Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences
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Impact of Incorporating Argan Cake (Argania spinosa L.) and Desalted Anchovy Waste (Engraulis encrasicolus) on the Productive Performance of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus)
Get PDFDesalted anchovy bones (Engraulis encrasicolus) and argan cake are important sources of minerals and animal proteins. The objective of this study was to analyze the respective consequences of their addition to the diet of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus). Four groups, each containing 15 chickens, were organized according to the following factorial scheme: four feed treatments (including a control group) x five chickens per treatment x three repetitions (4x5x3). The groups were fed four different feed rations containing varying proportions of desalted anchovy bones (DAB) and argan cake (AC): T (0%DAB/0%AC), L01 (1%DAB/1%AC), L02 (2%DAB/2%AC), and L03 (3%DAB/3%AC). Results of the study revealed a significant difference (p>0.05) in weight gain during the start and end of the study for L02 (2144.46g), which was higher compared to the control T (2140.56g). Regarding the feed conversion ratio, L02 (1.54) was lower than the control T (1.65). Conversely, the other feed combinations, including 1% (L01) and 3% (L03), negatively affected weight gain and feed conversion ratio due to the addition of DAB and AC. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that at a low rate of 2% (L02: 2%DAB/2%AC), both desalted anchovy bones and argan cake appear to be effective substitutes for other fish meals and soybean cake in the diet of broiler chickens
Extraction of Flavonoids from Parasitic plant Macrosolen cochinchinensis using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction: An Optimization Approach
Get PDFThe parasitic plant Macrosolen cochinchinensis (Lour.) VAN Tiegh, commonly found parasitizing mango trees, contains flavonoid compounds with potential anticancer properties. This study aims to optimize the extraction of flavonoids from M. cochinchinensis using the Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (UAE) method. Three extraction parameters were investigated to determine the best conditions for maximizing extract yield and flavonoid concentration. The parameters considered for the UAE technique were different ethanol concentrations (30%, 70%, and 96%), extraction times (15, 30, and 45 minutes), and solvent-to-sample ratios (1:10, 1:20, and 1:30). The study used Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to identify the optimal extraction conditions. The analysis using RSM indicated that the highest extraction yield (10%) was achieved with a sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:30, 30% ethanol concentration, and an extraction time of 45 minutes. The highest flavonoid content (457.96 mg QE/g extract) was obtained with a solid-to-liquid ratio between 1:20 and 1:30, using 65 to 80% ethanol solvent and an extraction time of 45 minutes. These results suggest that these parameters extract flavonoid compounds from M. cochinchinensis leaves
Phytotoxicity and genotoxicity assessment of organic and inorganic contaminants detected in pharmaceutical industrial wastewaters using Vigna radiata and Allium cepa
Get PDFThe discharged effluent of pharmaceutical industrial wastewater treatment plants (PIWWTPs) exhibits substantial environmental toxicity due to the intricate combination of organic and inorganic pollutants. This study assessed the phytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity of untreated and treated pharmaceutical industrial wastewater (PIWW). Most of the physicochemical parameters viz. COD, BOD, EC, sulfide, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, grease, phenols, and metal concentrations viz. B, Cr, Ca, Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, and As in untreated wastewater (UTW) were noted beyond the permissible limit and remained higher in treated wastewater (TW). The findings revealed that the performance of PIWWTP was woefully inadequate. The GC-MS spectra of UTW and TW revealed the presence of various organic contaminants. The toxicological studies showed that the UTW had a high degree of phytotoxicity, which persisted even after the treatment as it inhibited the seed germination in Vigna radiata. The seed germination was inhibited up to 70% and 50% tested at 50% concentration of UTW and TW respectively. Genotoxicity was measured by determining mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa root apex grown in untreated and treated PIWW. Compared to the negative control, the mitotic index dropped to 85% and 75% at the 50% concentrations of UTW and TW, respectively. Chromosomal aberrations were also found in the cellular mass of root apex growing in both UTW and TW. According to the findings, it is unsafe for the environment to release PIWW that has not been properly treated, as this could pose serious risks to environmental health
Exploration and Profiling of Potential Thermo-alkaliphilic Bacillus licheniformis and Burkholderia sp. from varied Soil of Delhi region, India and their Plant Growth-Promoting Traits
Get PDFSoilless cultivation has emerged as a fundamental alternative for large-scale vegetable production because it generates high-quality yields and uses resources efficiently. While plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are known to enhance growth and physiological aspects in crops grown in soil, their application in soilless cultivation has been relatively less explored. This study aimed to isolate potential PGPBs from soil samples collected from five locations in and around the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), India, which were further screened for significant PGPB attributes. Among these, 51 isolated were selected for assessing the impact on Oryza sativa (rice) growth and yield grown on a hydroponic set. The results indicated that isolates AFSI16 and ACSI02 significantly improved the physiological parameters of the plants. For instance, treatment with AFSI16 showed a 23.27% increase in maximum fresh shoot mass, while ACSI02 resulted in a 46.8% increase in root fresh mass. Additionally, ACSI02 exhibited the highest shoot length (34.07%), whereas AFSI16 exhibited the longest root length (46.08%) in O.sativa. Treatment with AFSI16 also led to significant increases in total protein content (4.94%) and chlorophyll content (23.44%), while ACSI02 treatment showed a 13.48% increase in maximum carotenoid content in the leaves. The potential PGPBs were identified through 16S rRNA sequencing, as the two most effective strains, AFSI16 and ACSI02, belonged to thermo-alkaliphilic Bacillus licheniformis and Burkholderia sp., respectively. This study demonstrated the potential of these identified PGPB strains in enhancing crop performance, specifically in soilless cultivation systems.
Molecular regulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Sigma factor H with Anti-sigma factor RshA under stress condition
Get PDFMycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of tuberculosis, the leading fatal infectious disease that claims millions of lives every year. M. tuberculosis regulates its stress condition response using its regulatory protein, Sigma Factor H, which binds with its cognate anti-sigma factor RshA in normal conditions, forming a complex inhibiting transcription. During oxidative stress, SigH is released from the complex and binds to RNA Polymerase (RNAP) to initiate transcription. Thus, it is important to understand the molecular conformational state of SigH in complex with different protein partners under different cellular or environmental contexts. This work intends to analyze the SigH-RshA complex, which revealed the variation in SigH shown during complex formation with RNAP and RshA, respectively. Previously, Hydrogen Deuterium Exchange-Mass Spectrometry (HDX-MS) analysis of SigH-RshA interaction provided a detailed insight into the critical residues participating in the interaction. The HDX-MS data were used to dock RshA on the open conformation of SigH from the SigH-RNAP complex structure (PDB: 5ZX2), and closed conformation was obtained from protein modelling. The docking revealed that closed conformation of SigH complexing with RshA in terms of HDX-MS data revealed a major structural shift in SigH while interacting with two different binding partners, RshA and RNAP, under variable environmental conditions. This structural shift of SigH with RshA and RNAP has significance in understanding the stress response of M. tuberculosis, and SigH could prove to be a potential drug target
FIRST REPORT ON TRUFFLE-INHABITING FUNGI AND METAGENOMIC COMMUNITIES OF TUBER AESTIVUM COLLECTED IN RUSSIA
Get PDFTruffles are one of the least studied groups of fungi in terms of their biological and biotechnological aspects. This study aimed to isolate truffle-inhabiting fungi and assess the metagenomic communities of the most common Russian summer truffle, Tuber aestivum. This study is the first to characterize the biodiversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms living in the truffle T. aestivum using molecular analysis and sequencing. Plant pathogens involved in a symbiotic relationship with truffles were identified by sequencing the hypervariable fragments of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes. In addition, some strains of fungal symbionts and likely pathogens were isolated and recognized for the first time from the truffles. This study also compared and characterized the general diversity and distribution of microbial taxa of T. aestivum collected in Russia and Europe. The results revealed that the Russian and European truffle study materials demonstrated high similarity. In addition to the truffles, representatives of bacteria, fungi, and protists were found in the fruiting bodies. Many of these prokaryotic and eukaryotic species inhabiting truffles might influence them, help them form mycorrhizae with trees, and regulate biological processes. Thus, truffles are interesting and promising sources for modern biotechnological and agricultural studies
Residue-specific orientation of arrestin in 5-HTR1B (Serotonin Receptor)- βArrestin-1 interaction
Get PDFPhysiologically G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an important class of cell surface proteins capable of sensing the exogenous signals across the cell membrane through G-protein-dependent and independent pathways. Activated GPCRs initiate diverse G-protein-independent signalling through interaction with arrestin. Arrestins comprise a family of four proteins that act as signal regulators of GPCRs. Arrestin specificity and assembly orientation with a particular GPCR depend on the finger loop's residues. Recent cryo-EM structural elucidation of neurotensin receptor-1(NTSR1)-β-arrestin1complex reveals its striking difference from Rhodopsin-visual-Arrestin by a 90˚ rotation of β-Arrestin1 concerning the receptor. Alignment of neurotensin receptor 1(NTSR1)-β-Arrestin1 assembly with 5-HTR1B (Serotonin receptor) structure shows an ionic interaction mediated complex formation between receptor binding cleft and finger loop of arrestin. Mutational analysis of finger loop residues R65, D67, and D69 of β-Arrestin1 by tango assay confirms its possible interaction with an electropositive pocket of K79 and R161 in 5-HTR1B
Exploring the Impact of Micro-plastics on Soil Health and Ecosystem Dynamics: A Comprehensive Review
Get PDFMicroplastics, defined as particles measuring less than 5 mm, have emerged as widespread environmental pollutants, prompting concerns regarding their impact on soil ecosystems. This review investigates microplastics' presence, movement, and effects on soil health and ecosystem dynamics while highlighting their diverse sources, including industrial production and the breakdown of larger plastic materials. Despite their ubiquity, a significant gap exists in our understanding of the consequences of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly within soils. The findings of this review article revealed that microplastics exert notable influences on soil properties, altering bulk density, aggregation, and water-holding capacity, which may have significant implications for soil biota and plant vitality. Furthermore, microplastics also carry toxic substances, complicating their environmental impact. The effects on soil microorganisms and soil-dwelling fauna, such as earthworms, underscore the intricate relationships within soil ecosystems. Additionally, microplastics can interact with other soil pollutants, potentially amplifying their adverse effects. The long-term impacts of microplastics on soil health remain uncertain, underscoring the imperative for sustained research endeavours. Challenges persist, including the absence of standardized methodologies for microplastic extraction and identification in soils, which hampers our ability to understand their presence and effects comprehensively. Furthermore, the lack of regulatory frameworks complicates managing and mitigating microplastic pollution. Future research should adopt a holistic approach, considering diverse microplastic types and applications. Both field and laboratory experiments are essential for accurately capturing the varied influences of microplastics. Efforts should concentrate on understanding the occurrence of microplastics, developing reliable detection methods, and exploring their interactions with other pollutants, especially in terrestrial ecosystems. In conclusion, mitigating microplastic pollution requires multifaceted strategies informed by ongoing research efforts and public awareness campaigns. We can effectively address the challenges posed by microplastic contamination in soil ecosystems through concerted action and comprehensive understanding
Real-time and in silico-based characterization of the heat stress-responsive gene TaGASR1 from Indian bread wheat
Get PDFWheat is a staple food for 80% of the global population, offering essential protein, calories, and nutrients. Earlier wheat heat interaction studies revealed that increasing temperatures can severely hinder plant growth and development, increasing overall productivity and sensitivity to extreme temperatures during seed emergence and anthesis. In this study, TaGASR1 (gibberellic acid-stimulated regulator 1), a potential candidate for heat stress resistance, was isolated, and its expression was found to be significantly greater in HD3086 wheat than in HD2894 wheat at both the seedling and anthesis stages after exposure to 42 °C heat stress (HS). Furthermore, in silico studies validated the molecular findings, revealing a CDS region of 297 nucleotides with 2 ORFs, with ~93% sequence similarity to the TaGASR1 gene from the TAM107 wheat variety. A 3D model of the target protein was designed using the C8C4P9.1 template, showing 95.92% sequence similarity and 100% query coverage with the gibberellin-stimulated transcript. Furthermore, studies of the conserved motifs and protein-protein interactions of the TaGASR1 protein have identified three major functional partners: cold acclimation proteins, ABA-inducible proteins, and protein phosphatase 2C, emphasizing its role in abiotic stress responses. Hence, the TaGASR1 gene is a promising candidate for further studies, as it positively responds under HS conditions. Therefore, future research should focus on its role across different species to cultivate heat-tolerant varieties, supporting sustainable development amid climate change. This would encourage breeders and researchers to use this gene to advance wheat crop development, considering current and anticipated environmental conditions
Clonal propagated 'Ek Pothi Lehsun' as a potential antifungal agent against Candida sp.
Get PDF'Ek Pothi Lehsun', also known as snow mountain garlic, is a type of garlic grown in the high mountainous region of Jammu and Kashmir state of India. The present study aimed to develop a protocol for propagating snow mountain garlic in-vitro using corm seed as an explant. The study also assessed the antifungal potential of in vitro-grown bulbils against different Candida species. Four different concentrations of NAA and 2,4-D were tested for their effectiveness in promoting root formation, and eighteen different combinations of BAP (µM), KN (µM) and TDZ (µM) were investigated for effective proliferation of shoots with varied lengths. Shoot with maximum length (5.03±1.40) was obtained in MS medium containing 1.0 µM TDZ after 24 days of inoculation, whereas MS basal media was found effective for rooting plantlets. Rooted micro shoots were acclimatized successfully in hardening treys with a percent survival of nearly 80%. Seven different concentrations of Sucrose, i.e. 5%, 7%, 10%, 15%, 17%, 20%, and 25% were investigated for effective bulbil formation. Bulbil with a maximum diameter of 0.86 cm was obtained in 20% sucrose-containing MS media in 5 days. Further, the antifungal potential of aqueous extract (TC-SMG) of in vitro grown bulbils was investigated against three Candida sp. A zone of inhibition of 22.30±0.33 mm, 17.3±0.33 mm and 19.3±0.33 mm was observed against C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata respectively, by using 200 mg/mL extract after 24 hrs depicting the remarkable potential of TC-SMG as an antifungal agent. In vitro culture of snow mountain garlic has demonstrated promising antifungal properties against Candida species