Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences
Not a member yet
523 research outputs found
Sort by
Effect of the Nucleotide and Turmeric Extract Supplementation and different Cage Floors on the Blood Profile and Physiological Status of Broiler Chicken
Get PDFClimate change has been responsible for the high prevalence of heat stress (HS) among broiler chickens. In this research, efforts are made to curb the negative impact of HS on chickens by modifying the feed and cage floor. The blood profile and physiological responses of broiler chickens supplemented with nucleotide and turmeric powder and kept in different floor cages were recorded (litter, slatted, and combination of slat-litter). A total of 245 broiler day-old chicks (DOC) were randomly allotted to seven treatment groups of the combined supplementation of nucleotide and turmeric extract and different types of cage floor (litter, slate, combination of slat-litter) for 35-day maintenance. Each treatment was replicated five times. The supplementation of nucleotide and turmeric extract into feed and different types of cage floor did not significantly affect (P>0.05) body temperature, respiratory rate, pulse rate, lien index, PVC, TPP, heterophils, lymphocyte, and monocyte, but significantly affected (P<0.05) the erythrocyte level, hemoglobin, leukocyte, rectal temperature and the index of bursa fabricius of broilers. Results of this study concluded that the combined treatments of supplementing nucleotide and turmeric extract in feed and using slat-floored cages tend to reduce the comfort of broiler chickens
An Insight into Application of Land Use Land Cover Analysis towards Sustainable Agriculture within Jhajjar District, Haryana
Get PDFThe increasing population, depletion of natural resources, semi-arid climatic and poor soil health conditions in Jhajjar district of Haryana have drawn major attention towards the changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC). The region's increasing population is mainly dependent upon the agrarian economy; thus, sustainable agricultural production is a major thrust area of research. The present study analyses the LULC changes in the area during two decades 2000 – 2020, using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS). Landsat satellite images (Landsat-7 and Landsat-8 satellites) for 2000 and 2020 were analyzed for mixed classification based on unsupervised classification followed by supervised classification. The study area has experienced an increase in agricultural land, surface water bodies and built-up land by 16.89%, 79.73% and 56.41%, respectively. There is a decrease in barren land and fallow land by 48.53% and 36.97%, respectively, as per the five major LULC classes. The LULC analysis indicates an increase in built-up land, which is responsible for controlling agricultural productivity and unsustainable agricultural activities. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the land use trajectory in a specific region in two decades and associated unsustainable changes in the agrarian economy through pressure on the increase in agricultural production and conversion of land mass into croplands. It also signifies climate-resilient agriculture and the management of sustainable agriculture
Structure and Reactivity of Halogenated GC PNA Base Pairs – A DFT Approach
Get PDFThe present study explored the structural and reactivity relationship of halogenated G-C PNA base pairs using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The halogens such as F, Cl, and Br are substituted by replacing H atoms involved in H-bonds of the base pairs. All structures were optimized using the B3LYP/6-311++G** theory level, and positive frequencies confirmed their equilibrium states. To understand the structural variations of the considered halogenated systems, the bond distances of R─X, R─H, and X/H•••Y and the bond angles of R─X•••Y were analyzed. The obtained structural parameters and interaction energies are comparable with the previous theoretical reports. In addition, the interaction energies (Eint) and quantum molecular descriptors (QMD) are also calculated to understand the difference between halogenated PNA systems and their non-halogenated counterparts. In this study, the enhancement in the reactivity properties of halogenated PNA systems has been demonstrated, which indicates their improved responsive characteristics in various chemical reactions. Based on the available results, the halogenated PNA systems, carefully considering their substitutional position, facilitate better accommodation for the triplex formation of dsDNA/dsRNA. Therefore, it is concluded that the improved reactivity properties of halogenated PNA base pairs would make them potential candidates for various biological applications
Effects of Regenerative Agriculture Technologies on the Productivity of Cowpea in the Drylands of Embu County, Kenya
Get PDFCowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important indigenous multi-purpose crop grown in arid and semiarid areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The cowpea has nutritional and economic value, especially for smallholder farmers in dry lands. However, poor farming practices have declined cowpea productivity over the years. Low soil nutrient replenishment exacerbates the situation, leading to low soil fertility. Uptake of regenerative agriculture (RA) technologies is critical to building more resilient ecosystems that improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity while mitigating climate change effects. This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of the uptake of RA technologies on the productivity of cowpea in the dry lands of Embu County, Kenya. A survey involving 400 farming households was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a stochastic log-linearized Cobb-Douglas production function were used for the data analysis. The study results showed that RA technologies commonly used by farming households were: cereal-legume intercrop, mulching, minimum tillage, crop rotations, pasture cropping, organic agriculture, and compost manure. The findings also revealed that inputs, farm size, labour cost, and used manure amount positively influenced cowpea productivity. The results also showed that cereal-legume intercrop, crop rotations, pasture cropping, and organic agriculture significantly influenced cowpea productivity, while minimum tillage showed a negative relationship. Therefore, the current study's results recommend that the uptake of RA technologies should be scaled to scale up cowpea productivity in dry lands. The study contributes to determining appropriate technologies for cowpea production in arid and semiarid areas. These results will help the government, policymakers, and other inventors to make the right decisions while disseminating or introducing innovations in dry areas
Biogenic Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Produced by Indigenous Microorganisms Isolated from Banana (Musa spp) Soils
Get PDFThis research focused on the screening of indigenous microorganisms isolated from banana soils for their capability to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) extracellularly. Ninety-five isolates were screened for AgNP production. The cell-free extracts of these isolates were added to silver nitrate (AgNO3) aqueous solution and were observed for color changes from original pale yellow to dark brown. Ten isolates (3 bacteria and 7 fungi) were found capable of producing AgNPs. Bacterial isolates B2, B3, and B5 were molecularly identified as Bacillus aryabhattai, Priestia megaterium, and B. megaterium, respectively. The AgNPs produced by these bacterial isolates were circular and showed an absorbance peak at approximately 420 nm. On the other hand, the fungal isolates F2, F3, and F43 were molecularly identified as Penicilliumcitrinum, P. glaucoroseum, and P. oxalicum. The AgNPs produced by the Penicillium spp were aggregated, circular and showed absorbance peaks at 420 nm. The other four fungal isolates, F7, F24, F29, and F40, were identified as Aspergillus flavus, A. terreus, and A. japonicum (F29 and F40), respectively. The AgNPs produced by the Aspergillus spp. were circular and showed absorbance peaks between 420 nm and 450 nm. The continuous search for novel isolates that can carry out the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs remains the focus of nanotechnological research. This study confirms microorganisms of Bacillus, Penicillium, and Aspergillus genera can effectively biosynthesize AgNPs
Factors Influencing Suicidal Behaviour among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from North India
Get PDFIn the majority of the affected nations, suicidal behavior against COVID-19 leads to various concerns. This study aimed to analyze determinants affecting suicidal behaviour among university students in Uttarakhand. An online cross-sectional survey of 18-year-old university students in Uttarakhand was conducted between April 2 and May 13, 2022. The questionnaire comprised socio-demographic information, the Suicidal Behaviors’ Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) scale, and elements related to the physical and psychological health of COVID-19 (CRPPF). The statistical study included demographic information, basic statistics in terms of frequency and percentage, and logistic regression. In comparison to students with fewer than seven family members, students with more than seven family members were less likely to participate in suicide behaviour (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.79 to 2.67) and vice versa (AOR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.97). According to the study, a substantial majority of students (76.35%) claimed that the lockdown implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 was extremely upsetting for them and that the pandemic had caused them to miss their graduation (73.90%). Adjusted multivariate logistic regression shows that feelings of a burden on family, (AOR= 1.98, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.82), distancing from family or friends, (AOR =1.66; 95% CI: 1.26 to 2.01), having relationship dilemmas, (AOR= 2.31; 95% CI: 1.84 to 2.97), and being anxious during the lockdown, (AOR= 1.84; 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.27), are significant factors among participants that are linked to higher risk of engaging in suicidal behaviour. The possibility of university students engaging in suicide behaviour was significantly affected by numerous factors. In addition to defending the students' mental health, the concerned authorities should devise and implement strategies to safeguard the students' physical health
The use of medicinal plants for combating breast cancer: A comprehensive review
Get PDFBreast carcinoma is a common illness among females. Various therapies, including hormone therapy, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted treatment, have been available to treat existing breast cancer. These therapies can potentially halt the development and spread of cancer, especially if the disease is at an early stage, but all these treatments have various adverse effects on human health. Cancer cells proliferate more rapidly than most normal cells, so chemotherapy is the most suitable treatment. Certain medications can cease dividing cells by destroying the cell's control center region. Other drugs can inhibit the chemical processes essential for cell division. On the contrary, because cancer is frequently identified at a late phase, treating the disease is extraordinarily challenging. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid this fatal condition from occurring. Multiple studies have revealed a continuous inverse connection between cancer and natural materials, such as plant extracts, their fractions, and active principles. These bioactive phytochemicals' have synergistic or cumulative effects in the treatment of cancer disease. This review article examined the effect of various extracts/fractions/active principles obtained from diverse plant origins against breast cancer disease. Information regarding the most commonly used plants, including Alpina galaga, Urtica dioica, Annona muricata, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ficus carica, Nigella sativa, Murraya koenigii, and Urtica dioica have been presented in this study. Owing to the information in this study, these plants exhibited anticancer activities in preclinical MCF-7 carcinoma models by decreasing cell proliferation, inducing programmed cell death, and triggering cell-cycle arrest. The information generated from this review will significantly contribute to developing knowledge of the scientific and medical communities in developing innovative breast cancer treatments
Donkey milk: chemical make-up, biochemical features, nutritional worth, and possible human health benefits - Current state of scientific knowledge
Get PDFMilk and milk derivatives are widely consumed because of their high nutritional density. Donkey milk and milk products have been consumed since ancient times. The use of donkey milk in the human diet is gaining popularity. The abundance of antibacterial components and protective elements in donkey milk sets it apart from the milk of other animals. Like human milk, donkey milk has low fat, high lactose, and low casein/whey protein ratio. Donkey milk whey protein's anti-proliferative properties imply lung cancer treatment. Alpha-lactalbumin, a type of protein, has been found to have antiviral, anticancer, and anti-stress properties. Donkey milk, like human milk, includes a low amount of casein and a smaller quantity of beta-lactoglobulin than cow milk. Donkey milk is an alternative for newborns with cow milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance since it has a higher amount of lactose, improves palatability, and prevents allergies. Osteogenesis, arteriosclerosis therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, accelerated aging, and hypocholesterolemic diets are some areas where donkey milk is beneficial. Since it contains probiotic lactobacilli strains, fermented beverages can be made with donkey milk. Donkey milk moisturizes skin due to its high vitamin, mineral, and polyunsaturated fatty acid content. The chemical makeup and potential therapeutic benefits of donkey milk warrant additional research. This has led to a rise in interest in producing dairy goods derived from donkey milk. Donkey milk has been used to make cheese, ice cream, milk powder, and even some experimental useful fermented drinks. The present article summarises what we know about donkey milk's chemical makeup, biological functions, nutritional worth, and possible human health benefits
Development of the bacterial consortia for the degradation of benzo[a]pyrene, pyrene from hydrocarbons waste
Get PDFThe environment is heavily populated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are dangerous to human health. Degradation and cleaning of PAH chemicals from water and soil regions are crucial due to their chemical and biological impacts and persistent nature. In this study, we found that a very efficient bacterial consortium A-LOBP-19A+LOP-9 (99.62%) for benzo[a]pyrene up to 1000ppm and B-LOP-9 +GWP-2 (93.8%) for pyrene up to 2000ppm concentration degradation and it was done in MSM medium with isolated bacterial strains and incubated at 37° C for 50 days and 30 days respectively. This consortium consisting of the Mycobacterium vaanbaalenii GWP-2 (ON715011), Staphylococcus aureus LOP-9(ON715121), and Stutzerimonas stutzeri (LOBP-19A) OP389146, and these have capabilities of mentioned PAHs. The HPLC analysis suggested that both benzo[a]pyrene and pyrene degraded through peaks by both consortia. Degraded metabolites were identified by GC-MS and reported the presence of Phthalic acid, Naphthalene, 1,4-benzodicarboxylic acid, Butoxyacetic acid, Benzeneacetic acid and benzo [a]pyrene-1,6-dione. Thus, the study demonstrated efficient bacterial community enhancement for PAHs (benzo[a]pyrene, pyrene) decomposition, and these can be further explored for the cleanup of hydrocarbons pollution
Identification and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of anaerobic bacteria isolated from patients with acne vulgaris
Get PDFCommensal bacteria like the Staphylococcal species are part of the skin microbiota, which helps maintain healthy skin. However, certain factors can lead to these commensals becoming opportunistic pathogens capable of causing diseases like acne vulgaris. Topical and systemic antibiotics have been the main treatment for acne. However, long-term antibiotic usage could result in the emergence of resistant bacterial strains and treatment failure. This study evaluated the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of anaerobic bacteria isolated from clinical acne samples. Skin swabs were collected from 50 acne patients and cultured under anaerobic conditions. The resulting bacterial isolates were identified using biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the confirmed isolates were determined using the disc diffusion assay for eight commonly prescribed antibiotics for acne treatment. Sequencing results revealed that S. epidermidis was the most isolated bacterial species (68%, n=34), followed by S. aureus (8%, n=4). However, a significant proportion of bacterial isolates were susceptible to all eight tested antibiotics, which is unusual. On the other hand, 26% (n=13) of the tested bacterial species isolates were found to be resistant to clindamycin, while 36% (18) were resistant to erythromycin and 20% (n=10) were to tetracycline. Since there has been limited research regarding the antibiotic resistance patterns of anaerobic acne-associated bacteria in Malaysia, this study can help shed some light on suitable local prescription practices and raise awareness about the cautious use of antibiotics in treating acne vulgaris