Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences
Not a member yet
523 research outputs found
Sort by
Growth and development of transgenic peanut (Arachis hypogaea) lines containing chitinase 42 kDa gene from Trichoderma asperellum SH16
Get PDFPeanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is vulnerable to many diseases. Vietnam and other regions where peanut is widely cultivated have a high threat of fungal and other plant diseases. Various fungicides are available to control the fungal disease but these have various harmful effects on the natural flora, fauna, and environment. Transgenic peanut lines which possess antifungal activity provide a possible solution in managing fungal diseases apart from the traditional resistance and fungicide usage. Therefore, this study evaluated the probable growth and development of chitinase transgenic peanut lines against Sclerotium rolfsii, a pathogen that causes “southern blight” in plants, under greenhouse conditions. This study provided evidence that through Agrobacterium itumefaciens mediated transformation, 42 kDa chitinase genes from Trichoderma asperellum, which is under the regulation of 35S promoter, were successfully incorporated into the peanut’s (A. hypogaea L.) genome and expressed in their plants. This evidence also demonstrated that transgenic peanut lines were suitable for growing and developing in the greenhouse. Further, it was reported that transgenic peanut lines took approximately 133 to 145 days from planting to maturity. These results also revealed that various growth characteristics of transgenic peanut lines having two synthetic genes (syncod Chi42-2 i.e. S2-2, S2-4, S2-6, and syncod Chi42-1 i.e. S1-1, S1-2, S1-3) were greater than that from the wild-type Chi42 (WT-1, WT-2, and WT-3). In addition, yield-related parameters including the number of mature pods, 100 pods weight and 100 seeds weight for all the transgenic peanut lines were higher than that of the non-transformed plant. Among the transgenic lines, line S2-4 exhibited significantly higher growth and yield than the other transgenic lines. These results demonstrated that 42 kDa chitinase genes overexpressing peanut lines could be a candidate for improvement against plants to phytopathogenic fungus S. rolfsii and high yield.
In-silico designing of a potent ligand molecule against PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog) implicated in Breast Cancer
Get PDFBreast cancer has been attributed to be the second most common malignancy in females worldwide after skin cancer associated with a significantly high mortality rate. Tumor suppressor genes have an indispensable role in maintaining genomic integrity as well as cell cycle regulation. Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) is one of the most frequently mutated human tumor suppressor genes, implicated in cell growth, survival, and suppressing tumor formation. As the tumor progresses to more advanced stages, genetic alterations tend to increase one such alteration is the mutation of the PTEN gene which is linked to programmed cell death and maintenance of cell cycle regulation. There is a syndrome known as Cowden syndrome associated with a high risk of breast cancer which is a result of an outcome of germline mutations in the PTEN gene. Loss of PTEN activity, either at the protein or genomic level, has been related to many primary and metastatic malignancies including breast cancer. This study focuses on developing a potential bioavailable ligand inhibitory molecule for PTEN, using a computer-aided drug design approach (CADD). A library of developed ligands consisting of 50 potential molecules was screened to find a potential candidate to be used for second generation drug development. Among them, LIG28 was adjudged as the most effective and potential PTEN inhibitor given its maximum binding affinity of ΔG -5.96Kcal/mole with a lower RMSD value. Carmer’s Rule of toxicity further revealed the compatibility and non-toxicity of the molecule. These observations underscore the importance of PTEN as a target in the development of tumorigenesis and the prognosis of breast cancer
Characterization of Calcium Phosphate Chitosan Nanocomposite as Plant Growth Promoter
Get PDFIn this study, calcium phosphate-chitosan nanocomposite (CaP-CS NC) was prepared by a convenient and affordable co-precipitation method, and the prepared NC was tested for agriculture application. Physico-chemicals analyses of the CaP-CS NC were conducted by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) instruments to determine the structural characteristics, surface topology, chemical composition, function group, and optical properties. The XRD pattern of CaP-CS NC revealed that the average crystallite size was 43 nm. The SEM images showed agglomeration of the CaP-CS NC with a rod-like shape. The EDS spectrum of the CaP-CS NC indicated the presence of Ca, P, O, and N elements. FTIR displayed vibrational peaks for the active functional group such as carboxylic (C=O), amines (N-H), hydroxyl (O-H), and alkyne (C-H). Furthermore, the spectrum of CaP-CS NC showed the bending mode of phosphates at 588.37 cm-1 and 508.45 cm-1. The UV-Vis-NIR spectrum of the prepared nanocomposite indicates the anti-reflection properties, which might be useful in solar cell applications to increase the efficiency of the solar cell. In addition, the prepared CaP-CS NC was tested for the plant growth stimulator properties at the lab scale level, wherein it exhibited substantial growth. Accordingly, the current study suggests that the prepared CaP-CS NC could be used as a plant growth promoter
Awareness and Knowledge of Vertigo among the Adult Population of Selangor, Malaysia
Get PDFDizziness and vertigo are common among the adult and elderly population. However, the knowledge & awareness of vertigo and the understanding of the differences between vertigo and dizziness in the adult population is seldom studied. The present study aimed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of vertigo among the adult population living in Selangor, Malaysia. In addition, the study also focused on the participants’ knowledge of differentiating dizziness and vertigo. This cross-sectional study received responses from 189 participants who were in the age range between 20 and 40 years among which 152 participants' responses met the inclusion criteria. A self-developed validated online questionnaire was used as a study tool to understand the awareness and knowledge of vertigo among the participants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 28) to obtain frequency and percentages. The results of the present study showed that 57.9% of participants had an average level of awareness of vertigo. Further, 55.3% disagreed that vertigo is the same as dizziness however only 6.6% of the participants were exactly able to identify the differences between vertigo and dizziness. The present study concludes an average level of awareness and knowledge of vertigo among most young adults of Selangor, Malaysia. However, the ability to differentiate vertigo from dizziness was very low among the participants, demonstrating a gap in their knowledge of vertigo. Hence, education about vertigo among the public must be ameliorated. Further studies are required on different age groups and within the other states of Malaysia
Stress Management Programme on the Stress of Chiang Mai University Students: A Pilot Study
Get PDFStress is the problem that is often found in students due to their higher expectations and the changes happening at the personal, social and environmental levels. The main objective of the present study was to develop and analyze the results of a stress management programme conducted for students at Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. This was quasi-experimental research, conducted according to the one-group plan. The student initiatives included five Chiang Mai University students, selected through purposive sampling after passing the initial screening. They were evaluated by completing the basic information questionnaire of the Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20) and the Suanprung Stress Test-60 (SPST-60) before and after the programme. The tools used in this study were developed from the conceptual framework according to the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) model. The researcher used the breathing technique using the diaphragm, and muscle relaxing technique. The concept of emotional awareness was conducted according to the four foundations of mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with group process in occupational therapy. The results of the study revealed that the sample population had significantly lower stress levels after joining the stress management programme. However, it was observed that there was no difference in the susceptibility to stress levels before or after joining the programme. In general, this stress management programme can be undertaken by other students of Chiang Mai University to monitor their stress levels
Evaluation of haematological and behavioural changes in Channa punctatus (Bloch) on short-term exposure to a commercial-grade synthetic pyrethroid pesticide
Get PDFThis study aims to assess the acute toxicity of commercial-grade Cypermethrin (10% EC) and evaluate the hematological and behavioral alterations in a freshwater fish Channa punctatus upon short-term exposure to Cypermethrin. A four-day static acute toxicity test was performed to estimate the median lethal concentration (LC50) value of Cypermethrin. During the acute toxicity test, the behavior of the control and cypermethrin exposed fish was critically observed and recorded. After completing the acute toxicity test, the hematological effects of Cypermethrin in C. punctatus were evaluated using two sublethal dosages (0.08 mg/L and 0.12 mg/L). Results of the study revealed that this pesticide induced significant mortality in C. punctatus with a 96-h L50 value of 0.263 mg/L. Cypermethrin exposed fish showed hyperactivity, irritability, erratic swimming, frequent surface visit, etc. Exposure to sublethal concentrations of Cypermethrin for a short period resulted in a significant decline (P<0.05) in total erythrocytes count (TEC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration as compared to control groups. In contrast, pesticide-exposed groups had a significant increase (P<0.05) in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and total leucocyte count (TLC). It is apparent from the results of the study that this commercial formulation is toxic to the studied fish. This study also revealed hematological and behavioral alterations in C. Punctatus which could be used as biomarkers for incipient Cypermethrin intoxication
Effect of Thyme aqueous and alcoholic extract on the Beef Mincemeat shelf life extension
Get PDFAntioxidant and antimicrobial activity of thyme has been well established against various microorganisms. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of aqueous and alcoholic extract of thyme on beef mincemeat quality. Three differential concentrations (0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 mg/ml) of both thyme extracts were used for the beef mincemeat preservation. Untreated meat samples were considered as the control group while the extracts treated beef mincemeat are stored at 4°C for 7 to 14 days. To validate the extract's ability to prolong the storage period at 4 °C, various bacteriological indicators like total plate count, presence of total coliform, Salmonella, Shigella, and Staphylococcus aureus count were assessed. The results of the antimicrobial assay of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of thyme at different concentrations showed that the aqueous extract had significant inhibitory action on the growth of a wide range of bacteria compared to the alcoholic extract. Thus, the thyme aqueous extracts can be efficient and promising as preservatives for meat and its products, especially at high concentrations to inhibit bacterial growth
Kisspeptin is Testosterone independent regulator of Sexual Motivation in Male Rats
Get PDFKisspeptin is the peptide product of the KISS-1 gene and endogenous agonist for the Kiss1 receptor. It is well known that kisspeptin acts centrally, and stimulates the secretion of gonadoliberin (GnRH). Further, Kisspeptin also interacts with other neuropeptides such as neurokinin B and dynorphin to regulate GnRH pulse generation and plays a key role in sexual behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of kisspeptin on male rats' sexual motivation and its dependence on testosterone levels. In this study total of 50 copulation naive male Wistar rats were collected and divided into 5 groups (10 rats in each group), among these first group received only saline (control), the second group has been given 20μg buserelin acetate (GnRH analogue), the third group has been given intranasally kisspeptin-10 (3ng), the fourth has been received intraperitoneally kisspeptin-10 (30ng) and the fifth group has been given Yoquimbine 200 µg. Behavioral effects were registered in the open-field reward-proximity chamber with a female in the estrous phase of the cycle over the transparent perforated wall for 10 minutes in red light. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein after 30 minutes of the substance administration and in the collected blood samples, testosterone concentration was measured by the ELISA method. All animal groups were compared with each other by the ANOVA test and correspondent “post hoc” paired tests of Newman–Kruskall– Wallis test and Dunn’s test. Intranasal administration of buserelin acetate increased the concentration of testosterone but did not affect sexual motivation in rats. Further, intraperitoneal administration of Kisspeptin-10 enhances testosterone concentration and sexual motivation. While intranasal administration of kisspeptin-10 didn’t enhance testosterone level but increased sexual motivation. Results of this study showed some effects of kisspeptin along with the independent regulation of steroids
Studies on the feeding habit and digestive enzyme activities in three small indigenous fish species from Assam, India
Get PDFKnowledge of the feeding habit and the digestive physiology of a fish is important in making appropriate strategies for feed development and successful culture. Nutrient-rich small indigenous fish species (SIFs) are abundant in Assam, India. Puntius sophore, Mystus tengara, and Trichogaster fasciata of Gossaigaon, Assam are important SIFs for the local rural population, and also potential candidates for ornamental fish culture. The present study aims to evaluate the feeding habit and digestive enzyme activities of these species. Data obtained from the relative gut length and gut content analysis suggested that M. tengara is a carnivorous fish and the rest two fishes are omnivorous in habit. Further, the relative gut length was highest in T. fasciata (4.20±0.45) and lowest in M. tengara (0.55±0.11). Digestive enzyme activity indicates a correlation with the dietary habit of the fish. Further, total protease, trypsin, and amylase activity was reported highest in P. sophore. Acid protease pepsin was found to be significantly higher in M. tengara complementing its carnivorous habit and gut anatomy. The present study has established some important information on the digestive enzyme characteristics and feeding habits of the three fish species. This information might be useful in the development of suitable feed for the fish species for their culture
Comparative Assessment of Three Fungal Genus in Mycoremediation of Spent Engine Oil: A Brief Review
Get PDFSpent engine oil is composed of various aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, lubricative additives, and traces of heavy metal. Improper disposal of spent engine oil can lead to deleterious effects on humans due to spent engine oil properties, which can exert toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity on cells and organs. The conventional method to remove hydrocarbon in the spent engine oil is not only expensive but unable to degrade the hydrocarbon completely. In comparison, the mycoremediation approach has been reported to be environmentally friendly, efficient, and cost-effective. The main objective of this review article is to identify the fungal isolate which is most efficient to degrade spent engine oil by assessing the biomass production and the percentage of spent engine oil degraded. Based on the comparative information obtained, Mucor sp. showed the highest biomass production in the presence of spent engine oil. Trichoderma sp. and Aspergillus niger were found to have average biomass production and it depending on the strain and incubation period. Both A. flavus and A. nidulans were found to have the lowest biomass production. In terms of spent engine oil degradation, Mucor sp, Trichoderma sp. and A. niger showed >55% degradation as compared to A. flavus and A. nidulans which have less than 50% degradation. Therefore, from the results of the study, it can be concluded that Mucor sp. has the best potential to degrade spent engine oil within a short period based on the high biomass production and percentage of degradation. The comparative data also suggest that by selecting the right strain and right incubation period, the percentage of spent engine oil degradation by using Trichoderma sp. and A. niger could also increase