Highest Survival Percentage Research Articles

Effect of Application of Chitosan Soil Drenching on Growth and Vigour of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Grafts Cv. Alphonso

An experiment on effect of application of chitosan on growth and vigour of mango grafts cv. Alphonso was conducted at Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli during the year 2023-24. Seven treatments and 4 replications in Randomized Block Design viz., Tl Control – Soil + FYM (3:1), T2 (Chitosan 0.5 %), T3 (Chitosan 1.0 %), T4 (Chitosan 1.5 %), T5 (Chitosan 2.0 %), T6 (Chitosan 2.5 %), T7 (Chitosan 3.0 %) with the aim to investigate effect of chitosan drenching on growth, vigour and survival of mango grafts cv. Alphonso. The highest survival percentage (99.13 %), height of the grafts (38.10 cm), number of shoots per graft (2.06 nos.), number of leaves per graft (32.13 nos.) leaf area (694.31 cm 2) were recorded in treatment T5 i.e. Chitosan 2.0 %. The maximum stem girth (10.24 mm) found in treatment T7 i.e Chitosan 3.0 %.

Possibilities of competitive displacement of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) by Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Tephritidae: Diptera) in guava Psidium guajava ecosystem in Sudan

Oriental fruit fly (OFF) Bactrocera dorsalis and peach fruit fly (PFF) Bactrocera zonata are the most notorious pests that invaded Sudan in 2005 and 2012, respectively, causing severe losses and hindering horticultural production and exports. Prior to 2012, OFF was the most abundant fly in guava orchards in Gezira State. Monitoring fruit flies to determine species composition, seasonality, and possibilities of competitive displacement was conducted in two guava (Psidium guajava) orchards in Gezira State; Fadasi and Gezirat Elfil, using food bait attractant and rearing flies from infested fruits..Longevity and survival percentages of developmental stages of the two species were also determined. Monitoring fly populations using Torula yeast and rearing of fruit flies from guava fruits revealed that OFF and PFF were the most prevalent species in guava ecosystem at both sites. At the Fadasi site, PFF was the predominant species representing (99.3%) of the guild of the trapped flies with an infestation level of 99.6%) flies/kg of guava fruits. At G. Elfil, OFF comprised 80.8% of the trapped flies with infestation level ca 53.6% while 19.2% of trapped flies were B. zonata with 46.4% infestation level. The high percentage of trapped OFF at G. Elfil might be attributed to multi-cropping system in the area. Developmental stages of PFF were shorter than that of OFF by 9.2 days, while its survival percentage was higher than that of OFF for all developmental stages. Competitive displacement of OFF by PFF in guava orchards at Fadasi site may have occurred as a result of the mono-cropping system, short developmental period, and high survival percentage of developmental stages of PFF on guava compared to that of OFF.

Effects of Teifairia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina Supplements on Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings

This study examined the growth-enhancing potential of Telfaira occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina leaf powder in Clarias gariepinus culture. The experiment was conducted at Tiddo Fish Farm Makurdi. One thousand juvenile catfish were obtained from the farm’s hatchery and allocated to five treatment groups identified as Control (0% supplement inclusion), T1 (10% fluted pumpkin leaf powder inclusion), T2 (20% fluted pumpkin leaf powder inclusion), T3 (10% bitter leaf powder inclusion) and T4 (20% bitter leaf powder inclusion). The fish were fed thrice daily for 8 weeks and water changed daily, to determine growth parameters of fish and physico-chemical parameters of water. Results obtained show that after the treatment period, Mean Weight gain and Specific Growth Rate was not significantly different (p>0.05). However, Specific Growth Rate and Percentage Survival rate differed significantly (p<0.05), highest (7.9% and 100%) in T3 respectively. Water quality parameters such as pH, Dissolve Oxygen and Temperature were within the recommended range and not significantly affected. Both plant species feed inclusions were utilized by fish, which was observed to facilitate the growth and survival of the fish species, with high percentage survival. In conclusion, T3 inclusion levels showed better growth performance.

Evaluation of a Low-Temperature Immersion Immunization Strategy for the Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus orf037l Gene-Deleted Attenuated Vaccine

Background: Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) poses a significant threat to aquaculture sustainability, particularly affecting mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) and causing significant economic losses. Methods: To address this challenge, this study developed an ISKNV Δorf037l vaccine strain, where the orf037l gene was knocked out. Infection assays conducted at 28 °C showed that the knocking out the orf037l gene decreased the virulence of ISKNV and reduced lethality against mandarin fish by 26.7% compared to wild-type ISKNV. To further diminish residual virulence, the effect of low-temperature (22 °C) immersion immunization was evaluated. Results: The results indicate that low temperature significantly diminished the virulence of the Δorf037l vaccine strain, elevating the survival rate of mandarin fish to 90%. Furthermore, the vaccine strain effectively triggered the expression of crucial immune-related genes, such as IFN-h, IL-1, IκB, Mx, TNF-α, and Viperin, while inducing the production of specific neutralizing antibodies. Low-temperature immersion with Δorf037l achieved a high relative percentage of survival of 92.6% (n = 30) in mandarin fish, suggesting the potential of Δorf037l as a promising immersion vaccine candidate. Conclusions: These findings contribute to advancing fish immersion vaccine development and demonstrate the importance and broad applicability of temperature optimization strategies in vaccine development. Our work carries profound implications for both the theoretical understanding and practical application in aquaculture disease control.

Effect of Cutting Type, Potting Media, and Irrigation Frequency on the Success of Vegetative Propagation of Iriweriya (<em>Plectranthus Zeylanicus</em> Forssk)

Plectranthus zeylanicus is an indigenous, multi-functional herb used in traditional medicine. Due to over-exploitation from the natural habitats, the species is on the verge of extinction. Therefore, commercial cultivation of the species is needed to satisfy the rising demand while protecting its genetic base. The current study was designed with three trials to identify the most suitable cutting type, potting media, and irrigation schedule for P. zeylanicus. Four distinct cutting types (tip cutting, triple nodal cutting, double nodal cutting and single nodal cutting), five different potting mixtures (topsoil: sand: compost-1:1:1, topsoil: sand: compost-1:2:1, topsoil: sand: compost-1:1:2, topsoil: compost -1:1, topsoil: compost-1:2) and four different irrigation schedules (daily watering to field capacity level, daily watering to half of the field capacity level, every other day to the field capacity level, every other day to half of the field capacity level) were used in Completely Randomized Design with ten replicates. Survival percentage (%), number of leaves, the height of the plant (cm), average length of roots (cm), average leaf area (mm2), and chlorophyll content (SPAD Unit) were measured as growth parameters. Data were analyzed using SAS software with a 5% significance levels. Highest survival percentage (95%), highest average root length (26.8 cm), average leaf area (80.5 mm2) and a higher chlorophyll content (31.1 SPAD Unit) were recorded from tip cuttings of P. zeylanicus. Furthermore, the topsoil: sand: compost-1:1:1 combination showed a higher survival percentage (90%), number of leaves (3), highest average plant height (43.9cm) and average root length (20.2 cm) with significantly (P<0.05) higher average leaf area (52.3 mm2) and chlorophyll content (31.07 SPAD Unit). Daily watering to the field capacity showed a higher survival percentage (90%), significantly higher (P<0.05) number of leaves (3.7), plant height (51.6 cm), higher root length (25.5 cm), the highest average leaf area (80.0 mm2) and chlorophyll content (32.7 SPAD Unit). Therefore, tip-cutting planted in topsoil: sand: compost-1:1:1 media can be recommended for successful propagation of P. zeylanicus.

Phenotypic variation in hypocotyl elongation among elite sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum) lines.

Sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum), widely distributed in Central Arid Asia and prevalent in the sand dunes of northern China, presents a promising potential as a climate-resilient crop. The plasticity of hypocotyl growth is the key trait for sand rice to cope with wind erosion and sand burial, ensure seedling emergence, and determine plant architecture. In this study, we assessed the overall hypocotyl phenotype of six sand rice elite lines, which were collected from different regions of northern China, and selected by our group over past decade through common garden trials. Significant phenotypic variations were observed in thousand-seed weight (TSW), seedling emergence percentage, hypocotyl length and diameter, and seedling fresh weight among the lines. The elite line Aerxiang (AEX) exhibited excellent agronomic performance with superior and synchronous emergence, and high survival percentage, distinguishing itself as a prime candidate for further large-scale cultivation. Contrastingly, the lines from the arid regions showed markedly lower performance. Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLSPM) was used to assess the impact of seed provenance climate factors, including annual mean temperature (AMT) and annual mean precipitation (AMP), on trait variability among lines. The findings indicate a significant correlation between climate factors and hypocotyl length, highlighting the intricate adaptation of sand rice to local climate. The comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind phenotypic variations offers valuable insights for sand rice de novo domestication and innovative germplasm resources, and lays the foundation for ecological restoration in sandy areas.

An experimental model of liver echinococcosis in laboratory rats to study the effectiveness of anthelmintic drugs

BACKGROUND: The introduction into clinical practice of drug therapy with anthelmintic drugs from the carbamate-benzimidazole group has reduced the need for aggressive surgical interventions in the initial stages of parasitic cyst development. However, no consensus has been reached in which cases and for what size of cysts the use of monotherapy with carbamate benzimidazoles will be sufficient and in which cases a combination of surgical and therapeutic treatment methods is necessary. Experimental studies with human participants are impossible to solve this problem. AIM: To evaluate the proximity of the developed experimental model of liver echinococcosis to real clinical practice, including the response to the use of carbamate benzimidazoles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Modeling of liver echinococcosis in laboratory animals was performed by suturing a part of an echinococcal bladder (Echinococcus granulosus) to the liver capsule. The model provides a high survival percentage of laboratory animals, in which after 60 days a typical hydatid cyst forms in the liver. The effects of albendazole and praziquantel were studied using this echinococcus model. One group of animals (n = 10) received albendazole through an intragastal tube for 28 days and the other (n = 10) received praziquantel for 15 days, after which the animals were autopsied. RESULTS: When using albendazole, destructive changes were microscopically determined in the structure of the walls of the echinococcal cyst on day 28 of therapy. Similar changes were observed when using praziquantel; however, they were characterized by more massive cellular infiltration of all cyst layers. CONCLUSIONS: The developed experimental model of liver echinococcosis in laboratory animals allowed us to experimentally examine the effect of various drugs on the larval stages of E. granulosus development and evaluate their effectiveness.

Intra-cohort cannibalism and aggressive behavior in tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) larvae: Effects of stocking density and starvation

Cannibalism in early fish developmental stages is a biological phenomenon affecting aquaculture, so seeding density and feeding schemes play a fundamental role in its optimal control. The objective of this research was to evaluate two initial stocking densities, 0.7 larvae/L (D7) and 1.4 larvae/L (D14), which were fed (F) and not fed (NF) in tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) larvae on growth, attacks, survival, and digestive enzyme activity, digestive morphology, and oxidative enzymes and aggressiveness gene expression. A total of 420 larvae (0.022 ± 0.003 g; 1.52 ± 0.10 cm) were placed in 70 L tanks connected to a recirculation system. Treatment F larvae were fed a formulated food. D14F larvae had the highest final weight, total length, and specific growth rate (SGR) (p < 0.05). The highest survival percentage was in D7F larvae (46.19 ± 2.74) (p < 0.05). The highest frequency of attacks occurred in D14F larvae (26.66 ± 0.82) (p < 0.05). The coefficient of variation (CV) and size heterogeneity (SH) were higher in D7F larvae (13.56 ± 1.80; 0.81 ± 0.10) (p < 0.05). The F larvae started attacks at 8 days after hatching (DAH), while the NF larvae showed it at 10 DAH. The difference in weight between the attacker and the attacked was 16.44 ± 9.75% and in total length 12.28 ± 4.57% (p < 0.05). Acid and alkaline protease, trypsin, and lipase activities presented differences between both factors, as well as the interaction between them. D14F larvae presented the highest Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity (p < 0.05), while D7-NF larvae registered the highest catalase (CAT) activity (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities only showed differences between F and NF larvae (p < 0.05). The liver presented the highest percentage of area with melanomacrophage centers (MMC) in D7-NF larvae, and hepatocytes with the highest area were recorded in D14F larvae (p < 0.05). In gut, the highest enterocytes were recorded in D14F larvae (p < 0.05). cat, cck, and gpx expression did not show difference between feeding regimes. The expression of sod1 and sod2 in D7F and D14F treatments presented the highest expressions (p < 0.05). D7F larvae presented higher expression of avp1, crh, htr1, sstr1, th and tph1 genes (p < 0.05). Our results show that A. tropicus larvae D14F presented the highest growth and morphometric parameters and decreased CV and SH, which shows a more homogeneous growth. Regarding cannibalism, fed larvae (D7F, D14F) presented cannibalism in a greater proportion than unfed larvae regardless of density, however, it is necessary to analyze other physiological and social factors that could be related to the aggressiveness and cannibalism of the species.

Response of Mulching and Organic Fertilizers on the Growth Performance of Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa L.) in Southern Philippines

Strawberry is a hybrid species of the genus Fragaria that is widely grown worldwide, especially in cool climate areas and are widely cultivated for their fruit. It is one of the important horticultural crops grown in many parts of the world. Strawberries can be grown using organic fertilizers under different mulching technique. This study investigated the growth and yield performance of strawberries to various application of organic fertilizers (vermicast, vermicompost and vermitea) and mulching materials (rice hull and plastic mulch). Planting materials were taken from a healthy, disease-free strawberry (Shoga) and carried out in Split Plot Factorial Design replicated four times. Strawberry plants applied with vermicompost resulted in significantly high percentage survival (99.16%), plant height (21.61 cm) and number of runners (3.93) compared to plants applied with vermicast and vermitea. Moreover, strawberry plants under plastic mulch condition had the highest growth and yield performance in terms of plant height (21.07 cm), number of runners (4.19), number of leaves (6.57) and total number of marketable fruits (48.10). Based on these results, strawberry applied with vermicompost under plastic mulch condition are recommended. Moreover, results can serve as basis for strawberry growers to use effective yet less expensive fertilizer particularly in tropical Philippines.

Effect of Different Ages of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Broodstock on Reproductive Performance and Fries Production

This study was conducted at the hatchery complex of Akwa Ibom State University to investigate the effect of different ages of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) on their reproductive performances. Eighteen (18) broodstock of Clarias gariepinus (3 males and 3 females) from each age group, six months, twelve months and eighteen months old with average body measurement of 1.1kg and 32cm for six month, 1.8kg and 43cm for 12 months and 2.5 kg and 65.7cm for 18 months were selected from AKSU fish farm labeled treatment A, B and C for the study. 3 male broodstock from each treatment were sacrificed for milt extraction without hormonal inducement. The milt from each treatment were separately pooled into one volume and divided into three portions each diluted with 2ml of normal saline solution. Three female broodstock from each treatment were separately induced with ovaprim at a single dosage of 0.5ml/kg body weight of fish and allowed for a latency period of ten hours at water temperature of 26oC before stripping manually. 3g of egg from each broodstock was mixed with the diluted milt and activated with 100 mls of normal saline. The fertilized eggs were incubated in aerated indoor concrete tanks in 3 replicates. % fertilization were accessed six (6) hours after incubation, % hatchability was accessed twenty-six hours (26) after incubation, while the percentage survival and fry production success in each treatment was accessed after ten (10) days post hatching. The results reveal that the reproductive parameters considered in this study significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased with age of broodstocks. The percentage fertilization of egg from the least to the oldest broodstock were 63.67± 0.88, 69.50 ± 0.87 and 81.83 ± 5.05 respectively. The percentage hatchability of the oldest broodstock was 82.62 ± 1.6 significantly (P&lt; 0.05) higher than 64.79 ± 2.74 (12 months) with the least value of 49.04 ± 5.76 recorded for six-month-old broodstock. The oldest broodstock had the highest percentage survival 83.14 ± 3.16 and fry production success of 56.05± 0.06 while the least broodstock (6-month-old) had the least value of survival 54.59 ± 2.42 and fry production success of 17.17 ± 2.59%.

Propagación in vitro de Annona deceptrix (westra) H. Rainer (Annonaceae) una especie en peligro de extinción en Ecuador

This work aims to develop a protocol for the in vitro propagation of Annona deceptrix (westra) H. Rainer. In addition, it measures survival in ex-vitro conditions. Nodal shoot segments were used as explants, disinfected with different NaClO concentrations and exposure times, and then precultured in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal culture medium. Woody Plant Medium (WPM) was used for the multiplication and rooting phase, with different types and concentrations of phytoregulators. In the establishment phase, the explants responded better with the 1% NaClO treatment for 15 minutes, where the highest survival percentage was observed at 72.04%. For the variable number of shoots and stem diameter, the treatment with BAP (1 mgL-1) + (GA3 0.25 gL-1) + (WPM) reached the best average with a value of 2.00 and 2.35, respectively. Mm, respectively. For root induction, the best response was obtained when 3mgL-1 IBA (T3) was added to the culture medium, reaching an average root length of 5.75 cm after 60 days of culture in the medium. The rooted Vitro plants of an approximate height of 5 cm were brought to the mesh house for their acclimatization; in this phase, the survival rate was evaluated during the first week of acclimatization, and the plant's growth fifteen days after sowing in trays containing a peat-based substrate, where T3 had an average survival of 70% and higher plant height at 60 days, indicating that this treatment promoted faster seedling development under conditions exvitro. Keywords: Annona deceptrix, propagation, in vitro rooting, ex-vitro acclimatization, growth regulators.

Effects of Elicitation on Invitro Regeneration of two Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Cultivars in Tissue Culture

Exploring alternative avenues, in vitro culture emerges as a promising option for potential bioactive compound sources. However, compared to intact plants, only a few cultures demonstrate efficient synthesis of secondary metabolites. Elicitors have gained prominence as stress agents for enhancing in vitro micropropagation in specific tissues, organs, and cells. Recent advancements in plant tissue culture involve elicitors, opening new possibilities for in vitro production of crucial food crops. This research aimed to investigate the impact of three elicitors (Activane®, Micobiol®, and Stemicol®) on germination and in vitro multiplication of two tomato cultivars explants, employing both direct and indirect in vitro organogenesis. Among the texted elicitors, Micobiol® emerged as a successful elicitor, promoting optimal seed germination, survival, and 100% growth compared to the 80% in the control group. Further, Activane® exhibited a favourable induction response and achieved 96%, 95%, and 100% in weight and diameter of callus, yet various elicitor concentrations did not exert significant influence across treatments. In conclusion, an effective disinfection and in vitro implantation of tomato seeds ensured successful germination, promoting seedling survival and growth. Various elicitors positively impacted in vitro organogenesis, particularly in root induction, with higher survival percentages in acclimatized plants. The study guides future research on elicitor treatments for large-scale tomato in vitro propagation, emphasizing the need to identify optimal elicitor concentrations.

Temporary Immersion Systems in Plant Micropropagation.

Temporary immersion systems (TIS) are technological tools that support plant micropropagation. Given their high efficiency in the in vitro propagation of shoots, a current goal is to update the protocols addressing micropropagation in semisolid culture systems to protocols involving TIS. To this end, different parameters have been evaluated, including TIS types and designs, immersion times, immersion frequencies, and volume of medium per explant, among other characteristics. This has resulted in the improved production of propagules of plants of economic interest and the production of physiologically upgraded plants with high percent survival during acclimatization. TIS are specialized culture flasks that provide countless advantages during the commercial micropropagation of plants.

Characterization of Priestia megaterium S1, a polymer degrading gut microbe isolated from the gut of Tenebrio molitor larvae fed on Styrofoam.

This study reveals that Tenebrio molitor larvae are fed with two different feeds i.e., barley bran along with Styrofoam, and barley bran without Styrofoam, the survival percentage of mealworms shows 86 and 89%, respectively. Five isolates namely S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 were isolated from the gut of Styrofoam-feeding Tenebrio molitor larvae and tested for Hydrophobicity percentage, clear zone assay and turbidity measurement. S1 isolate showed best (turbidity percentage of 19.65%, 13.54% hydrophobicity percentage, and 37% zone of clearance) when compared to other isolates, respectively. 16S rRNA characterization of S1 isolate revealed that the isolate belongs to Priestia megaterium S1(ON024787). Biodegradation of PE and PS beads by Priestia megaterium S1 makes physical and structural changes over 180days, after microbial adhesion to the beads. Growth parameters have shown that the Priestia megaterium S1 thrives more effectively in the pH (6.5), temperature (28°C) and at 1.5% LDPE/HDPE/PS concentration there is maximum utilization of carbon and a high percentage survival rate. Significant colonization of the isolate after 30 days over beads of LDPE (52.47%), HDPE (49.26%), and PS (48.11%), respectively. Experimental data revealed that Priestia megaterium S1 have PE and PS beads degradation capacity, proven by weight loss studies, at 6th-month percentage weight loss of LDPE (36.1%), HDPE (31.9%), and PS (28.6%), the percentage loss of carbon and hydrogen shows higher when compared to control. One month Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) showed that LDPE (7.4mg/l), HDPE (7.2mg/l), PS (6.7mg/l), and simultaneous studies on CO2 evolution over LDPE treatment is 5.05g/l, HDPE (4.26g/l), and PS (3.91g/l), respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) prove the occurrence of biodegradation on the surface of beads. This work highlights that Priestia megaterium S1 plays a vital role in effectively degrading PE and PS beads.

Chemical Profile and Health-Promoting Activities of Crataegus laciniata (Rosaceae) Flowers.

In the present study, we focused our attention on Crataegus laciniata Ucria (Rosaceae), which is wild growing in western Sicily (Italy). The chemical profile of the C. laciniata flower's (CLF) ethanolic (70%) extract showed the presence of both C-flavonoid and O-flavonoid derivatives. Beyond the main metabolites, like hyperoside and vitexin, there are several luteolin derivates, in addition to catechin and epicatechin dimers or trimers. Regarding the antioxidant activities, CLF showed a strong ability to scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals and a good Fe3+-reducing antioxidant power. The investigation into the key enzymes in diabetes showed strong inhibition on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, whereas the skin-whitening properties are linked to inhibitory effects on tyrosinase. Moreover, we employed Danio rerio (zebrafish) for toxicity assessment, as it represents an ideal in vivo model due to its high correlation with humans in response to pharmaceutical and cosmetic testing. Zebrafish embryos exposed to CLF (25-100 µg/mL) showed marked depigmentation compared to phenylthiourea (PTU), in addition to a high survival percentage and the absence of malformations. In conclusion, this experimental study outlines that C. laciniata flowers could be a potential source of bioactive compounds for application in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

Emergence and growth of huacle chili seedlings (Capsicum annuum L.) with the use of biological formulations in commercial plot soil.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of biological control agents (BCA) and two biological formulations (Bio-Terra and Bio-CNPR) against the phytopathogens found in the soil of huacle chili (Capsicum annuum) plantations, in order to obtain healthy seedlings. Design/Methodology/Approach: The following design variables were evaluated: germination (%), disease incidence (%), and survival (%). Stem height and root length were also evaluated. The experimental unit was a tray with n=30 seedlings per each treatments (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4) and four repetitions. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. Tukey’s mean test was applied (using the Minitab Statistical program version 20.0) in units that presented differences (p≤0.05). Results: The phytopathogenic microorganism Fusarium spp. was isolated from the soil of the plots cultivated with huacle chili. The T1 treatment recorded the best inhibitory effect against Fusarium spp.: it had 92.2% germination, 18.3% incidence of Fusarium spp., and 82% surviving seedlings (with an average height of 16 cm and a root length of 7.9 cm). The sterilization of the soil lead to T4 having the best results in germination, incidence, and survival, since Fusarium spp. did not damage huacle chili seedlings. In contrast, T0 did not prosper neither with BCA nor with biological products, since all the seedlings in non-sterile soil died. Study Limitations/Implications: A plastic barrier was placed between the trays with the chili seedlings to avoid cross-contamination between treatments. Findings/Conclusions: T1 (the BCA with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and B. subtilis) recorded the best counteracting results against the damage generated by Fusarium spp. Their antagonism allowed a high percentage of survival of huacle chili seedlings and encouraged plant development through the best root growth and height of the seedlings.

Araticum (Annona crassiflora) juice is an excellent matrix for Lactobacillus paracasei LBC-81 with high antioxidant potential

This study aimed to develop an araticum (Annona crassiflora) juice supplemented with a probiotic strain L. paracasei LBC-81, and evaluate the probiotic strain viability during refrigerated storage period and under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. Three juices formulations were elaborated containing 20 % (F1), 30 % (F2) and 40 % (F3) of araticum pulp, with and without L. paracasei LBC-81. Changes in the physiochemical properties in the formulations during storage were also evaluated. The viability of L. paracasei in the three formulations during 28 days of storage was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than the recommended minimum (6 log CFU mL−1) for a product to be considered a probiotic. L. paracasei showed significantly (P < 0.05) greater viability in the formulation made with 40 % araticum pulp after 28 days of refrigerated storage. The araticum juices enriched with L. paracasei showed a significantly (P < 0.05) marked decrease and increase in pH and acidity, respectively. The addition of L. paracasei in the araticum juice formulations provided a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the total phenolic content (F1: 1926; F2: 3338.6; F3: 4390.5 and F1:1584; F2: 2629; F3: 3139 μmol galic acid/L juice with and without bacteria, respectively) and greater stability of the antioxidant activity (F1: 1492; F2: 2305; F3: 2618 and F1: 902; F2: 1461; F3: 1450.2 μmol TROLOX/L juice with and without bacteria, respectively). The araticum juice proved to be an excellent matrix for L. paracasei by providing a high percentage of survival during the in vitro gastrointestinal conditions.

Physiological and antioxidant responses associated with Sub1 gene introgressed rice (Oryza sativa L.) lines under complete submergence.

Rice is the only crop which is well adapted to aquatic environment but, it is unable to survive if completely submerged for several weeks. Breeding rice varieties with submergence tolerance is one of the best approaches to alleviate the adverse effect of submergence which requires the introgression of Sub1 gene into elite rice varieties. Hence, the study was undertaken to introgress submergence tolerant gene into the rice variety Jaya through Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding. Also the physiological and biochemical responses like survival percentage, underwater shoot elongation, total carbohydrate content and superoxide dismutase activity were also studied in Sub1 introgressed lines. We could develop twenty Sub1 introgressed lines with Sub1 region of 3.1-5.1mb and with 80.0- 95.3% recurrent parent genome recovery. Sub1 introgressed Jaya lines and the tolerant checks FR13A and Swarna Sub1 had lower shoot elongation under water, higher superoxide dismutase activity (about 5 times) upto 4h after de-submergence which resulted in higher survival percentage. The reduced shoot elongation of tolerant varieties reduced the utilization of stored carbohydrate. Through our research we introgressed Sub1 gene into rice variety Jaya through Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding and could study the physiological responses under submergence by which we confirmed the presence of Sub1 gene in these lines. These lines could be field evaluated and could be released as a new variety thus helping the farmers of flood prone areas of Kerala.

Healthcare contact days for patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Ontario: A population-based study.

484 Background: For people with advanced NSCLC, visits to healthcare facilities can impose time burdens and take over patients’ lives, especially in the context of limited survival. It is unclear if time burdens vary based on use and type of systemic therapy. We sought to describe patterns of contact days— days with any in-person healthcare contact as a measure of potential time toxicity—in a population-based sample. Methods: We created a population-based, retrospective decedent cohort with health administrative data covering the population of Ontario, Canada (15 million), of adults aged ≥20 years diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC in 2014-2017 and died in 2014-2019. We stratified analysis by systemic therapy received (yes vs no), type of systemic therapy: chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, and lines received (one, two). The primary outcome was contact days measured from diagnosis to death. We calculated percentage contact days as contact days divided by overall survival. We plotted, normalized, and fitted with cubic splines the weekly percentage of contact days to obtain trajectories over the disease course. Results: We identified 5,785 stage IV NSCLC patients (median age, 70 years, 46.3% female, 57.8% adenocarcinoma, 34.3% received systemic therapy). The median (IQR) survival was 108 days (49-426) and median percentage of contact days 33.3%. Median [IQR] overall survival was longer in patients who received systemic therapy vs. not (261 [152-420] days, vs. 66 [34-130] days). The median percentage of contact days was lower in those who received systemic therapy vs. not (22.2% vs. 40.9%). Overall and for subgroups (systemic therapy vs no, type of therapy, receiving one or two lines), normalized trajectories followed a U-shaped distribution, with highest rates immediately following diagnosis, and prior to death, with a lower middle-phase. The difference between the maximal peak and trough was greater in patients who received systemic therapy (peak 34.8% vs trough 15.9%, ‘’deeper U’’) vs. not (39.5% vs 27.6%, ‘’shallower U’’). The trough was slightly lower for targeted therapy (12.3%, vs 15.9% immunotherapy, vs. 17.7% chemotherapy). Conclusions: Patients with stage IV NSCLC spent a significant proportion of days alive with health care contact, with higher contact days immediately post-diagnosis and pre-death (U-shaped curve). Among those not receiving systemic therapy, the high percentage of contact days, short survival, and shallower U-shaped trajectory reflect their poor underlying health and steady need for supportive care. With systemic therapy, those receiving targeted therapy experienced slightly fewer contact days at the trough of their U-shaped trajectory. These data serve as a call to recognize patient time toxicity, improve care delivery efficiency, and better support patients during periods of high burden.

Effects of different latency periods on fingerlings production using Clarias gariepinus (African mud catfish)

The research was carried out in the Fish Hatchery of the Department of Fisheries, Teaching and Research Farm, Modibbo Adama University. Clarias gariepinus belongs to the family Clariidae. The latency period had been demonstrated to affect fingerling production in C. gariepinus. Fifteen (15) gravid broodstock females weighing 367 to 1000 g and males of 800 to 1200 g were used at different latency periods of 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 hours designated D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5. Three replicates of the female broodstock were injected with 0.5 ml Ovaprim for each latency period. The number of 1 g of eggs from each treatment was D1 (847), D2 (705), D3 (847), D4 (692) and D5 (847). Percentage fertilization was highest in 11, 13 and 15 hours latency periods (99.19%, 97.66% and 99.33%) respectively; and were significantly different (p&lt;0.05). Percentage hatchability was highest in 13 hours latency period 63.73% and the least was in 17 hours latency period (1.99%). Unhatched eggs were higher in a latency period of 17 hours (5612). Number of hatchlings was highest in latency period of 13 hours. The highest percentage survival was in a latency period of 11 hours. Any attempt to improve fingerling production in C. gariepinus should consider the effect of the latency period in relation to weight. After three weeks of indoor incubation, a latency period of 15 hours showed better weight gain than others. The best latency period achieved in this study was 11 hours.