Effects of short and long term treatment of Ballota undulata on female albino rats fertility and pregnancy

The objectives of this study is to investigate the toxic effects of Ballota undulata (300 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) on the reproductive system after administration to female Sprague-Dawley rats for two time periods 4 and 12 weeks. Forty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two treatment and two control groups of 10 rats each. The two treated groups received 15 mg kg(-1) b.wt. of Ballota undulata for two periods of 4 and 12 weeks. Female rats were allowed mating with males after treatment. Several pregnancy parameters were investigated including: total number of pregnant rats, body weight and reproductive organ weight, number of implantation sites, number of resorption sites and number of viable fetuses. The significance of these results was calculated using student's t and Chi-square tests. Exposure to Ballota undulata for 4 weeks did not have significant effects on most parameters investigated. However, a slight decrease in the relative ovarian and embryo weights was observed. Administration of Ballota undulata for 12 weeks significantly reduced the percentage of pregnancies and the number of implantation sites when compared with controls. In addition, a decrease in ovarian weights and in viable fetuses' number was also observed. Histological sections of ovaries of female treated with Ballota undulata were found to have congested blood vessels in cortical and medullary regions. We also noted the arrestment of developing follicles at primary and secondary stages in addition to presence of degenerative areas and hypercellullarity in medulla. Long term treatment with Ballota undulata might lead to diversified negative effects on fertility and pregnancy in female rats.     

Effects of cabergoline on the fertility of female mice during early and late pregnancy,and potential for its use in mouse control

To evaluate the dose effects of cabergoline on the fertility of female mice during early or late pregnancy, cabergoline was continuously administered by gastrogavage for three days within 1 day to 3 day or 15 day to 17 day of gestation. The body mass, reproductive rate, litter size at birth and weaning of females, as well as the body mass, survival rate of pups, were recorded. During early pregnancy, cabergoline treatment effectively terminated the pregnancy of mice. Cabergoline (100 μg/kg) was half effective in terminating pregnancy and significantly reduced the average litter size and survival rate of pups compared with those of the controls. Cabergoline treatment of 200 and 400 μg/kg completely terminated pregnancy of mice and induced incomplete restoration of fertility (40% and 44%, respectively) even at the second cycle of reproduction. During late pregnancy, cabergoline did not change the litter size at birth but significantly reduced the litter size at weaning and the survival rate of pups, 400 μg/kg cabergoline markedly reduced the survival rate to 77% compared with the controls. The death of pups mainly occurred during seven days after parturition. Cabergoline had no significant difference on the average body mass of surviving pups in treated groups compared with controls during lactation. In conclusion, cabergoline may inhibit or reduce the reproduction of female mice, and demonstrate different dose effects on the fertility during early or late pregnancy. Together with infertility efficacy in phase prior to mating and lactation, cabergoline is a potential fertility control agent for pest rodent control.     

Comparing the effects of ginger and metoclopramide on the treatment of pregnancy nausea

This study assesses the effects of ginger on nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy and compares it with metoclopramide medicine. This study was a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Metoclopramide, Ginger and placebo were putted in similar capsules. The medicines were administered three times a day. Then the Rhodes questionnaire was completed and its score were calculated. Data were analyzed by Chi square test, ANOVA and Repeated measurement. The intensity of changes in nausea, vomiting and Rhodes during study were statistically different in two groups of ginger and metoclopramide compared with placebo (p < 0.05), but it was not statistically significant between two groups of ginger and metoclopramide. According to our study, ginger is less effective than metoclopramide in reducing nausea and vomiting but it could be a good alternative for metoclopramide.     

Efficacy of turmeric on blood sugar and polyol pathway in diabetic albino rats

In the traditional system ofmedicine, Ayurveda, several spices and herbsare thought to possess medicinal properties. Amongthe spices, turmeric rhizomes (Curcumalonga. Linn.) are used as flavoring and coloringagents in the Indian diet everyday. In this research,we studied the effect of turmeric and itsactive principle, curcumin, on diabetes mellitus in arat model. Alloxan was used to induce diabetes.Administration of turmeric or curcumin to diabeticrats reduced the blood sugar, Hb and glycosylatedhemoglobin levels significantly. Turmeric andcurcumin supplementation also reduced the oxidativestress encountered by the diabetic rats. This wasdemonstrated by the lower levels of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), which mayhave been due to the decreased influx of glucose intothe polyol pathway leading to an increased NADPH/NADPratio and elevated activity of the potent antioxdiantenzyme GPx. Moreover, the activity of SDH (soorbitol dehydrogenase), whichcatalyzes the conversion of sorbitol to fructose, waslowered significantly on treatment with turmeric orcurcumin. These results also appeared to reveal thatcurcumin was more effective in attenuating diabetesmellitus related changes than turmeric.     

饲用苎麻收割高度对产量和粗蛋白质含量影响的研究

本试验的研究结果表明随着收割高度的增加,粗蛋白含量逐渐降低,收割高度从40cm至70cm,粗蛋白含量从平均22.67%降低至19.77%,但叶粗蛋白含量变化不明显.收割高度每增加10cm,饲料干料667m2产量约增加40kg,生育期约延长9天.综合考虑饲料产量、营养成分(粗蛋白含量)和生产成本,苎麻作为蛋白饲料开发,整株收割高度应在70cm以下.     

饲用苎麻收割高度对产量和粗蛋白质含量影响的研究

本试验的研究结果表明:随着收割高度的增加,粗蛋白含量逐渐降低,收割高度从40cm至70cm,粗蛋白含量从平均22.67%降低至19.77%,但叶粗蛋白含量变化不明显。收割高度每增加10cm,饲料干料667m2产量约增加40kg,生育期约延长9天。综合考虑饲料产量、营养成分(粗蛋白含量)和生产成本,苎麻作为蛋白饲料开发,整株收割高度应在70cm以下。     

广佳安对油菜芽苗根系形态结构及生理指标的影响

为研究除草剂广佳安对油菜根系的影响,以甘蓝型油菜陕油16和白菜型油菜白杂一号为材料,用室内水培法研究了不同浓度广佳安对2个油菜品种芽苗根系生长发育的影响。结果表明,广佳安明显抑制油菜根系生长,随着处理浓度的增加抑制作用增大;广佳安使油菜芽苗主根长度、根干重及根冠比都下降,根毛和侧根长度缩短,根毛密度减小,且扭曲、变形,交错缠绕,分布不均匀。芽苗所测根系的MDA含量、过氧化物酶(POD)及过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性都随广佳安处理浓度的增加而增大,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)表现为先增高后降低的趋势。广佳安胁迫使根尖膨胀变粗,根冠由尖锥形变为近圆弧形,在较高浓度下,表皮细胞排列不整齐,甚至部分缺失;皮层薄壁组织细胞层数减少、细胞液泡化程度增高,细胞边缘皱褶溃烂。2个油菜品种相比,白杂一号对广佳安的耐药性较陕油16强。     

Supplementary effect of spirulina on hematological status of rats during pregnancy and lactation

The effect of Spirulina on iron status was assessed based on hemoglobin, packed cell volume, serum iron, total iron binding capacity and ferritin levels of rats during pregnancy and lactation. Rats were fed 5 different kinds of diets (casein, Spirulina, wheat gluten, Spirulina + wheat gluten, Spirulina without additional vitamins and minerals) each providing 22 percent protein. Diets containing Spirulina alone or in combination with wheat gluten resulted in significantly higher iron storage and hemoglobin contents than casein and wheat gluten diets during the first half of pregnancy and lactation. Wheat gluten diet result in the smallest increase in hemoglobin levels and iron stores compared to other diets. The values of serum iron and iron binding capacity remained unchanged with different diets. Spirulina appears to be effective in improving the iron status of rats during pregnancy and lactation.     

Effects of thermal treatment on durability of short bamboo-fibers and its reinforced composites

This study was performed to investigate the influence of heat treatment on the chemical transformation and associated improved durability of short bamboo-fibers (BF) and its reinforced composites. Results showed that cleavage of acetyl groups of the hemicelluloses developed with increasing temperature and holding time, and completed beyond 190 °C for more than 3 h, resulting in a noticeable increase of cellulose content and a substantial reduction of concentration of accessible hydroxyl groups. Heat treatment improved thermal stability and anti-UV aging properties of treated BF, and also contributed to a decrease of equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of treated BF and consequent improvements of hygroscopicity and the dimensional stability of its reinforced composite. However, immoderate heat treatment for BF wasn’t in favor of improvements of hygroscopicity and the dimensional stability of BF based composites.     

Solvent effects on the molecular structures of crude gliadins as revealed by density and ultrasound velocity measurements

Gliadins were extracted from hard red spring wheat flour with 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol and lyophilized. These crude gliadins were dissolved in 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol or 4 mM acetic acid with or without ultrasonication. Precise measurements of the density and ultrasound velocity of the solutions were made at 20 °C. For non-sonicated solutions, crude gliadins solubilized in ethanol had a slightly larger partial specific volume (0.76 cm³ g⁻¹), and a larger partial specific adiabatic compressibility coefficient (15 × 10⁻¹¹ Pa⁻¹) compared to those solubilized in acid (0.739 cm³ g⁻¹, 3.1 × 10⁻¹¹ Pa⁻¹, respectively). Larger values are consistent with the existence of complexes formed by gliadins and lipids in aqueous ethanol solutions. Utrasonication had no effect on these protein–lipid complexes based on measurements of density, but it did alter the compressibility of gliadins in dilute acid (making them almost twice as compressible). Novel insights into gluten protein properties can be gained from compressibility measurements of solutions using ultrasonic resonators when coupled with measurements of protein specific volume.     

Quantitative effects of cultural practices on growth and yield of forage rice having short panicles

Cultivation of forage rice for whole-crop silage has been increasing in Japan and will be important in Asia. In this study, effects of cultural practices on growth and yield of a forage rice cultivar “Tsukisuzuka” having short panicle 1 allele were analysed quantitatively using linear mixed model. The contribution of basal dressing to dry yield per 1 g/m² nitrogen fertilizer was larger than that of topdressing. In addition, topdressing 30 and 20 days before heading was considered to have the disadvantage of increasing risk of lodging and panicle weight respectively. Effects of weather elements on growth of forage rice were also speculated. In tested fields, high solar radiation at seedling and tillering stage was considered important for the high yield. As the number of continuous cropping cycles increased, growth of forage rice got worse. And application of compost improved growth of forage rice. Elemental analysis of soil and plants revealed that this continuous cropping obstacle was likely to attributed to deficiency of potassium. In addition, potassium deficiency increased panicle weight of a forage rice cultivar having short panicle 1 allele. Therefore, control of potassium nutrition will be useful for both sustaining productivity (sufficient application of potassium) and seed production (restriction of potassium). These findings will be useful for improvement of cultivation method of forage rice.     

人参超微粉及水提物对自发性高血压大鼠血压的影响

目的观察人参超微粉及水提物对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)的降压作用。方法将80只SHR随机分为对照组、阳性药卡托普利组、人参超微粉0.5、1.0、2.0g/kg组及人参水提物0.1、0.2、0.4g/kg组,每组10只。采用尾动脉测压法测量给药前及给药后1、3、7、10、15、30、45、60、75、90天大鼠血压,对比人参超微粉及水提物对SHR的急性降压作用和慢性降压作用。结果人参超微粉1.0g/kg组于给药15、30、45、60、75、90天可使SHR收缩压明显降低(P0.05或P0.01),于给药30、45、60、75、90天可使SHR舒张压明显降低(P0.05或P0.01),人参超微粉0.5g/kg及人参水提物0.4g/kg组于给药45、60、75、90天可使SHR收缩压及舒张压均明显降低(P0.05),人参超微粉0.25g/kg及人参水提物0.1、0.2g/kg组对SHR各时间点的收缩压及舒张压均无明显影响(P0.05)。结论人参超微粉及水提物不具有急性降压作用,长期服用可产生降压作用,人参超微粉的作用优于人参水提物。     

人参花提取物对气虚血瘀模型大鼠全血黏度及血浆黏度的影响

采用强迫游泳法复制气虚血瘀证动物模型,观察了人参花提取物对病理状态下大鼠全血黏度及血浆黏度的影响。结果表明:一定剂量的人参花提取物对模型大鼠血流变有改善作用。     

Efficient creation of cellular micropatterns with long-term stability and their geometric effects on cell behavior

Cellular micropatterning with bio-adhesive and nonadhesive areas has attracted increasing interest for the precise design of cell-to-surface attachment in cell biology studies, tissue engineering, cell-based biosensors, biological assays, and drug development and screening. In this paper we describe a simple and efficient method to create a two-dimensional stable cellular microenvironment, which is based on (1) forming a protein-resistant oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate polymer layer on the substrates via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization; (2) placing a defined photomask on the substrate and exposing the substrate to ultraviolet light; and (3) immersing the patterned surface in a fibronectin solution to form cell-adhesive protein patterns in a cell-resistant background. The resulting surfaces are tailored into cell-adhesive and cell-resistant regions. Three different types of cells (NIH-3T3, PC12, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells) are seeded on such patterned surfaces to form cellular patterns. The geometric effects on cell behavior are investigated. The long-term stability is tested by NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells and excellent retention of cellular patterns is observed. The strategy illustrated here offers an efficient way to create a stable, patterned cellular microenvironment, and could be employed in tissue engineering to study the effect of micropatterns on the proliferation and differentiation of cells, and in particular mesenchymal stem cells.     

Interactive effects of Meloidogyne incognita race 2, Bradyrhizobium japonicum and crude extracts of Cucumis myriocarpus fruit on Vigna unguiculata

Crude extracts of wild cucumber (Cucumis myriocarpus) fruit, without information on their effects on nodulation, had been touted as having potential as a nematicide and a fertiliser in low-input cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) production systems. Interactive effects of the southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), Bradyrhizobium japonicum and crude extracts of wild cucumber (C. myriocarpus) fruit on each other and growth of cowpea variety Eureka were investigated in a 23 factorial experiment. At harvest, 70 days after initiating the treatments, significant (P ≤ 0.05) first order interactions between any two of the three main factors on variables measured were observed, with interactive effects being either stimulatory or inhibitory. Crude extracts of C. myriocarpus fruit were basically suppressive on nematode numbers but stimulated nodulation and growth of cowpea. Consequently, the material is suitable for use in managing population densities of M. incognita on cowpea production in low-input cowpea production systems.     

Preventive effects of flaxseed and sesame oil on bone loss in ovariectomized rats

A study was designed to examine the effects of dietary flaxseed oil (FO) and sesame oil (SO) which are rich successively in n-3 and (n-9 and n-6) on biochemical parameters and histological status of bone. Sixty-four 90-day-old female wistar rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups: sham-operated rat (sham)+ control diets, ovariectomized rat (OVX) + control diets, OVX + 7% FO, OVX + 7% SO, OVX + 10% FO, OVX + 10% SO. After 4 weeks of treatments, rats were euthanized; blood and tissues were collected for analyses. Markers of bone formation which is alkaline phosphatase activity and markers of bone resorption which is tartrate resistant acid phosphatase activity were measured. Present results showed that OVX increased significantly ALP and TRAP activity and the examination of bone tissue showed disruptive and lytic bone trabeculae. Animals fed 10% FO and 10% SO of fat reduced these parameters and improved bone microarchitecture. Whereas, there was no improvement in biochemical and histological states in OVX rats that received 7% of PUFAs successively provided from FO and SO diets. In conclusion, our results are encouraging because they suggest that PUFAs intake may help to prevent osteoporosis associated with estrogens deficiency. However, further studies are needed to determine the mechanism by which a diet rich in n-3 or lignans modulate bone tissue.     

The effects of oral vitamin E on induction and consequence of experimental diabetes mellitus in rats

Streptozotocin destroys the beta-cells of pancreas by generation of reactive oxygen species and vitamin E has documented antioxidant properties. To evaluate the preventive effect of vitamin E on induction of diabetes by streptozotocin and effect of oral vitamin E consumption on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, forty male Wistar rats divided randomly to control, E1, E2 and E3 groups. The diet of E1, E2 and E3 groups were supplemented with 1, 2 and 4 g kg(-1) of vitamin E, respectively. Four days later all rats were made diabetic by IP injection of 45 mg kg-' streptozotocin and blood glucose was measured 72 h later to determine the severity of blood glucose elevation. Glycosylated hemoglobin, triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL-c were measured and LDL-c and VIDL-c calculated in plasma of 6 diabetic rats with glucose more than 200 mg dL(-1) in each groups 21 days after streptozotocin injection. Vitamin E had no effect on diabetes induction by streptozotocin, but elevation of glycosylated Hb and reduction of LDL-c in group E3 were significant. Vitamin E also increased HDL-c although it was not statistically significant. We suggest that oral vitamin E consumption may have some beneficial effect on the correction of lipid metabolism disorders of diabetes, although it may worsen carbohydrate metabolism in mild diabetes.     

Effect of treatment on composition and protein and energy utilization of rice and mung bean by rats

Yellow rice derived from stack-burned unthreshed grains had lower lysine content than white milled rice. Stack burning did not affect energy digestibility in growing rats but decreased true nitrogen digestibility and net protein utilization (NPU). Increasing parboiling time from 20 to 60 min had no adverse effect on energy and protein utilization of parboiled milled rice. Defatting of rice bran-polish with petroleum ether at 50°C had no effect on protein utilization but decreased energy content and utilization. Mechanical dehulling of mung bean (Vigna radiata [L.] Wilczek) reduced fiber content, increased energy and protein digestibility but decreased biological value (BV) and NPU. Toasting and winnowing the bean reduced lysine content, improved digestible energy but decreased BV and NPU. Cooking the bean preparations improved the biological value only in mechanically dehulled bean with resultant higher NPU than that of whole bean.