Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Generation and clinical applications of stem cells in regenerative medicines
Get PDFSince the discovery of stem cells, they have been claimed to be nature’s miracle due to their unique properties, which set them apart from other cell types. It has fascinated the world with its myriad of opportunities in regenerative medicine, such as treating blood-borne cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, immune system diseases, heart diseases, etc. Although Stem Cell Therapy is yet to be commercialized in India, research and clinical trials using Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation are being conducted to understand the efficacy of stem cells in the remission of various malignant and non-malignant diseases such as Thalassemia, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Sickle Cell Disease, Aplastic Anemia, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis among other diseases. Stem cell research has bloomed over the years and has demonstrated immense potential in Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy, Somatic Stem Cell Therapy, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapy and, with further understanding of stem cells, it could also be applied in drug modelling and drug development, skin replacement and regeneration, organ repair and regeneration and disease modelling for drug testing, revolutionizing the healthcare industry in the future. The present review discusses the research on stem cells, their applications in regenerative medicine, and economic, regulatory and ethical concerns
Extraction, characterization, and functional properties of ultra-low gossypol protein from cottonseed meal
Get PDFCottonseed protein (CSP) is unsuitable for human consumption due to its gossypol toxicity. The present study aimed to extract protein from cottonseed meal with ultra-low gossypol content and evaluate its functional properties for food products. The study developed a protein extraction process with gossypol removal treatment to unlock its potential to generate cottonseed meal protein isolate with ultra-low gossypol content.Key factors, including the pH of the extraction solvent time washing, and drying of protein pellets, were optimized to improve protein yield and reduce gossypol content. Extraction was performed using 0.15 M NaCl, 0.27% Na2SO3, and 0.1 M KOH at pH-12 for 2 hours at ambient temperature. The protein isolate yielded a recovery rate of 73.9%, with free and total gossypol concentrations of 348 ppm and 4170 ppm, respectively. The isolate demonstrated excellent functional properties, including a water holding capacity of 3.795 ± 0.987 ml/g, oil absorbing capacity of 2.069 ± 0.103 ml/g, foaming capacity of 500%, and stability of 88%.The present work lies in the successful extraction of a gossypol-free protein isolate with promising functional properties, making it suitable for preparing various value-added food products such as biscuits and cakes.
A study on elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2), elevated temperature (eT) and their interactive effect on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) yield and seed mineral nutrients
Get PDFContinuously increasing carbon dioxide concentration is predicted to elevate the earth’s temperature. Elevated temperature is a severe problem for the cultivation of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L ). Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2), elevated temperature (eT) and their interactive effect on yield and seed mineral nutrients of two genotypes, i.e., ICC 4958 (desi) and Flip 90-166 (kabuli) of chickpea (C. arietinum L ). The pot experiments were conducted in Open Top Chamber (OTC) for two consecutive years (2019-20 and 2020-21), along with the control placed in ambient natural conditions. The eCO2 (650±50 µl/l) and eT (~4oC) were given individually and in combination. The gaseous exchange was measured at the flowering stage. After harvesting, yield and its parameters, seed protein and mineral nutrients were determined using standard methods. Under eCO2, the photosynthesis of both genotypes was positively affected, ultimately converting to yield (8.8-17.5% increase). However, the effect was more prominent in ICC 4958 than Flip 90-166. Higher temperature only positively affected dry biomass, but that effect was not converted to yield; instead, a reduction occurred in yield (- 12.0 to -26.9% ). In combination with eCO2 and eT, the negative effect of high temperature was ameliorated by eCO2 on yield, augmenting the effects on seed nutrient reduction. Among the seed mineral nutrients, Na, K, Fe and Zn were most reduced (-20.3 to -30.0%) under interactive effect. The findings will help to enhance seed yield with improved mineral nutrient content of chickpea.
Sustainable agronomic practices to increase climate resilience in rice-based cropping system: A review
Get PDFClimate-resilient farming represents a sustainable strategy for transposing and redirecting agricultural methodology to uphold food safety in the context of the evolving challenges of climatic variability acquired through various adaptation and mitigation strategies. The consequences of climate change have an enormous effect on agricultural operations due to their responsiveness to fluctuations in multiple factors, including temperature, rainfall, natural phenomena, and calamities such as floods and droughts. On average, these extreme weather patterns have the potential to influence agricultural earnings. Furthermore, rice-based production systems also significantly contribute to climatic change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions significantly. The mitigation of challenges can be achieved by augmenting farmers\u27 adaptability while enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of resource utilization in agricultural systems. Several agricultural practices such as integrated nutrient management, integrated weed management, direct seeded rice, System of rice intensification, conservation practices, bed planting, crop residue management, etc. adaptation in agricultural production systems are beneficial approaches to mitigate climatic variability and sustain long-term ecosystems. The review will help build up small-holding farming communities\u27 capability to get the maximum possible yield with current climatic variability.
Biostimulants and calcium-mediated optimization in morpho-phenological growth of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) in the summer season
Get PDFMung bean, botanically referred to as Vigna radiata is valued for its superb quality of nutrition, which includes a large amount of protein, minerals, and vitamins, making it a staple worldwide. Morpho-phenological traits are critical indicators of plant growth and development, which influence the overall yield and quality of the mung bean; thus, optimizing these traits can improve the yield barriers. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the impact of biostimulants and calcium-mediated response on the morpho-phenological growth of mung bean while assessing the growth, plant height (cm), number of leaves, leaf area plant-1 (cm²), leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area duration (LAD), SPAD reading, and total chlorophyll content (mg g-1) were used. Among the treatment combinations, T7 (Calcium, 10mM + Bio-priming with Rhizobium + Putrescine, 3mM) showed statistically significant improvements (p <0.05%) in all measured parameters. This treatment yielded the highest values across the board. The second-best results were observed with the T5 (Calcium, 10mM + Putrescine, 3mM), which also showed significant improvements for most of the parameters at both intervals, i.e. 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). Moreover, the analysis of the data in terms of percent increase/decrease over control produced a clear view of the morpho-physiological growth in the T7 and T5 treatments compared to the control, highlighting their effectiveness. Overall, this study revealed the significance of a synergistic approach of calcium, putrescine, and biopriming with rhizobium to optimize the morpho-phenological traits and enhance the yield of mung bean in the summer season.
Foraging ecology of wetland birds in heterogeneous habitats: A case study of the Dighal wetlands, Haryana, India
Get PDFUnderstanding the foraging ecology of wetland birds is essential for effective conservation and management strategies. The present study aimed to explore wetland birds\u27 foraging guild structure, habitat characteristics and foraging techniques. The study was conducted at Dighal wetlands, an important bird area (IBA) in the Jhajjar district of Haryana, India, from April 2021 to March 2023. Ninety species of wetland birds, representing 23 families and 12 orders, were identified, with 30 being residents, 4 summer migrants, and 56 winter migrants. Utilizing multivariate techniques, birds were categorized into four foraging guilds (carnivores, herbivores, omnivores, and insectivores) and five distinct habitats (Terrestrial land, Agricultural land, Marshland, Shallow water, Deepwater). Marshland (70) recorded the highest number of species, followed by shallow water (65), agricultural land (45), terrestrial land (43), and the least observed in deep water (31). Carnivores constituted the dominant group (43.3%), followed by omnivores (30%), insectivores (20%), and herbivores (6.7%). Dabbling (18) emerged as the predominant foraging technique, followed by pecking (17), picking (16), probing (14), and others. The Dighal wetland emerged as a crucial resource for diverse bird species, serving as an important wintering ground and food source. This study deepens the present understanding of avian guild structure and offers valuable insights for conservation strategies to safeguard wetland bird populations.
Effects of experimentally induced toxoplasmosis on blood glucose in albino mice Balb/c
Get PDFToxoplasmosis is one of the most important and prevalent disease affecting a wide range of hosts. It is caused by the parasite called T.gondii. The present study aimed to evaluate the blood glucose in serum in albino mice Balb/c induced toxoplasmosis serum. Ten placenta samples were collected from aborted women from Al-Batoul and Al-Salam Hospital in Mosul city from October 2023 to December 2024 . Eighty mice were infected experimentally with toxoplasmosis (20 male and 20 female) by injecting tissue cysts isolated from the placenta into the peritoneal cavity of laboratory mice and five mice were dissected after each after 1, 2, 3, and 6 weeks post infection (p.i)).A serum was collected to determine the glucose and insulin levels, and the titer of anti-portant toxoplasma antibodies was measured using an ELISA kit. The number of tissue cysts in the impressions brain was numerate. Results showed an increase in glucose level concentration in all groups. The highest rate of glucose was recorded in infected males after the sixth week p.i (167.40±9.46)mg/dl. The highest increase in insulin levels was recorded in all infected groups (male and female) at all periods compared to control. Furthermore, There were significant differences in the rate of IgG antibody titer, as the highest rate of antibody concentration was recorded at the first-week p.i in female (0.54±0.06) titer .Also, the results showed significant differences in the number of cysts in all groups at the sixth week post–infected.
Optimization of fermentation media constituents for higher production of naringinase by Paenibacillus stellifer RAMCM-44 using Response Surface Methodology
Get PDFNaringin is a flavonoid in citrus fruits and contributes to the bitterness of extracted citrus fruit juices. Naringinase has potential to hydrolyse the naringin into tasteless compounds and, therefore, reduces the bitterness of citrus juices. Majority of studies focused on naringinase production from fungal sources. The present study aimed to use Paenibacillus stellifer RAMCM-44 for the production of naringinase by optimization of media constituents using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) at the shake-flask level. Five media components were taken as variables with different concentrations to determine the optimal concentrations of media components. The five variables included peptone (0.5-1%, w/v), yeast extract (0.4-0.8%, w/v), NaCl (0.5-1%, w/v), naringin (0.1-0.25%, w/v) and KH2PO4 (0.5-1%, w/v), while MgSO4 (0.05%, w/v), MnSO4 (0.001%, w/v) and initial pH (6.5±0.2) during shake-flask fermentation, media were kept constant. The experimental data was analysed (RSM) and optimal levels of peptone (0.75%), yeast extract (0.6%), NaCl (0.75%), naringin (0.17%) and KH2PO4 (0.75%) were determined. The experimental values of naringinase activity (8.55 IU/ml) and biomass (0.826 OD600) closely matched the predicted values. The criteria, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), R values, coefficient of variance and model significance were assessed. The R-value for naringinase production was found to be 0.9976, while the model F-value was 228.74 and the lack of fit F-value was 109.77 for naringinase activity, revealing the current study\u27s significance. This is the first report on optimising media components and applying RSM for the production of naringinase by P. stellifer RAMCM-44, which could benefit studies involving scale-up.
Spill-over effect of India cotton trade on labour and household income
Get PDFIndia is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of cotton, the major raw material for the textile industry, employing more than 4.5 crore people in the country. The present study aimed to analyse the impact of adverse trade in Indian cotton sector on labor and household income by employing Social Analysis Matrix based multiplier model and partial equilibrium model. Indian textile sector has strong backward linkages with primary input multiplier and household income multiplier of 4.13 and 3.44, respectively and, thus transmitting external impacts to the labour and household income. The sector has a higher multiplier effect of 10.17 on production activities, of which the impact on the cotton sector is 0.126. Fall in export and domestic demand for clothing and apparel in addition to movement restrictions around the world during the period 2020-2021, disrupted cotton supply chain and consequent fall in demand and price of the commodity. Simulations for the increase in carry-over stock and reduction in domestic consumption and cotton exports revealed that limiting the commodity\u27s production and supply would retain the market equilibrium and increase the domestic price to the advantage of the farmers. The study reveals that dynamics in the Indian cotton sector trade significantly impacted labour and household income. Appropriate planning for areas under cotton cultivation and alternate procurement mechanisms during emergency situations would stabilise the Indian cotton economy.
Comparative evaluation of strawberry cultivars under Subhash Palekar natural farming and conventional farming regimes in Doaba region of Punjab conditions
Get PDFNatural farming, a recent agricultural innovation emphasizing minimal inputs, helps boost crop production. While strawberries are conventionally cultivated, their natural farming potential remains untapped. In this regard, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of Subhash Palekar natural farming (SPNF) and conventional farming (CF) systems on the vegetative growth and yield performances of five different strawberry cultivars viz. Capri, Winter Star, Winter Dawn, Camarosa, and Nabila under field trials in the Doaba region of Punjab conditions. The experiment included ten treatments and was laid out in the factorial randomized block design employing five distinct strawberry cultivars (Capri, Winter Star, Winter Dawn, Camarosa, and Nabila) as factor I, and farming techniques - SPNF and CF - as factor II. The results confirmed the supremacy of CF for vegetative growth and SPNF system for yield and yield attributing characters. Under the CF, cultivar Capri greatly outgrew other cultivars in terms of increased plant height (5.60 and 12.10 cm) and plant spread (14.87 and 23.63 cm EW; 13.00 and 24.59 cm NS) at 45 and 90 DAP, respectively. Contrarily, under the same farming method, the cultivar Camarosa displayed larger numbers of trifoliate leaves (4.80 and 14.50 at 45 and 90 DAP, respectively), chlorophyll index (56.90 SPAD), leaf area (45.84 cm2), and stem girth (2.45 cm). However, cultivar Capri produced the maximum fruits per plant (26.14) and yield per plant (328.53 g), while cultivar Camarosa resulted in the maximum average berry weight (16.53 g) and the greater yield efficiency (0.77 kg/cm2) under the SPNF technique.