Nebulized and intravenous colistin in experimental pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Purpose

Emergence of multidrug-resistant strains in intensive care units has renewed interest in colistin, which often remains the only available antimicrobial agent active against resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The aim of this study is to compare lung tissue deposition and antibacterial efficiency between nebulized and intravenous administration of colistin in piglets with pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa.

Methods

In ventilated piglets, colistimethate was administered 24 h following bronchial inoculation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (minimum inhibitory concentration of colistin = 2 μg ml^?1) either by nebulization (8 mg kg^?1 every 12 h, n = 6) or by intravenous infusion (3.2 mg kg^?1 every 8 h, n = 6). All piglets were killed 49 h after inoculation. Colistin peak lung tissue concentrations and lung bacterial burden were assessed on multiple post mortem subpleural lung specimens.

Results

Median colistin peak lung concentration following nebulization was 2.8 μg g^?1 (25–75% interquartile range = 0.8–13.7 μg g^?1). Colistin was undetected in lung tissue following intravenous infusion. In the aerosol group, peak lung tissue concentrations were significantly greater in lung segments with mild pneumonia (median = 10.0 μg g^?1, 25–75% interquartile range = 1.8–16.1 μg g^?1) than in lung segments with severe pneumonia (median = 1.2 μg g^?1, 25–75% interquartile range = 0.5–3.3 μg g^?1) (p < 0.01). After 24 h of treatment, 67% of pulmonary segments had bacterial counts <10² cfu g^?1 following nebulization and 28% following intravenous administration (p < 0.001). In control animals, 12% of lung segments had bacterial counts <10² cfu g^?1 49 h following bronchial inoculation.

Conclusion

Nebulized colistin provides rapid and efficient bacterial killing in ventilated piglets with inoculation pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.     

Effect of Engineered Nanoparticles of Fe and Zn Oxides on Enzyme Activity and Bacterial Abundance in Soil at Ambient and Elevated Atmospheric CO2

Nanomaterials are finding widespread applications in industry, agriculture and environment due to their unique properties. But, before these materials are widely in use, their impact on soil ecology needs to be thoroughly investigated. In addition, how the nanoparticles behave in soil under elevated CO₂ is unknown. A pot culture experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in phytotron to study the effect of nanoparticles on microbial biomass and enzyme activity in soil under rice crop at ambient and elevated atmospheric CO₂. Manufactured nanoparticles of Fe and Zn (n-Fe₂O₃ and n-ZnO) were added to soil at concentrations of 100, 500 and 1,000 mg kg^?1. FeSO₄ (11.1 mg kg^?1), ZnSO₄ (5.33 mg kg^?1) and ‘control’ treatments were also included for comparison. Results showed highest bacterial population at 100 mg kg^?1 n-Fe₂O₃, which significantly decreased at 500 and 1,000 mg kg^?1 n-Fe₂O₃ or n-ZnO. Similarly the dehydrogenase activity is significantly higher with 100 mg kg^?1 n-Fe₂O₃ as compared to control and FeSO₄ or ZnSO₄. As compared to 100 mg kg^?1 concentration, there was twofold to fivefold decrease in fluorescein diacetate activity at 500 and 1,000 mg kg^?1 of nano-Fe₂O₃ treatment. At elevated CO₂, the microbial biomass and activities were higher at tillering than panicle initiation of rice crop over ambient CO₂ with 100 mg kg^?1 n-Fe₂O₃ and ZnO than other treatments. It is concluded that n-Fe₂O₃ and n-ZnO at 100 mg kg^?1 is effective to maintain various soil microbiological process but at higher concentrations (e.g., 500 and 1,000 mg kg^?1) negative impacts on soil ecology can be expected.     

Pupillary reflex measurement predicts insufficient analgesia before endotracheal suctioning in critically ill patients

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the pupillary dilatation reflex (PDR) during a tetanic stimulation to predict insufficient analgesia before nociceptive stimulation in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

In this prospective non-interventional study in a surgical ICU of a university hospital, PDR was assessed during tetanic stimulation (of 10, 20 or 40 mA) immediately before 40 endotracheal suctionings in 34 deeply sedated patients. An insufficient analgesia during endotracheal suction was defined by an increase of ≥1 point on the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS).

Results

A total of 27 (68%) patients had insufficient analgesia. PDR with 10 mA, 20 mA and 40 mA stimulation was higher in patients with insufficient analgesia (P <0.01). The threshold values of the pupil diameter variation during a 10, 20 and 40 mA tetanic stimulation to predict insufficient analgesia during an endotracheal suctioning were 1, 5 and 13% respectively. The areas (95% confidence interval) under the receiver operating curve were 0.70 (0.54 to 0.85), 0.78 (0.61 to 0.91) and 0.85 (0.721 to 0.954) with 10, 20 and 40 mA tetanic stimulations respectively. A sensitivity analysis using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) confirmed the results. The 40 mA stimulation was poorly tolerated.

Conclusions

In deeply sedated mechanically ventilated patients, a pupil diameter variation ≥5% during a 20 mA tetanic stimulation was highly predictable of insufficient analgesia during endotracheal suction. A 40 mA tetanic stimulation is painful and should not be used.     

The effects of low-dose ketamine on the analgesia nociception index (ANI) measured with the novel PhysioDoloris™ analgesia monitor: a pilot study

The PhysioDoloris? analgesia monitor assesses nociception effects on the autonomic nervous system by analyzing changes in heart rate variability (HRV). This non-invasive device analyses ECG signals and determines the analgesia nociception index (ANI), allowing for quantitative assessment of the analgesia/nociception balance in anesthetized patients. Ketamine, an analgesic adjuvant with sympathomimetic properties, has been shown to improve perioperative pain management. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate whether low-dose ketamine, due to its intrinsic effect on the sino-atrial node, affects HRV and, therefore, interferes with ANI measurements. This pilot study included 20 women undergoing abdominal hysterectomies. Anesthesia and analgesia were maintained with sevoflurane and fentanyl respectively, in a standardized manner. Five minutes after intubation, 0.5 μg kg^?1 of intravenous (i.v.) ketamine was administered. ANI, bispectral index (BIS), heart rate and blood pressure were recorded from the induction of anesthesia until 5 min after skin incision. There was not any significant decrease in mean (±SD) ANI values after intubation (2.11 ± 20.11, p = 0.35) or i.v. ketamine administration (1.31 ± 15.26, p = 0.28). The mean (±SD) reduction in ANI values after skin incision was statistically significant (13.65 ± 15.44, p = 0.01), which is consistent with increased nociception. A single i.v. bolus of 0.5 μg kg^?1 ketamine did not influence the ANI values of 20 women under standardized general anesthesia conditions and absent noxious stimulation. These results suggest that the ANI derived from the PhysioDoloris? analgesia monitor is feasible under such clinical conditions.     

Assessment of Century Plant (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Agave americana</Emphasis>) for Remediation of Chromium Contaminated Soils

Agave americana was evaluated for its tolerance to different levels of Cr (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg kg^?1 soil) and its suitability for the remediation of Cr contaminated sites. The pot culture experiment was carried out for 3 months in clay soil which was collected from 0 to 30 cm depth from the nearby agricultural field. The partitioning of Cr between roots and shoots and its uptake by the plant, bio-concentration factor, translocation factor, translocation efficiency etc. were used to determine the remediation potential of the crop. Overall, the plant could tolerate up to 200 mg Cr kg^?1 soil, but a concentration of 81 mg Cr kg^?1 soil caused a reduction in the dry weight of the plant by 50 %. The highest total uptake of Cr (2286 µg g^?1 plant) and bio-concentration factor (6.59) was found at Cr 200 mg kg soil^?1. However, the translocation factor values were found to be <1 (0.18–0.13) indicating that Cr was mainly located in the roots exhibiting an exclusion mechanism. Based on these findings, it was concluded that A. americana could not be considered as a hyperaccumulator for Cr. Nevertheless, as shown by the accumulation ratios the plant has a massive potential for phytostabilization of Cr.     

Effect of Zinc Sulphate and Organics on Zn Content and Yield of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chenopodium</Emphasis> Grown in Different Soils

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in humans is a widespread problem across the globe. Since, vegetables are the important constituent of daily diet, it is very useful to enrich leafy vegetables with Zn in alleviating Zn deficiency in humans. Greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of applied Zn and organics on shoot Zn content and dry biomass yield of Chenopodium album grown in acid and alkaline soils. Zinc content increased significantly with increase in Zn level. Zinc content gets reduced to a great extent due to application of farmyard manure (FYM) and sludge in acid soil. As far as dry biomass yield is concerned, the crop responded positively to applied level of Zn @ 5 mg kg^?1 in alkaline soil, while such response was conspicuously absent in acid soil. In case of alkaline soil, significant reduction in dry biomass yield occurred only at 100 mg Zn kg^?1, whereas such reduction was recorded in acid soil even at 50 mg Zn kg^?1. With reference to recommended dietary allowances of Zn for humans, substantial enrichment of Chenopodium in terms of Zn content is possible due to application of Zn from external sources. Taking health risk into consideration, applied rate of Zn may go up to 100 mg kg^?1 for alkaline soil as against 50 mg kg^?1 for acid soil in enriching Chenopodium with Zn.     

Comparison of Pharmacokinetics of Enrofloxacin After Single Oral Bolus and Pulse Dose Administration in Broiler Chicken

Enrofloxacin was administered to commercial broiler chicken of 6 weeks of age at 10 mg kg^?1 as oral bolus and pulse dose to two groups of twelve birds each. Blood was collected at predetermined time interval and plasma samples were analyzed for enrofloxacin concentration by using HPLC. Mean plasma concentration was significantly higher in oral bolus dose up to 2 h and at 48 h. In both the groups enrofloxacin concentration was above 0.30 μg mL^?1 up to 24 h. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non compartmental analysis which revealed significant increase in AUC_0–∞ (25.35 ± 1.92 vs. 19.66 ± 1.68 μg h mL^?1) and t_1/2β (10.63 ± 0.35 vs. 8.70 ± 0.74 h) in oral bolus dose when compared to pulse dose. There was no significant difference in other pharmacokinetic parameters such as MRT, MAT, V_{d area}/F, V_dss/F, Cl_B/F, C_max and t_max. Hence it can be concluded that enrofloxacin administered to broiler chicken at 10 mg kg^?1 every 24 h as pulse dose will result in better clinical efficacy at par with oral bolus dose.     

Fipronil-Induced Biochemical Alterations During Oral Subacute Toxicity in Buffalo Calves

In the present investigation, detailed oral subacute toxicity study of fipronil, a phenylpyrazole insecticide, was undertaken in male buffalo calves. In oral subacute toxicity study, fipronil was administrated to male buffalo calves at repeated oral dose of 0.5 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for 21 consecutive days. Fipronil produced varying degree of mild to moderate toxic signs in buffalo calves. Fipronil produced toxic signs of salivation, lachrymal discharge, dullness, depression, decreased body weight gain, alopecia and sunken eyes. All the fipronil-exposed animals recovered within 7 days after insecticidal treatment was stopped. Repeated oral administration of fipronil at the dose rate of 0.5 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for 21 consecutive days produced significant elevation of whole blood cholinesterase to the extent of 45.17 %. Fipronil on repeated oral administration produced significant increase in the plasma levels of lactate dehydrogenase (7.08 %), aspartate aminotransferase (43.55 %) and acid phosphatase (11.647), but no significant effect on the plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in male buffalo calves. Subacute oral administration of fipronil elevated the levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (25.53 %), total plasma proteins (20.59 %) and blood glucose (40.75 %). However, no significant alteration in the levels of blood urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine and cholesterol was seen following daily oral administration of fipronil in the buffalo calves.     

GlideScope video laryngoscopy use tracheal intubation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a series of four cases and literature review

Airway management in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a challenging problem for anesthesiologists. The GlideScope video laryngoscope (GVL) is designed to assist tracheal intubation for patients with a difficult airway. The aim of the study was to report the successful intubation by GVL of four AS patients, and to discuss the use of GVL for tracheal intubation in patients with AS by performing a review of the literature. Four patients with chronic, severe AS were evaluated preoperatively; all had features associated with a difficult direct laryngoscopy. We performed the necessary preparations for difficult airway and intubation. Patients were kept in supine position, with their head and neck supported on pillows. Following sufficient preoxygenation, patients received i.v. remifentanil at 1 μg kg^?1, propofol at 2 mg kg^?1, and succinylcholine at 1 mg kg^?1. GVL intubation was provided after full muscle relaxation. GVL is reasonable alternative to awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy or any other device, as it appears that less training and skill is involved in the actual intubation process. Adequate laryngeal exposure was obtained in all patients were successfully intubated in the first attempt. As with any challenging airway management, it is essential to have a rescue strategy. We believe that GVL can be a good alternative for oral endotracheal intubation in patients with AS. This series is very small and the reader should be very cautious about drawing broad conclusions regarding the GVL and patients with AS.     

The relationship between the Bispectral Index (BIS) and the Observer Alertness of Sedation Scale (OASS) scores during propofol sedation with and without ketamine: a randomized,double blinded,placebo controlled clinical trial

Prior studies have examined the static effect of intravenous ketamine on the BIS Index for sedation but it remains unknown if the BIS Index is a reliable method to track sedation levels in the presence of ketamine. The major objective of the current investigation was to compare the BIS Vista Index ability to track varying depths of sedation as determined by OASS scores in a standardized anesthetic regimen with and without ketamine. The study was a randomized, double blinded clinical trial. Patients undergoing breast surgery under sedation with propofol were randomized to receive ketamine (1.5 μg kg min^?1) or saline. Infusion data was used to estimate propofol plasma concentrations (Cp). The main outcome of interest was the correlation between the BIS Vista Index with the OASS score. Twenty subjects were recruited and fifteen completed the study. Four hundred fifty-five paired data points were included in the analysis. Model performance (Nagelkerke R²) of the multinomial logistic regression model was 0.57 with the c-statistic of 0.87 (95 % CI 0.82–0.91). Compared to awake the odds ratio for BIS values predicting moderate sedation in the saline/propofol group 1.19 (95 % CI 1.12–1.25) but only 1.06 (95 % CI 1.02–1.1) in the ketamine/propofol group (P = 0.001). There was no difference in the odds for BIS values to predict deep sedation between groups (P = 0.14). The BIS monitor can be used to monitor sedation level even when ketamine is used with propofol as part of the sedation regimen. However, ketamine reduces the value of the BIS in predicting moderate sedation levels.     

Postoperative analgesia and early rehabilitation after total knee replacement: A comparison of continuous low‐dose intravenous ketamine versus nefopam

The effects of nefopam and ketamine on pain control and rehabilitation after total knee replacement were compared in a prospective, double blinded study.Seventy-five patients were randomly assigned to receive a 0.2 mg kg^?1 bolus of nefopam or ketamine, followed by a 120 μg kg^?1 h^?1 continuous infusion until the end of surgery, and 60 μg kg^?1 h^?1 until the second postoperative day, or an equal volume of saline considered as placebo. Pain scores measured on a visual analog scale at rest and on mobilization, and patient-controlled intravenous morphine consumption, were assessed during 48 h. We measured the maximal knee flexion on the third postoperative day, and the delay to obtain a 90° flexion.Ketamine and nefopam reduced morphine consumption (p < 0.0001). Pain scores, were lower at rest and on mobilization in the ketamine group compared to the two other groups at all times of measurement. Pain score were lower in patients receiving nefopam compared to placebo, on arrival in the recovery room and at 2 h. Ketamine improved knee flexion on post operative day 3 (59° [33–63] vs. 50° [47–55] and 50° [44–55] in ketamine, placebo and nefopam groups, respectively, p < 0.0002) and decreased the delay to flex the knee at 90° (9.1 ± 4.2 vs. 12.3 ± 4.0 days, in ketamine and placebo groups, respectively, p = 0.01).Ketamine produces opioid-sparing, decreases pain intensity, and improves mobilization after total knee replacement. Nefopam achieves less significant results in that circumstances.     

Effect of Oral Subacute Exposure of Acetamiprid on Some Biochemical Parameters in Buffalo Calves

Acetamiprid is popular for crop protection against piercing-sucking pests and is highly effective for flea control in cats and dogs. Repeated oral administration of acetamiprid at the dose rate of 1.5 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for 21 consecutive days in buffalo calves did not exhibit any significant toxic signs. It however produced significant elevation in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (14 %), alanine aminotransferase (35.98 %) and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (30.26 %), whereas no significant effect was observed on total plasma protein, blood cholinesterase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphatases, cholesterol, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and blood glucose. Present investigation reveals that acetamiprid is a mild-risk insecticide in buffalo calves.     

In Vitro Plantlet Regeneration from Alysicarpus monilifer,a Source of Hepatoprotective Drug

A plantlet regeneration protocol has been developed for Alysicarpus monilifer, a medicinal plant that is a source of hepato-protective drugs. Callus was induced from mature cotyledonary leaves from 4 to 5 days old seedling on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^?1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D). Proliferation of cultures occurred on MS medium with 1.0 mg l^?1 each of 2,4-D, 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and kinetin (Kin). Shoot regeneration from proliferated callus was influenced by a number of factors namely plant growth regulators (PGRs), gelling agents, culture vessels and carbohydrate source. The highest (85.6 %) shoot regeneration was recorded in 250 ml culture flasks on agar gelled MS medium + 0.1 mg l^?1 α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) + 1.0 mg l^?1 each of BA, Kin and 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP) + 1 % glucose and 2 % maltose in addition to the usual 3 % sucrose. The shoots differentiated on PGRs, free MS medium, were stronger and longer than the shoots developed on MS medium containing PGRs (0.1 mg l^?1 NAA + 1.0 mg l^?1 each of BA, Kin and 2iP) with different leaf morphology and were easy to root. Rooting of the regenerated shoots was achieved both in vitro and ex vitro. About 80.4 % of the shoots rooted in vitro on half strength MS medium containing 1.0 mg l^?1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), while 84.9 % of the shoots rooted under the ex vitro condition when treated with 250 mg l^?1 IBA for 5 min. The plants were hardened in the green house and showed 85 % survival rate.     

Protective Mechanisms of Quercetin on Cisplatin Induced Oxidative Damage in Hepatic Tissue of Wistar Rats

The present study was undertaken to investigate the cisplatin (cDDP) induced oxidative damage in hepatic tissue of wistar rats and mechanisms of protection by quercetin. A total of 24 wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups with six animals in each. Group I served as control, group II received cDDP (12 mg kg^?1 body weight) and group III quercetin (50 mg kg^?1 body weight) intra-peritoneally. Group IV received quercetin 6 h prior to cDDP administration intra-peritoneally. Administration of cDDP in rats resulted in significant (P < 0.05) elevation of plasma hepatic biomarkers, reduction of antioxidant system and marked histopathological alterations indicating acute hepatotoxicity. Treatment with quercetin prior to cDDP administration prevented hepatic dysfunctions as indicated by alterations in hepatic biomarkers, alleviated enzymatic and non-enzymatic components of the antioxidant system with reduced histopathological changes in hepatic tissue. The results suggest that cDDP induced hepatic damage is due to imbalance in oxidant and antioxidant system of hepatic tissue. The pretreatment with quercetin attenuated the oxidative damage induced by cDDP in hepatic tissue and this hepatoprotective effect of quercetin may be due to its direct scavenging of free radicals and/or enhancing antioxidant defense system of hepatic tissue in wistar rats.     

The effect of ketamine on depth of hypnosis indices during total intravenous anesthesia—a comparative study using a novel electroencephalography case replay system

Ketamine may affect the reliability of electroencephalographic (EEG) depth-of-hypnosis indices as it affects power in high-frequency EEG components. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of ketamine on three commonly-used depth-of-hypnosis indices by extending our EEG simulator to allow replay of previously-recorded EEG. Secondary analysis of previously-collected data from a randomized controlled trial of intravenous anesthesia with ketamine: Group 0.5 [ketamine, 0.5 mg kg^?1 bolus followed by a 10 mcg kg^?1 min^?1 infusion], Group 0.25 [ketamine, 0.25 mg kg^?1 bolus, 5 mcg kg^?1 min^?1 infusion], and Control [no ketamine]. EEG data were replayed to three monitors: NeuroSENSE (WAV), Bispectral Index (BIS), and Entropy (SE). Differences in depth-of-hypnosis indices during the initial 15 min after induction of anesthesia were compared between monitors, and between groups. Monitor agreement was evaluated using Bland–Altman analysis. Available data included 45.6 h of EEG recordings from 27 cases. Ketamine was associated with higher depth-of-hypnosis index values measured at 10 min (BIS, χ²?=?8.01, p?=?0.018; SE, χ²?=?11.44, p?=?0.003; WAV, χ²?=?9.19, p?=?0.010), and a higher proportion of index values?>?60 for both ketamine groups compared to the control group. Significant differences between monitors were not observed, except between BIS and SE in the control group. Ketamine did not change agreement between monitors. The ketamine-induced increase in depth-of-hypnosis indices was observed consistently across the three EEG monitoring algorithms evaluated. The observed increase was likely caused by a power increase in the beta and gamma bands. However, there were no lasting differences in depth-of-hypnosis reported between the three compared indices.

     

Pupillary dilation reflex and behavioural pain scale: Study of diagnostic test

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to assess the value of the pupillary dilation reflex as an assessment pain tool in critically ill patients. It is important to continue working for the well-being and security of critically ill patients.MethodsWe studied the diagnostic accuracy of the pupillary dilation reflex against the Behavioral Pain Scale. Inclusion criteria were: age greater than 18, receiving mechanical ventilation, with a basal score of the Behavioural Pain Scale of three and a Richmond Agitation and Sedation score between −1 and −4. We studied the responses to a non-painful stimulus, four calibrated stimuli, after a tracheal aspiration and with and without pain. The receiver operating curve was plotted and we calculated the area under the curve. We identified the cut-off points showing the highest sensitivity and specificity and studied diagnostic performance based on negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and accuracy. These were reported with their 95% confidence intervals.Results183 measurements were performed. An AUC of 0.88(95% CI 0.83–0.94) was obtained. The pupillary dilation reflex of 11.5% had a sensitivity of 89.8%(95% CI 78.2–95.6) and a specificity of 78.4%(95% CI 70.6–84.5) with an accuracy of 81.4(75.2–86.4). The pupillary dilation reflex detected nociceptive pain response in 15.8% of the measurements that did not show pain according to the Behavioural Pain Scale.ConclusionsPupillometry may be a valid alternative for identifying pain in critically ill patients.     

Immunostimulatory and Immunorestorative Effects of Leaf Extract and Fractions of Musanga cecropioides on Immunocompetent and Experimentally Immunocompromised Mice

BackgroundStimulation of the immune system against disease and restoration of immune functions in immunodeficiency disease state are essential for maintaining good health.ObjectiveThis study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of the leaf extract and fractions of Musanga cecropioides in immunocompetent and immunocompromised animal models.MethodsHumoral immune stimulatory effect of the extract and its fractions at 200 mg·kg^?1 and 400 mg·kg^?1 against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) antigen was determined in both immunocompetent and cyclophosphamide (80 mg·kg^?1) induced immunosuppressed animals. The effect of the most active fraction on leucopoiesis was also determined following high dose cyclophosphamide (300 mg·kg^?1) suppression of the immune system. Levamisole at 2.5 mg·kg^?1 was used as the reference drug throughout the study.ResultsThe extract dose dependently stimulated the humoral immune response to SRBC antigen in immunocompetent animals; however, its stimulatory effect was not significant (P > 0.05). In the immunosuppressed model, the extract at 400 mg·kg^?1 evoked significant (P < 0.05) increase in antibody titer value with a corresponding 67% immune-restorative effect. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) maintained the most active fraction with significant (P < 0.05) antibody stimulatory effect in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed animals. Similarly, higher recovery rate was demonstrated by the EAF as shown by steep time recovery curve in high dose immunosuppressed animals. The EAF at 200 mg·kg^?1 and 400 mg·kg^?1 showed above 50% leucopoiesis just like the reference drug (2.5 mg·kg^?1 levamisole), against 33.83% of leucopoiesis shown by the immune-suppressed control group.ConclusionM. cecropioides boosted immune stimulation in immunocompetent animals and brought about fast rate of restoration of immune status in immunocompromised animals.     

Mechanisms of Differential Manganese Uptake Efficiency in Winter Cereals at Generative Phase

Plant species as well as cultivars of the same species differ in their Mn efficiency. This paper studied the differential Mn efficiency in relation to Mn dynamics in the rhizosphere and root shoot relations of one durum wheat (cultivar PDW 291), four bread wheat varieties (cv. PBW 509, PBW 636, DBW 17 and PBW 550) and one triticale (cv. TL 2908). The six cultivars were grown in pots under two Mn treatments: (i) 0 mg Mn kg^?1 soil (i.e. soil with 1.54 mg kg^?1 of DTPA-extractable Mn) and (ii) 50 mg Mn kg^?1 soil. Plants were harvested at tillering and 45 days post tillering to record root length (RL), shoot dry weight (SDW), Mn uptake and soil parameters. Under Mn deficiency conditions, PBW 550 produced 47 % of its maximum RL and 58 % of its maximum SDW, whereas PDW 291 produced only 13 and 35 %, respectively. PBW 550 and PDW 291 showed highest and lowest RL/SDW ratio, root surface area and Mn uptake, respectively. Greater Mn concentration difference between bulk soil and root surface in PBW 550 and TL 2908 resulted into 1.4 times higher Mn influx as compared to durum cultivar. It seemed triticale cv. has adaptations to low nutrient availability as indicated by its lowest relative shoot growth rate and highest relative root growth rate.     

Micropropagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia leucophloea</Emphasis> (Roxb.) Willd.: A Multi-Purpose Legume Tree

An in vitro micropropagation system has been developed for Acacia leucophloea (Roxb.), an important legume tree of Aravallis in Rajasthan (India). Cotyledonary node segments proved to be the most suitable explants to induce axillary bud proliferation on Murashige and Skoog’s medium containing growth regulators. Nodal segments obtained from 20 to 25 days old in vitro raised seedlings produced a maximum of 4.5 shoots/explant during initiation when medium were supplemented with 1.0 mg l^?1 6-benzylaminopurine. For shoot proliferation combination of 2.0 mg l^?1 kinetin, 0.5 mg l^?1 BAP and 0.05 mg l^?1 indole-3-acetic acid produced maximum of 14 shoots/explant. On subsequent culture of shoots on the same fresh medium along with mother explant, an average of 14 shoots/node could be obtained. Rooting could be induced in more than 80% shoots inoculated on MS media containing 1.0 mg l^?1 indole-3-butyric acid. The protocol proved to be highly reproducible.     

Cell Wall Invertase and Sucrose Synthase Regulate Sugar Metabolism During Seed Development in Isabgol (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Plantago ovata</Emphasis> Forsk.)

Isabgol is a commercially cultivated medicinal crop valued for its mucilaginous husk. Changes in sugar metabolism were studied in the developing seeds of Isabgol. Seed samples were collected after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after anthesis (DAA). Results showed that the post anthesis reduction in soluble sugar content was 67 and 82.8 % in the seed and seed coat respectively. Starch and cellulose increased significantly in the seed after anthesis. Cell wall invertase activity increased after anthesis by 35.2 % and was the highest at 21 DAA. Acid invertase activity did not change significantly during seed development. Sucrose synthase (SuSy) activity increased from 0.12 to 0.34 µmol min^?1 mg protein^?1 till 28 DAA. Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity was the highest at 21 DAA (3.81 µmol min^?1 mg protein^?1). ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase (ADPGlc-PPase) activity also increased post anthesis and increase was four times till 21 DAA and enzyme activity was 12.78 µmol min^?1 mg protein^?1 at 21 DAA. Present study revealed that cell wall invertase and SuSy are the main enzymes involved in sugar breakdown during seed development in isabgol, while SPS and ADPGlc-PPase were important during storage phase.