Laparoscopic Anatomy of the Abdomen and Laparoscopic Ligating Loops,Electrocoagulation, and a Novel Modified Electroligation Ovariectomy in Standing Mare

The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed laparoscopic anatomy of the caudal abdominal region of mare in a standing position and to evaluate and modify a technique for standing laparoscopic ovariectomy using combination between hand-tied ligating loop and electrocoagulation techniques, as the ligating loops, electrocoagulation, and modified electroligation laparoscopic ovariectomy were applied using nine adult mares. Laparoscopy was practical and effective for direct visual examination of internal abdominal organs in the mare. Ventral dislocation of abdominal viscera after pneumoperitoneum was established with the mare in standing position, which provided an excellent inspection of the dorsal and ventral structures in the peritoneal cavity on the right and left sides. Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy using an electroligation modified method was considered a safe and effective method for hemostasis of the mesovarium, technically easy, time saving, and economical. The mean surgical time for bilateral ovariectomy was 40 ± 7.63, 60 ± 5.25, and 85 ± 6.43 minutes for electroligation-modified technique, ligating loops technique, and electrocoagulation technique, respectively.     

Metabolism of energy substrates of in vitro and in vivo derived embryos from ewes synchronized and super ovulated with norgestomet and porcine follicle stimulating hormone

The synchronization and ovulatory responses of Sangsari cross bred ewes and metabolism of energy substrates in 8-cell stage embryos to hatched blastocysts stage produced in vitro or in vivo were investigated. Ewes were assigned randomly to receive 37.5 IU of porcine follicle stimulating hormone (FSH-P) daily for the 3 days preceding implant removal (Day 0). Synchronization of estrus was carried out using a 1.5 mg norgestomet (Crestar) ear implant for 12 days. Ewes in estrus were mated two to three times with rams of proven fertility. At the time of first mating each ewe was administered 1000 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to induce ovulation. Surgical embryo recovery was performed on Days 4 and 6 after onset of estrus (Day 0) and recovered embryos were subjected to comparative metabolism studies with in vitro derived embryos at the same stage of development. The number of corpora lutea (CL), unovulated follicles and overall ovarian activity were recorded for each ewe during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. While the pattern of oxidation was similar among in vitro and in vivo derived embryos, a low pyruvate to lactate ratio was the preferred substrate of embryos derived in vitro. A high level of production of CO2 and lactate resulted from a stress response to the suboptimal culture environment. The first marked increase in the metabolism of glucose by ovine embryos was detected in compact morula stage, but there was no significant increase in the oxidation of glucose after the morula stage. Two different concentrations of glucose were compared, but this did not affect metabolism. However, the rate of incorporation and metabolism of glucose tended to be higher at the 0.56 mmol/L glucose dosage.     

Growth response of the salt-sensitive and the salt-tolerant sugarcane genotypes to potassium nutrition under salt stress

Adequate regulation of mineral nutrients plays a fundamental role in sustaining crop productivity and quality under salt stress. We investigated the ameliorative role of potassium (K as K₂SO₄) in overcoming the detrimental effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) on sugarcane genotypes differing in salt tolerance. Four levels of NaCl (0, 100, 130 and 160 mM) were imposed in triplicate on plants grown in gravel by supplying 0 and 3 mM K. The results revealed that application of NaCl significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased sodium (Na⁺) but decreased K⁺ concentrations in shoots and roots of both genotypes with a resultant decrease in K⁺/Na⁺ ratios. Physical growth parameters and juice quality were also markedly reduced with increasing NaCl concentrations compared with controls. However, addition of K alleviated the deleterious effects of NaCl and improved plant growth under salt stress. Cane yield and yield attributes of both genotypes were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher where K was added. Juice quality was also significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved with the application of K at various NaCl levels. The results suggested that added K interfered with Na⁺, reduced its uptake and accumulation in plant tissues and consequently improved plant growth and juice quality in sugarcane.     

Preliminary Study of Variable Rate Application – Organic Liquid Fertilizer by Using SPAD Chlorophyll Meter on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Cultivation

Knowing actual nutrient requirements for rice plants is crucial in supplying the correct amount of fertilizer, especially nitrogen since nitrogen is one of the most key limiting nutrients in rice cultivation. A preliminary study of variable rate application (VRA) on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) planting by using organic foliar fertilizer was carried out to determine the effectiveness of precision fertilization. Foliar fertilizer was formulated based on actual nitrogen needed by rice plants using Soil-Plant Analyses Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter measurements. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments (50% fixed rate, 100% fixed rate, 150% fixed rate and VRA) and four replications for each treatment. Plant growth performances (plant heights, number of tillers, number of panicle and flower) and yield performances (grain yield, number of grain, 1000-grain weight and number of spikelets) were recorded during the study. The results showed that foliar application of VRA resulted in significantly higher yield performances; grain yield (13.65 g), number of grain (807.50), 1000-grain weight (16.79 g), and number of spikelets (7.50) compared to uniform fertilizer applications. VRA treatments had the highest SPAD readings at every planting stage during the experiment; however, a high nitrogen supply was needed during the mid-tillering stages (35 DAT) compared to other fertilizer rates. Besides, VRA application shows the most savings in term of total nitrogen supply (415 µg) compared to uniform rates application; 50% fixed rate (400 µg), 100% fixed rate (810 µg), and 150% fixed rate (1210 µg).     

Comparison of EDTA and ammonium Bicarbonate-DTPA for the extraction of phosphorus in calcareous soils from Kerman,Iran

Developing a fast and reliable soil testing method is critical for improving soil testing efficiency and ensuring reliable fertilizer recommendation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate sodium ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (Na₂-EDTA) as a replacement for ammonium bicarbonate-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (AB-DTPA) to extract phosphorus (P) to determinate the relationships between extractable P and its uptake by crop in calcareous soils. Na₂-EDTA and AB-DTPA was compared by the amounts of extracted P by analyzing soil samples collected from agricultural production areas. There were significant correlations between Na₂-EDTA and AB-DTPA for soil test P based on soils collected from the agricultural field. Soil test P by both extractants was significantly correlated with plant P concentration. Na₂-EDTA was identified as an alternate improved extraction method instead of AB-DTPA in calcareous soils based on this study. However, more work will be needed to identify the correlation of the two extractants and crop responses under a field condition.     

Floristic composition and ecological gradient analyses of the Liakot Forests in the Kalam region of District Swat,Pakistan

Kalam Kohistan is a dry,temperate hilly region in the Hindu Raj Series of the Greater Hindu Kush Mountains with diverse forests.As plant distribution and composition is expression of a range of various environmental variables,ecological and floristic attributes of vegetation in the Laikot Forests were therefore evaluated via consecutive explorative trips.These forests have not been evaluated ecologically before due to harsh climatic conditions and issues of accessibility and the study in hand is one of the first in its nature.Quantitative ecological techniques were used to sample forest vegetation and identify species in quadrats of 2 m×2 m for herbs,5 m×5 m for shrubs and 10 m×10 m for trees.All the data of 195 plant species and environmental factors were analyzed via Two-way Cluster Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis using PCORD and CANOCO software.Among 195 plant species from 63 families were 27 species of Asteraceae,the most-speciose family,followed by Poaceae(20 spp.).The dominant life form was therophyte(86 spp.;44%share),followed by phanerophyte(41 spp.;21%share).For the leaf size spectrum,most prevalent was nanophyll(73 spp.;44%)followed by microphyll(66 spp.,34%)and mesophyll(44 spp.;23%).Calcium carbonate,pH,potassium,sand,silt,organic matter,slope aspect and grazing significantly influenced species composition,distribution and habitat.The floristic variation in the region was diverse due to elevational and aspect gradients and thus devided into three zones.This vegetation zonation can be utilized for forest management,species and habitat conservation.Both in situ and ex situ conservation of threatened plant species may improve their conservation status in future if address properly.     

The residual level of isoprothiolane in paddy field surface water and its acute toxicity level on freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium lanchesteri

Paddy and Water Environment - The application of isoprothiolane in rice cultivation may give a risk to the aquatic ecosystem. The present study was undertaken to determine the level of...     

Straw mulching with fertilizer nitrogen: An approach for improving crop yield,soil nutrients and enzyme activities

Field experiments were conducted to study soil properties, soil enzymes activities, water use efficiency (WUE) and crop productivity after six years of soya bean straw mulching in the semi‐arid conditions of China. The experiment included four treatments: CK (Control), N (240 kg N ha^‐1), H (soya bean straw mulching at half rate 700 kg ha^‐1 with 240 kg N ha^‐1) and F (soya bean straw mulching at full rate 1,400 kg ha^‐1 with 240 kg N ha^‐1). Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil labile organic carbon (LOC), soil available N (AN), available P (AP) and enzyme activities were analysed after wheat harvesting in 2016 and 2017. Results show that straw amounts had positive effects on the soil fertility indices being higher for treatment F. The SOC, LOC, AN, AP and enzyme activities (i.e. saccharase, urease and alkaline phosphatase) were in the order of F > H > N > CK. High wheat grain yield and WUE were observed for F treatment. A total of six years mulching along with 240 kg ha^‐1 nitrogen fertilizer application is sufficient for wheat yield stability and improving soil properties except urease activities in the semi‐arid condition of China. However, the straw mulching amount should be further studied with minimum nitrogen fertilizer for an environment‐friendly and effective approach for improving the soil biological properties with adequate crop production on a sustainable basis in the semi‐arid region of China.     

Naringin-loaded Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Gelatin Electrospun Mat as a Potential Wound Dressing: In vitro and In vivo Evaluation

In the present study, naringin, a flavonoid isolated from the grape and citrus fruit species, was incorporated with poly(ε-caprolactone)/gelatin composite mats in order to develop a potential wound dressing. The composite mats were prepared by electrospinning of poly(ε-caprolactone)/gelatin (1:1 (w/w)) solution incorporated with 1.50 %, 3 % and 6 % (w/w) of naringin. The electrospun mats were evaluated regarding their morphology, contact angle, water-uptake capacity, water vapor transmission rate, tensile properties, drug release, cellular response and in vivo wound healing activity. The study showed that after 2 weeks, the full-thickness excisional wounds of Wistar rats treated with the naringin-loaded dressings achieved a wound closure of higher than 94 % and the dressing containing 6 % (w/w) naringin had almost 100 % wound closure. The sterile gauze, as the control group, showed nearly 86 % of wound closure after this period of time. Our results provided evidence that supports the possible applicability of naringin-loaded wound dressing for successful wound treatment.