28th Day Research Articles

Herbicide paraquat dichloride augments the expression of the c-abl-noxa-apoptotic pathway, instigating ovarian atresia in edible fish, Channa punctatus.

Ovarian cells of animals undergo atresia to regulate egg numbers and their release. However, unrestrained atretic activity decreases the chances of oocyte maturity and further process, ultimately resulting in a reduced population. Edible fishes are a critical source of nutrition and it is required to regulate their population. The application of herbicides at fish production sites is a threat to their population by altering female reproductive activity. In concern to this, here, this 60-day study investigates herbicide paraquat dichloride (PD)-induced atresia in ovarian cells of Channa punctatus (C. punctatus). Further, 96-h LC50 of PD for C. punctatus was calculated as 58.40mg/L. At the end of each exposure period, an increase in intracellular ROS in blood cells and activities of SOD and CAT in ovary tissue were observed in PD-treated fish with increasing concentration. The frequency of micronuclei in blood cells subsequently increased with the highest PD concentration. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in the relative expression of target genes was observed at the 30th and 60th day of the sampling periods in the fish treated with the highest concentration of PD. The histological study confirmed the occurrence of atretic ovary cells in PD-exposed fish. From the results it can be concluded that PD enhances the uncontrolled death of ovarian cells and has consequences of impairing the ovary health and reproductive potential of fish, hence reducing the fish population.

The efficacy of some endophytic fungi against primary grapevine black foot disease pathogens

ABSTRACT Black foot disease (BFD), primarily attributed to taxa within the genera Dactylonectria and Ilyonectria, is a significant problem that causes serious damage worldwide in many grape and wine regions. This threat could especially be destructive in nurseries and early-stage vineyards, where it induces a decline in growth along with drying, leading to a reduction in the quality and lifespan of the grapevines. This research mainly focused on assessing the biocontrol capabilities of endophytic isolates derived from grapevine saplings, specifically Acremonium sclerotigenum and Clonostachys rosea. The study aimed to assess their effectiveness against the major pathogens responsible for BFD, including Dactylonectria macrodidyma, D. torresensis, and I. liriodendri, under laboratory and in vivo conditions. In the conducted paired culture assays, Trichoderma harzianum KRL-AG2 was employed for comparative purposes. On the 28th day of antagonistic tests, the inhibition response of A. sclerotigenum (≥94%) and C. rosea (>90%) isolates against the three species of BFD, D. macrodidyma, D. torresensis, and I. liriodendri, reached the maximum inhibition rate. Based on the in vivo analysis conducted with 1103 P rootstocks, T. harzianum, A. sclerotigenum, and C. rosea isolates significantly reduced the disease severity and supplied notable positive effects on plant growth parameters, including root dry weight, root length, and shoot dry weight. These results suggest that these biocontrol agents have potential for the biological management of BFD.

Thymus morphological characteristics in acute and chronic colitis in animals with different hypoxia tolerance

Hypoxia is connected with inflammation, and the severity of inflammatory diseases predominantly depends on individual tolerance to oxygen deficiency. Hypoxia-inducible factor, HIF-1, regulates the thymus functional state, and its activity varies in organisms with different hypoxia tolerance. It is likely that differences in individual hypoxia tolerance and the associated HIF-1 functional activity may influence the inflammatory diseases severity, such as acute and chronic ulcerative colitis. The study aim is to characterize the thymus morphological changes during acute and chronic colitis in animals with different hypoxia tolerance. The hypoxia tolerance of male C57Bl/6 mice was determined by “gasping time” at an “altitude” of 10,000 m in a decompression chamber. A month after determining hypoxia tolerance, the animals were modeled as acute colitis by replacing drinking water with a 1.5% dextran sulfate sodium for 5 days; the animals were removed from the experiment on the 7th day. Chronic colitis was modeled by animals consuming a 1% dextran sulfate sodium on days 1-4, 12-14 and 22-26; animals were removed from the experiment on the 60th day. The volume fraction of thymus structural and functional zones was assessed using the point counting method. The relative number of different thymic bodies types was assessed: consisting of 3-5 cells, 5 or more epithelial cells, with keratohyalin deposits and thymic bodies in the form of cyst-like cavities. During acute colitis, in the thymus only in susceptible mice, there was a significant cortex narrowing and an increase in the number of thymic bodies consisting of 5 or more cells. In chronic colitis, only in susceptible animals in comparison with the control group, the cortex volume fraction and the cortex to the medulla ratio increased significantly. In susceptible mice, the number of bodies with keratohyalin increased. In tolerant animals, the indicators did not change. Thus, differences in the thymus response to acute and chronic ulcerative colitis were identified between tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia animals. Only in susceptible mice, in acute colitis, was observed cortex narrowing, but in chronic colitis, cortex hyperplasia. The data obtained must be taken into account when conducting experimental studies of the thymus.

A retrospective study on two different surgical robots to assist total knee arthroplasty

To compare early clinical and imaging results of domestic HURWA and imported Brainlab Knee3 surgical robot-assisted knee replacement. A retrospective analysis was performed on 93 patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) who underwent robot-assisted descending total knee arthroplasty(TKA) from January 2021 to July 2023, and they were divided into BRATKA group and HRATKA group according to use of robotic system. There were 40 patients in BRATKA group, including 16 males and 24 females, aged from 55 to 90 years old with an average of (64.3±7.0) years old;27 patients with grade Ⅲ and 13 patients with grade Ⅳ according to Kellgren-Lawrence(K-L);18 patients on the right side and 22 patients on the left side;the courses of disease ranged from 1 to 30 years with an average of (15.3±7.6) years;imported Brainlab Knee3 surgical robot assisted system was adopted. There were 53 patients in HRATKA group, including 18 males and 35 females, aged from 52 to 81 years old with an average of (64.4±8.5) years old;30 patients with grade Ⅲ and 23 patients with grade Ⅳ;21 patients on the right side and 32 patients on the left side;the courses of disease ranged from 1 to 32 years with an average of (16.4±7.9) years;HURWA surgical robot assisted system was adopted. Operation time, perioperative total blood loss, incision length and postoperative complications were compared between two groups. Deviation angle of hip-knee-ankle angle(HKAA) before operation and on the first day after operation was compared between two groups. Later tibal component (LTC), frontal femoral component (FFC), later femoral component (LFC) and frontal tibal component(FTC) at 1 day after on the first day after operation was compared between two groups. Knee Society score(KSS), visual analogue scale (VAS) and range of motion (ROM) of knee joint were compared between two groups before operation and on the 3rd and 90th day after operation. Both groups were followed up for 11 to 18 months with an average of (14.4±2.1) months, and the wounds of all patients healed well. Operation time and incision length of BRATKA group were (132.1±34.6) min and (12.9±1.9) cm, while (94.1±10.8) min and (14.8±2.1) cm in HRATKA group, respectively, and the differences between two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05). There were no significant difference in perioperative total blood loss and preoperative deviation angle of HKAA between two groups(P>0.05). Deviation angle of HKAA, FFC angle and LFC angle in BRATKA group were (1.90±0.91) °, (87.90±1.51) ° and(9.00±3.2) °, respectively;while (0.93±1.04) °, (89.03±0.96) ° and (7.63±0.59) ° in HRATKA group, respectively, and the differences between two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in FTC and LTC between two groups(P>0.05). There were no significant differences in VAS of knee rest and exercise, KSS score and ROM of knee joint between two groups before operation and 3 days and 90 days after operation(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in complications between two groups (P>0.05). Postoperative imaging of two robot systems showed good lower limb force line. The domestic HRATKA group had better LFC, FFC angle and HKA deviation angle than the imported BRATKA group, but there were no significant difference in postoperative knee function and pain relief.

Alveolar bone healing patterns in chronic kidney failure and kidney transplant recipients: A pixel intensity and fractal analyses.

To assess and compare radiographically the alveolar bone after tooth extractions in individuals with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis (CKFh), those submitted to kidney transplantation (KT), and those without kidney disease (CG) by using fractal analysis (FA) and pixel intensity (PI). Periapical radiographs of 48 CKFh individuals (87 extracted teeth), 12 KT individuals (26 extracted teeth and 29 control individuals [76 extracted teeth] were analyzed at 7 and 60 days after tooth extraction. Fractal dimension (FD) and PI were assessed to evaluate the alveolar trabecular bone structural complexity and mineral content. The difference in FD values between the 7th and 60th postoperative days in KT individuals (0.03±0.08) was significantly lower compared to those of CKFh individuals (0.09±0.10) and controls (0.15±0.06). As for the difference in PI values, KT (4.55±10.24) and CKFh groups (9.88±15.90) showed significantly lower values compared to those of the control group (17.93±11.86) in the same period. These results indicate a lower gain in the trabecular bone complexity and bone density in the alveolus of KT individuals compared to the other groups. Overall mineral content and thickness of the bone in the plane of the x-ray beam were lower in KT and CKFh individuals compared to controls, reflecting the need for careful consideration in recommending rehabilitation with dental implants for these patients. Particular attention should be given to the potential challenges in oral rehabilitation of KT patients.

Morphological analysis of wound healing with the use of aloe extract, hydrogel and their combination (experimental research)

BACKGROUND: Currently, there remains a high incidence of skin damage due to trauma, chronic diseases, burns, so it is important to study the issues of regeneration and treatment of skin wounds. AIM: Conduct a morphological analysis of wound healing when using aloe extract, hydrogel and their combination in the experiment. METHODS:. The subjects of the study were 40 mature guinea pigs, which were divided into control and 4 experimental groups (independent wound healing, application of aloe extract, hydrosorb gel, layer-by-layer application of drugs). Histological skin preparations were prepared on days 7, 14, and 28 of the experiment. In each microslide, in 10 fields of view of the microscope at a magnification of x50, morphometric parameters were measured in micrometers (µm): the thickness of the purulent-necrotic scab, inflammatory (leukocyte) infiltrate, granulation tissue, the length of the newly formed epithelium on days 7, 14; the thickness of the epithelium, its length and the thickness of the connective tissue in the central part of the regenerate on the 28th day. All data were subjected to statistical processing. RESULTS: The use of drugs led to a decrease in the inflammatory reaction, acceleration of the formation of granulation tissue, and partial epithelization of the wound by the 7th day of the experiment, however, more pronounced signs of wound healing were observed with layer-by-layer application of aloe extract and hydrogel. The use of medications, regardless of the method of application, showed signs of more effective wound healing by day 14. Thus, the length of the epithelium increased by 1.2-1.6 times, the depth of granulation tissue by 1-1.2 times compared to the control. By the end of the experiment, all animals had complete closure of the wound defect with the formation of a scar, but in the experimental groups of the study there were signs of remodeling of the skin with appendages. CONCLUSION: Morphological analysis showed that the use of aloe extract, hydrosorb gel and their combination accelerates the wound healing processes of full-thickness skin wounds in the experiment.

Thermographic assessment of mastitis progression in sahiwal cattle: Insights into the patterns in the natural course of infection

Mastitis is a global concern in the dairy sector, demanding innovative solutions for effective management for quality lifetime milk production. In this study, infrared thermography (IRT) as a non-invasive technology was integrated into routine farm activities for continuous health monitoring of animals. For 30 days, we systematically monitored the udder health status in 40 Sahiwal cows (160 quarters), employing IRT along with the California Mastitis Test (CMT). We also assessed somatic cell count (SCC), microbial identification, and milk quality parameters of representative samples. The thermal imaging data was analyzed, considering both backward propagation from the 0th day to the −10th day and forward propagation from the 0th day to the +10th day. Our findings revealed that on the 0th day, the mean temperatures of the udder surface skin temperature (USST) and teat skin surface temperature (TSST) exhibited differences (p < 0.05) between the quarters affected by sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM) in comparison to the healthy quarters, with the highest degree of difference observed. The observed temperature differences between CM and SCM quarters compared to healthy ranged from 1.8 to 3.62 °C and 0.98 to 3.23 °C for USST, and from 1.68 to 3.16 °C and 0.56 to 2.32 °C for TSST, respectively. Furthermore, our observations indicated that both udder and teat quarters responded differently to mastitis. A temperature rise of 1.37 °C in SCM quarters and 1.75 °C in CM quarters was observed between the −10th and -8th day relative to day 0, with the increase being more pronounced in the morning hours. Also, a notable temperature surge occurred during the -2nd and -1st days relative to the 0th day. The log10SCC values and milk quality parameters significantly differed (p < 0.05) between mastitis-affected and healthy samples. In addition, Staphylococcus spp. was identified as the predominant mastitis-causing pathogen in the bacteriological identification conducted in this study. Therefore, IRT efficiently assesses the initiation point of udder infection in Sahiwal cows, aiding in effective udder health management.

Effect of leech therapy in dermatophytosis: A randomized standard controlled trial

Background and purposeIn Unani medicine leech therapy is used as analgesic and resolvent purposes. The saliva of leech contains various biological substances like Hirudin, hyaluronidase, vasodilators, anesthetics, antibacterial, fibrinases, collagenase etc. To compare the efficacy of Leech therapy with local antifungal clotrimazole (1 %) cream in dermatophytosis on long term basis. Material and methodsA randomized, standard controlled, open labeled, clinical study was conducted on 40 patients of dermatophytosis, aged 18–60 years, and were randomly assigned into two groups; 20 patients in test group and 20 in control group. Patients were diagnosed clinically and confirmed through KOH examination. Complete haemogram, bleeding and clotting times, random blood sugar, HIV I & II, and HBsAg tests were carried out before starting the therapy, while haemogram was repeated after completion of treatment too. In test group, five sittings of leech therapy were applied, with intervals of one week. The control group was given clotrimazole (1 %) cream for topical application twice daily, continuously for a period of 28 days. Post-treatment follow-ups were done on 35th day in person, and then over the phone on 45th, 60th, and 90th days. Data were collected using Signs and Symptoms Severity Score for study, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). After completion of trial, appropriate tests were applied for statistical analysis of data. ResultsThe study shows, in most of the parameters, statically significant therapeutic effect in both the groups (p<0.001). No patients of either group reported any adverse event throughout the trial. Conclusionit appeared that leech therapy can contribute significantly in treating dermatophytosis (Qūbā) without any adverse effect, and with prolonged efficacy compared to standard treatment.

Characteristics of Mould Growth in Pine and Spruce Sapwood and Heartwood under Fluctuating Humidity

The importance of maintaining a healthy indoor climate has recently increased, as has the durability of building structures, and for this issue, we need to predict mould growth. To prepare this model under real conditions is challenging, and this work aimed to contribute data to this model. This article presents the findings of a laboratory study investigating the effects of fluctuations in the relative humidity and temperature conditions on mould growth on pine and spruce. The study compared the results to a previous steady-state experiment, demonstrating that fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature prolonged the onset of mould growth. The mould growth observed depended on the type of wood with pine or spruce wood exhibiting different growth patterns compared to heartwood or sapwood. In sapwood, mould growth was found to be almost independent of the direction of the fiber. The first microscopic indications of mould growth on pine sapwood were observed around day 76, with the first macroscopic indications observed around day 90. On the contrary, spruce sapwood demonstrated a limit for mould growth. The mould growth was only visible under the microscope with the first indications observed between the 72nd and 80th day. Furthermore, heartwood was found to be unsuitable for mould growth under fluctuating conditions.

Temporal restriction of biomedical research on human embryos created in vitro

The article is devoted to the study of temporal limitation of biomedical research ofhuman embryos created in vitro. The author has investigated various models of settingtemporal restrictions, in particular, the most widespread in the world model of 14 daystemporal limitation. The article examines the validity of various models of temporal limitations(in particular, models that provide for temporal limitation of 7 days, 14 days, 28days) and their ability to maintain a balance between protection of a human embryo, interestsof a human, society, state, and science.Having studied the practice of establishing temporal limitations in various countries,including Switzerland, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, theauthor reached a conclusion. The research focused on issues related to the status of thehuman embryo and the scientific potential of studying embryos created in vitro more than14 days since their creation. The author concluded that the existing models, particularlythe 14-day rule, do not maintain a balance of interests. Therefore, it is necessary to establisha model that provides for multiple temporal limitations. The author has proposed atwo-level model of temporal limitation. The first level provides for the possibility of cultivatinga human embryo created in vitro up to the 14th day of its development from themoment of creation and carrying out biomedical research of such embryos up to the 14thday of their development from the moment of creation. The second level, which in exceptionalcases and in the presence of stricter conditions provides for the possibility of cultivatinga human embryo created in vitro up to the 28th day of its development from themoment of creation and carrying out biomedical research of such embryos up to the 28thday of their development from the moment of creation. Such a model is a compromise andwill ensure the balance between proper protection of a human embryo and interests of aperson, society, state, and science.

Peran Mahasiswa dalam Kuliah Kerja Nyata di Kampung Mandopi Rimom Kabupaten Manokwari Provinsi Papua Barat

Community Service Program (CSP) is a form of manifestation of community service that is in line with the demands and realization of the Tridharma of Higher Education. It is hoped that through CSP, students will be able to utilize knowledge, analyze community conditions, and provide solutions to various problems (social, economic, health, and education) in villages especially. The CSP implementation method consists of 4 stages, namely the initial stage (literature study, location survey, and interviews), the planning stage, the implementation stage, and the monitoring and evaluation stage. The CSP activity which took place in Mandopi Rimom Village, Manokwari Regency was carried out for 36 days (24 June - 8 August 2022) involving 1 field supervisor and 9 students from different study programs. A total of 35 work/activity programs (wp) have been successfully implemented involving participation and cooperation from village residents, school officials, posyandu officers, district health services, and the LPPM of Papua University. The work programs cover 8 areas of activity, namely village administration (7 wp), education (5 wp), health (5 wp), environment (10 wp), religion (2 wp), agriculture (2 wp), animal husbandry (2 wp) and socio-cultural economics (2 wp). The KKN seminar was held on the 35th day to present the results of the activities as well as get appreciation and suggestions as recommendations for implementing KKN in the next period. The results of the work program, activity documentation, obstacles, and suggestions/recommendations are then prepared in the form of a report to be submitted to the university's LLPM.

Persistence and degradation of tembotrione in loamy soil: Effect of various organic amendments, moisture regimes and temperatures

In the present study, persistence and degradation of tembotrione, a triketone herbicide, was studied in loamy soil collected from maize field. Effects of organic amendments, moistures and temperatures on tembotrione dissipation were evaluated. Soil samples were processed according to the modified QuEChERS involving dichloromethane solvent and MgSO4 without PSA. Analysis using LC-MS/MS showed >95% recoveries of tembotrione its two metabolites TCMBA and M5 from fortified soils. Tembotrione residues dissipated with time and 85.55 to 98.53% dissipation was found on 90th day under different treatments. Tembotrione dissipation increased with temperature and moisture content of the soil. Among organic amendments, highest dissipation was observed in vermicompost amended soil. Minimum and maximum half-lives of tembotrione were recorded under 35 °C (15.7 days) and air-dry (33 days) conditions, respectively. Residues of tembotrione declined with time while that of TCMBA increased steadily up to 10-45th day in different treatments and declined thereafter. Residues of M5 were not detected in our experiments. Tembotrione persistence was negatively correlated with the organic carbon (%), moisture regimes, and temperature. A good correlation between soil microbial biomass carbon and degradation was found. A two-way ANOVA indicated significant differences between the treatments at 95% confidence level (p < 0.05).

Study on the Effect of Foliar Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of V108 Heat-Tolerant Cucumber Variety

This study evaluates the efficacy of various foliar fertilizers on the growth and yield of the heat-tolerant cucumber variety TV108. The experimental design included six different foliar fertilizers and a control, with applications made weekly at a concentration of 1 mL per liter of water. Results showed that all foliar treatments significantly enhanced plant height compared to the control. Among these, Treatment T4 (ATONIK foliar fertilizer) demonstrated the most pronounced effect, achieving a main stem height of 216.57 cm by the 70th day, which was significantly higher than other treatments and the control. Treatment T4 also excelled in increasing stem diameter, with a final measurement of 1.48 cm, and in promoting both male and female flower formation. The fruit set rate was highest in Treatment T4, reaching 28.67% on day 56 and maintaining at 8.67% by day 70. This treatment also proved most effective in reducing the incidence of key diseases and pests, including powdery mildew, white mold, green worms, and yellow beetles. Regarding yield, Treatment T4 produced the highest individual fruit yield (2.32 kg/plant), actual yield (33.8 tons/ha), and theoretical yield (84.91 tons/ha). Additionally, it enhanced fruit quality, as indicated by the largest fruit length (15.22 cm), diameter (4.13 cm), and the highest Brix value (3.50%). These results substantiate that Treatment T4 is the most effective foliar fertilizer for enhancing both growth and quality of heat-tolerant cucumbers under experimental conditions.

Contribution of root and soil properties on soil infiltration capacity of gramineous and leguminous forages during root decomposition

Soil properties are generally altered during root decomposition, which impacts soil water infiltration. Gramineous and leguminous plants present distinct root properties, but it remains unclear whether the root or soil properties are primarily responsible for the soil infiltration capability during root decomposition. To identifythe differences in the contributions of root and soil properties to soil infiltration capability between these two species during root decomposition, a potted plant in situ decomposition experiment was conducted using Bothriochloa. ischaemum (Gramineae) and Lespedeza. davurica (Leguminosae) during three root decomposition times (the 90th, 270th and 450th day). The results revealed that all the root properties (root length, root volume, average root diameter and root biomass) gradually decreased during root decomposition, especially the root length (RL) and root volume (RV) of L. davurica in 0–40 cm soil layer, with reductions of 55.35% and 58.73% at the 450th day compared with the 90th day. The reverse was true for the soil porosity and mean weight diameter of the soil aggregates. Compared to B. ischaemum, L. davurica presented relatively high initial infiltration rate (IIR), steady infiltration rate (SIR), and average infiltration rate (AIR) values at three root decomposition times. A great increase in the soil infiltration rate was observed for both species at the late decomposition stage (450th day), especially for L. davurica, with increases of 38.32%, 267.7%, and 137.1% in IIR, SIR, and AIR. The GLM analysis results revealed that root properties had a greater contribution to the soil infiltration capability. The key factors controlling the soil water infiltration process have been quantified as RL and RV. The present study indicates that leguminous forage presented greater soil infiltration capability during root decomposition. A great decrease in RL and RV within the upper soil layers increased the soil porosity and facilitated the formation of soil aggregates, thereby promoting water flow and ultimately improving the soil infiltration capability.

Toxicological evaluation of combination products containing imidacloprid, moxidectin and pyriproxyfen

The purpose of the research is to investigate subacute cutaneous toxicity in rats, allergenic properties in guinea pigs and tolerance of increased doses of drugs based on imidacloprid, moxidectin and pyriproxyfen by dogs and cats of different age groups.Materials and methods. Toxicological studies (subacute cutaneous toxicity, study of allergenic properties) were conducted in the vivarium of the All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Protection, a branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of the Russian Academy of Sciences, on male rats and guinea pigs. Experiments on the tolerance of drugs by target animal species (dogs, cats) were conducted in the Podolsk department of the All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Protection. The choice of doses, frequency and methods of administration of the studied drugs were determined in accordance with the Guidelines for Experimental (Preclinical) Study of New Pharmacological Substances. All doses were calculated for the drug taking into account the density (1.08 g/cm3).Results and discussion. When studying the acute cutaneous toxicity of the drug on rats, LD50 exceeded the maximum possible dose of 10 000 mg/kg (hazard class 4 according to GOST 12.1.007-76). In a subacute experiment on rats, it was established that doses of 1000 and 500 mg/kg are ineffective (safe), the threshold and toxic doses could not be established. These drugs, when treating animals 8 times with an interval of 3 days in a three- and five-fold increase in the maximum therapeutic dose during the experimental period, did not have a negative effect on the general condition of the animals, their physiological status and behavior; no statistically significant changes in the morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood, physicochemical parameters of urine were noted in animals from the experimental groups compared to the control. However, in one adult dog from the second experimental group, which was used a five-fold increase in the maximum therapeutic dose of the drug, depression was noted on the 20th day of the experiment. The physiological state of the animal returned to normal within 24 hours voluntarily without the use of symptomatic therapy.

Investigation of the effects of melatonin application on storage in plums (Prunus domestica L.) grown under organic and conventional conditions

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of melatonin applications on postharvest quality changes of organic and conventionally grown plum fruit. Melatonin was applied in 0, 50, and 100 µmol L− 1 for organic and conventional samples. The fruits were stored at + 2.0 °C and 90% relative humidity for 28 days. During the storage period, the color, weight loss, firmness, Soluble solids concentration (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), pH, total antioxidant content, and total phenolics were evaluated at 7-day intervals. While no effect of melatonin applications on weight loss of organically grown plums was observed, it was determined that weight loss decreased as the dose of melatonin increased in conventionally grown plums. The lowest weight loss during storage was determined in conventionally grown plums treated with 100 µmolL− 1 melatonin. It was observed that the firmness values decreased as the storage period increased in both cultivation methods. The firmness decreased as the dose of melatonin application increased in organically grown plums, while the firmness increased as the dose of melatonin application increased in conventional cultivation. Melatonin application did not positively affect SSC, pH, and color values. However, it was determined that the mean TA values decreased as the dose of melatonin increased in both cultivation methods. When the total phenol content of organic and conventional plums was examined, it was determined that melatonin application decreased the number of phenolic compounds. The highest phenolic content was determined in the control samples. The total amount of antioxidants was 1.71 µmol TE g− 1 on the 28th day in the highest (100 µmol L− 1) melatonin-treated conventionally grown plums.

Moringa oleifera and Allium sativum in broiler nutrition: carcass traits, biochemical characterization, and economic analysis

To ensure the productivity and economic viability of broiler chicken, this study was designed to determine the impact of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) and Allium sativum bulb powder (ABP) utilization on carcass trait, biochemical characterization and economic value of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty (n = 240), 8-day-old (Cobb 500) broiler chickens were randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 4 replicates (12 birds/replicate) in a completely randomized design (CRD). The birds were randomly allotted into five groups: T1: diet without MLP and ABP, T2: diet with MLP replaced soybean meal (SBM) at 1%, T3: diet with MLP replaced SBM at 3%, T4: diet with MLP replaced SBM at 1% + 0.1% ABP and T5: diet with MLP replaced SBM at 3% + 0.3% ABP respectively. Each formulated diet was fed ad libitum from the 2nd to 8th week of age. Tannins, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, and reducing sugar were present in MLP and ABP. The percentage dressed weight on the 27th day in T2 and T3 were (P < 0.05) higher than in T1, but comparable (P > 0.05) to those in T4 and T5. On the 56th day, the breast weight in T5 was (P < 0.05) higher than in T1 and the rest of the treatments. Most of the microbes that were mainly identified from the ceca of birds fed dietary treatments were Staphylococcus species, and Streptococcus species. Production cost was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in T3 (₦1, 843.76) than in T1 (₦1, 905.86) and the rest of the treatments. Therefore, it is economically wise to feed broiler chicken with MLP and ABP, but most economical when a fed diet with MLP replaces SBM at 1% and a diet with MLP replaces SBM at 3%.

Simultaneous Production of Biogas and Electricity from Anaerobic Digestion of Pine Needles: Sustainable Energy and Waste Management.

Power scarcity and pollution can be overcome with the use of green energy forms like ethanol, biogas, electricity, hydrogen, etc., especially energy produced from renewable and industrial feedstocks. In hilly areas, pine needles are the most abundant biomass that has a low possibility of valorization due to high lignin content. On the other hand, anaerobic digestion (AD) of lignin and animal waste has low biogas yield due to poor conductivity. This study focuses on the simultaneous production of biogas and electricity through the co-digestion of cow dung and pine needles. The digester was initially established and stabilized in the lab to ensure a continuous supply of inoculum throughout the experiment. The optimization process involved the determination of an ideal cow dung-to-water ratio and selecting the appropriate conductive material that can enhance the energy generation from the feedstock. Afterward, both batch and continuous anaerobic digestion experiments were conducted. The results revealed that the addition of powdered graphite (5 mM), activated charcoal (15 mM), and biochar (25 mM) exhibited maximum voltage of 0.71 ± 0.013 V, 0.56 ± 0.013 V, and 0.49 ± 0.011 V on the 30th, 25th and 20th day of AD, respectively. The batch experiment showed that 5 mM graphite powder enhanced electron transfer in the AD process and generated a voltage of 0.77 ± 0.014 V on the 30th day, indicating an increase of ~1.5-fold as compared to the control (0.56 ± 0.019 V). The results from the continuous AD process showed that the digester with cow dung, pine needle, and a conductive material in combination exhibited the maximum voltage of 0.76 ± 0.012 V on the 21st day of AD, while the digester with cow dung only exhibited a maximum voltage of 0.62 ± 0.015 V on the 22nd day of AD, representing a 1.3-fold increase over the control. Furthermore, the current work used discarded plastic items and electrodes from spent batteries to emphasize waste management and aid in attaining sustainable energy and development goals.

The effect of early administration of antibiotics or feeding a diet containing coccidiostats on the level of their accumulation in liver and the redox status of turkeys

Early administration of antibiotics may worsen the functioning of the turkeys’ antioxidant system. It was also assumed that the longer the time of administration of an antibiotic, e.g. a coccidiostat, the greater the risk of its accumulation in the liver. The study aimed to determine whether early administration of antibiotics or feeding a diet containing coccidiostats causes accumulation in the liver and whether it affects the deterioration of the antioxidant system, and whether preventive vaccinations can intensify it. A total of 3 080 female turkeys were randomly allocated to eight groups. The experiment had a two-factorial design, with four treatments (C, M, E, D) and two groups of birds (vaccinated +, unvaccinated −). The C group did not receive the coccidiostat or antibiotics. Group M was administered monensin at 90 mg/kg feed for 56 days of life. Group E received enrofloxacin at 10 mg/kg BW, and group D received doxycycline at 50 mg/kg BW, added to drinking water, for the first 5 days of life. One-day-old turkeys from groups C+, M+, E+, and D+ were administered live-attenuated vaccines against turkey rhinotracheitis and Newcastle disease by coarse spray; 28-day-old birds were administered a subcutaneously injected inactivated vaccine against Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale. Turkeys from groups C-, M-, E-, and D- were not vaccinated. It was determined that as a result of administration of enrofloxacin or doxycycline until the 5th day of life, biotransformation of these antibiotics occurred in the liver until the 56th day of life of the turkeys, which was confirmed by their lower level than the Maximum Residue Level. Because the concentration of monensin in the liver of turkeys gradually increased with the extension of the time of its administration in the diet, it is probable that discontinuing its addition a day before the slaughter of birds will result in the presence of this coccidiostat in the liver of turkeys. Despite the accumulation of monensin in the liver of turkeys, this coccidiostat did not increase oxidative reactions in the organism of turkeys. Vaccination of turkeys can reduce oxidative reactions and apoptosis in the body. However, the effect of the redox system reaction is different immediately after vaccination, which is due to the mechanism of action of the immune system. If it is necessary to administer an antibiotic in the early rearing period, the effects of doxycycline on the organism’s immunity including antioxidant defence will be less severe than those of enrofloxacin.

Characterization of Root Hair Curling and Nodule Development in Soybean-Rhizobia Symbiosis.

Soybean plants form symbiotic nitrogen-fixing nodules with specific rhizobia bacteria. The root hair is the initial infection site for the symbiotic process before the nodules. Since roots and nodules grow in soil and are hard to perceive, little knowledge is available on the process of soybean root hair deformation and nodule development over time. In this study, adaptive microrhizotrons were used to observe root hairs and to investigate detailed root hair deformation and nodule formation subjected to different rhizobia densities. The result showed that the root hair curling angle increased with the increase of rhizobia density. The largest curling angle reached 268° on the 8th day after inoculation. Root hairs were not always straight, even in the uninfected group with a relatively small angle (<45°). The nodule is an organ developed after root hair curling. It was inoculated from curling root hairs and swelled in the root axis on the 15th day after inoculation, with the color changing from light (15th day) to a little dark brown (35th day). There was an error between observing the diameter and the real diameter; thus, a diameter over 1 mm was converted to the real diameter according to the relationship between the perceived diameter and the real diameter. The diameter of the nodule reached 5 mm on the 45th day. Nodule number and curling number were strongly related to rhizobia density with a correlation coefficient of determination of 0.92 and 0.93, respectively. Thus, root hair curling development could be quantified, and nodule number could be estimated through derived formulation.