Search

Chitosan is a biodegradable natural compound that has a great potentiality in agriculture for controlling plant diseases. An attempt was made to control Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melongenae under inoculated field condition and increase the growth and yield of brinjal by chitosan. Before setting the experiments in the field, preliminary laboratory experiments were carried out to select virulent isolate and effective dose of chitosan against the mycelial growth of the selected pathogen. F. oxysporum f. sp. melongenae isolate F-1 was found to be the most virulent on brinjal in pathogenicity test. Chitosan @ 1.0% concentration was appeared to be the highest inhibitory to the test pathogen at in vitro condition. Additionally, seed treatment with 1.0% chitosan for 12 hrs resulted in the highest increased in germination and seedling growth of brinjal. The field experiment was conducted following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments. No treatment was given in T1, the pathogen was inoculated in T2 and seed treatment and soil amendment with 1.0% chitosan was done in T3 and T4, respectively, in test pathogen inoculated condition. Application of 1.0% chitosan as a seed treatment (T3) or soil amendment (T4) significantly reduced pre- and post-emergence seedling mortality, incidence and severity of Fusarium wilt as well as enhanced germination percentage, plant growth and yield of brinjal. On the contrary, pre-emergence and post-emergence seedling mortality, disease incidence and severity of Fusarium wilt were highest in treatment T2 where the soil was inoculated with pathogen without chitosan. Therefore, chitosan could be used against this vascular disease as an alternative to inorganic fungicides and augment yield.

In many parts of the world, insect pests are a serious problem in tomato production. In tropical countries, the utilization of pest exclusive nets to protect garden crops has proven to be an effective and sustainable tool against lepidopteran insects, but not against small insects. This study evaluated the repellent effect of a 40-mesh net with a diameter of 0.9 mm treated with cypermethrin against major tomato pests (including small sucking insects). The study was conducted at the experimental farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka to evaluate the management practices of tomato pests using insecticide treated nets and its impact on natural enemies. BARI Tomato-1 (Manik) variety was used as the planting material. The insecticide treated nets and non-treated nets were used as treatments with a control plot without any netting. The efficacy of insecticide-treated and untreated nets was evaluated over a period of six months. In this experiment, the treatments were replicated 3 times in a completely randomized block design. The evaluation of the abundance of major insect pests and their natural enemies in tomato was carried out by collecting and counting their numbers every week for each replication. Mature tomatoes were harvested after twelve weeks of transplantation, sorted and divided into marketable and non-marketable fruits. The total number of saleable fruits and their weights were recorded. A total of 7 pest species (Aphis gossypii, Thrips tabaci, Bemisia tabaci, Haltica pyritosa, Helicoverpa armigera, Tetranychus spp. and Liriomyza trifolii) those infected tomato plants during field production were identified. The insecticides-treated nets were fruitful in protecting tomato plants from A. gossypii, B. tabaci, T. tabaci, L. trifolii and H. armigera. Compared with tomatoes harvested from unprotected tomatoes, the average marketable fruit weight of tomatoes harvested using treated nets was significantly higher. The results of this study reveal the potential of using insecticides-treated nets as a viable strategy to increase tomato yields by reducing the number of pests in crops. The netting covers can be used as an integral part of the integrated management of insect pests in tomato production.

Hexane (Hex) extracts of fresh navel orange (citrus sinensis) and lemon (citrus limon) peel were prepared to isolate and identify toxic bioactive secondary metabolites for potential use as natural ecofriendly biopesticides against the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Hex extracts were fractionated by column chromatography. The fractions that showed activity against the larvae, were identified and quantified by gas chromatography combined to mass spectrometry(GC/MS), after checking component profile by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The results revealed that F2 and F3 fractions were the toxic active fractions of both lemon and orange peel Hex extracts, but lemon fractions were more toxic than orange ones. F2 and F3 fractions of orange extract causd 60 and 20% larval mortality, respectively. Both lemon extract fractions caused 100% morality. Orange fractions had approximately equal dlimonene content (≈86%) as illustrated by mass spectral fragmentation pattern. However, F2 fraction contained slightly higher amounts of linalool, α-terpinol and citral than F3 fraction. The active fraction of both lemon and orange peel extracts contained d-limonene, α-pinene, linalool, citronllal and citral. Limonene oxide, geranial and terpineol were only detected in orange peel extracts. The results indicated that secondary metabolites quality and quantity differ according to the citrus spp., and the quantity of d-limonene is much lower (≈15%) in lemon than orange extracts in spite of lemon peel was more toxic than the orange. However, d-limonene was a major compound in both extracts. The results suggest that citrus extract contains many toxic compounds, other than limonene, and /or they could potentiate each other to give the observed toxicity. It could be concluded that the quantity of d-limonene is not a determinant factor, but it is probable that other metabolites confer toxicity allover citrus extract depending on the species.

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the productive and reproductive potential of pregnant Red Chittagong (RC) cows through improved feeding. A total of 30 pregnant RC cows from each of 30 farmers having six months pregnancy and between 2 and 3 parities old were used in the trial. The cows were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups, i.e., T0, T1 and T2. The cows of T0 group received farmers’ diet (63% of dry matter intake of cows according to ARC, 1995) without the supplementation and served as control. The cows of T1 group received farmer’s diet (63%) plus 25% supplementation of formulated concentrate diet for deficit of requirement of cows {(63 + 9.25) = 72.25% dry matter intake of cows according to ARC, 1995)} and T2 group received farmers diet (63%) plus formulated concentrate diet to meet 100% requirements of cows according to ARC (1995) {(63% +37%) = 100%}. The total live weight gain before calving of RC cows were observed significantly (P

The second larval instarof the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) as a series polyphagous pest was treated, in laboratory, by ingestion of two chlorophyll derivatives namly copper chlorophyllin (Chl-Cu) and magnesium chlorophyllin (Chl-Mg) to study the possible role of mixed function oxidases (MFO) in detoxifying the dye, and determine the efficancy of treatment on protein metabolizing enzymes or transaminases. Moreover, to clarify whether the photoactive dyes have non phototoxic effect. The larvae were treated for 24 hrs with LC50 of the dye followed by exposure to direct sunlight for 2 hr. Copper chlorophyllin was more potent than magnesium chlorophyllin and represented by LC50 = 0.130M and LC50 =0.299 M, respectively. The percentage mortility of larvae treated by LC50 of the dyes and kept in dark during the experimental time was up to 9%. The dark process appear to be less active than the light induced photo dynamic reactions. Biochemical analyses revealed that treatment led to induction of MFO system. It was 733, 926 and 687 μ mole substrate oxidized /min/g. b. wt for Chl-Mg, Chl-Cu and control, respectively. Effect of treatment on transaminases showed that GPT activity was significantly changed by both chlorophyll derivatives, while GOT activity was non significantly changed. Induced GPT level could be considered as a sing or secondary effect of chlorophyllin poisoning. This effect has been interprreted as suggestive of interinsic capacity of insect to repair damage. MFO might share in detoxifying chlorophyllins, and development of resistance to photodynamic pesticides. The observed dark effect suggests that the used photosynthetizers posses low interinsic chemical toxicity.

peels of fresh navel orange (citrus sinensis) and lemon (citrus limon) fruits (Rutaceae) were extracted by absolute methanol (MeOH) and Hexane (Hex) as solvents differing in their polarities. The purpose was to detect some chemical and physicochemical characters of their crude extracts, and evaluate their bioactivity against 4th larval instar of the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis using different methods of treatments. MeOH proved to be significantly (P 4 for Hex and MeOH extracts, respectively. Toxicity of citrus peel crude extracts against S. littoralis larvae showed that treatment by contact method was more efficient than ingestion, and Hex extracts were more toxic than MeOH extracts in both treatments. Citrus peel extracts showed relatively strong contact action, moderate repellency, weak ingestion and antifeedant activity against the 4th instar larvae. It is suggested that Hex could extracts toxic substances more than MeOH, out of the studied phytochemicals. Citrus peel waste is promising as a natural biopesticide, and its activity is determined by the solvent used for extraction, citrus species and method of treatment.

Considerable evidence shows that the vestibular system contributes to adjusting sympathetic nervous system activity to maintain adequate blood pressure during movement and changes in posture. However, only a few prior experiments entailed recordings in conscious animals from brainstem neurons presumed to convey baroreceptor and vestibular inputs to neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) that provide inputs to sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord. In this study, recordings were made in conscious felines from neurons in the medullary lateral tegmental field (LTF) and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) identified as regulating sympathetic nervous system activity by exhibiting changes in firing rate related to the cardiac cycle, or cardiac-related activity (CRA). Approximately 38% of LTF and NTS neurons responded to static 40° head up tilts with a change in firing rate of ~50%. However, few of these neurons responded to 10° sinusoidal rotations in the pitch plane, in contrast to prior findings in decerebrate animals that the firing rates of both NTS and LTF neurons are modulated by small-amplitude body rotations. Thus, as previously demonstrated for RVLM neurons, in conscious animals NTS and LTF neurons only respond to large rotations that lead to changes in sympathetic nervous system activity. The similar responses to head-up rotations of LTF and NTS neurons with those documented for RVLM neurons suggest that LTF and NTS neurons are components of the vestibulo-sympathetic reflex pathway. However, a difference between NTS/LTF neurons and RVLM was variability in CRA over time. This variability was significantly greater for RVLM neurons, raising the hypothesis that the responsiveness of these neurons to baroreceptor input is adjusted based on the animal’s vigilance and alertness.

The eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) were cultivated in the field to investigate the abundance and diversity of insects. In total 488 insects were collected from the eggplant field during May to August 2016, which belonged to 20 species in 21 families and 10 orders. Among the taxonomic orders, Hemiptera was the most dominant followed by Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera. The order Thysanoptera revealed the lowest abundance. The abundance, richness and diversity of pest, predator, pollinator and other categories of insects differed significantly and the pest revealed the highest abundance and richness compared to others. In total 9 species of insects belonged to 7 families of 4 orders were found as pest and their abundance varied from 0.1±0.1 to 4.6±0.9 /30 sweeps. In total 8 species of insects belonged to 8 families of 7 orders were found as predator and their abundance varied from 0.3±0.1 to 2.0±0.3/30 sweeps. Among the predator insects, lady bird beetle showed the highest abundance. In eggplant field, insects were highest and lowest abundant at 11.00 and 13.00 h of the day, respectively.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(4): 647-653, December 2018

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a naturally occurring gas in the atmosphere. However, the concentration of O3 increased in the twentieth century. Although the effects of O3 on vegetation have been extensively studied since the 1950s, limited information exists regarding the effects of O3 on insect herbivores. In particular, evidence is lacking regarding the effects of O3 on the biology of insect herbivores. Agelastica coerulea Baly (1874) is a coleopteran species that grazes on Betulaceae plants. In this study, to investigate the effects of O3 on A. coerulea biology for the first time, female adult insects were collected from Japanese white birch trees grown in a Free Air Controlled Exposure System (FACE) in Sapporo, Japan. These beetles inhabited trees exposed either to ambient or to elevated O3 for 23 days. After collection, the enzyme activities in the beetles were measured. Elevated O3 led to a greater total antioxidant activity and lower α- and β-esterase activities, a phenomenon that may suggest an increased resistance of the beetles to stress. Our results are further discussed with regard to biological and toxicological aspects. Collectively, our findings indicate that total antioxidants and α- and β-esterase activities can serve as effective O3 biomarker systems in this beetle species. This adaptive response of the beetle, which was induced by moderate O3 exposure, should be further tested across generations and for its protection against greater exposure.

Yield performance of 10 selected mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) genotypes, viz. GK-7, GK-48, GK-65, VC-6173A, CO-3, IPSA-12, IPSA-13, IPSA-15, BARI Mug-5 and BUmug 2 was evaluated under waterlogged condition in the research field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh during April to July 2011. Waterlogging depth was 3-5 cm, created by irrigation from tap water and imposed at 22 days after emergence of seedlings which was maintained for 2, 4 and 6 days in the three different treatments. Yield and yield contributing characters of the mungbean genotypes were significantly affected by waterlogging. The longer the waterlogging period, the more was the reduction in seed yield and yield contributing characters. Among the 10 genotypes, IPSA-13 performed the best in respect of grain yield production under waterlogging condition, which was followed by VC-6173A and BUmung 2.The Agriculturists 2017; 15(2) 88-100

Aquaculture has been known as one of solutions in dealing with food security problem through applying best practices of aquaculture and increasing fish production. In many countries, fish production is considered an essential activity contributing to household income and trade. However, fish feed has an expensive price, and it constitutes 60-70% total cost of production. The objective of this study is to reveal an alternative cheap source for additional ingredients to fish diet formulation of Tilapia larvae (Oreochromis niloticus). 240 fish larvae from local hatchery were used and cultured in 4 aquariums with different dose of protein diet (30%, 35%, 40%, and control). The source of protein diet is Polychaeta Nereis sp which was collected from surrounding Kastela Sea. Nereis sp was processed into dry meal and was added into the feed formulation. The result shows that the useful of 40% protein of Nereis sp gives the highest growth and survival rate of tilapia larvae, which is 44,99 g and 100%. It is followed by 35% and 30% Nereis protein, respectively. It is interesting that protein control which is feed commercial has almost similar growth level as the highest one. Specific growth rate (SGR) is 3,74%-3,79% per day for different protein dose of Polychaeta. Survival rate is 100% for all treatments which means all fish can survive and growth continuously from beginning to the end of the study.

The differential expression of two closelyassociated cyclooxygenase isozymes, COX-1 and COX-2, exhibited functions beyond eicosanoid metabolism. We hypothesized that COX-1 or COX-2 knockout lung fibroblasts may display altered protein profiles which may allow us to further differentiate the functional roles of these isozymes at the molecular level. Proteomic analysis shows constitutive production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in lung fibroblasts derived from COX-2-/- but not wild-type (WT) or COX-1-/- mice. MIF was spontaneously released in high levels into the extracellular milieu of COX2-/- fibroblasts seemingly from the preformed intracellular stores, with no change in the basal gene expression of MIF. The secretion and regulation of MIF in COX-2-/- was "prostaglandin-independent." GO analysis showed that concurrent with upregulation of MIF, there is a significant surge in expression of genes related to fibroblast growth, FK506 binding proteins, and isomerase activity in COX-2-/- cells. Furthermore, COX-2-/- fibroblasts also exhibit a significant increase in transcriptional activity of various regulators, antagonists, and co-modulators of p53, as well as in the expression of oncogenes and related transcripts. Integrative Oncogenomics Cancer Browser (IntroGen) analysis shows downregulation of COX-2 and amplification of MIF and/or p53 activity during development of glioblastomas, ependymoma, and colon adenomas. These data indicate the functional role of the MIF-COX-p53 axis in inflammation and cancer at the genomic and proteomic levels in COX-2-ablated cells. This systematic analysis not only shows the proinflammatory state but also unveils a molecular signature of a pro-oncogenic state of COX-1 in COX-2 ablated cells.

chitinase as endo-type of chitinolytic enzymes was studied in the 4th larval instar of the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to detect some of its physiological aspects. Results showed that, the chitinase activity was low till 18 h before ecdysis to the 4th instar, but the activity started increasing at 10 h and reached a peak at 2 h before the ecdysis. This confirms that the appearance of chitinase activity is restricted to the molting period and the main function of chitinase in larvae is the digestion of old cuticle. On the other hand, the enzyme activity in pupal stage was 1.73-fold as compared to that present in larvae, might to share in the intensive physiological processes in this stage. Results of enzyme localization revealed that larval integument had the highest chitinase activity (72.3%), while hemolymph had the lowest one (1.9%). Hence, we infer that hemolymph plays a minor role in transporting the enzyme, and chitinase localized there in the integument. The results showed that hyperchitinase activity in larvae was not a sign of LC50 treatment by nomolt. This led to the assumption that nomolt acts by inhibition of chitin synthesis not by enhancing of chitin degradation. Future studies concerned with factors affecting chitinase must take into consideration the fact that larval chitinase activity is rhytmic, i.e. precaution that the sampling time is critical.

Objective Recent reports highlight the efficacy of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting SMAD3 to regulate transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-mediated fibroplasia in vocal fold fibroblasts. The current study sought to investigate SMAD3 expression during wound healing in vivo and quantify the downstream transcriptional events associated with SMAD3 knockdown in vitro. Study Design In vivo and in vitro. Methods Unilateral vocal fold injury was created in a rabbit model. SMAD3 and SMAD7 mRNA expression was quantified at 1 hour and 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days following injury. In vitro, multi-gene analysis technology was employed in our immortalized human vocal-fold fibroblast cell line following TGF-β1 stimulation ± SMAD3 knockdown across time points. Results SMAD3 mRNA expression increased following injury; upregulation was significant at 3 and 7 days compared to control (both P

plant proteinase inhibitors were (PIs) extracted from tomato leaves (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to test their effect on the digestive physiology of Spodoptera littoralis in relation to growth and development of the larvae. Larvae fed on leaves treated by crude extract protein of PIs (10 mg protein m1-1). The continuous feeding of the cotton leafworm on treated leaves from egg hatching led to significant inhibition of the 4th larval instar gut proteases (decreased by 32.9% as compared to control). Effects of PIs on protein digestion suggested that PIs might alter protein metabolism. The results showed that total proteins were significantly reduced in treated larvae as compared to control (P< 0.05), but free amino acids were more affected than proteins (P< 0.01). Also, enzymes related to protein metabolism were also changed due to feeding on leaves treated by PIs. On the other hand, the study revealed that continuous feeding on tomato PIs reduced S. littoralis larval and papal weight, and caused 6.7% abnormalities i.e. appearance of larval-pupal intermediates. It could be suggested that tomato PIs act by in vivo inhibiting of the cotton leafworm gut proteases, not by resulting in hyperproduction of proteolytic enzymes related to protein metabolism such as Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) to compensate the reduced amount of available proteins due to treatment. It is the first time to test PIs activity towards the native pests. Results presented here demonstrating that the use of tomato PIs might be of a significant value in the field of pest control.

The research aims to determine the varieties and composition of the planting media that provide the best growth and production, to determine which varieties provide the best growth and production of chili plants, one of the compositions of the planting medium that provides the best growth and production of chili plants, and to determine the parameters that high heritability value. The research took place from January to April 2019. The study used a separate plot design. The main plot is the composition of the planting medium which consists of 3 types of composition, namely: Burnt Husk, Cocopeat, and Baked Husk: Cocopeat 1: 1. Sub-plot, namely cayenne pepper, 5 varieties of chili, namely: Bara, Pelita 8 F1, Merapi, Sonar, and Centil. The results showed that the treatment that gave the highest growth and production was the treatment of cocopeat growing media with Sonar varieties with a value of 10.22 g/plant. The planting medium that gave the highest growth and production was the treatment of roasted husk growing media: cocopeat 1: 1 with a value of 8.68 g/plant. The variety that had the highest growth and production was the Sonar variety treatment with a value of 9.43 g/plant. Parameters that give high heritability are plant height, number of productive branches, flowering age, harvest age, fresh root weight, root volume, number of fruit harvested, production, and fruit length.

The research was carried out at the Experimental Garden of the Cereal Research Institute, Bajeng District, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province, which took place from September 2018 to January 2019. The research aimed to study the interaction between certain nitrogen doses and certain maize varieties and the presence of maize varieties, as well as nitrogen doses provide the highest growth and production. This research was conducted in the form of an experiment using a separate plot design. The nitrogen dose as the main plot consisting of 4 levels, namely urea 0 kg.ha−1, 100 kg.ha−1, 200 kg.ha−1, and 300 kg.ha−1, then three varieties of maize as subplots, namely Bima-19 variety as hybrid representative, Lamuru as composite representative, and Srikandi Kuning as synthetic representative. The results showed that the Bima-19 variety fertilized with urea 300 kg.ha−1 gave the highest seed yield per hectare (8.10 tons.ha−1), and the Srikandi Kuning variety produced the highest ear height (91.25 cm) compared to other varieties tested. Application of urea 300 kg.ha−1 resulted in the highest ear height (113.19 cm), the longest ear length (20.02 cm), and the highest number of seeds. 33.83 seeds). All parameters observed had very significant positive correlation values, except for the age of flowering of the females and the number of seed rows of cob−1 which were significantly positive.

A study was carried out to study the effect of sucrosin bio stimulant application on the early growth of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) var. CM 2012 at the PT Perkebunan Nusantara XIV Arasoe Sugar Factory, Bone Regency, South Sulawesi from June to September 2019. The sucrosin was applied by immersing three segments of sugarcane cuttings (three eyes) for 30 minutes, then planted in a separate block from control treatment, with an area of 3 ha, respectively. Plant sampling was carried out diagonally on 10 rows of plants with a line length of 10 m per row. Data analysis was carried out using t test at α=0.05 level, correlation, and regression analysis to compare the growth parameters of sugarcane shoots, and to determine the relationship between shoot growth and the sucrosin treatments. The results show that the application of sucrosin to sugarcane cuttings significantly increased the early growth of sugarcane indicated by increase in shoot height, shoot and tillers number, and the number of leaf chlorophyll. The variable value of sucrosin treatment was highly correlated with the control indicated by the highest correlation value in the leaf chlorophyll number (0.996) and the lowest in the shoot height increase (0.991). The increase of the sucrosin treatment value in the regression equation is greater than the control, means, for each addition of one control value, the value of sucrosin treatment increased by 4.39, 10.70, 8.11 and 1.99 in the parameters of shoot height, number of primary shoots, number of tillers, and leaf chlorophyll number of sugarcane, respectively.

Low soil N nutrient content is a limiting factor in efforts to increase the maize production. Hybrid maize varieties are generally very responsive to fertilization and have high yields in optimal environments in contrast to abiotic stress conditions such as low nitrogen. Therefore, it is necessary to develop hybrid maize with low N tolerance by genotyping at low N fertilization conditions. This research aims to obtain hybrid maize genotypes tolerant to low nitrogen with high production and to determine characters that have high heritability values. The research was carried out in the Experimental Farm of the Cereals Plant Research Institute, Bajeng Subdistrict, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province. The research was arranged in a Split Plot Design with the main plot is dose of nitrogen (0 kg N/ha, 100 kg N/ha, 200 kg N/ha) while subplots were hybrid maize genotypes consisted of 12 genotypes and 3 comparative varieties (Nasa 29, Bisi 18, and Jakarin 1). The results show that the hybrid genotype tolerant to low nitrogen with high production were AVLN 83-2 x AVLN 124-9 genotypes in the treatment without nitrogen fertilization and AVLN 83-2 x AVLN 32-8, AVLN 83-2 x AVLN 124-4, AVLN 83-2 x AVLN 124-9, AVLN 83-2 x AVLN 100-1, AVLN 122-2 x AVLN 124-9, AVLN 122-2 x AVLN 100-1, and AVLN 118-7 x AVLN 124-9 at a nitrogen dose of 100 kg N/ha. Characters with high heritability values were peeled cobs weight, cobs diameter, cobs length, 1000 seeds weight, and productivity.

The constitutively-expressed cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and the inducible COX-2 are both involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) to prostaglandins (PGs). However, the functional roles of COX-1 at the cellular level remain unclear. We hypothesized that by comparing differential gene expression and eicosanoid metabolism in lung fibroblasts from wild-type (WT) mice and COX-2(-/-) or COX-1(-/-) mice may help address the functional roles of COX-1 in inflammation and other cellular functions. Compared to WT, the number of specifically-induced transcripts were altered descendingly as follows: COX-2(-/-)COX-1(-/-)WT+IL-1β. COX-1(-/-) or COX-2(-/-) cells shared about 50% of the induced transcripts with WT cells treated with IL-1β, respectively. An interactive "anti-inflammatory, proinflammatory, and redox-activated" signature in the protein-protein interactome map was observed in COX-2(-/-) cells. The augmented COX-1 mRNA (in COX-2(-/-) cells) was associated with the upregulation of mRNAs for glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), peroxiredoxin, phospholipase, prostacyclin synthase, and prostaglandin E synthase, resulting in a significant increase in the levels of PGE2, PGD2, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), PGF1α, thromboxane B2 (TXB2), and PGF2α. The COX-1 plays a dominant role in shifting AA toward the LTB4 pathway and anti-inflammatory activities. Compared to WT, the upregulated COX-1 mRNA in COX-2(-/-) cells generated an "eicosanoid storm". The genomic characteristics of COX-2(-/-) is similar to that of proinflammatory cells as observed in IL-1β induced WT cells. COX-1(-/-) and COX-2(-/-) cells exhibited compensation of various eicosanoids at the genomic and metabolic levels.

A study aimed to evaluate the growth and production of several synthetic maize lines at low nitrogen level was conducted at the Indonesian Cereals Research Institute Experimental Farm in Bajeng District, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. The research was carried out from September to December 2018. The study also aimed to determine the nitrogen dose that could be used for selection of synthetic maize genotypes against low nitrogen doses. The study was conducted in the form of an experiment using a Split Plot Design. Five levels of Nitrogen fertilizer were used namely 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg N per hectare. Various genotypes treatment were consisted of 4 synthetic maize genotypes namely Syn 5, Syn 6, Syn 7, Syn 8 and 2 comparative varieties namely Bisma and Lamuru. The results show a significant interaction between the treatment of nitrogen doses and the synthetic maize genotype on the morphological and physiological characters of the maize genotypes. Genotypes gave the best results at nitrogen doses of 100 kg N ha−1 was Syn8 (8.67 tons ha−1) and 50 kg N ha−1 (6.47 tons ha−1). Nitrogen doses of 50 kg N ha−1 and 100 kg N ha−1 can be used for the selection of maize tolerant to low nitrogen condition with productivity of 4.57 tons ha−1 and 8.67 tons ha−1, respectively. There is potential for the Syn8 genotype to be developed for low-nitrogen-tolerant maize varieties due to higher production compared to the comparative variety.

This study aimed to determine the response of the application Trichoderma sp. and Azolla as liquid organic fertilizer on the growth and production of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) plants. The study was conducted in Panyili Village, Palakka District, Bone Regency, South Sulawesi Province, from October to December 2017. The research was conducted in the form of an experiment using a split plot design. Two levels of Trichoderma sp. application were set as main plots consisted of control and application of 4 g per plant Trichoderma asperellum. Application of Azolla as liquid fertilizer was set as sub plot with five doses, namely control, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 ml L−1. The results show that application of Trichoderma asperellum 4 g per plant showed the best results on the number of leaves 70 days after planting (DAP) (272.22 leaves). Azolla liquid organic fertilizer (75 ml L−1) resulted in the highest production per plot at harvest period of I-III (1.28 kg/m2), production per hectare at harvest period of I-III (4.27 tons ha−1). The interaction between Trichoderma asperellum 4 g plant−1 with a dose of Azolla liquid organic fertilizer of 75 ml L−1 showed the lowest attack intensity of aphids (10%).

The study was conducted in the Experimental Farm of the Indonesian Cereals Research Institute (ICERI) located in the Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province from September to December 2017. The research aimed to study the quantitative and qualitative characters of some local waxy corn genotypes in South Sulawesi. This experiment was arranged in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The treatment included 9 local waxy corn genotypes from Barru, Bone, Bulukumba, Gowa, Jeneponto, Maros, Soppeng, Takalar, Wajo regencies and URI variety as a control. Local waxy corn genotypes of Bone and Bulukumba has the best phenotype characteristics with the highest grain yield (4.13 t/ha and 4.15 t/ha). Qualitative characters that are easily observed among different local waxy corn genotypes are panicle type, silk color (pistils), and kernel type. All the characteristics have high heritability (>0.50). Silking, weight of dry cob without husk, and cob diameter are the characteristics that give direct effect on the production positively (1.05; 0.001; 0.49, respectively).

The purpose of this study was to study the effect of application of corn extract and paclobutrazol on the flowering of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum sp) in pots. The research was carried out in a plastic house, Pattapang Village, Tinggi Moncong District, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province, from July to October 2015. The research was conducted in the form of a two-factor factorial using a randomized block design. The first factor was the concentration of corn extract consisted of 0, 50 mL L−1, 100 mL L−1, and 150 mL L−1. The second factor was paclobutrazol with a concentration consisted of 0, 30 mL L−1, 60 mL L−1. The results show that application of paclobutrazol 60 mL L−1 gave the shortest stalk length (4.40 cm) and the longest vase life (23.08 days).

Wheat is the world’s main food commodity originating from temperate (subtropical) regions. In Indonesia, wheat imports have been increased very high every year. To increase the use of local wheat consumption, especially low gluten needs to be developed. So far, wheat development in Indonesia has been carried out at plateaus> 1000 masl. Development at this height is experiencing competition with horticultural commodities with higher economic value and limited land. The development of wheat in Indonesia in the future is directed at medium - low altitude. This study aims to determine the wheat strain crossbreed of Magic Population adaptive lowland and high production. The study was conducted at the Green House of the Indonesia Cereal Research Institute, Lau Subdistrict, Alleopolea Village, Maros Regency with an average temperature of 25oC in the morning and 32oC in the afternoon. The study took place from October 2017 to February 2018. The study used a Randomized Block Design with 10 lines of Magic Population crosses including MPF 124, MPF 159, MPF 192, MPF 169, MPF 137, MPF 195, MPF 119, MPF 145, MPF 156 and MPF 231 as well as four comparators, namely two national superior varieties (Selayar and Dewata) and two introduction lines (Oasis and HP. 1744) so that there are 14 lines. Each group was repeated 3 times. The results showed that the wheat strains of Magic Population that were adaptive to lowland land with high productivity were MPF 192 (1.80 ton ha−1), MPF 169 (1.66 tons ha−1), MPF 195 (1.54 tons ha−1), MPF 137 (1.44 tons ha−1), MPF 124 (1.42 tons ha−1) and MPF 159 (1.34 tons ha−1). Besides, the result showed that the number of productive tiller, the number of main panicle seeds, and numbers of tiller spike seed could be used as the selection character under lowland.

Wheat as a cereal crop has a strategic role in supporting food security and to meet human needs on food. Nutritional content of wheat is relatively higher than other cereal plants. This research aimed to study the adaptability, growth, and production of some wheat mutant lines at various water availability in the lowlands. The research was carried out in the Experimental Garden, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Hasanuddin from November 2017 to January 2018. Location of the trial was at an altitude of < 40 meters above sea level with an average temperature of 24 ºC in the morning and 32 ºC in the afternoon. A split plot design was employed in this study with the availability of water set as the main plot and the wheat mutant genotypes as subplots. Three levels of water availability was used, 81-100% field capacity, 61-80% field capacity, and 41-60% field capacity. The wheat mutant genotypes used consisted of 15 genotypes (13 mutants and 2 comparative varieties). The results of the research show that wheat genotypes grown in the lowland that showed better production in restricted water availability (61 - 80% of field capacity) were Nias 250 4.6.2 (0.95 g. plant−1), and Nias 350 3.8. 9 (1.10 g.plant−1). Whereas in the 41 - 60% of the field capacity, the Nias 250 4.6.2 and Nias 350 3.8.9 produced better yield of 0.40 g.plant−1.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are 2 of the most prevalent diseases with poor impact on health status worldwide. In most cases, they coexist with other metabolic disorders as well as cardiac, micro- and macrovascular complications. Many plants are known for their hypotensive, cardioprotective, and/or antidiabetic activities. Their active ingredients either identified and isolated or still utilized as herbal preparations of certain plant parts. The use of medicinal plants comprises the main basis for most of the traditional medicine (TM) systems and procedures. As conventional medicines seem insufficient to control such progressive diseases, herbal agents from TM could be used as adjuvant with good impact on disease control and progression as well as other concomitant health conditions. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of 10 different herbal medicines of botanical origin or herbal preparations in the management of hypertension and its cardiovascular complications and type 2 DM along with various coexisting health disorders. These herbal medicines are garlic, berberine, resveratrol, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Zizyphus ( oxyphylla, mucronate, jujube, rugosa), hesperidin, red beetroot, Catha edulis, mulberry leaves, and Portulaca oleracea.

This study aimed to determine the genotype of wheat from a convergent breeding program that adaptive to lowland and produce high yield, and determine the parameters with high heritability. The study was conducted at the Screen House of Indonesian Cereals Research Institute (ICERI), Maros Regency from October 2017 to February 2018. The study used a Randomized Block Design with 10 wheat genotypes of convergent breeding crossbreeds including CBF 124, CBF 159, CBF 192, CBF 169, CBF 137, CBF 195, CBF 119, CBF 145, CBF 156 and CBF 231 as well as four comparators, namely two national superior varieties (Selayar and Dewata) and two introduced genotypes (Oasis and HP. 1744) resulted in 14 genotypes. The results show that the genotype of wheat from convergent breeding that adaptive to lowland and had high productivity are CBF 192 (1.80 tons ha−1), CBF 169 (1.66 tons ha−1), CBF 195 (1.54 tons ha−1), CBF 137 (1.44 tons ha−1), CBF 124 (1.42 tons ha−1) and CBF159 (1.34 tons ha−1). Characters that have high heritability are plant height, number of tillers and productive tillers, age of flowering and harvest, panicle length, number of spikelet, number of floret, number of grains on the main panicle and on the tillers, weight of grains on the main panicle and on the tillers, and production.

The study aimed to determine the effect of the application of Trichoderma and liquid organic fertilizer from tofu wastes on the growth and production of large chilli plants (Capsicum annuum L.). The study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture Experimental Farm, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, from April to August 2017. This study used a factorial two-factor randomized block design with three replications. The first factor of Trichoderma dose consisted of four levels (control, 10 g plant−1, 15 g plant−1, and 20 g plant−1). The second factor was the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer consisted of four levels (control, 10 ml L−1, 15 ml L−1, and 20 ml L−1). The results show that the interaction between Trichoderma treatment with a dose of 10 g plant−1 and liquid organic fertilizer 15 ml L−1 gave a higher number of fruits per plant. Trichoderma treatment with a dose of 20 g plant−1 gave the heaviest fruit weight and fruit weight per plant. There is no one concentration of liquid organic fertilizer which gives better growth and production of chili.

A field experiment was conducted at the Pulse Research Centre of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Ishurdi, Pabna during Kharif-II season of 2010 to evaluate the efficacy of five herbicides for controlling weeds associated with mungbean (BARI Mung-6). The five herbicides such were: Paraxon (27.6% WV Paraquat dichloride salt), M-clor 5G (Butaclor), Topstar 40 WP (40% Oxadiargyl), Hammer 24 EC (Carfentrazone ethyl), and Panida 33 EC (Pendimethalin) with one control (no herbicide and also no weeding). Weed was collected species wise during weeding at 40 days after sowing from 1 m2 area of each plot and oven dried to estimate weed growth. Among the herbicides, Panida performed the best for reducing the number and dry weight of weeds. The maximum reduction of weed population, the highest weed control efficiency, seed yield (1222 kg ha-1), and maximum economic benefit were also obtained in the treatment receiving Panida 33 EC @ 2 ml L-1.The Agriculturists 2015; 13(1) 127-132

An experiment was conducted with mungbean genotype IPSA-13 in the field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh during September, 2012 to November, 2012 to study the root growth, nutrient concentration and seed yield of mungbean as influenced by N and K under waterlogged conditions. Nutrient supply in the soil had significant impact on better recovery in root development of 4-day waterlogged plants. Development of adventitious roots was one of the adaptive responses of IPSA-13 mungbean genotype. Root length was decreased due to the anaerobic condition. Plants waterlogged for 4-days allocated more dry matter in adventitious root development and hence root volume was higher in waterlogged plants. Root volume in flooded plants increased due to the development of adventitious roots. Root dry weight increased with combined application of N and K fertilizers. Flooded plants treated with 14 kg N ha-1 + 25 kg K ha-1 produced the highest TDM and seed yield, though the yield was statistically similar to that obtained when the levels of N and K were applied separately, as well as with that of 1% urea + 25 kg K ha-1.The Agriculturists 2015; 13(1) 67-78

The thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) have been used to study the thermal decomposition of some oxalyl (H4OxTSC), malonyl (H4MaTSC) and succinyl-bis-4-phenyl- thiosemicarbazide (H4SuTSC) ligands and their metal complexes using Horowitz-Metzger (HM) and Coats-Redfern methods. The kinetic thermodynamic parameters such as: E*, ΔH*, ΔS*and ΔG* are calculated from the DTG curves. The isolated complexes have the general composition [M2(L) (H2O)6], where M=Cu(II), Zn(II), L=MaTSC and M=Co(II), Cu(II) or Sn(II) and L=Su TSC and [M2(L) (H2O)n]·nH2O where M=Cu(II), Co(II) or Sn(II), L=OxTS or Ma TSC. The tested compounds show a good activity against four strains of bacteria Gram negative Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa species and gram-positive Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus.

Importance Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is recommended for children and younger adults but not older adults or those with prior HPV exposure, leaving a large portion of the population at risk for HPV-mediated disease. Emerging data suggest a possible role for vaccination as an adjuvant treatment for individuals with HPV-related clinical disease. Objective To systematically review the literature regarding HPV vaccination for secondary disease prevention after treatment of active clinical disease across disease sites to serve as a platform for the management of HPV-related disease of the head and neck. Evidence Review A systematic search from August 3 to 21, 2015, of the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Biosis Citation Index, Current Contents Connect, Scientific Library Online, and Global Health databases used PRISMA guidelines to identify 326 relevant articles related to adjuvant use of HPV vaccination. Primary search terms were ( HPV vaccine OR human papillomavirus vaccine OR papillomarvirus vaccines OR alphapapillomavirus vaccine ) AND ( HPV OR human papillomavirus OR alphapapillomavirus OR papillomaviridae OR virus warts OR wart virus ) AND ( recurrence OR relapse OR reoccurrence OR recurrences OR relapses OR relapsing ). Forty-five full texts in English were reviewed, with 19 articles included in the final review. In some studies, subpopulations of individuals with HPV DNA positivity and/or seropositivity were extracted for inclusion. Included studies were assessed for bias and separated based on the presence of active clinical disease or HPV DNA positivity or seropositivity. Findings Nineteen studies with 22 474 unique patients were included in the review. When HPV vaccination was used as an adjuvant treatment for active clinical disease, 9 of 12 studies reported decreased disease recurrence, decreased disease burden, or increased intersurgical interval. In contrast, none of the 7 studies of vaccination in individuals with HPV DNA positivity and/or seropositivity without clinical disease reported improved outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance Differences between adjuvant vaccination in HPV-mediated clinical disease and vaccination in HPV DNA–positive and/or HPV-seropositive populations posit underlying differences in disease and immune processes. These data suggest that additional evaluation of adjuvant HPV vaccination in individuals with active clinical disease is warranted.

Total phenols of some cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) host plant leaves were extracted by using homogenizing method and aqueous (80%, v/v) methanol and acetone. Quantification of phenolics was carried out by Folin- Ciocalteau method. The results revealed that the amount of phenols significantly differed among the tested host plants in the following order: Castor bean < garden rocket < cabbage < grapevine. The total phenols of cabbage and castor bean leaves extracted by methanol were significantly higher than those extracted by acetone. They were 5.83 and 4.63 mg GA/dw for cabbage and castor bean leaves extracted by methanol, respectively, while they equaled to 5.2 and 4.03 mg GA/dw for those extracted by acetone, respectively. On the other hand, the results revealed that the amount of phenolics was not proportional to the amount of crude extract produced. It could be concluded that aqueous methanol is more efficient than aqueous acetone in extracting phenolics from the tested host plants of the cotton leafworm, and by using homogenizing methods, the yield of phenols was satisfactory and rapidly extracted. The situation that fulfils the requirement of more screening of these compounds in different S. littoralis host plants, since current strategies to control insects using natural pesticides and transgenic plants might rely on phenolic compounds that confer resistance to field crops.

We applied global gene expression arrays, quantitative real-time PCR, immunostaining, and functional assays to untangle the role of High Mobility Groups proteins (HMGs) in human osteoarthritis (OA)-affected cartilage. Bioinformatics analysis showed increased mRNA expression of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs): HMGA, HMGB, HMGN, SRY, LEF1, HMGB1, MMPs, and HMG/RAGE-interacting molecules (spondins and S100A4, S100A10, and S100A11) in human OA-affected cartilage as compared with normal cartilage. HMGB2 was down-regulated in human OA-affected cartilage. Immunohistological staining identified HMGB1 in chondrocytes in the superficial cartilage. Cells of the deep cartilage and subchondral bone showed increased expression of HMGB1 in OA-affected cartilage. HMGB1 was expressed in the nucleus, cytosol, and extracellular milieu of chondrocytes in cartilage. Furthermore, HMGB1 was spontaneously released from human OA-affected cartilage in ex vivo conditions. The effects of recombinant HMGB1 was tested on human cartilage and chondrocytes in vitro. HMGB1 stimulated mRNA of 2 NFκB gene enhancers (NFκB1 and NFκB2), 16 CC and CXC chemokines (IL-8, CCL2, CCL20, CCL3, CCL3L1, CCL3L3, CCL4, CCL4L1, CCL4L2, CCL5, CCL8, CXCL1, CXCL10, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL6) by ≥10-fold. Furthermore, HMGB1 and IL-1β and/or tumor necrosis factor α (but not HMGI/Y) also significantly induced inducible nitric oxide synthase, NO, and interleukin (IL)-8 production in human cartilage and chondrocytes. The recombinant HMGB1 utilized in this study shows properties that are similar to disulfide-HMGB1. The differential, stage and/or tissue-specific expression of HMGB1, HMGB2, and S100A in cartilage was associated with regions of pathology and/or cartilage homeostasis in human OA-affected cartilage. Noteworthy similarities in the expression of mouse and human HMGB1 and HMGB2 were conserved in normal and arthritis-affected cartilage. The multifunctional forms of HMGB1 and S100A could perpetuate damage-induced cartilage inflammation in late-stage OA-affected joints similar to sterile inflammation. The paracrine effects of HMGB1 can induce chemokines and NO that are perceived to change cartilage homeostasis in human OA-affected cartilage.

The selection of cricket players by team selectors and sponsors for endorsement of products is primarily dependent on the performance of players in terms of various parameters in their areas of expertise such as batting or bowling. This paper proposes a two-stage method for measuring and ranking batting parameters in cricket using ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator and regression. The first stage measures the performance of batsmen using OWA operator followed by ranking of batting parameters using regression. The study reveals that the ranking obtained for batting parameters is not sensitive to changes in the OWA weights. A real dataset of 40 batsmen from Indian Premier League 2011 is considered for analysis purpose. Although this paper focuses only on the batting discipline the results from this paper can be extended to investigate bowling discipline using multiple parameters. These results can be implemented to enhance the quality of decision making.

SummaryNatural selection for specific functions places limits upon the amino acid substitutions a protein can accept. Mechanisms that expand the range of tolerable amino acid substitutions include chaperones that can rescue destabilized proteins and additional stability-enhancing substitutions. Here, we present an alternative mechanism that is simple and uses a frequently encountered network motif. Computational and experimental evidence shows that the self-correcting, negative-feedback gene regulation motif increases repressor expression in response to deleterious mutations and thereby precisely restores repression of a target gene. Furthermore, this ability to rescue repressor function is observable across the Eubacteria kingdom through the greater accumulation of amino acid substitutions in negative-feedback transcription factors compared to genes they control. We propose that negative feedback represents a self-contained genetic canalization mechanism that preserves phenotype while permitting access to a wider range of functional genotypes.

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine the efficacy of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Smad3 to mediate fibroplasia in vitro, to investigate the temporal regulation of Smad3 following vocal fold (VF) injury, and to determine the local and distal effects of Smad3 siRNA VF injection. Study Design In vitro and in vivo. Methods In vitro, Smad3 regulation was examined at both the level of transcription and translation in a human VF cell line in response to Smad3 siRNA ± transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Collagen transcription was also examined. In vivo, Smad3 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was quantified as a function of time following rabbit VF injury. Also, the effects of injected Smad3 siRNA were assessed at local and distal sites. Results Smad3 siRNA knocked down Smad3 transcription and translation and limited TGF-β-mediated collagen mRNA expression with minimal cytotoxicity in vitro. In vivo, Smad3 mRNA increased 1 day following VF injury and remained elevated through day 7. Smad3 siRNA injection into the uninjured vocal fold had no local or distant effect on Smad3 mRNA at multiple organ sites. Conclusions These data provide a foundation for further investigation regarding the development of novel RNA-based therapeutics for the VF, specifically locally delivered siRNA for challenging fibrotic conditions of the VF. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope 124:2327–2331, 2014

The study aimed to determine the response of four varieties of romaine lettuce, grown hydroponically, to Ammonium-Nitrate ratio in the hydroponic solution as a source of N nutrient. The research was conducted in a Screen House at Tamalanrea district of Makassar from October to December 2018 in the form of factorial experiments based on nested design patterns. The trial used three ratios of Ammonium-Nitrate consisted of 1:4, 1:6, and 1:8 into Hougland hydroponic nutrient solution, and AB Mix as the control treatment. Four Romain Lettuce varieties used as the second factor consisted of Romaine Ballon, Swiss Jade, Red Romaine, and Green Romaine. The results show that the ratio of Ammonium-Nitrate of 1:4 gave the best growth and production while Romaine Ballon variety showed better growth and production compared to other varieties.

It is a report of an experiment aimed to determine part of branch cutting along with the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer which is best for the growth of passion fruit seedling. The experiment took place in Lemo-Lemo Village, Sub-district of Pattapang-Tinggi Moncong, Regency of Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. The experiment was designed in the form of a 2-factor factorial experiment in a Randomized Block Design. The first factor consisted of four levels of concentration of liquid organic fertilizer, namely: (1) without application of liquid fertilizer, (2) concentration of 5 mL L-1, (3) concentration of 10 mL L-1, and (4) concentration of 15 mL L-1. The second factor was the source of cuttings with three levels: (1) base cutting, (2) middle cutting, and (3) tip cutting. The results showed that application of liquid organic fertilizer of 10 mL of L-1 gave the best influence on several variables. They were shoot length (38.33 cm), number of leaves (9.17 leaf unit), number of branches (7.33 branch), length root (22.27 cm), and leaf area (13.81 cm2). Compared to base and tip cuttings, the middle cuttings gave the best influence on several variables. These variables were: shoot length (38.33 cm), number of leaves (9.17 leaf unit), number of branches (7.33 branches), root length (22.27 cm), and leaf area (15.67 cm2). The interaction between the concentration of 10 ml L-1 and the middle cutting gave the best effect on shoot length (38.33 cm) and root length (22.27 cm).

This research aimed to determine the effect of giving gamal leaf mulch on nitrogen uptake of maize (Zea mays L). The purpose of this research is to provide information to farmers to develop and improve the yield of corn plants through the use of organic mulch leaves. This study used a randomized block design (RBD), which consisted of 3 treatments repeated 3 times so that 9 experimental units were obtained. Each treatment was: without mulch (control plot) (M0), plastic mulch (M1), gamal biomass mulch (M2). The results obtained in this study indicate that the treatment of gamal leaf organic mulch (M2) showed the best results based on the observation of weight production of 100 plants with production reaching 8.87 kg, on observing the weight of 100 seeds which weighed 26.22 g for 100 seeds, and weight seeds/production plots reach 177.33 kg/plot and reach 4.43 tons/ha if converted to ha.

Phytoremediation is Green Sustainable Technology for Industrial Waste Management, Oil sludge is a waste derived from the petroleum industry and includes hazardous and toxic substances that must be biologically managed. One of the efforts to overcome oil sludge waste is by using bioremediation. The toxicity from oil sludge derived from phytoremediation that has been done by using consortium bacteria (Bacillus sphaericus, Pseudomonas sp.) and mycorrhiza of Chinese albizia plant (Paraserianthes falcataria) for up to 14.5 months needs to be monitored and evaluated to female Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus) as biological model. The purpose of this study was to obtain LD50 from oil sludge extract of phytoremediation and to determine its toxicity on rats based on histological observation. The laboratory experiment with complete random design method was conducted. Acute toxicity test was performed based on protocol from OECD 425 in 2008 with modification. The parameters observed consist of animals mortality, changes in body weight, and liver histological damage levels. Probit analysis showed that LD50 from oil sludge extract was 9,785.184 mg/kg bw which is categorized as slightly toxic. This value still did not meet the results of the bioremediation process (> 15.000 mg/kg bw or not toxic). Therefore, the oil sludge phytoremediation process needs to be improved until the required policy is fulfilled. This study provides information on the evaluation approach when bioremediation used as an alternative method to restore the oil-contaminated soil.

The comparative efficiency of methanol extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia) and chemical anthelmintic Albendazole on gastrointestinal nematodes infected goats were evaluated by egg per gram (EPG) count for a period of approximately three weeks. Twelve Kambing Katjang goats naturally infested with gastrointestinal parasite were selected based on EPG count (>300 EPG) and divided into four groups each consisting of three goats. Treatment I was methanol extract of A.indica (0.5 ml/kg body weight), treatment II was methanol extract of M.charantia (1 ml/kg body weight), treatment III was chemical anthelmintic, Albendazole (0.1 ml/kg body weight) and finally treatment IV was control. The treatments were administered on day 0 orally with single dosage and faecal egg count (EPG) was determined on day 4, 8 and 20. Both methanol extract of A.indica and M.charantia showed significant (p 0.01) reduction throughout the three weeks. The use of herbal anthelmintics, A.indica and M.charantia has shown significant (p

Seed extracts of medicinal plants Leea macrophylla were investigated for phytochemical as well as antibacterial screening. Phytochemical studies of the plant extracts revealed the presence of phenolic, saponin, glycosides, carbohydrate and protein types of compounds. The antibacterial effects of the plant extracts were also tested against several human multi-drug resistant pathogens, including one gram positive and three gram negative bacterial species and one fungal species using the disc-diffusion assay. All the plant extracts showed potent anti-microbial effects against gram positive micro-organism (inhibition zone 7-19 mm) whereas none of the extracts produced any potent anti-microbial effects against gram negative bacteria. Furthermore, it has been shown that the extracts exhibit antifungal activities against candida albicans except the extract n-hexane.Keywords: Leea macrophylla; Phytochemical screening; Anti-microbial activity.© 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i2.13213 J. Sci. Res. 5 (2), 399-405 (2013)

The role of PGD2 has been recognized in allergy, innate immunity and inflammation. Western blot analysis identified 21 kDa lipocalin (L)-prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) synthase (S) in human osteoarthritis (OA)-affected cartilage, whose expression was increased by IL-1β and TNFα. Similarly, PGD2 was spontaneously released by human OA-affected cartilage (and upregulated by IL-β) in ex vivo conditions and could be inhibited by indomethacin. Addition of PGD2 to human OA-affected cartilage significantly increased accumulation of PGE2, PGF1α, PGF2α, TXB2, but inhibited LTB4 and nitric oxide (NO) accumulation. Similarly, PGD2 (but not 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGD2) augmented IL-1β induced PGE2 but inhibited IL-β induced nitric oxide (NO) in human chondrocytes. Celecoxib (10 μM) inhibits COX-1 mediated PGD2, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) mediated NO in human OA-affected cartilage. Furthermore, celecoxib (1 μM) counter balances (IL-1β induced+PGD2 modulated) levels of NO and PGE2 in human OA-affected cartilage and chondrocytes to basal levels. These results show concentration-dependent, pro- and anti-inflammatory activity of PGD2 in human chondrocytes and cartilage, which can be neutralized by celecoxib. In view of the broad prostaglandin dependent and independent mechanism of action of celecoxib, these observations further reaffirm the broader role of celecoxib as a "Disease Modifying Drug" for human Osteoarthritis.