Cytology of pollen with particular reference to Impatiens and Allieae

From the foregoing accounts, a logical conclusion emerges, that while pollen mitosis cannot replace the cytological studies based on pollen mother-cells and root-tips, more often than not, it forms an excellent adjunct to them. Apart from the study of pollen nitosis there are many other very interesting problems in pollen cytology, about which we have no clear understanding. These pertain mostly to the problems of cytoplasmic gradient and differentiation within the pollen grain

Chemurgic studies on some diploid and tetraploid grain amaranths

Analytical data on four important species of grain amaranths show that polyploidy, apart from increasing significantly the grain size and weight without much loss of fertility, has generally maintained the nutritive value found at the diploid level. Lysine content is enhanced in polyploid A. edulis and A. caudatus so also the threonine content in the former

Biosystematics of Indian plants. III. Veronica anagallis complex

Tetraploid and hexaploid races were discovered inV. anagallis Linn. from Kashmir and Punjab plains respectively. There are significant morphological differences between the two races. A cytotaxonomic investigation was, therefore, undertaken. Cytological studies reveal that the polyploid races are, in all probability alloploid in character. In view of their distinct morphological and cytological characteristics and geographical isolation, a consideration of the two races ofV. anagallis complex as two subspecies of the parent species, seems to be justified. However, before this is done, a comparison with the type material of the species needs to be undertaken. The races are geographically isolated. The pattern of distribution is indicative of the fact that the tetraploid prefers colder and northern areas, while the hexaploid is adapted to warmer and southern areas

Cytology of conifers. II

Chromosome numbers inPodocarpus falcatus (2n = 24),P. gracilior (n = 12, 2n = 24),P. latifolia (n = 11, 2n = 22) and P. macrophyllus var.Maki (n = 19, 2n = 38) have been recorded. Nothing conclusive can be said as to whether the chromosome number has increased or decreased or both increased and decreased during the course of evolution of the genus

Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in infants in a rural population: longitudinal data over the first six months

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Increasing numbers of infants are receiving prescription medications for symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux. Our aim was to prospectively measure reported gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in healthy term infants for the first six months of life.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In a prospective cohort study in the rural Upper Peninsula of Michigan, 128 consecutive maternal-infant pairs were followed for six months and administered the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R) at the one-month, two-month, four-month, and six-month well-child visits.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The I-GERQ-R scores decreased with age. Average scores were 11.74 (SE = 5.97) at one-month, 9.97(4.92) at two-months, 8.44(4.39) at four-months, and 6.97(4.05) at six months. Symptoms associated with colic were greatest at one month of age.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux as measured by the I-GERQ-R decrease with age in the first six months of life in otherwise healthy infants; however the I-GERQ-R may have difficulty differentiating gastroesophageal reflux disease from colic in those under 3 months of age.</p

Clinical trial: lubiprostone in patients with constipation-associated irritable bowel syndrome – results of two randomized, placebo-controlled studies

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/75355/1/j.1365-2036.2008.03881.x.pd

Relationship between Silent Gastroesophageal Reflux and Food Sensitization in Infants and Young Children with Recurrent Wheezing

It is known that early childhood wheezing associated with sensitization to allergens, including food, has an increased risk of developing asthma later during school age. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is well known to be associated with asthma. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between silent GER and food sensitization in infants and young children with recurrent wheezing. Eighty-five infants or young children with recurrent wheezing, and no gastrointestinal symptoms, underwent 24 hr esophageal pH monitoring, as well as total serum IgE and specific IgE testing for eggs and milk. Among the 85 subjects, 48.2% had significant GER. There was no significant difference in the GER between atopic and non-atopic recurrent wheezers (41.7% and 50.8%, respectively). The sensitization rate to food (eggs or milk) was 12.2% and 20.5% in the GER and non-GER groups, respectively and showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.34). In conclusion, about half of infants and young children with recurrent wheezing and no gastrointestinal symptoms have silent GER. The silent GER may not contribute to food sensitization in infants and young children with recurrent wheezing

Dietary Proteins as Determinants of Metabolic and Physiologic Functions of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Dietary proteins elicit a wide range of nutritional and biological functions. Beyond their nutritional role as the source of amino acids for protein synthesis, they are instrumental in the regulation of food intake, glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure, bone metabolism and immune function. The interaction of dietary proteins and their products of digestion with the regulatory functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays a dominant role in determining the physiological properties of proteins. The site of interaction is widespread, from the oral cavity to the colon. The characteristics of proteins that influence their interaction with the GI tract in a source-dependent manner include their physico-chemical properties, their amino acid composition and sequence, their bioactive peptides, their digestion kinetics and also the non-protein bioactive components conjugated with them. Within the GI tract, these products affect several regulatory functions by interacting with receptors releasing hormones, affecting stomach emptying and GI transport and absorption, transmitting neural signals to the brain, and modifying the microflora. This review discusses the interaction of dietary proteins during digestion and absorption with the physiological and metabolic functions of the GI tract, and illustrates the importance of this interaction in the regulation of amino acid, glucose, lipid metabolism, and food intake