Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Temporal expression of thyroid hormone regulating genes (tsh-b, tsh-r, dio2 and dio3) and their correlation with annual reproductive cycle of the Indian freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).
Get PDFPhotoperiod and temperature are well-established environmental cues for gonadal growth in seasonally reproducing organisms. The photoperiod is known to regulate seasonal reproduction via induction of thyroid hormone regulating genes in the saccus vasculosus (SV) of fishes. However, SV is absent in many seasonally breeding fishes, including Heteropneustes fossilis. H. fossilis is a long-day breeding catfish in which gonadal recrudescence begins six months earlier than spawning. The present study attempted to analyse the expression of thyroid hormone-regulating genes (tsh-b, tsh-r, dio2 and dio3) in the brain, liver and ovary. In the brain, upregulated expression of thyrotropin-beta subunit (tsh-b), deiodinase2 (dio2) and deiodinase3 (dio3) genes is concomitant with the increasing photoperiod and temperature in nature, which may appear to regulate seasonal reproduction. Both deiodinases, dio2 and dio3, were also upregulated in the liver and ovarian tissue during the gonadal growth phase. The upregulation of deiodinases may enhance the metabolism and activity of tissues, thereby facilitating their respective roles. The expression of these genes was also assessed in the brain, liver, ovary, kidney, skin, spleen and gill tissues during the spawning period. The ubiquitous expression of deiodinases may point to enhanced activity in their organ-specific role. The present study speculates that expression of tsh-b, tsh-r, dio2 and dio3 genes during the reproductive phase of H. fossilis might be involved in the regulation of seasonal reproduction
Evaluation of milk source on physicochemical, texture, rheological and sensory properties of yogurts
Get PDFYogurt is one of the world\u27s most widely consumed dairy products and can be produced from different types of milk. The present research aimed to compare the effects of utilizing whole raw milk from cattle viz. cows, buffaloes, sheep, and goats in four different milk-type yogurts, T1- cow’s milk (CM), T2- buffalo’s milk (BM), T3- sheep’s milk (SM), and T4- goat’s milk (GM) on their physicochemical, texture, rheological, and sensory qualities. The physiochemical testing included estimating pH, the percentages of moisture, fat, protein, ash, and total acidity, and the sensory assessment of the yogurt. The rheological tests also included the viscosity test, spontaneous whey separation, water-holding capacity, firmness, cohesiveness, and springiness. The results showed that T2- BM yogurt and T3- SM yogurt excelled in the percentage of fat, protein, lactose, and ash, where the ratio (4.35, 8.4, 4.70, 0.8) (5.55, 7.45, 4.80, 1.1) was for each of T2- BM yogurt and T3- SM yogurt respectively. The rheological properties were the spontaneous whey separation for each of T1-CM, T2-BM, T3-SM, T4-GM yogurt were 4.1, 2.2, 2.1 and 5.3, respectively, while the water holding capacity was 55, 60, 71 and 53 and the viscosity was 7000, 8900, 6700 and 1510 respectively. The results of the texture properties were 126.2, 199.5, 176.3, and 38.9 for firmness, while the cohesiveness values were 0.41, 0.63, 0.65, and 0.4, respectively. Finally, T2-BM and T3-SM yogurt excelled in the value obtained for sensory evaluation. The importance of the present study lies in the fact that milk with a high percentage of total solids gives good-quality yogurt
Anti-putrefying properties of the aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Manihot esculenta (cassava) on dead laboratory Sprague Dawley rats
Get PDFThe leaves of Manihot esculenta (ME) have been used by ancestors, apart from food, to preserve human bodies before burial. Formalin remains the chemical agent of choice in modern times to preserve corpses. However, cost, associated health hazards and recent public health concerns meant that researchers must explore alternative means of continuing this age-long process of preservation of human remains. The present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of extracts from cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaves in the preservation of dead remains of corpses. Aqueous extracts from fresh leaves of M. esculenta (MELE) were used to preserve euthanised rats and the internal organs were harvested after 7 days for histological analysis. The histological sections of the stomach and liver were compared with those of control rats treated with 6 ml of formalin (10%). The low and intermediate doses of MELE preserved the tissues of the dead rats beyond 7 days, as evidenced by histological sections of the stomach and liver. Concentrations of MELE between 300 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg showed adequate potency in preserving dead rats compared to formalin. However, the dead rats treated with doses of MELE greater than 1500 mg/kg showed rapid putrefaction after 7 days
Effects of foliar applications of ascobin on seed protein accumulation in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) JS 1215 grown under cadmium stress
Get PDFDifferent natural and anthropogenic activities have contributed to the prevalence of various environmental abiotic stressors that negatively affect agricultural yields worldwide. Also, more adverse impacts can be seen in legumes due to their susceptibility to abiotic stresses compared to cereals. The present study sought to understand cadmium\u27s impact and its alleviation using ascobin on several seed protein properties of soybean (Glycine max). The total seed protein content, estimated using the semi-micro Kjeldahl method, was 36.25% without ascobin (control) at the highest cadmium (Cd) concentration, i.e., 30 mg per kg of soil. The protein content was restored to the highest level (43.75%) with 500 mg/L of ascobin at 10 mg Cd/kg of soil compared to the control without Cd. There was a noticeable decrease in total seed protein content in all sets under control conditions (i.e., without ascobin spray). Also, a negative correlation was found between increasing Cd concentration and the amount of free amino acids, quantified using Lee and Takahashi’s protocol in the seed proteins. The electrophoretic analysis using Gelanalyzer on SDS gels, as per Laemmli’s formulation, revealed that the 7S-Conglycinin protein subfraction was more affected than the 11S-Glycinin subfraction. The analysis revealed how Cd toxicity in soybean plants led to decreased seed protein content and altered proportion of two globulin sub-fractions (glycinin and β-conglycinin). Additionally, it affected the free amino acid content, potentially determining the seeds\u27 nutritional value. However, foliar application of ascobin helped the plants to mitigate these Cd-induced changes and restore the seed quality.
Analyzing solid waste landfills using satellite imagery and designing new landfill reception areas
Get PDFSolid waste disposal is important for environmental management for good quality of life in urban cities. Among them is the final disposal of waste in landfills. Landfills can receive tons of waste, but they must be far away from natural resources and urban areas. The research aimed to analyze the physical and biological conditions and design a geolocation map of new sanitary landfills in three urban cities in Peru (Chilca, El Tambo and Huancayo). Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS satellite imagery was used to analyze the physical (LST and Methane) and biological (NDVI and SAVI) conditions of the landfills. The geolocation of the landfills was analyzed through the relationship, intersection and discrimination between their surface criteria (soil type, current use, geology and physiography) and climatic factors (temperature, humidity and precipitation). The physical and biological conditions of the landfills were: CH4: Chilca 8.33g > Huancayo 4.76g > El-Tambo 3.17g; SAVI: Chilca 0.61 > El Tambo 0.54 > Huancayo 0.51; LST: Huancayo 26.15°C > Chilca 24.03°C > El Tambo 22.75°C; NDVI: Chilca 0.85 > Huancayo 0.81 > El Tambo 0.8. In the three cities, "natural grasslands" were considered suitable land for the new solid waste landfill site. The multiple relationship, intersection, and discrimination of surface criteria and climatic factors were categorized into five types of sustainable geolocation (very appropriate > appropriate > moderately adequate > less appropriate > inappropriate) for new solid waste landfills. It was very important to discount the influence areas (rivers and lagoons) to avoid damaging the natural resources.
Study of distribution of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks in India based on Worldclim temperature and rainfall data through an ecological niche modeling approach
Get PDFRhipicephalus microplus is an important tick infesting livestock, particularly ruminants, and also transmits various economic diseases, viz. babesiosis and anaplasmosis. Considering the economic impact of those diseases and losses incurred due to tick infestations, it is pertinent to appraise the distribution of these tick species regarding climatic backgrounds. The present study aimed to employ a species distribution model for studying distribution patterns of Rhipicepaus microplus in India. Important bioclimatic variables viz Bio1 (Annual Mean temperature), Bio2 (Mean diurnal range of temperature), Bio12 (Annual precipitation) and Bio15 (Precipitation seasonality) were used for building a model with the help of ‘dismo’ R package. The results showed that temperature and precipitation significantly impact the distribution pattern of R. microplus. The resultant model indicated that bio 1, i.e. annual mean temperature, has significantly highest influence (0.0212 ± 0.0017; p<0.00001) on the occurrence of these ticks than the effects of bio12 (0.0007±0.0001; p<0.0001) and bio15 (-0.0153±0.0031; p<0.0001); however effects of bio2 (-0.0033±0.0042; p=0.427) was non-significant on its occurrence. The accuracy of this model is adjudged well by its AUC value being 0.874. On visual interpretation of the model maps, it was found that the drier regions comprising parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh of the country have low suitability as against those with sufficient precipitation. The temperature effects on the survivability of ticks and eggs are linked with the soil types of the country\u27s various regions. The present study is the first attempt to present a distribution model of an important vector of livestock diseases
Influence of plant bioregulators on finger characters, yield and economics of banana cv. Monthan under the Cauvery delta region of Karaikal, Puducherry
Get PDFBanana, a climacteric fruit crop of the humid tropical ecosystem, has economic value worldwide in domestic and export markets. Recently, plant bio-regulators have been proven to modulate the growth and/or any physiological actions from its production site and are active in minor concentrations. The plant bio-regulators encompass several plant growth hormones to promote commercial fruit production when applied externally at the right stage with appropriate concentration. However, the response of banana cv. Monthan with the foliar application of plant bio-regulators in the Cauvery delta region of Karaikal, Puducherry, is less explored. Hence, the study was initiated to assess the potentiality of plant bio-regulators in commercial banana production in the region to support the banana growers of the track to obtain better returns. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments (T1 - GA3 50ppm, T2 - CPPU 2ppm, T3 - 2,4-D 25 ppm, T4 - Brassinosteroid 1 ppm, T5 - Seaweed extract 0.1% and C - control) of four replications. Two Bunch sprays of treatments were given at the time of opening of the last hand and 20 days later, the first spray. Results obtained revealed that the bunches fortified with ‘T5’ Seaweed extract (0.1%) rendered significance with hand weight (1.72 kg), finger girth (15.88 cm), pulp width (5.05 cm) and lesser duration between the last hand open and harvest (73.00 days), yield per hectare (20.55 t/ha). Economic analysis evidenced that the treatment of seaweed extract (0.1%) hampered the highest net returns (Rs. 2,91,138 per hectare), including the benefit-cost ratio (1.89). Hence, the pre-harvest bunch spray with 0.1% seaweed extract is a cost-effective treatment and that may be recommended to farmers to increase the banana productivity in this region.
Study on the association of Glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) gene polymorphism with acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Get PDFThe most frequent cause of hospitalization in adults over 65 in Western nations is acute decompensation of heart failure (ADHF). Due to the high death rate, it places a heavy load on healthcare systems as well as people. The present study’s objective was to ascertain the connection between polymorphisms in the Glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) gene and heart-failure-reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients. Sixty patients with a mean age of 25–94 were taken from both genders after the clinical diagnosis by a specialist to cases who were referred to the Ibn Al-Baitar Specialized Center for Cardiac Surgery and Ramadi Teaching Hospital, and thirty apparently healthy people were taken as a control. Blood and serum containing EDTA were drawn from sick and healthy people to extract DNA for multiplex PCR detection of the GSTM1 polymorphism. The GSTM1 genotype was found in 23 (38.33%) and the null gene in 37 (61.66%) of the 60 ADHF patients. Of 30 healthy people, 8 (26.66%) had the GSTM1 gene and 22 (73.33%) had the null gene. According to the present study, the etiology of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and the antioxidant null gene (GSTM1) are related. The present study has been achieved to determine the relationship between the presence of the antioxidant gene (GSTM1) and the incidence of ADHF with reduced ejection fraction for research and therapeutic purposes, which opens new spaces in the treatment of the mentioned condition.
A comparative study of soil fertility and biota population under organic, semi-organic, and conventional farming system of rice fields in Giriwoyo District, Wonogiri Regency, Indonesia
Get PDFContinuous use of chemical fertilizers and farming practices in rice fields would reduce nutrient availability and biota population in the soil. Because soil biological linkages are sensitive to changes in soil function, changes in fauna and microbial populations can affect soil fertility. This study aimed to identify the condition of soil fertility and soil biota under various farming systems, namely organic, semi-organic, and conventional, and find the indicators that determine soil fertility index (SFI) in the research area. This research is a survey with the sampling method was purposive on the Land Mapping Unit (LMU) overlaid with thematic maps (land use, soil type, slope, and rainfall). The method analysis of SFI using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and scoring methods were used for the effect of farming systems using One-way, continued by DMRT, and determinant factor using Pearson’s. Correlation. The results illustrated that soil fertility was a moderate category. The highest SFI was in organic rice fields (0.69), then in semi-organic (0.62), and the lowest fertility was in conventional (0.59). Organic farming also showed the best soil biota conditions (0.27 individuals/liter of earthworms and 0.755 µ/g of microbial C biomass) compared to semi-organic (0.15 individuals/liter, 0.508 µ/g microbial C biomass) and conventional farming (0.11 individuals/liter, microbial biomass C 0.325 µ/g). Soil fertility and soil biota are positively correlated, meaning that the higher the soil fertility, the higher the density of soil biota. The soil indicators most determining fertility are total N, P-available, K-available, CEC, and organic C.
Nutritional evaluation of Chrysophyllum oliviforme L. (Sapotaceae) an underutilized exotic fruit
Get PDFDiet and nutrition are important factors in promoting and maintaining good health. Fruits are important sources of protective foods that are highly beneficial for maintaining good health and preventing diseases.The present study aimed to assess the nutritional profiling (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, moisture, ash, solids and vitamins content), anti-nutritional (oxalate, saponin and tannin) and physico-chemical (shape, colour, size and weight) parameters of Chrysophyllum oliviforme fruits. The nutritional contents were determined by Biuret, dry ash, and oven dry method for protein, ash and moisture content, respectively. The nutritional values of this fruit were: carbohydrates (5.30±0.21 mg/g), protein (6.30±0.19), lipids (14.00 %), thiamine (0.04 mg/g), calcium (3.29 mg/kg), potassium (348-370 mg/100 g). The results revealed that this plant C. oliviforme has a high nutritious value and suggested that its underutilized edible fruits could be a source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.The study on underutilized edible fruit plant C.oliviforme L.appears to be the first report on its nutritional evaluation.This data may also helpimprove the nutritional and health status of rural populations nationwide by utilizing underutilized and neglected specialities