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Effects of rosemary enriched diet on physiological parameters in common carp Cyprinus carpio L reared in cages culture
Get PDFThe current study investigated at how rosemary leaf powder supplementation influenced the growth performance, carcass composition, hematological and biochemical parameters, stress hormones, and heat shock proteins of cage-reared common carp. Nine cylindrical cages of 0.2 m³ (radius = 25 cm, height = 100 cm) were randomly allocated to hold 54 juvenile common carp C. carpio (mean weight=18.18±0.08 g). Three groups of fish were fed a control diet (C) as well as diets containing 1.5% and 3% rosemary powder, respectively. The addition of 3% rosemary resulted in a substantial enhancement in growth parameters and feed consumption. The levels of WBC, Hb, MCHC, RBC, and Hct were significantly elevated by the addition of rosemary to experimental fish. A rosemary-supplemented diet resulted in higher levels of TG, urea, total protein, albumin, lipase, amylase, ferrum, and globulin. However, the addition of substantially reduced the levels of ALT cholesterol, creatinine, and glucose. The value of cortisol, T3, and T4 were considerably reduced with the addition of rosemary to diets of experimental fish. HSP70 and HSP90 levels in fish feed diets administered rosemary increased significantly as supplementation amount increased. According to the findings of this investigation, adding rosemary leaf powder, particularly at a concentration of 3%, in the diet improved growth parameters, hematological and biochemical parameters, and be able to reduce stress responses, thyroid hormone levels, and other stressors that fish exposed in cage culture system
Political and Economic Implications of the Russia-Ukraine War for Nigeria
Get PDFThe Russia-Ukraine war, which began on the 24th of February 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has upset the relative balance and stability of the world, with implications. It is against this background that the paper examined the extent to which Nigeria has been affected on the economic, political, and social fronts. The paper utilized document analysis for data collection and content analysis for data analysis and discussion of findings. The findings include increase in prices of commodities, resulting in faster inflation and slower economic growth, disruption to industrial activities and agricultural production, foreign exchange crisis and low purchasing power of the Naira (N), disruption to the foreign education of Nigerians, heightened insecurity and reduced political leverage of Nigeria in national and international politics. The paper recommends that urgent and effective measures should be taken to address the identified challenges and a policy should be formulated and implemented to diversify the Nigerian economy
Effect Of Different Irrigation Materials on Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Nickel Titanium Rotary Files: An In-Vitro Study
Get PDFWith the advancements been made in Nickel Titanium (NiTi) rotary files to decrease complications during root canal treatment, however, different irrigation solutions are being used during the procedure that might affect the cyclic fatigue resistance of instruments. In this study effect of irrigation solutions on NiTi was compared.
A total of 30 files were divided into three groups of sodium hypochlorite, EDTA and normal saline, each group containing 10 files. After the immersion the files were rotated inside a custom-made block until the files were fractured.
According to t-test group II (EDTA) showed maximum mean time taken until fracture and least mean time in case of Group I (sodium). however according to ANOVA test no significant difference between the experimental groups were found.
Within the limitations of this study, EDTA had the least effect while sodium had the greatest effect on cyclic fatigue of the instruments
Pharmacological Basis for the Antidiarrheal and Antispasmodic Effects of Cuminaldehyde in Experimental Animals: In Silico, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Studies
Get PDFBackground: Medicinal herbs are frequently used for the management of gastrointestinal disorders because they contain various compounds that can potentially amplify the intended therapeutic effects. Cuminaldehyde is a plant-based constituent found in oils derived
from botanicals such as cumin, eucalyptus, myrrh, and cassia and is responsible for its health benefits. Despite the utilization of cuminaldehyde for several medicinal properties, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating diarrhea. Hence, the present investigation was carried out to evaluate the antidiarrheal and antispasmodic efficacy of cuminaldehyde, with
detailed pharmacodynamics explored. Methods: An in vivo antidiarrheal test was conducted in mice following the castor oil-induced
diarrhea model, while an isolated small intestine obtained from rats was used to evaluate the detailed mechanism(s) of antispasmodic
effects. Results: Cuminaldehyde, at 10 and 20 mg/kg, exhibited 60 and 80% protection in mice from episodic diarrhea compared to
the saline control group, whereas this inhibitory effect was significantly reversed in the pretreated mice with glibenclamide, similar to
cromakalim, an ATP-dependent K+ channel opener. In the ex vivo experiments conducted in isolated rat tissues, cuminaldehyde reversed the glibenclamide-sensitive low K+ (25 mM)-mediated contractions at significantly higher potency compared to its inhibitory
effect against high K+ (80 mM), thus showing predominant involvement of ATP-dependent K+ activation followed by Ca++ channel inhibition. Cromakalim, a standard drug, selectively suppressed the glibenclamide-sensitive low K+-induced contractions, whereas
no relaxation was observed against high K+, as expected. Verapamil, a Ca++ channel inhibitor, effectively suppressed both low and
high K+-induced contractions with similar potency, as anticipated. At higher concentrations, the inhibitory effect of cuminaldehyde
against Ca++ channels was further confirmed when the preincubated ileum tissues with cuminaldehyde (3 and 10 mM) in Ca++ free
medium shifted CaCl2-mediated concentration-response curves (CRCs) towards the right with suppression of the maximum peaks, similar to verapamil, a standard Ca++ ion inhibitor. Conclusions: Present findings support the antidiarrheal and antispasmodic potential
of cuminaldehyde, possibly by the predominant activation of ATP-dependent K+ channels followed by voltage-gated Ca++ inhibition.
However, further in-depth assays are recommended to know the precise mechanism and to elucidate additional unexplored mechanism(s)
if involved
Organic Geochemistry and 1-D Basin Modeling of the Late Triassic Baluti Formation: Implication of Shale Oil Potential in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Get PDFThis investigation looks at the Late Triassic Baluti Formation’s organic geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographical characteristics from a single exploration well (TT-22) near the Taq Taq oilfield in northern Iraq. The Baluti Formation shale samples that were studied in the studied well have high total organic carbon (TOC %) values up to 4.92 wt % and mostly hydrogen-rich types I and II kerogen with a minor gradient to types II/III and III kerogen, indicating a good oil-source rock. The hydrogen-rich kerogen was also confirmed by various organic matter (OM) origins and depositional environment-related biomarkers. The biomarker indicators demonstrate that the Baluti shale was deposited under anoxic conditions and contains a variety of OM generated mostly from algae marine and other aqueous organic materials, along with some terrigenous land plants. The geochemical and optical maturity indicators show that most of the examined Baluti shale samples, with a deep burial depth of more than 4000 m, are thermally mature, thus defining peak-mature to late-mature stages of the oil generation window. According to the basin models, from the late Miocene to the present, between 10 and 59% of the kerogen in the Baluti shale source rock has been transformed into oil, which is consistent with the VR values between 0.77 and 1.08%. The presence of the oil crossover in these shale rocks with an oil saturation index of more than 100 mg HC/g rock supports the maximal oil generation from the Baluti source rock system. Additionally, there was little oil expulsion from the Baluti source rock system at the end of the late Miocene, with transformation ratio values below 60% (59%). Considering the more significant oil generation and little expulsion, a high pressure was generated and forced the brittle minerals of the Baluti shales (mainly quartz), creating a natural fracture system as recognized and observed in the thin section. This natural fracture system enhances the porosity system of tight shale rocks of the Baluti Formation, giving rise to a high probability of oil production using hydraulic fracturing stimulation
Engineering properties of pervious concretes produced with recycled aggregate at different aggregate-to-cement ratio
Get PDFDue to its capacity to address urgent environmental challenges connected to urbanization and stormwater management, pervious concrete, a sustainable and innovative material, has attracted a lot of attention recently. The aim of this study was to find the engineering characteristics of pervious concrete made from recycled aggregate (RA) at various aggregate-to-cement ratios (A/C) and the addition of 5% (by weight of total aggregate) of both natural and recycled fine aggregate to produce a very sustainable concrete product for a variety of applications. The three distinct aggregate-to-cement ratios, 6, 5, and 4, were used to produce pervious concrete using recycled aggregate in the research approach. The ratio of water to cement (w/c) was maintained at 0.3. Pervious concrete was created using single-sized recycled aggregate that passed through a 12.5 mm sieve and was held on a 9.5 mm sieve, as well as natural and recycled sand that passed through a 4 mm sieve. The production of twelve distinct concrete mixtures resulted in the testing of each concrete sample for dry density, abrasion resistance, compressive and splitting tensile strengths, porosity, and water permeability. A statistical method called GLM-ANOVA was also used to assess the characteristics of pervious concrete made using recycled aggregate. According to the experimental results, lowering the aggregate-to-cement ratio enhances the pervious concrete’s overall performance. Additionally, a modest amount of fine aggregate boosts mechanical strength while lowering void content and water permeability. However, it was noted that such concretes’ mechanical qualities were adversely affected to some extent. The results of this study offer insight into the viability of using recycled aggregates in order to achieve both structural integrity and environmental friendliness, which helps to optimize pervious concrete compositions
Antioxidant, α-glucosidase, antimicrobial activities chemical composition and in silico analysis of eucalyptus camaldulensis dehnh
Get PDFThroughout history, medicinal plants have been the primary source for preventing and treating infectious diseases and other health issues. The flowering plant Eucalyptus camaldulensis, also called river red gum, is a member of the Myrtaceae family and has numerous traditional uses. The objectives of the present study were to identify the essential oil components of Eucalyptus camaldulensis using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), and to determine the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activities of ethanol, aqueous, and essential oil extracts from E. camaldulensis leaves. Addtionally, the essential oil constituents that were identified underwent an in silico analysis. The efficacy of various extracts in combat pathogens and free radicals was assessed through the utilization of the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picryl Hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), α-glucosidase inhibition, and disk diffusion methods. In terms of radical scavenging, reducing power, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, the essential oil showed strong antioxidant activity at 84.01 %, 20.1 mmol/g, and 78.2 %, respectively. The essential oil showed a potent antimicrobial action against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with 12 and 14 mm inhibitions, respectively, which were higher than ampicillin's 9 and 6 mm inhibitions, respectively. The GCMS analysis showed that the following chemicals were the most common: cis-11-hexadecenal (10.2%), trans-13-octadecenoic acid (9.5%), and 6-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, (Z)-(8.8%). The α-glucosidase enzyme was targeted in a docking study to investigate the antidiabetic properties of the 42 phytochemicals found in the essential oil extract. The compound, namely 5.alpha.-Androstan-16-one, showed the highest binding affinities of −8.6 Kcal/mol during the docking screening of the 42 identified phytochemicals against α-glucosidase. These two compounds show potential as competitive α-glucosidase inhibitors. E. camaldulensis will be a particularly useful source to improve health and fight communicable and non-communicable diseases. Nonetheless, human evaluations of E. camaldulensis safety and effectiveness are necessary, and more well-planned clinical trials are needed to confirm our in vitro and in silico findings
Integrated biofloc technology in red tilapia aquaculture: Salinity-dependent effects on water quality, parental stock physiology, reproduction, and immune responses
Get PDFThe study examines the impact of integrated biofloc technology (BFT), different salinity levels, and their combined effects over 90 days on various physiological parameters. The investigation includes growth performance and feed utilization, water quality, the chemical composition of biofloc and fish, digestive enzymes, reproductive performance, stress and biochemical indicators, and antioxidant-immune responses in red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) broodstock. The fish were initially weighed (males: n = 270; 104 ± 0.96 g; females: n = 270; 93.2 ± 0.66 g) and subsequently divided into 12 treatment groups (6 for males and 6 for females) spread across 36 separate tanks (3 tanks per treatment; 45 fish per treatment; 15 fish/tank). The treatments involved three salinity levels (18, 28, and 36 ppt) in both clear water (CW) and BFT systems. The outcomes demonstrated that fish in the 36 ppt salinity with BFT treatment demonstrated significant improvements (P < 0.05) in growth parameters (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio). The condition factor in BFT groups increased in all salinity situations. The survival rates of broodstock were consistently high in all experimental conditions The study found that BFT and salinity significantly impacted (P < 0.05) whole body contents (moisture, protein, lipid, and ash) in both males and females. Water quality parameters showed variations between BFT and CW, with notable impacts (P < 0.05) on dissolved oxygen and pH. The BFT and salinity influenced digestive enzyme activities (protease, amylase, and lipase) and reproductive performance (males) and the 36 ppt salinity with BFT recorded the highest values. The hemato-biochemical and antioxidant-immune responses were also impacted by BFT and salinity exposure. The study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating BFT into red tilapia aquaculture systems, particularly in optimizing growth, health, and reproductive performance under various salinity conditions, which can enhance sustainable intensification, disease control, and environmental stewardship
Proanthocyanidins supplemented diet alter anti-aging-markers and improved lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster model
Get PDFBackground
It is unequivocally believed that phenolics and flavonoids from fruits and vegetables hold robust prevention potentials against age-related disease development through their abundant hydroxyl groups. This study explored the potential neuromuscular enhancement and anti-aging effects of dietary supplemented proanthocyanidins-rich fraction from Tamarindus indica on Drosophila melanogaster model. One- to three-day-old male and female D. melanogaster were fed with a proanthocyanidins-rich fraction-supplemented diet for 7 days at two different concentrations. Following the effective dose determination, longevity assay (rate of survival), behavioral assay (negative geotaxis and eclosion), and biochemical assays (aging and antioxidant enzymes activities) were conducted to assess the fraction’s longevity, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects on D. melanogaster model.
Result
The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the rate of emergence and lifespan of the flies fed with proanthocyanidins-rich fraction-supplemented diet at both concentrations (1.5 mg/g and 2.5 mg/g) compared to the normal control. A significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and the level of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were observed in the D. melanogaster flies fed with the fraction-containing diet when compared with the normal control. The supplemented diet also significantly increases the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) in a concentration-dependent manner but not nicotinamide quinone oxidoreductase one (NQO1) in D. melanogaster upon comparison with the normal control.
Conclusion
The observable changes in the experiment were attributed to the T. indica-derived proanthocyanidins, flavonoids with robust biological activities. The flavonoid-rich fraction proved its potential by enhancing the antioxidant system in D. melanogaster via the increase in the activities of some of the phase II antioxidant enzymes. The present study provides more insights into the wider perspectives of societies on the use of plant-derived natural compounds as the potential approach toward prevention against aging and age-related morbidities which enhance wellness and the quality of life in humans and animals
Rebuttal to: Letter to the Editor. Re: “[An extensive dataset of handwritten central Kurdish isolated characters by R.M. Ahmed, T.A. Rashid, P. Fatah, A. Alsadoon & S. Mirjalili, Data in Brief, 2021, 39, 107479]”
Get PDFIn this response, we address feedback received in a Letter to the Editor regarding the dataset presented in the original article, “An Extensive Dataset of Handwritten Central Kurdish Isolated Characters”
[1]
. The original article focuses on the subject area of Kurdish handwriting recognition, presenting an extensive dataset of isolated characters. The dataset's key points involve the compilation process, potential biases, representation, and description within the original article, as well as considerations of data reusability. The Letter to the Editor highlights specific concerns related to the dataset, including discrepancies in the representation of certain letters (“ژ,” “س,” and “ش”), labeling errors, and inaccuracies in reported proportions and percentages in the accompanying tables. This response addresses these concerns, providing clarifications and actions taken to rectify the issues, with a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and data quality