Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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A study on compounds with spermicidal potential in Calophyllum inophyllum L. seed shell towards Mus musculus
Get PDFCalophyllum inophyllum L is a plant found on the coast and is known to have pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to determine the ability of the ethanolic extract of the sampling seed shells as a spermicide for albino mice (Mus musculus), determine the growth inhibition of Candida albicans, and identify its compounds. The extraction of the C. inophyllum L seed shell was carried out by maceration. The quality of motility and abnormal morphology of mice sperms were observed under the microscope. The fungus inhibition assay was carried out by diffusion agar, and the identification of the active compounds by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Sperm motility in ethanolic extract at the concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5% were 10.85, 10.05, and 10.85%, respectively, and the abnormal morphology was 63.50, 65.62, and 72.67%, respectively. The partition results of the n-hexane extract showed that motility and abnormal morphology values at the concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5% were 79.21 and 79.93%, and the abnormal morphology was 8.49, 4.30 and 0.00%, respectively. Fraction F6 at the concentration of 0.3% showed that its motility was 0.00% and abnormal morphology was 65.86%, so it did not provide inhibition against the C. albicans fungus. Fraction F6 contained compounds that had spermicidal potential were 2,5-Dioxo-1- pyrrolidinyl N-[(benzyloxy) carbonyl]-D-phenylalaninate, raubasine, and N-(4-{[2,4-Diamino-7,8-dyhydro-6 pteridinyl) methyl] (methyl) amino} benzoyl) L-glutamic acid or methotrexate through to cytotoxic effects.
Potential of probiotic bacteria to improve silk production: Boosting the Sericulture Industry in Northeast India
Get PDFSilkworms\u27 Gut are home to various microorganisms, including viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Bacteria are the most prevalent and varied group, with more than 100 species known to exist. These bacteria are members of several phyla, such as Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. A wide variety of beneficial bacteria are found in the gut of silkworms. Probiotics mainly influence some aspects of the immune system and gut health by interacting with the complex community of intestinal bacteria known as the gut microbiota. Certain bacteria produce essential vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients, while others help break down dietary fibres. Silkworms are an invaluable model organism for gut microbiota research due to their significance in ecology and economy. The present review discusses the diversity and functions of bacteria in silkworm digestive tracts and explores potential applications of these microbes in other sectors of the economy. The findings of this study have highlighted the importance and potential of silkworm gut microbiota, as well as the prospective applications of these microbes in the future to enhance silkworm health and resistance to illness. Thus, comprehending the relationships between silkworms and the bacteria in their stomachs may offer fresh perspectives on the biology of these significant insects and open the door to the creation of innovative methods for increasing silk production.
Molecular identification of CdtB and TviA virulence genes of Salmonella typhi isolated from cholelithiasis patients in Erbil City, Iraq
Get PDFGallstone disease (GSD), particularly cholecystitis accompanied by gallstones, is a prevalent global health concern with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Typhoid fever is a public health issue in low- and middle-income countries. The severity of the pathogenesis depends on Salmonella’s possession of several virulence factors encoded on Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs). This study aimed to isolate and identify Salmonella typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever, in clinical samples from cholelithiasis patients in Erbil City, Iraq. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024, involving 125 patients diagnosed with gallbladder disease. Gallstone, bile, and gallbladder tissue samples were collected and analyzed for bacterial growth. Biochemical and cultural studies confirmed antibiotic susceptibility and Vitek2 system identification. The present study used a traditional PCR assay to detect Salmonella typhi pathogenicity genes. This study found the virulence genes CtdB and TviA using specific primers. Out of 125 samples, 101 (80.8%) showed bacterial growth, with 8 (6.4%) positive for S. typhi and 93 (74.4%) positive for other bacterial species. Gallstones had the highest proportion of S. typhi isolation 5 (4%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed significant resistance to commonly used antibiotics like ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. However, the strains demonstrated better susceptibility to various antibiotics. The molecular result showed the virulence genes, including CtdB and TviA, were detected in all (100%) isolated strains. S. typhi\u27s virulence characteristics significantly contributed to gallbladder infections and multidrug-resistant strains (MDR).
Exploring the various orders of edible insects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a safe and sustainable food alternative: A comprehensive review
Get PDFThe global population is predicted to reach 9.3 billion by 2050, increasing food production substantially and posing significant food security risks, particularly for low-income countries. The widening food security gap necessitates innovative, sustainable solutions. In response, promoting edible insects as a viable food source gained momentum, addressing malnutrition and food insecurity. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the world\u27s largest countries, has many edible insects. As a result of its unique challenges, Saudi Arabia explores insects as a vital source for enhancing food security, such as Crickets, Mealworms, Black Soldier Flies, Buffalo\u27s, Grasshoppers, Ants, Silkworms, and Cicadas. The Kingdom\u27s commitment to Vision 2030, focusing on sustainable development, underscores the importance of incorporating insects into agricultural processes and food manufacturing. Despite the promising nutritional benefits, challenges such as potential toxicity, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and allergic reactions require careful consideration. Collaborative efforts involving the public and private sectors, universities, and large-scale breeding laboratories are essential to realize the full potential of edible insects. This review article delves into the nutritional value of edible insect orders found in the Kingdom, examining protein, lipid, carbohydrate, nucleic acid, mineral, and vitamin content. The review emphasizes the need for extensive research to understand the nutritional composition of diverse insect species in Saudi Arabia.
A comparative study on lethal concentration (LC50) of urea and diammonium phosphate to earthworms, Eisenia fetida
Get PDFIn managed agro-ecosystems, urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) are widely used artificially synthesized fertilizers for crops as nitrogenous supplements. Overdose of chemical fertilizer poses a threat to various soil-dwelling microorganisms and earthworms, too. The present study aimed to determine the detrimental effect of nitrogen supplements (urea and diammonium phosphate) on earthworms (Eisenia fetida). To calculate LC50 for urea and DAP, the experimental set-up was maintained as per the recommendations of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines number 207 for testing the chemicals. Ten adult gut-cleaned earthworms were inoculated in artificial soil mixed with testing chemicals. Five sets of replica with each test chemical in different concentrations were used for 14 days for better estimation of mortality. Mortality was the endpoint. Median lethal concentration (LC50) of urea and DAP was calculated through Finney Probit regression analysis. At 300 mg/kg concentration of urea, earthworms had no mortality and at 1000 mg/kg there was ≤50% mortality. The LC50 value for urea was 862.126 mg urea per kg of the soil at 95% confidence interval and at 500 mg/kg concentration of DAP, there was no mortality of earthworms; at 2400 mg/kg, there was ≤50% mortality. The LC50 value for DAP was 2098.69 mg DAP per kg of the soil at 95% confidence interval. Comprehending the LC50 value is crucial when determining an appropriate application rate of chemical fertilizers in an agricultural setting to avoid damaging earthworm populations, which are vital to the soil\u27s fertility and overall health. More specifically, the diversity and population of earthworms indicate the health of the soil and evolve into a cost-effective component of the agro-managed ecosystem.
Efficacy of insecticides spinosad and imidacloprid as baiting stations to control termite Microcerotermes diversus (Silvestri) (Isoptera: Termitidae)
Get PDFThe control of termite infestations, particularly Microcerotermes diversus, poses substantial challenges in agricultural settings, such as olive orchards, necessitating effective pest management strategies. This study investigates the efficacy of two insecticides, imidacloprid, and spinosad, at varying concentrations for controlling termite infestations in an olive orchard in Baghdad. The experiment utilized bait stations consisting of plastic containers buried within the soil of infested olive trees. Each bait station contained palm frond bundles treated with either imidacloprid (200, 400, 600 ppm) or spinosad (200, 400, 600 ppm) and the control group with no treatment. Palms were previously dried and placed in the bait stations, then inspected bi-monthly for termite infestation and weight loss over six months. After one month, the treatment with 200 ppm imidacloprid produced a 75% infection rate, with 3120 worker termites and a 55% reduction in palm frond weight. By six months, the infestation rates for imidacloprid and spinosad 600 ppm decreased to 0%, corresponding to 40% and 38% weight losses. The control group had 100% infestation and a peak of 5820 workers. Spinosad at 600 ppm proved most effective, achieving a total reduction in infestation by month four, demonstrating a significant difference in efficacy between the insecticides. The findings highlight the effectiveness of using bait stations with imidacloprid and spinosad to manage termite populations, providing a crucial method for safeguarding crops against severe pest threats. This study contributes valuable data on optimal pesticide application for sustainable agricultural practices.
Anti-nephrotoxicity effect of bee and wasp venoms on rheumatoid arthritis-induced male albino rats (Rattus rattus)
Get PDFDue to its beneficial benefits on diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Hymenoptera venom acupuncture therapy is an alternative therapy for patients with various chronic diseases all over the world. The present study aimed to examine the modulatory effects of wasp venom (WV) and bee venom (BV) in the histological changes of the kidney caused by rheumatoid arthritis in male albino rats (Rattus rattus). The dose of 40 μg/Kg body weight of lyophilized bee and wasp venoms was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) every day for 4 weeks. The rats were randomly divided into six groups: placebo administered DW; positive control only Complete Freund\u27s Adjuvant (CFA) injected into the right hind paw; treatment groups treated with WV or BV injected with 100µl of CFA in the right hind paw with WV or BV (i.p.) which subdivided into subgroups: 2 subgroups treated with venom (WV or BV) i.p. for 4 weeks along with CFA, and another two subgroups treated after five days from CFA injection for 4 weeks. The rats were sacrificed and the kidneys were taken out and processed for histological study. In the positive control group, many histopathological alterations were observed, such as degenerative changes in both glomeruli and renal tubule, congestion, and inflammatory cells in the kidney. Sections of the kidney from the BV-treated group showed normal glomerulus and tubules in most sections with reducing degenerative alterations and congestion. In conclusion, the BV was more effective in reducing nephrotoxicity induced by CFA than WV, which had less efficiency in reducing degenerative changes.
Assessment of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) toxicity in histological changes in the kidney of Cirrhinus mrigala
Get PDFWater is indispensable for sustaining life. The present study aimed to find out the lethal concentration (LC50) of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) and its histological alterations in the kidney of freshwater fish Cirrhinus mrigala. A study was based on an experiment design based on lethal concentration. The LC50 of aluminium chloride in fish was reported to be 0.087ml/L after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. To do further evaluation, the fish were exposed to AlCl3 sublethal concentration 1/10th of LC50, i.e., 0.0087ml/L, for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. After exposure to aluminium chloride, changes in behaviour, including erratic swimming, heightened sensitivity to stimuli, irregular fin movements, congregating at the tank, loss of balance, aggressiveness and respiratory distress, were noticed in C. mrigala. The kidneys of control fish showed no significant changes, while in the treated group, morphological changes were observed in each experimental duration, including a decrease in the number and size of tubular cells, expansion of tubular lumen, degeneration and damage in epithelial cells, necrosis, expanded Bowman’s space, blood cell around tubular and interstitial cells and glomerulus enlargement were observed in kidney tissues. This histological analysis showed that the degree of alterations in fish kidneys increased time-dependent. These histological changes are early warning signs of environmental health risks, showing that even low levels of heavy metal contamination can severely impact aquatic life and the entire food chain, with direct and indirect consequences for human lives and nature.
Synergistic impacts of synthesized zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) on phytoremediation of lead (Pb) contaminated soil using Tagetus erecta L.
Get PDFRapid industrialization, particularly in developing countries, has increased lead (Pb) levels in soil and the environment. This study explores the impacts of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) on the phytoremediation of Pb using Tagetus erecta L. as a plant. A three-month pot experiment was tested with nZVI amendments of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg, with a Pb metal concentration of 400 mg/kg. The nZVI was characterized with the FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), UV-visible spectroscopy, and Zeta Potential Analysis. The study assessed various plant growths, and physiological and biochemical parameters. Characterizations of nZVI revealed that synthesized nZVI were porous in structure, having good stability with a zeta potential of -11.8 mV. Results showed that 500 mg/kg nZVI amendments in Pb treated pots significantly (P<0.05) increased root length by 41%, shoot length by 22 %, relative water content (RWC) by 20%, and total chlorophyll by 25 % as compared to Pb only treatments. The findings also suggested that nZVI amendments resulted in decreased proline content to overcome the Pb stress. The Pb accumulation in T. erecta at 500 mg/kg nZVI amendments was 610 mg/kg in roots and 150 mg/kg in shoots. These were significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to Pb only treatments. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed that plant growth parameters were negatively correlated with proline content. Hence, the integration of nZVI improved Pb phytoremediation efficiency and mitigated Pb-induced stress in T. erecta.
Propagation of acid lime, Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) swingle and lemon, Citrus limon L. through stem cuttings - A review
Get PDFCultivation of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) swingle) and lemon (Citrus limon L.) holds significant importance in India. Despite its economic importance, propagation faces challenges, primarily due to the recalcitrant nature of seeds, leading to loss of viability and lack of uniformity in seedlings. This necessitates the adoption of vegetative propagation method for producing true-to-type planting materials. Stem cuttings, budding and air layering are the primary methods employed, with stem cuttings being the most suitable for their simplicity and ability to induce precocity in fruit crops. The successful rooting of stem cuttings depends on the maturity of the cuttings, auxins, growing media, nutrition, irrigation water, endogenous food materials, season and microclimatic conditions. The maturity of cuttings influences rooting and uniformity, with virus-free hard, semi-hard, and softwood cuttings being preferred for propagation. The application of Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) significantly influences rooting. Cool season is generally favored for better rooting. Pre-conditioning treatments such as ringing, girdling and wounding influenced rooting. Microclimatic conditions, including temperature, relative humidity and light intensity, are critical for successful rooting. This review is a compilation of up-to-date research and development in stem cuttings of lime and lemon to understand better physiology, the role of auxins, growing media and microclimatic factors.