Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences
Not a member yet
523 research outputs found
Sort by
Dynamics of land-use Change using Geospatial Techniques From 1986 to 2019: A Case Study of High Oum Er-Rbia Watershed (Middle Atlas Region)
Get PDFThis work aims to expose the contribution of the use of the cloud google earth Engine (GEE) platform, in particular the capacity of optical monitoring by remote sensing to assess the impact of environmental changes on the evolution of natural resources in the Middle Atlas region. To achieve this goal, the dense time stacking of multi-temporal Landsat images and random forest algorithm based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform was used. The spatial resolution of the images used is 30 meters for the TM 5 sensor (Thematic Mapper) and the OLI 8 sensor (Operational Land Imager). Further, the google earth engine platform is used primarily to download and prepare the images for the dates 1986, 2000, and 2019, then a supervised classification with the Random Forest (RF) algorithm to produce land use maps of selected dates with an overall accuracy exceeding 80%. This was followed by the production of maps and change matrices for the periods 1986-2000 and 2000-2019. The results obtained have shown a decline in grassland, forest land, and water body in parallel with an increase in the following classes: buildings, farmland, and arboriculture during the last 30 years. In addition, elevation was the most important characteristic variable for land-use classification in the study area. Obtained results provide theoretical support for adjusting and optimizing land use in the High Oum Er-Rbia watershed
Bacterial biofilms: role of quorum sensing and quorum quenching
Get PDFBacterial biofilms provide an adjustable strategy to manage themselves in the existing conditions. Biofilms of pathogenic bacteria act as a reservoir for various device and non-device related diseases which are tough to cure. Exposure to a high dose of antibiotics is not an appropriate solution to this problem as high antibiotic concentrations lead to the generation of Multi-drug resistant strains as well as affect the human body. So, it is needed to bypass the use of antibiotics to prevent bacterial biofilms. In this context, Quorum Sensing (QS) may be a potential target since biofilm formation is regulated by QS. N-acyl homoserine lactones (N-AHL) act as predominant QS signal molecules in Gram-negative bacteria. Counteraction of the QS-regulated activities using quorum quenching may be an alternative way to combat biofilm formation in bacteria. Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) and QQ enzymes play a significant role in this regard either by interference with the signal generation, perception, or by degradation, and chemical modification, respectively. Many quorum quenching enzymes have been reported from bacteria. Extremophilic bacteria have also been reported to produce potent quorum quenching enzymes which can effectively break down N-AHLs
Protective effect of Crocus sativus stamens extract on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney
Get PDFCrocus sativus is a medicinal plant supposedly possessing various biological activities. Currently, it is evaluated only by the medicinal properties of its stigma and many parts of this plant are unused. This work contributes to the valorization of C.sativus stamens by exploring the property of methanolic extract to prevent gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Twenty Wistar rats (weight 250 ± 30g) were assigned into four equal groups (n = 5), and among the assigned groups, group 1 was given only distilled water (Control), group 2 received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of gentamicin (GEN) 80 mg/kg/d, group 3 received the combination of gentamicin (80 mg/kg/d, i.p.) and oral administration of a lower dose of C. sativus methanolic extract (250 mg/kg/d), while the group 4 received the combination of gentamicin (80 mg/kg/d, i.p.) and oral administration of a higher dose of C. sativus methanolic extract (500 mg/kg/d). The injection of gentamicin for the nephrotoxicity induction and post-treatment with methanolic extract was carried out once a day for 15 days. For nephrotoxicity evaluation, biochemical and histopathological analyses were performed. The estimation of serum and urinary creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, sodium levels was carried out with the help of Architect Ci 4100 Analyzer. Oxidative stress was assessed by the determination of renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) levels. The results of the study suggested that gentamicin injection induced a significant (p < 0.01) elevation in serum renal biochemical parameters and oxidative stress indices. The methanolic extract of C. sativus significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum creatinine, urea, and sodium levels, with an improvement in the histopathological results of gentamicin-induced alterations. Furthermore, pretreatment with plant extracts improved hepatic antioxidant status, by the elevation of the CAT and reducing the lipid peroxidation level (MDA) in tissues. The present study suggests that the methanolic extract of C. sativus stamens has an interesting nephroprotective effect on the renal lesions induced by GEN in modulating renal parameters and oxidative stress on Wistar rats
Effects of Rauwolfia serpentina L. Benth. ex Kurz (Serpentina) and Costus igneus Nak. (Insulin plant) leaves crude extracts on the blood glucose levels of alloxan induced albino rats
Get PDFThe prevalence of treatment failures from dietary patterns and oral medications associated with diabetes have generated adverse effects and are oftentimes expensive. Recently, food-based therapies such as Rauwolfia serpentina (serpentina) and Costus igneus (insulin plant) have been received much attention due to the urge for an alternative and safe solution against diabetes. Thus, the hypoglycemic effects of serpentina and insulin plant leaf crude extracts were determined on the blood glucose level of test rats. Twenty-four alloxan-induced male albino rats were subjected to this experimental study distributed into six groups in a completely randomized design. The negative control (NEG) comprised of diabetic rats receiving no treatment; while the positive control (MET) comprised of diabetic rats treated with metformin; experimental groups include IN1X and IN2X for the diabetic rats treated with extracts of insulin plant leaves administered once and twice daily and SER1X and SER2X for the diabetic rats treated with extracts of serpentina leaves administered once and twice daily. Results of the study revealed that both serpentina and insulin plant leaves crude extract demonstrated hypoglycemic effects due to the presence of zinc that potentiated insulin action. Further, the insulin plant improved glucose and insulin levels due to quercetin which reduced oxidative stress and protects DNA damage, β-amyrin and β-L-arabinose methyl glucoside which builds-up insulin for glucose metabolism. The presence of significant phytochemical contents in the insulin plant has been attributed to the stimulation of β cells. In conclusion, insulin plant leaf crude extract elucidated better hypoglycemic activity than the serpentina plant leaf crude extract in the blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetic rats
Relationship between temperature, temperature-humidity index and amount of food intake of Sheep
Get PDFThis study aimed to identify the relationship between temperature, temperature-humidity index (THI), and the amount of dry matter food intake (DMI) by sheep. Twelve Phan Rang (Ninh Thuan province) sheep belonging to three age groups of 6, 9, and 12 months (4 heads of each age group) raised in Thua Thien Hue province were fed with natural grass for two seasons: hot season (April-August) and cold season (November-February). Daily temperature, humidity, and food intake were recorded. The results of the study revealed that temperature and THI were closely correlated (P<0.05) with the amount of food intake by sheep. When the temperature was in the range of 29.5°C to 32.5°C and increased by 1ο C, the DMI of sheep decreased by 14.7 g/BW/day. When the value of THI was more than 28.5 and rose by 1°C, the DMI of sheep decreased by 16.2 g/BW/day
An explorative study on the adoption and dis-adoption of improved rice varieties among farmers in the Northern region of Ghana
Get PDFRice consumption in Ghana has increased steadily over the years. To enhance rice productivity to meet demand, several high-performing rice varieties have been disseminated via numerous interventions to smallholders in Northern Ghana. Nevertheless, productivity is still low at farm gate compared to research stations, due to smallholder poor adoption of the varieties. Using primary data collected from 404 farmers, the study examines the adoption levels of the main rice varieties among farmers and investigates the reasons for their adoption and dis-adoption. The empirical results revealed that rice varieties namely, Agra, Sakai, Jasmine 85, and Afife were the most adopted in the study area. Also, the study finds that GR-18, Nerica, Digang, Tox, Mandee, and Faro-15 were the most dis-adopted rice varieties. The main reasons for which farmers adopted the improved rice varieties were availability of a ready market for the produce, crop resistance to pests and diseases, consumer higher demand for rice, advice by extension staff to cultivate, and encouragement from researchers to adopt. The reasons for the dis-adoption of improved rice varieties in the study area were high input requirements, lack of ready market for the varieties, and unfavorable climatic conditions. The findings of the study give direction as to the angle from which the adoption of improved rice varieties can be stepped up while dis-adoption is reduced. Research scientists should research into rice varieties that are more suitable for the soil and climatic conditions of the study area and continue to sensitize and motivate the farmers to adopt them, while government should step up its support for the research scientists as well as the extension officers to deliver on their mandate
Characterization of Mature Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica L. Using Morphological and Colorimetric Descriptors
Get PDFMexico is the world's leading producer of Opuntia ficus-indica. This kind of prickly pear is the most widespread and most commercially important cactus in Mexico. Morphological and colorimetric descriptors are among the most important agronomic traits because these parameters affect the yield, in such a way, the objective of the present research was to present a fast and reliable methodology to obtain the functional relationship in shape and color parameters of O. ficus indica cladodes, using a smartphone, a color meter, and open-access software. The acquisition and processing of images discovered interesting relationships between the Opuntia cladode's morphological characteristics, as well as colorimetric parameters of the cladodes. The non-linear data behaviors were fitted using deterministic models and CurveExpert software. Results of the study revealed that the best morphological descriptors were Circularity vs. Perimeter (r= 0.9815) and Aspect ratio vs. Roundness (r= 0.9999). In addition, mean values of the L*, C, and H color parameters were displayed in a window of a computer program online. It was found that the a-C relationship of the color parameters had the highest correlation coefficient (0.999). Therefore, it can be concluded that the morphological descriptors Circularity vs. Perimeter, Aspect Rate vs. Roundness, and a*-C color parameter can predict quickly and precisely the quality of O. ficus-indica
Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) Cell line permeability of Curcumin loaded Phycocyanin nanosponges - In-Vitro study
Get PDFBlood Brain barrier (BBB) is a natural protective wall in the brain to restrict the invasion of xenobiotics or toxic chemicals. This, in turn, becomes a major obstacle for researchers and industry people in formulating new drugs to treat brain disorders like brain tumors, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, meningitis, and so on. The purpose of this research is to study the in-vitro cytotoxicity & BBB permeation of curcumin-loaded phycocyanin nanosponges (Cur-PC NS) using Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell lines. Cell viability of Cur-PC NS was performed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, and permeability coefficient were measured to test the integrity of monolayer of MDCK cell line. Results of the current study showed that Cur-PC NS at 50µM, 85% of MDCK cells are more viable and there was a significant (p<0.01) reduction in TEER values up to 48 hours when compared to the curcumin. The permeability coefficient of nanosponges produced a 2.5-fold increase in enhancement ratio with a Papp value of 1.94±0.11×10-6 cm/s and 4.86±0.04×10-6cm/s for curcumin and Cur-PC NS respectively. Results of the study can be concluded that phycocyanin nanosponges can be used as a carrier for curcumin to permeate the BBB which may play a major role in the treatment of various brain disorders. Future studies are needed to substantiate the exact mechanism of permeability with clarification of efflux transporters presented in BBB
Effects of hormone and fertilizers on early flower induction of Dendrobium anosmum hybrid seedlings under ex vitro condition
Get PDFEarly flowering of new orchids is important to save time for selecting valuable flowers and artificial induction of flowering is a critical consideration in the orchid production industry. In this study, a new Dendrobium anosmum hybrid was generated by cross-breeding between D. anosmum ‘Chau Nhu’ and D. anosmum ‘Di Linh’. The ancestors and hybrid seedlings from in-vitro culture were trained in the net house and their growth and flowering were evaluated under ex vivo conditions with specific fertilizers and hormones. The results suggest that the hybrid plants grew better than their parents in terms of stem height, stem diameter, and leaf number. Growth hormones were applied to stimulate early flowering in matured hybrids and it was discovered that ‘Keiki pro’, a commercial hormone product, produced the best results, with a flowering rate of 66.67% after two applications. Hybrid flowers varied in width from 36.36% (3.0-6.0 cm) to 63.64 % (more than 6.0 cm) from ancestral width in medium-sized and large-sized flowers, respectively. Also, the hybrid flower colours was mostly a combination of pink/violet (75C) and purple/pink (68A), which is different from their parents. Importantly, the dorsal sepal, petal colours, and shape of hybrid flowers varied significantly among individual hybrids, between hybrids and their progenitors. Some mutations in the lips and columns of the novel hybrid flowers were also visualized. Hence, the D. anosmum hybrid seedlings successfully induced flowers after a year of culture under optimal hormones and fertilizers conditions. The results can serve as a critical reference for the early flowering of the orchid seedlings
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) - A macromolecule and its impact on human reproduction during COVID-19 pandemic
Get PDFCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome novel coronavirus 2 (SARS-nCoV-2). It has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Since then, several researchers have worked/ are working on this virus by a multifactorial approach to finding out the mechanism of entry, transmission route, post-infection replication process, survival, and post-recovery utilities. As we know, SARS, MERS, and Zika viruses have affected human reproductive potentials, consequently, COVID 19 also can affect both men's and women's reproductive potential through ACE2 macromolecule. This study aimed to summarize the role of ACE2- macromolecule in COVID 19 entry and further processes in the reproductive path of both men and women. Research articles were searched in NCBI-NLM, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. We searched based on the phrase “COVID 19”, “ACE2”, “ACE2 in testes”, “ACE2 in the female reproductive tract”, “ACE2 during pregnancy”, “ACE2 during early embryo”, “COVID 19 and impact in human reproduction” and selected the articles for summarizing this article. Most recent articles and the mechanism of COVID 19 were selected for our understanding. The results of the study revealed that COVID 19 impacts the reproductive potential of both men and women. Testes are the most vulnerable organ prone to infection in men, and vaginal fluid and the uterus could be the choice of infection in the female. Till now, COVID 19 has not been directly detected in semen samples and vaginal fluid. Results of the study can be concluded that ACE2 plays a major role in COVID 19 infection, ACE2 expression could be more in the testes, ovary, uterus, and vagina. COVID 19 could impact more on human reproduction and lead to a loss of fertility status for a while. All antiviral treatments could pose a negative impact on human reproduction. Further research should be carried out on the already existing theoretical hypothesis of SARS-Co-V-2 on human reproduction