Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences
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In-silico designing of an inhibitor against mTOR FRB domain: Therapeutic implications against breast cancer
Get PDFWorldwide breast cancer causes significant fatalities in women. The effective therapeutic solution for treating the disease is using new and probable antagonistic biologically available ligands as anticancer drugs. To identify a successful therapeutic approach, the scientific community is now interested in creating novel ligands that in the future may be used as anticancer drugs. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase connected to several processes governing immunity, metabolism, cell development, and survival. The proliferation and metastasis of tumors have both been linked to the activation of the mTOR pathway. Female breast cancer represents about 15.3% of all new cancer cases in the U.S. alone and is frequently diagnosed among women aged 55 to 69 years. Given that the P13K/AKT/mTOR pathway is one of the most often activated in cancer, much attention has been paid to its resistance as a novel oncological treatment approach. mTOR/FRB Domain’s recruitment cleft as, well as substrate recruitment mechanism, was targeted using a structural-based approach. A series of selective inhibitory small molecules have been designed and screened for the best inhibiting target binding triad of the FRB Domain with better ADME and no detectable toxic effects
Sustainable Livelihood: Guidelines for Human Capital Access of Goat Farmers in the Upper Northern Region of Thailand: A case study
Get PDFThis article aimed to explain and present guidelines for the human capital development of goat farmers in the upper northern region of Thailand. To analyze the whole point of development towards sustainability, there was a field visit to explore the basic information of the basic goat farming context. In-depth interviews and non-participant observations were used as tools for conducting the research using the narrative method, and the story of goat farmers who have a high experience in raising goats was analyzed and conveyed. The information was obtained from farmers of 3 cases (Information–Rich Case) in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Lampang provinces and examined in a triangular way from visiting the area, and the results of the study were analyzed, summarized, and described. The results of the study revealed that “Human Capital” is the most valuable factor in production among other factors of production because, in addition to acting as a mechanism for carrying out various activities, it is also a factor that must be developed for the development of sustainable practices. Sustainable livelihoods will be available in the future for farmers as well, but before human capital can be a quality factor, it has to be learned to acquire skills, experience, and what human beings have accumulated, forged, and merged. That is to say, the development of the human capital of goat farmers for sustainable livelihoods is the development of knowledge of specific professional skills that are applied to ensure the stability of the farmer sector along with continuous support from the government and academic departments
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis in Dairy Cattle of Chitwan, Nawalpur and Rupandehi Districts of Nepal
Get PDFThe cross-sectional study from July 2018 to September 2018 was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) in cattle of the Chitwan, Nawalpur, and Rupandehi districts of Nepal. The existence of antibodies against IBR was investigated in 92 serum samples obtained systematically from 55 cattle herds using Indirect-ELISA. A questionnaire interview was done to collect individual and herd-level data. The association between categorical variables and the outcome variable (seropositive) was assessed by bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis in SPSS version 19.0. The seroprevalence of IBR was 18.48% (95% CI: 11.1-27.9), and district, breed, and herd size were identified as potential risk factors for IBR seropositivity. Significantly higher risk for IBR was found in Chitwan (Percentage-Positive “PP” = 36.37%; Odd ratio “OR” = 5.211; p = 0.008) than in Nawalpur (PP = 9.38%; OR = 0.931) and Rupandehi (PP = 10.00%). PP of IBR was significantly higher in Jersey crosses (PP = 30.00%; OR = 2.893; p = 0.048) than Holstein Friesian crosses (PP = 12.90%). Similarly, herds with more than 10 cattle (PP = 33.33%; OR = 4.167; p = 0.042) were found significantly at higher odds for seropositivity than herds having less than 10 cattle (PP = 10.71%). Due to the moderate prevalence of IBR among cattle in Nepal, this study recommends conducting additional planned research on IBR at the national level to safeguard the country's dairy businesses from potential financial losses
Antibacterial Effect of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles using Cineraria maritima
Get PDFNanoparticles display entirely novel physicochemical characteristics for specific applications because of their exceptional size and shape. Owing to the present study, we reported biosynthesis, characterization and antibacterial properties of Cineraria maritima (Cm) assisted silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The surface plasmon vibration, crystalline structure, surface morphology, elemental composition, and possible functional molecules vibration of prepared Cm-Ag NPs were characterized by different instrumentation techniques. The spectrum of UV-Vis of Cm-Ag NPs showed maximum plasma intensity occurred around 425nm. XRD spectrum showed the face-centred cubic (FCC) nature of Cm-Ag NPs. The SEM image of the Cm-Ag NPs demonstrated a predominantly spherical shape with cluster formation of small particles to large particles with sizes ranging from 21.57 nm to 39.16 nm. EDS spectrum indicated the existence of Ag elements in Cm-Ag NPs. FTIR intense peaks of Cm-Ag NPs showed the different functional molecules such as phenol, alkene, aldehydes, and a carbonyl group. In addition, Cm-Ag NPs coated textile cotton fabric sample showed substantial anti-bacterial properties against a tested bacterial pathogen
Antibacterial Efficacy of Zinc oxide nanoparticles against Serratia marcescens (ATCC 43862) and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29121)
Get PDFZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are a novel and alternative biomaterial for active biomedical applications among all metal and metallic oxide nanoparticles due to less toxicity and biocompatibility with human cells. In this study, we studied the growth curve of Serratia marcescens and Enterococcus faecalis to identify the mid-log phase of the bacterial growth to perform the exposure with ZnO NPs for investigating the antibacterial efficacy. The INT assay was used to determine the anti-bactericidal efficiency of ZnO NPs against S. marcescens and E. faecalis. The results showed that both the test bacteria attained the mid-log phase at the 5th hour. The determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) demonstrated a higher efficacy of ZnO NPs on the Gram-positive bacterium E. faecalis compared to the Gram-negative bacterium S. marcescens. The present study reports a higher susceptibility of Gram-positive bacterium over Gram-negative bacterium to the treatment of ZnO NPs
Antifertility Potential of n-Butanol and Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Penicillium oxalicum OM282858 in Male Albino Rats as Biological Control Agents
Get PDFRodents cause significant damage to many crops, spread diseases, and pose a severe risk to public health. Several synthetic contraceptive agents are available for controlling rodents; however, their use is associated with toxic effects on non-target organisms. Penicillium oxalicum has several medical properties, but no reports were available on fertility. This study aimed to assess the antifertility potential of n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of P. oxalicum in adult male albino rats as biological control agents by lowering the population size of rodent pests. Rats were assigned into three groups (n = 36). The first control group (GI) was injected intraperitoneally with 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The second (GII) and third (GIII) groups were injected with a single dose of 200 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) of n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of P. oxalicum intraperitoneally, respectively, after dissolving in 0.5% DMSO. Further, P. oxalicum was identified morphologically and molecularly and then submitted with accession number OM282858 to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. The antifertility potential of P. oxalicum was evaluated after 24 h (the injection period), 96 h, and 168 h (the recovery periods) of treatments. The effects of the treatments on organ weight, testicular histology, histomorphometry measurements, and sperm characteristics were assessed. Both P. oxalicum extracts caused changes in reproductive organ weights, testicular histology, histomorphometry measurements, and spermatogenic arrest accompanied by a significant decrease in the count of epididymal sperm and its motility and an increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities during the injection and recovery periods. Thus, the results suggest that both P. oxalicum extract treatments cause suppression of fertility in adult male rats. Therefore, these outcomes are essential for public health, farming establishments, and vertebrate pest control managers
Evaluations of Morpho-Physiological Variances in Soybean Varieties under Low Water Conditions
Get PDFThis study used pot experiments with a completely randomized design (CRD) in triplicates to evaluate physiological and morphological attributes used for the characterization of drought stress tolerance in six soybean varieties (Knap, Mopani, LS677, LS678, Pan1564, and Sonop). Growth and physiological parameters analyzed in this study, included plant height, number of flowers, number of pods, seed number per pod, leaf surface area (LSA), grain yield, and total phenolics, flavonoids, ureides as well as antioxidant activity. Low water conditions caused varied negative effects depending on the level of stress on both morphological and physiological responses of the plants. Enhanced secondary products (ureides, total phenolic, and flavonoid content) were observed in plants subjected to severe water stress, in addition to reduced photosynthetic components and percentage grain yields. However, soybean variety Sonop, LS677, and LS678 consecutively, induced high secondary metabolite accumulations and antioxidant activity possibly preventing the occurrence of excessive oxidative stress damage caused by water shortage. The performance of LS varieties, Knap and Sonop were more prominent than Mopani and Pan1564. Results showed potential tolerance to stress in Sonop, LS678 and LS677, attributed to the strong free radical scavenging activity and maintenance of photosynthetic pigments used to achieve sufficient growth balance in plants
Effect of Feed Additive on the Mineral Composition of Quail Blood
Get PDFBlood serum microelement composition of egg-laying quails raised in the urban environment is of great scientific and practical interest. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of a feed additive on the mineral composition of quail blood. To stimulate metabolism and egg productivity, quails of the experimental group were fed with a supplement containing magnesium, vitamins B, L-carnitine at the dose of 0.25 ml/liter of water for 120 days. At the age of 120 days, the blood serum micronutrient composition of experimental (10) and control (10) birds were measured by mass spectrometry followed by mathematical processing of the data obtained under laboratory conditions. Figuratively, all studied elements are divided into 4 groups i.e. macronutrients (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium); essential elements (iron, copper, zinc, selenium, molybdenum, chromium, manganese, cobalt); roughly essential (silicon, boron, arsenic, lithium, and nickel) and roughly toxic (aluminum, titanium, lead, mercury, antimony, and cadmium). Results of the study revealed that the blood serum of a control group have a wide range of studied mineral content components while in the experimental group, egg-laying quails showed a decrease in phosphorus (18.30%), iron (12.29%), copper (6.76%), zinc (6.92%), molybdenum (18.80%), arsenic (14.00%) and cadmium (12.50%), as well as increases the concentration of magnesium (5.85%), manganese (28.31%), nickel (39.40%), lithium (8.32%), titanium (11.96%), lead (16.13%), mercury (13.34%) and antimony (14.29%) relative to the control group. The data obtained indicate that the feed additive had an ambiguous effect on the metabolism and led to changes in the concentration of certain trace elements in the blood serum, which in turn influenced the levels of other elements. The higher content of Ni, Li, Ti, Pb, Hg, and Sb in the blood serum of experimental laying quail stimulated the activity of enzymes, metabolic processes, which contributed to an earlier start of egg-laying
Pterocarpus angolensis: Botanical, Chemical and Pharmacological Review of an Endangered Medicinal Plant of India
Get PDFHerbal products for primary health care are gaining huge interests of the people and the various healthcare professionals. This is mainly because of the local availability and cost-effectiveness of plant remedies over expensive modern treatments. Pterocarpus angolensis, a deciduous plant belonging to the family of Fabaceae is mainly found in the tropical regions of Africa. This tree is rich in medicinal properties which are immensely used by the locals in Africa for the treatment of ringworm infections, ulcers, urinary schistosomiasis, skin injury, etc. The extracts of P. angolensis are treasured in Africa for their effectiveness against many diseases like gonorrhea, mouth diseases, diarrhea, etc. It is reported to have inhibitory activity against various pathogens like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium because of the high concentration of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and other phenolic compounds in the bark and leaves of the tree. Various research papers demonstrated the polar and nonpolar constituents of this plant showing antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial activities against Streptococcus agalactiae, Candida krusei, etc. In India, very few of these plants have been reported to be alive in the Darjeeling district, West Bengal. But, lack of proper documentation or research paper led to negligence related to the importance of this species and it has already been listed in the IUCN Red List of threatened species. The main objective of this review is to spread awareness about the conservation of the plant possessing such remarkable properties. Secondly, to provide an overview of the phytochemical screening of various important medicinal constituents that this plant possesses and this might lead to change in the field of modern medicine
Relationship of altitude, individual seed weight, and kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus with biochemical parameters of various Ethiopian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) accessions
Get PDFGroundnut is one of the five extensively grown oil crops of Ethiopia. Groundnut kernels contain 40-50% fat, 20-50% protein, and 10-20% carbohydrate and are rich in vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, falacin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. This study aimed to determine individual seed weight, kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus, and biochemical parameters in groundnut seeds collected from different areas of Ethiopia. Groundnut germplasm in the form of seeds was collected from the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI), further information about each accession location and altitude was also collected from the institute. Parameters such as individual seed weight (ISW), kernel colonization by A. flavus, and biochemical parameters (i.e. total carbohydrate, protein, and total free amino acids) were measured in the groundnut seeds. A negative relationship between ISW and altitude (p<0.01) was observed in this study which indicates that an increase in altitude would result in a decrease in seed weight. A positive relationship between altitude with total carbohydrate (p<0.01) and with total free amino acids (p<0.05) was also observed. Low-ISW accessions exhibited significantly higher total carbohydrates while high-ISW accessions exhibited significantly higher total free amino acids in their seeds. Groundnut seeds of EBI accessions with 0% kernel colonization contained less total carbohydrate, and the accessions with 100% kernel colonization contained the highest total carbohydrates. Besides, total carbohydrates correlated positively with kernel colonization (p<0.01). So, it is postulated that high total carbohydrate makes groundnut seeds susceptible to A. flavus colonization