Effect of Drought Stress and Methanol on Chlorophyll Parameters, Chlorophyll Content and Relative Water Content of Soybean (Glycine max L., var. L 17)

Abstract In order to investigate the effects of methanol application on some physiological properties of soybean under low water stress, a factorial experiment was conducted at Research Field of Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Islamic Azad University-Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran, during 2008, based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was consisted of different levels of methanol equal to 0 (control), 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 volumetric percentage (v/v), which were used as foliar applications at three times during growth season of soybean, with 15 days intervals. The second factor was water stress conditions in two levels, based on depletion of 40 and 70% of available soil moisture. Some traits such as grain yield (GY), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and chlorophyll content were measured, one day before and after the third methanol application. Results showed that chlorophyll content (Chl), GY, electrolytes leakage (EL) at second sampling, photochemical capacity of PSII (Fv/Fm), maximum and variable fluorescence (Fm and FV, respectively) were affected by water stress significantly (

Effect of Phosphate Bio Fertilizer on Yield and Yield Components of Corn (KSC 704) Under Water Deficit

A factorial split experiment using randomized complete block design with four replications was performed at Agricultural Farm Experimental Station of Ilam province (Iran) during growing season of 20007-2008. The treatments consisted of 3 levels water deficit (usual, irrigation each 5 days, three days later and six days later than usual irrigation) and 2 levels of phosphate biofertilizer (without and using of biofertilezer) and 3 levels of chemical fertilizer (0, 45 and 90 P2O5 kg/ha of triple superphosphate). In addition, 100 kg/ha of K2O before planting and 400 kg/ha of CH4N2O at 3 times, one-third at planting, one third at stem elongation and the rest at inflorescence stage were applied. 13 kg/ha of biofertilezer banded of planting time, 3-5cm besides seeds on the planting rows. Results showed that application of biofertilezer and 45 kg/ha of chemical × irrigation interaction on traits like plant height, height of ear from ground, seed number/ear, rows per ear, 1000 kernel weight, seed yield and protein content were significant and resulted in highest yield (9840 kg/ha) as compared to the other fertilizer and irrigation treatment

Effect of Cover Crop Residues on Some Physicochemical Properties of Soil and Emergence Rate of Potato

The aim of this study, was to evaluate the effect of winter cover crop residues on speed of seed  potato emergence and percentage of organic carbon, soil specific weight and soil temperature. An experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of Agriculture Faculty, Bu-AliSinaUniversity, in 2008-2009. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Winter cover crops consisted of rye, barley and oilseed rape, each one with common plant density (rye and barley at 190 kg.ha-1 and oilseed rape at 9 kg.ha-1) and triple plant densities(rye and barley 570 kg.ha-1 and oilseed rape, 27 kg.ha-1) and control (without cover crop). The results showed that rye and barley with triple plant densities produced higher biomass (1503.5 and 1392.2 g/m2, respectively) than other treatments.Soil physicochemical properties were affected significantly by using cover crops. Rye, barley, and oilseed rape with triple rate and rye with common rape of plant densities produced, the highest organic carbon. Green manure of rye and barley with triple and rye with common rate plant densities, reduced soil specific weights by 17.3, 18 and 18 percent as compared with the control treatment (without cover crop planting). Rye and barley with triple plant densities increased average soil temperature by 12 and 11 percent respectively in comparison with control treatment. These treatments increased speed of seed potato emergence by 20 and 12 percent respectively as compared with that of control treatment, respectively. Other treatments showed no significant difference as compared to control. Cover crop residues increased plants speed of seed potato emergence through improving soil conditions

Effect of Foliar Application of Methanol on Yield and some of Physiological Treats in Bean

To investigate the effects of methanol on relative water content (RWC) and leaf chlorophyll content of common bean an experiment was carried out at the Research Field of the Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Resources of Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch in 2009. A factorial experiment with randomized complete block design with three replications was used. First factor consisted of 8 levels of aqueous spraying on plants [0 (control), 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40% (v/v) methanol] by 3 times during growing season at 12 days intervals. Traits measured were grain yield, RWC, chlorophyll content and dry weight of the plants. These traits measured before and after methanol spraying. Results showed that were significant differences between methanol spraying solution on leaf chlorophyll content and RWC after second and third stages at 1% and on grain yield at 5% probability levels. Methanol using affected to dry weight accumulation. Means comparison showed that increasing levels of methanol foliar application increase chlorophyll content and relative water content. Effect of M3, M4 and M5 methanol levels on measured traits was greater than other treatments. Application of methanol increased grain yield, chlorophyll content, relative water content and leaf area

Safety and Efficacy of Epigenetically Converted Human Fibroblasts Into Insulin-Secreting Cells: A Preclinical Study

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease that leads to loss of insulin secreting \u3b2-cells, causing high levels of blood glucose. Exogenous insulin administration is not sufficient to mimic the normal function of \u3b2-cells and, consequently, diabetes mellitus often progresses and can lead to major chronic complications and morbidity. The physiological control of glucose levels can only be restored by replacing the \u3b2-cell mass.We recently developed a new strategy that allows for epigenetic conversion of dermal fibroblasts into insulin-secreting cells (EpiCC), using a brief exposure to the demethylating agent 5-aza-cytidine (5-aza-CR), followed by a pancreatic induction protocol. This method has notable advantages compared to the alternative available procedures and may represent a promising tool for clinical translation as a therapy for T1DM. However, a thought evaluation of its therapeutic safety and efficacy is mandatory to support preclinical studies based on EpiCC treatment.We here report the data obtained using human fibroblasts isolated from diabetic and healthy individuals, belonging the two genders. EpiCC were injected into 650 diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice and demonstrated to be able to restore and maintain glycemic levels within the physiological range. Cells had the ability to self-regulate and not to cause hypoglycemia, when transplanted in healthy animals. Efficacy tests showed that EpiCC successfully re-established normoglycemia in diabetic mice, using a dose range that appeared clinically relevant to the concentration 0.6\ua0 7\ua0106EpiCC. Necropsy and histopathological investigations demonstrated the absence of malignant transformation and cell migration to organs and lymph nodes.The present preclinical study demonstrates safety and efficacy of human EpiCC in diabetic mice and supports the use of epigenetic converted cells for regenerative medicine of diabetes mellitus

Lithium therapy effects on the reproductive system

The chemical properties of lithium (Li) make it an extremely active substance in the body. It is active in the form of Li+ ion, so all salts have the same pharmacological action. Li salts are used to treat manic-depressive disorders (bipolar affective disorders), depressive manic symptoms that include hurried speech, hyperactivity, little need for sleep, aggression, and cholera. Li is a mood stabilizer and reduces extreme behaviors by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. The modifications of the cAMP signaling pathway, alterations in the phosphoinositol pathway, variations in the availability of GABA and glutamate are some described mechanisms of action of Li to achieve its antimanic and mood stabilizing effects. Thus, lithium exerts modifications on the circadian rhythm, neurotransmission processes in the central nervous system, and neuroendocrine functions.Li therapies have benefits that have not yet been overtaken by other drugs. However, there is also some resistance to using these drugs, partly due to the lack of knowledge of the real impact of its adverse effects although some of them are reversible with the discontinuation of treatment. However, less known and more controversial are the toxic effects of lithium therapy on the reproductive system and, therefore, on human sexual functions. Studies in human and laboratory animals on the effects of Li have demonstrated significant effects on the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis. Therefore, this ion may alter human reproduction.Fil: Filippa, Veronica Palmira. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Departamento de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Mohamed, Fabian Heber. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Departamento de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; Argentin