Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Improving reproductive potential of male albino Wistar Rattus norvegicus using Vitamin E and Laserpuncture
Get PDFLaserpuncture induction and administering Vitamin E as an opulent antioxidant may improve sperm quality. This study aimed to increase rat reproductive potential by inducing laserpuncture and adding vitamin E to their feed. The experimental study adopted a post-test in a completely randomized design in male albino Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), with four groups (Group A to D) : Group A: the control group (without vitamin E or Laserpuncture), Group B: Administered with vitamin E, Group C: Treated using Laserpuncture induction, and Group D: Treated using Laserpuncture induction and administered with Vitamin E and five replicates. The rat reproductive potential parameters included testosterone levels, Gonado Maturity Stage (GMS), Gonado somatic Index (GSI), and concentration, motility and viability of sperm. Induction of Laserpuncture and administered with Vitamin E influenced testosterone hormone levels, motility viability, and the concentration of male rat\u27s sperm (P < 0.05). Another finding showed that the higher GSI was not statistically significant (P > 0.897) with mature gonads, and GMS gave the most mature V stage for all treatments. This study concluded that the combination of Laserpuncture induction and administration with Vitamin E had increased the reproductive potential of male albino Wistar rats in terms of testosterone levels and sperm quality.
Genetic study of Intl1 and Intl2 resistance genes and multidrug resistance of Proteus mirabilis isolated from clinical isolates from patients in Diyala province, Iraq
Get PDFProteus mirabilis has become a prevalent opportunistic pathogenic agent in clinical infections globally. The objective of this study was to analyze and discover some of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of P. mirabilis that exhibit resistance to multiple drugs, including IntI1, IntI2 and to assess the relationship in the phylogenetic tree among these genes in Iraq, comparing to world-wide strains in National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI ). A total of 250 samples from different sources were isolated in some Diyala province hospitals from August 2023 to January 2024 to be identified for the presence of P. mirabilis by biochemical and genetics test. The study demonstrated that 75 isolates were P. mirabilis 35 isolates (46.7%) from urine, (10.7%) from wounds, (13.3%) from burns and diabetic foot and 12 isolates (16%) from vaginal swabs and tested against 15 antibiotics for susceptibility. The prevalence of multi drug- resistance ( MDR) in this study was high (97%) while only 2 isolates was tended to be extensively drug -resistance (XDR) (3%) no pan-drug –resistance(PDR) was detected. From 12 isolates of p.mirabilis 9 Intl1 and 6 Intl2 genes were detectable. homology between the sequenced sample of P. mirabilis reference target sequences. These genes were sequenced and phylogenetic relationships among these genes and global genes were documented in NCBI. The study suggests that some Iraqi isolates contain genetic variation compared to global strains and demonstrated the utility of IntI1, IntI2 sequencing in investigating the genetic diversity of P. mirabilis strains and offering insights into the evolutionary history of these crucial bacterial pathogens.
Exploring marine-derived bioactives for innovative cosmeceutical applications: A review
Get PDFThe cosmetic industry has experienced remarkable growth in the past decade, witnessing a significant expansion in current market presence and economic impact. Evolving beyond traditional beauty products, the industry has introduced innovative concepts, leading to the emergence of terms such as "cosmeceuticals" to describe products that enhance appearance and offer health benefits. Natural product-based cosmeceuticals, perceived as safe, have garnered considerable attention from the public and research fraternity. Marine resources have unique chemicals and biological qualities that can not be found in terrestrial resources. The demand for cosmeceuticals derived from marine sources has recently increased drastically. This review emphasizes novel chemical molecules derived from marine natural resources, exploring their cosmeceutical potential and elucidating the mechanisms of action (MOA) through which these compounds impact bodily functions and confer associated health benefits. Marine settings hosting a rich biodiversity repository harbor physiologically active chemicals with untapped potential for cosmeceutical and medicinal applications. Marine organisms in cosmetic formulations offer diverse bioactive molecules beyond their conventional use as renewable bulk compounds (e.g., carrageenan and agar). These molecules, such as anti-tyrosinase agents (e.g., kojic acid), antiacne compounds (e.g., sargafuran), Ultraviolet (UV) protectants (e.g., scytonemin, mycosporine-like amino acids), antioxidants, and antiwrinkle agents (e.g., astaxanthin and polyunsaturated fatty acids), play crucial roles as active ingredients in cosmeceuticals. This comprehensive exploration underscores the potential of marine-derived bioactives in shaping the next generation of innovative cosmeceutical formulations, offering a sustainable and effective approach to skincare and beauty.
Utilization of Kinnow peel for candy production: A study on quality attributes and storage stability
Get PDFKinnow fruit processing generates millions of tonnes of citrus waste yearly. This waste, predominantly of bitter-tasting peels, contributes significantly to environmental pollution when discarded. In this regard, the present study utilized kinnow peel waste for making candy, aiming to track down the straightforward, easy method of preparing the kinnow peel candies with extended shelf life. Additionally, it compared physical and chemical processes for removing bitterness from peels to create valuable food industry products, minimizing waste and enhancing fruit value, thus promoting food security with beneficial ingredients. In this laboratory investigation, the peel was treated with nine different treatments (T1: Single boiling, T2: Multiple boiling, T3: Soaking in baking soda, T4: Soaking in Vinegar, T5: Soaking in Alum, T6: Boiling in Salt solution, T7: Boiling in bottle gourd juice, T8: Boiling in cucumber juice, T9: Control-No boiling). The resulting product was analysed for proximate, physicochemical, and organoleptic attributes at 15-day intervals for up to 45 days. The results showed an increase in crude fibre content (4.54-4.61 g/100g), total soluble solids (TSS) (75.14-75.40 0B), pH (2.92-3.07 %), reducing sugar (20.17-20.77 %), total solids (86.67-87.07 %), and total sugar (62.84-63.58 %). At the same time, the decrease was recorded in ash content (0.75-0.59 g/100g), moisture content (13.37-12.60 %), titratable acidity (0.43-0.38 %), ascorbic acid content (11.23-8.97mg/100g), tannins (55.90-55.27 mg/100g), antioxidant activity (44.50-40.71 %), total phenolic content (25.43-22.62 mg GAE 100 g−1), carotenoid content (1.39-1.32 mg/100g), and pectin content (1.50-1.34 mg/100g). The best treatment was T2, which involved multiple boiling, cooking in 75 0B sugar syrup solution, and saturating with sugar syrup for 24 hours. It had desirable proximate, physicochemical and organoleptic properties and was stable for up to a minimum of 45 days for storage.
Assessing the air salinity on agro-physiological response of Brassica oleracea var. capitata and Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Get PDFAir salinity is one of the problems for horticulture production in coastal areas. Cabbage and Cauliflower are horticulture commodities that have the potential to develop in coastal areas. The present study aimed to examine the agro-physiological response of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis) to different concentrations of air salinity. This research was a factorial experiment on polybags arranged according to a completely randomized block design with two factors. The first factor was the crop type, namely cabbage (Grand 22) and cauliflower (Larissa F1). The second factor was the concentration of air salinity, namely 0 dS. m-1, 6 dS. m-1, 12 dS. m-1, and 18 dS. m-1. The agro-physiological changes studied were crop yield, leaf chlorophyll content, stomata density, and proline content. A stress tolerance index was measured to determine the level of crop resistance to air salinity stress. The results explained that air salinity was not able to affect crop growth and yield, but it enabled to affect crops physiologically. The highest decrease in leaf chlorophyll content was at 18 dS. m-1 of 29.16% in the vegetative stage and 37.88% in the generative stage. There was an increase in proline accumulation of leaf (1,320.63%) when the air salinity was increased (18 dS. m-1). However, the accumulation of cabbage proline was lower than that of cauliflower. Based on the stress tolerance index, cabbage is included in the category of tolerant, while cauliflower is in the category of moderate tolerance to air salinity.
Biodiversity of intertidal mollusks in Surigao City, Philippines
Get PDFIntertidal zones are crucial ecological interfaces, but there is a lack of comprehensive studies on mollusk communities in Surigao City, Philippines. This research aimed to assess intertidal mollusk profiles, including species density, diversity, evenness, and richness, addressing a knowledge gap in regional mollusk biodiversity. Using a belt transect quadrat method in three sampling areas during 2021, the study employed a descriptive correlation design to investigate relationships between mollusk profiles and seawater physico-chemical parameters (conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, and temperature). In Surigao City\u27s Day-asan, Hikdop Island, and Sibale, 44 gastropod species (19 families) and 11 bivalve species (9 families) were identified. Conidae and Strombidae families dominated. Average seawater parameters were conductivity 51.33, dissolved oxygen 7.45, pH 7.84, salinity 32, and temperature 28.52. Day-asan exhibited the highest species count (49), followed by Hikdop Island (42) and Sibale Island (37). Hikdop Island had the highest species density and evenness, Day-asan had the highest species diversity index, and Sibale Island had the highest species richness. Mollusk profiles showed no significant differences between sampling areas, and a strong negative correlation between pH and species evenness was observed. Surigao City displayed diverse mollusk biodiversity, but a declining trend in diversity indices was noted. This study fills a critical knowledge gap in understanding mollusk community dynamics, providing essential baseline data for future conservation and management strategies in the region, while also shedding light on the impact of environmental factors on intertidal mollusk populations in Surigao City.
A review on pharmaceutical and environmental applications of guava (Psidium guajava) leaves
Get PDFPsidium guajava (Guava) is a commonly cultivated fruit in tropical regions that has been long recognized for its therapeutic applications. The leaves host diverse bioactive compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids like gallic acid, and water-soluble tannins. This intricate chemical profile, particularly gallic acid, imparts the leaves with remarkable inhibitory effects against various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. Compounds such as pyrocatechol, taxifolin, psiguadials, guaijaverin, and avicularin, among others, contribute to their hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiarrheal effects, showcasing the leaves\u27 multifaceted therapeutic potential. Apart from having therapeutic potential, guava leaves have also been implicated in adsorbing heavy metals such as zinc, cadmium, arsenic, lead, iron, and chromium, as well as dyes such as methylene blue, congo red, brilliant green, amaranth, auramine, nile blue and photocatalytic dyes from contaminated water sources owing to their porous structure and presence of functional groups. The leaves contain compounds acting as natural coagulants and adsorbents, aiding in flocculation, sedimentation, and removal of impurities. This review aims to provide an overview of the phytochemical profile of guava leaves and further discusses its potential as a therapeutic drug and bioremediation targeting heavy metals and dyes. This eco-friendly approach offers numerous advantages, including affordability, accessibility, and biodegradability, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic adsorbents and promoting sustainability. This amalgamation of traditional medicinal significance with innovative environmental applications underscores the inherent potential of guava leaves as a sustainable and versatile botanical resource. Moreover, the various ongoing studies and the diverse properties of guava discussed herein may serve as a guide for the discovery of new pharmaceutics by the scientific fraternity.
Response of melatonin on postharvest qualities and shelf life of pineapple cv. Kew at ambient storage
Get PDFMelatonin is a pleiotropic molecule which plays a pivotal role in extending shelf life and maintaining the postharvest quality of fruit. Pineapple fruits harvested at different stages of maturity had marked variations in physico-biochemical qualities and shelf life during storage. The present study aimed to determine the potential effectiveness of different concentrations of postharvest melatonin applications on pineapple cv. Kew fruit in ambient storage. Different concentrations of melatonin (MT) solution viz. T1: MT at 0.25mM, T2: MT at 0.5 mM, T3: MT at 1 mM, T4: MT at 2 mM, T5: MT at 4 mM and T6: MT at 8 mM were used for the study and compared with T7: untreated fruits (control). At 20 days after storage, fruits dipped in 8 mM melatonin resulted in lowest physiological weight loss (11.84%), fruit decay (13.33%), decrease in fruit length (3.29%) and diameter (3.42%), juice content (58.27%), titratable acidity (0.91%), flesh translucency (2.0) and crown condition (2.6) these resulted in the decrease with the increase in concentration of melatonin. Maximum shelf life (23.33 days), fruit firmness (39.24 Ncm2), TSS (10.3⁰Brix), total sugar (10.10%), reducing sugar (8.85%), TSS: Acid ratio (11.30), ascorbic acid (19.3 mg 100g-1), total Carbohydrate (10.08%), total phenol (35.64mg 100g-1) and antioxidant activity (48.14%) increased depending on increment in melatonin concentration as compared to control. Results of the study showed that Melatonin @ 8mM has a marked influence in extending the shelf life while maintaining the physico-chemical quality of stored pineapple and thus can be a good option in using the technique for commercial shelf life extension in ambient conditions.
Use of zinc solubilizing biofertilizers for increasing the growth and yield of cereals: A review
Get PDFIn recent years, the increase due to the rise in the high yielding verities led to the high-rate application of chemicals and pesticides in the soil. These chemical fertilizers give great responses to the farmers on a short-term basis, but in the long term, they harm the soil and human health by interfering in the food chain. The use of biofertilizers is a very good alternative for crop production in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner. Numerous bacteria and fungi can be used as biofertilizers for making the essential nutrients available to the plants which are associated with the rhizosphere of different crops, either symbiotically or non-symbiotically. Zinc plays a vital role in crop growth and achieving a great yield among the various macro and micronutrients. Zinc is responsible for Auxin synthesis, chlorophyll formation, protein metabolism, carbohydrate fixation, disease and stress tolerance. Zn deficiency is a global issue that gradually lowers crop output and productivity. Using zinc solubilizing microorganisms is one of the most effective sustainable approaches to achieving higher yield and restoring soil productivity. These microorganisms solubilize the available zinc pool in the soil so plants can easily uptake zinc. Bacillus subtilis, Thiobacillus thioxidans, Rhizobium, Pantoea sp., Gluconacetobacter, Saccharomyces sp. and PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) are involved in zinc solubilizing process and boost the soluble zinc in the soil. Using zinc solubilizers can reduce the fertilizer requirement of the crop to about 25-50% in combination with inorganic zinc fertilizers, so it reduces overall fertilizer cost
New geographic distribution record of Dactylogyrus labei Musselius and Gusev (1976) (Platyhelminthes, Monogenea) of Labeo rohita (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Mizoram, northeast India
Get PDFDactylogyrus labei is a dactylogyrid monogenean parasite originally described by Musselius and Gusev (1976) from Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in two alternative forms: a typical from Lucknow, north India and an atypical from Kalyani, east India. Fresh specimens of D. labei were collected from Mizoram in northeast India, and examined morphologically using high-resolution digital image processing and analysis. The recovered monogeneans most closely resembled the atypical form of D. labei, with only minor differences, indicating conspecificity. The atypical form of D. labei is distinguished from other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: the dorsal bar wing-shaped, with a fine membrane on the anterior margin and a fenestration in the middle; the ventral bar casing nail-shaped with two small antero-lateral processes (3-rayed); the male copulatory tube loosely S-shaped, slender, with an inflated initial part; the accessory piece proximally tubular, distally a complex of multi-layered sheath guiding the copulatory tube, and the vagina tubular, with one small loop and vaginal pore surrounded with a flap-like structure. This study expands the geographical distribution of D. labei while improving its morphological descriptions.