is usually asymptomatic and result in chronic hepatitis that give rise to complications including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.The management of HCV infection should not only be focus on therapy,but also to screen carrier individuals in order to prevent transmission.In the present,molecular detection and quantification of HCV genome by real time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)represent the gold standard in HCV diagnosis and plays a crucial role in the management of therapeutic regimens.However,real time PCR is a complicated approach and of limited distribution.On the other hand,isothermal DNA amplification techniques have been developed and offer molecular diagnosis of infectious dieses at point-of-care.In this review we discuss recombinase polymerase amplification technique and illustrate its diagnostic value over both PCR and other isothermal amplification techniques.

Antioxidant Effect of Sepia Ink Extract on Extrahepatic Cholestasis Induced by Bile Duct Ligation in Rats

Objective The aim of our study was to assess the complications of hepatic fibrosis associated with bile duct ligation and the potential curative role of sepia ink extract in hepatic damage induced by bile duct ligation. Methods Rattus norvegicus rats were divided into 3 groups: Sham-operated group, model rats that underwent common bile duct ligation (BDL), and BDL rats treated orally with sepia ink extract (200 mg/kg body weight) for 7, 14, and 28 d after BDL. Results There was a significant reduction in hepatic enzymes, ALP, GGT, bilirubin levels, and oxidative stress in the BDL group after treatment with sepia ink extract. Collagen deposition reduced after sepia ink extract treatment as compared to BDL groups, suggesting that the liver was repaired. Histopathological examination of liver treated with sepia ink extract showed moderate degeneration in the hepatic architecture and mild degeneration in hepatocytes as compared to BDL groups. Conclusion Sepia ink extract provides a curative effect and an antioxidant capacity on BDL rats and could ameliorate the complications of liver cholestasis.

Differential control of growth,apoptotic activity and gene expression in human colon cancer cells by extracts derived from medicinal herbs,Rhazya stricta and Zingiber officinale and their combination

AIM:To investigate the effects of extracts from Rhazya stricta(R.stricta) and Zingiber officinale(Z.officinale) on human colorectal cancer cells.METHODS:Human colorectal cancer cells(HCT116) were subjected to increasing doses of crude alkaloid extracts from R.stricta(CAERS) and crude flavonoid extracts from Z.officinale(CFEZO).Cells were then harvested after 24,48 or 72 h and cell viability was examined by trypan blue exclusion dye test; clonogenicity and soft agar colony-forming assays were also carried out.Nuclear stain(Hoechst 33342),acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining,agarose gel electrophoresis and comet assays were performed to assess pro-apoptotic potentiality of the extracts.Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),using gene-specific primers and Western blot analyses were performed to assess the impact of CAERS and CFEZO on the expression levels of key regulatory proteins in HCT116 cells.RESULTS:Treatment with a combination of CAERS and CFEZO synergistically suppressed the proliferation,colony formation and anchorage-independent growth of HCT116 cells.Calculated IC50,after 24,48 and 72 h,were 70,90 and 130 μg/mL for CAERS,65,85 and 120 μg/mL for CFEZO and 20,25 and 45 μg/mL for both agents,respectively.CAERS- and CFEZO-treated cells exhibited morphologic and biochemical features of apoptotic cell death.The induction of apoptosis was associated with the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c,an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio,activation of caspases 3 and 9 and cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase.CAERS and CFEZO treatments downregulated expression levels of anti-apoptotic proteins including Bcl-2,Bcl-X,Mcl-1,survivin and XIAP,and upregulated expression levels of proapoptotic proteins such as Bad and Noxa.CAERS and CFEZO treatments elevated expression levels of the oncosuppressor proteins,p53,p21 and p27,and reduced levels of the oncoproteins,cyclin D1,cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase-4 and c-Myc.CONCLUSION:These data suggest that a combination of CAERS and CFEZO is a promising treatment for the prevention of colon cancer.

Reevaluation of cortical developmental patterns in Euplotes(s.l.), including a morphogenetic redescription of E.charon (Protozoa,Ciliophora,Euplotida)

We documented the pattern of cell development in Euplotes charon. The ontogenesis of this species was similar to many of its congeners, except for the formation of the caudal cirri. In E. Charon, a caudal cirrus is formed posterior to each of the rightmost two or three dorsal kinety anlage in the proter, and the second rightmost dorsal kinety in the opisthe. In addition, two caudal cirri are formed posterior to the rightmost dorsal kinety in the opisthe. This pattern of development represents a completely new type. Based on our evaluation, and in comparison with previous studies, we also conclude that the pattern of cell development is variable among species in the Euplotes genera. The variation is particularly evident during the formation of frontoventral and caudal cirri. Based on the segmentation pattern of frontal-midventral transverse cirral anlagen, cirri reduction, and migration of frontoventral cirri, we identified five types: the affinis-type, the eurystomus-type, the charon-type, the raikovi-type and orientalis-type. Euplotes (s. l.) can also be divided into three types based on the formation of caudal cirri: focardii-type, vannus-type and charon-type. Indeed, we conclude that the number (one or two) of marginal cirri should be given as much consideration as the genetic separation. Given this, we reassessed the validity of using genetic separation to classify the group. Generally, the morphogenetic data disagreed with the molecular data (SSrRNA gene sequences). Given these discrepancies, it is too early to draw conclusions on the systematic arrangement of this species-rich taxon.

Programmed death-1/programmed death-L1 signaling pathway and its blockade in hepatitis C virus immunotherapy

Chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection is a public health issue that often progresses to life-threatening complications, including liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Impaired immune responses to HCV are key features of chronic HCV infection. Therefore, intervention strategies usually involve enhancing the immune responses against HCV. Cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes(CTLs) play a critical role in the control of HCV infection. However, their cytolytic function can be impaired by the expression of co-inhibitory molecules. Programmed death-1(PD-1) receptor and its ligand PD-L1 function in a T cell co-inhibitory pathway, which either blocks the function of CTLs or the differentiation of CD8+ T cells. During chronic HCV infection, the immune inhibitory receptor PD-1 is upregulated on dysfunctional HCV-specific CD8+ T cells. As such, blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in these CD8+ T cells might restore their functional capabilities. Indeed, clinical trials using therapies to block this pathway have shown promise in the fostering of anti-HCV immunity. Understanding how chronic HCV infection induces upregulation of PD-1 on HCV specific T cells and how the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction develops HCV specific T cell dysfunction will accelerate the development of an efficacious prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination against chronic HCV infections, which will significantly improve HCV treatments and patient survival. In this review, we discuss the relationship between PD-1 expression and clinical responses and the potential use of PD-1 blockade for anti-HCV therapy.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its related enzymes and receptors play important roles after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) regulates many neurological functions and plays a vital role during the recovery from central nervous system injuries. However, the changes in BDNF expression and associated factors following hypoxia-ischemia induced neonatal brain damage, and the significance of these changes are not fully understood. In the present study, a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage was established through the occlusion of the right common carotid artery, followed by 2 hours in a hypoxic-ischemic environment. Rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage presented deficits in both sensory and motor functions, and obvious pathological changes could be detected in brain tissues. The m RNA expression levels of BDNF and its processing enzymes and receptors(Furin, matrix metallopeptidase 9, tissuetype plasminogen activator, tyrosine Kinase receptor B, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and Sortilin) were upregulated in the ipsilateral hippocampus and cerebral cortex 6 hours after injury;however, the expression levels of these m RNAs were found to be downregulated in the contralateral hippocampus and cerebral cortex. These findings suggest that BDNF and its processing enzymes and receptors may play important roles in the pathogenesis and recovery from neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the University of South Australia(approval No. U12-18) on July 30, 2018.

Anti-ulcer Activity of Curcumin on Experimental Gastric Ulcer in Rats and Its Effect on Oxidative Stress/Antioxidant,IL-6 and Enzyme Activities

Objective To investigate the possible mechanism by which curcumio protects stomach during the acute chronic phase of gastric ulcer disease. Methods The rats were divided into four groups and fasted for 2 days with flee access to water. On the third day, the animals were fasted for a further 24 h with no access to water followed by surgery. Rats received different doses of curcumin （20, 40, and 80 mg/kg） or vehicle by oral gavage. Nineteen hours after ulcer induction, the rats were killed by decapitation. Stomach was opened along the greater curvature and ulcerative lesions were counted. Total juice acidity, neutrophils activity, mitochondrial activity, total antioxidants, paraoxonase （PON 1）/arylesterase and total peroxides were evaluated. DNA fragmentation （%） and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 level were measured. The level of different gastro-cytoprotective effectors including total antioxidants and paraoxonase （PON 1）/arylesterase activities was measured. Results The anti-ulcer activity of curcumin was displayed by attenuating the different ulcerative effectors including gastric acid hyper-secretion, total peroxides, myeloperoxiase （MPO） activity, IL-6 and apoptotic incidence. Conclusion Cureumin appears to have a propitious protective effect against gastric ulcer development.

MicroRNA: a new and promising potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC) is the leading cause of death among all gynecological malignancies. Despite the technological and medical advances over the past four decades, such as the development of several biological markers(mRNA and proteins biomarkers), the mortality rate of ovarian cancer remains a challenge because of its late diagnosis, which is specifically attributed to low specificities and sensitivities. Under this compulsive scenario, recent advances in expression biology have shifted in identifying and developing specific and sensitive biomarkers, such as micro RNAs(miRNAs) for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. MiRNAs are a novel class of small non-coding RNAs that deregulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, either by translational repression or by mRNA degradation. These mechanisms may be involved in a complex cascade of cellular events associated with the pathophysiology of many types of cancer. MiRNAs are easily detectable in tissue and blood samples of cancer patients. Therefore, miRNAs hold good promise as potential biomarkers in ovarian cancer. In this review, we attempted to provide a comprehensive profile of key miRNAs involved in ovarian carcinoma to establish mi RNAs as more reliable non-invasive clinical biomarkers for early detection of ovarian cancer compared with protein and DNA biomarkers.

Population dynamics of marine ciliate Euplotes vannus (Protozoa, Ciliophora) in different artificial seawaters

To study population dynamics of marine ciliates in different artificial seawaters (ASW), the population growth dynamics of a common marine ciliate Euplotes vannus were investigated using beef extract media and rice media for five types of ASW and natural seawater (NSW). The results show that: (1) the population growth rate was in the order of NSW>Flack ASW>Nakamula ASW>Schmadz ASW>Oshima ASW>Subow ASW and was considerably higher in rice media than in beef extract media (apart from Subow ASW); (2) the maximum density of E. vannus in stationary phase in each treatment was ranked as Flack ASW>Nakamula ASW>Schmadz ASW>NSW>Oshima ASW>Subow ASW, and was again higher in rice media than in beef extract media (except for Subow ASW); (3) the exponential and stationary phases were longer in rice media than in beef extract media; (4) strains of E. vannus that had been domesticated for >1 year in ASW grew significantly slower, with lower maximum density and longer stationary phase than those isolated and maintained in NSW. It was demonstrated that: (1) E. vannus may grow well in Flack, Nakamula and Schmads ASW compared with NSW (mainly in terms of growth rate); and (2) Oshima ASW is the preferred choice for stock cultures of E. vannus, but the ASWs Flack, Nakamula and Schmadz are preferred for mass culture. These findings suggest that these three ASWs are effective for the cultivation of marine protozoa for experimental studies on ecology, toxicology and molecular biology.