Negative Control Treatment Research Articles

Effect of artificial insemination, ruminal incubation, and esophageal tubing on cortisol concentration in blood of lactating dairy cows

Cortisol is a hormone associated with pain, fear, distress, or discomfort. We hypothesized that human interventions increase cortisol concentrations in plasma. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the concentration of cortisol in plasma before and after animals were subjected to routine on-farm and research procedures including artificial insemination, ruminal incubation, or esophageal tubing. Forty lactating Holstein cows were used in this study. Experimental treatments consisted of 4 interventions. Before any intervention, a first blood sample was collected from all cows. Following this bleeding, all cows were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. A negative control treatment consisted of bleeding for a second time without any human intervention at least 30 min after the previous bleeding. Artificial insemination was performed by the herd managers from the Virginia Tech Dairy Complex. A rumen incubation treatment consisted of bleeding for a second time 30 min after opening the rumen cannula, inserting the operator's arm, and pulling ruminal contents out of the rumen for 2 min mimicking a ruminal in situ incubation, and placing back the cannula plug. An esophageal tubing treatment consisted of bleeding for a second time 30 min after inserting an esophageal tube into the esophagus and maintaining it inserted for 2 min mimicking a ruminal drenching procedure. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vessels. Cortisol concentration in plasma was measured by an independent laboratory using a chemiluminescence assay. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized design with repeated measures, where cow was the subject and the pre- and post-intervention bleeding were the repeated observations. The statistical model included the fixed effect of treatment, the random effect of cow, the fixed effect of time, the fixed effect of the treatment by time interaction, and the random residual error. According to Akaike's criterion, compound symmetry was utilized as the covariance structure for the repeated measures. Cortisol concentrations in plasma after the interventions did not differ from the cortisol concentrations in plasma before the interventions. Cows subjected to artificial insemination had greater cortisol concentrations than cow subjected to the other treatments. No interaction existed between treatment and time. Most cows subjected to insemination in a palpation rail had elevated cortisol concentrations before the intervention. Therefore, animal restraint seems to affect cortisol concentrations in plasma more than the actual human intervention. In conclusion, human interventions like artificial insemination, ruminal incubation, and esophageal tubing did not elevate the cortisol concentrations in the plasma of lactating dairy cattle under the conditions of this study.

Effect of Metformin on Interleukin-6 Expression in Human Fibroblast Cell Aging Model

During skin aging, there is excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), which can make the ageing process more severe. Metformin has been known to have good anti-inflammatory activity through various pathways, one of which reduces the expression of inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to analyze the effect of metformin treatment on IL-6 gene expression in an in vitro human fibroblast cell. Human fibroblast cells were obtained through foreskin isolation, and 72 cultured human fibroblast cells were divided into six groups based on cell passages, ranging from the third to the eighth. The expression of IL-6 was assessed in three treatments: negative control (normal cells), metformin 100 µM, and positive control (Vitamin E 50 µM). Treatment and measurement of IL-6 gene expression were carried out using qRT-PCR and calculated using the Livak-Schmittgen method. The results were then compared and analyzed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and followed by post-hoc analysis. The negative control group had the lowest IL-6 gene expression compared to the metformin group and positive control group. The negative control IL-6 expression showed the highest value at passage 3 (0.166 ± 0.04) and the lowest at passage 6 (0.048 ± 0.04). Meanwhile, the expression of IL-6 positive control passage 4 (5.590 ± 3.34) showed the highest value and passage 7 (0.000 ± 0.00) showed the lowest value. In the metformin group, IL-6 gene expression was highest in passage 5 (0.836 ± 0.15) and lowest in passage 3 (0.078 ± 0.02). Based on treatment, there is a difference in IL-6 gene expression at passage 4 (p-value <0.05) and passage 5 (p-value <0.001). Metformin treatment passage 5 showed a significant difference with negative control (p-value <0.05) and with positive control (p-value <0.05). Our study concluded that the administration of metformin had no effect on IL-6 gene expression in human fibroblasts. However, metformin demonstrated anti-aging potential, as evidenced by a statistically significant difference in IL-6 expression between the negative control and positive control treatment groups.

Additive efficacy of natural versus synthetic feed additive on cellular immunity and egg quality in layers

Feed additives are the products used in animal diets for the purpose of improving the quality of feed and the quality of food from animal origin or to improve animal performance and health. The present study was planned to evaluate the beneficial effect of two edible dried mushrooms, probiotics, antioxidant and antibiotic on layer performance, cellular immunity, and antioxidant activities under hot climatic conditions. In this trial, three hundred W-98 commercial hens of 35th week of age were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments, replicated five times with 10 hens per replicate for 12 weeks. Dietary treatments were as follows; antibiotic (enramycin) 50g/ 50 kg, probiotics 50g/ 50 kg, antioxidant (ethoxyquine) 60 ppm, organic acid 50g / 50 kg; Oyster mushroom and button mushroom 1% of feed bag. The data revealed that initial, final body weight, egg production (%) and feed intake, egg specific gravity, egg shape index, egg yolk index and shell thickness and livability were non-significant (p<0.05) in all treatments. Egg weight, feed to egg mass ration, Haugh unit and damaged eggs were significantly (p>0.05) higher among different treatment groups. Total anti-oxidative capacity was significantly (p>0.05) higher in ethoxyquine, followed by oyster mushroom, button mushroom, negative control (without any feed additives), probiotics and enramycin (positive control / antibiotic). Antioxidant parameters like super oxide dismutase was significantly (p>0.05) higher in ethoxyquine followed by probiotics, oyster mushroom, button mushroom, negative control, and positive control treatments groups. Immunity parameters like catalase (interferon gamma) was non-significant (p>0.05) in all treatment’s groups. IFN-γ (Interferon-gamma) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in oyster mushroom and ethoxyquine followed by probiotics, button mushroom, negative control (without any feed additives) and positive control (with antibiotic). IL-10 (Interleukin-10) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in button mushroom, oyster mushroom and probiotics followed by ethoxyquine, negative control (without any feed additives) and positive control (with antibiotic). On whole mushrooms are effective feed additives in poultry production IFN-γ (Interferon-gamma) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in oyster mushroom and ethoxyquine followed by probiotics, button mushroom, negative control (without any feed additives) and positive control (with antibiotic). IL-10 (Interleukin-10) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in button mushroom, oyster mushroom and probiotics followed by ethoxyquine, negative control (without any feed additives) and positive control (with antibiotic). On whole mushrooms are effective feed additives in poultry production

Curcumin suppresses colorectal tumorigenesis through restoring the gut microbiota and metabolites

BackgroundCurcumin has been reported to have activity for prevention and therapy of CRC, yet its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Recently, emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota and its metabolites contribute to the causation and progression of Colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we aimed to investigate if curcumin affects the tumorigenesis of CRC by modulating gut microbiota and its metabolites.MethodsForty male C57BL/6JGpt mice were randomly divided into four groups: negative control (NC), curcumin control, CRC model, and curcumin treatment (CRC-Cur) groups. CRC mouse model was induced by using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), and the mice in CRC model and curcumin treatment groups received oral PBS or curcumin (150 mg/kg/day), respectively. Additionally, fecal samples were collected. 16 S rRNA sequencing and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)-based untargeted metabolomics were used to observe the changes of intestinal flora and intestinal metabolites.ResultsCurcumin treatment restored colon length and structural morphology, and significantly inhibited tumor formation in AOM/DSS-induced CRC model mice. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis indicated that the diversity and richness of core and total species of intestinal microflora in the CRC group were significantly lower than those in the NC group, which were substantially restored in the curcumin treatment group. Curcumin reduced harmful bacteria, including Ileibacterium, Monoglobus and Desulfovibrio, which were elevated in CRC model mice. Moreover, curcumin increased the abundance of Clostridia_UCG-014, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which were decreased in CRC model mice. In addition, 13 different metabolites were identified. Compared to the NC group, ethosuximide, xanthosine, and 17-beta-estradiol 3-sulfate-17-(beta-D-glucuronide) were elevated in the CRC model group, whereas curcumin treatment significantly reduced their levels. Conversely, glutamylleucine, gamma-Glutamylleucine, liquiritin, ubenimex, 5’-deoxy-5’-fluorouridine, 7,8-Dihydropteroic acid, neobyakangelicol, libenzapril, xenognosin A, and 7,4’-dihydroxy-8-methylflavan were decreased in the CRC group but notably upregulated by curcumin. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed enrichment in seven pathways, including folate biosynthesis (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe gut microecological balance was disrupted in AOM/DSS-induced CRC mice, accompanied by metabolite dysbiosis. Curcumin restored the equilibrium of the microbiota and regulated metabolites, highly indicating that curcumin may alleviate the development of AOM/DSS induced colorectal cancer in mice by regulating intestinal flora homeostasis and intestinal metabolites.

Effect of in Ova Injection with Nano Selenium and Vitamin E on Hatch and Some Blood Biochemical Traits of Broiler Chicks Exposed to Fasting Condition

This investigation in the hatchery operated by Al-Anwar Poultry Group in Babylon governorate utilized 750 fertilized eggs from January 15 to February 6, 2019. The eggs were partitioned into 5 groups, as follows: T1, serving as a negative control treatment without injection, and T2, serving as a positive control therapy injected with distilled water. Each group included 150 fertilized eggs. Treatments T5, T4, and T3 involved administering a nutritional solution comprising Nano- selenium coupled with vitamin E at dosages of 15-30-45 ppm, respectively, via injection. Subsequently, the chicks were isolated from the injected egg treatments, and each treatment was further divided into three repetitions. The chicks were then cultivated experimentally for 48 hours without any food and were just provided with water. The subsequent outcomes were achieved: Treatment T3 showed a statistically significant difference (P ≤0.01) in the relative hatchability percentage. The treatment T2 (P ≤0.01) markedly outperformed the other treatments in terms of embryonic mortality percentage. There was also a significant excelled(P ≤0.05) for the treatment T1 in the concentration of blood cholesterol and during times 0-12-24-48 hours after hatching, a significant excelled (P ≤0.05) for the treatments T2, T1 in the concentration of triglycerides during the times 0-48 hours after hatching, and the treatment T2 excelled during the times 12-24 hours, a significant excelled (P ≤0.05) for the treatment T2 in the concentration of glucose Blood when hatching, and T3 and T1 treatments excelled12 hours, Treatment T2 at time 24 hours, and highly significant (P ≤0.01) for T2 and T1 at 48 hours after hatching, significant difference (P ≤0.05) for T5 in the concentration of GpX, was significant. Treatment T1 surpassed the established concentration of Malonaldehyde within the first 48 hours after hatching.

Priming of Exogenous Salicylic Acid under Field Conditions Enhances Crop Yield through Resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae by Modulating Phytohormones and Antioxidant Enzymes.

This study explores the impact of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) alongside conventional treatment by farmers providing positive (Mancozeb 80 % WP) and negative (water) controls on rice plants (Oryza sativa L.), focusing on antioxidant enzyme activities, phytohormone levels, disease resistance, and yield components under greenhouse and field conditions. In greenhouse assays, SA application significantly enhanced the activities of peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) within 12-24 h post-inoculation (hpi) with Magnaporthe oryzae. Additionally, SA-treated plants showed higher levels of endogenous SA and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) within 24 hpi compared to the controls. In terms of disease resistance, SA-treated plants exhibited a reduced severity of rice blast under greenhouse conditions, with a significant decrease in disease symptoms compared to negative control treatment. The field study was extended over three consecutive crop seasons during 2021-2023, further examining the efficacy of SA in regular agricultural practice settings. The SA treatment consistently led to a reduction in rice blast disease severity across all three seasons. Yield-related parameters such as plant height, the number of tillers and panicles per hill, grains per panicle, and 1000-grain weight all showed improvements under SA treatment compared to both positive and negative control treatments. Specifically, SA-treated plants yielded higher grain outputs in all three crop seasons, underscoring the potential of SA as a growth enhancer and as a protective agent against rice blast disease under both controlled and field conditions. These findings state the broad-spectrum benefits of SA application in rice cultivation, highlighting its role not only in bolstering plant defense mechanisms and growth under greenhouse conditions but also in enhancing yield and disease resistance in field settings across multiple crop cycles. This research presents valuable insights into the practical applications of SA in improving rice plant resilience and productivity, offering a promising approach for sustainable agriculture practices.

Intestinal Microbiome Profiles in Broiler Chickens Raised with Different Probiotic Strains.

The composition of the intestinal microbiota can influence the metabolism and overall functioning of avian organisms. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different probiotics and an antibiotic on the microbiomes of 1.400 male Cobb® broiler raised for 42 days. The experiment was conducted with the following treatments: positive control diet (basal diet + antibiotic); negative control diet (basal diet without antibiotic and without probiotic); basal diet + Normal Avian Gut Flora (NAGF); basal diet + multiple colonizing strain probiotics (MCSPs); and basal diet + non-colonizing single strain probiotics (NCSSPs). The antibiotic (enramycin-antibiotic growth promoter) and probiotics were administered orally during all experiment (1 to 42 days), mixed with broiler feed. To determine the composition of the microbiota, five samples of ileal digesta were collected from 42-day-old chickens of each experimental group. The alpha and beta diversity of the ileal microbiota showed differences between the groups. MCSPs presented greater richness and uniformity compared to the positive control, negative control, and NCSSPs treatments, while the negative control exhibited greater homogeneity among samples than NCSSPs. MCSPs also showed a higher abundance of the genus Enterococcus. There were differences between the groups for low-abundance taxa (<0.5%), with NAGF showing higher levels of Delftia, Brevibacterium, and Bulleidia. In contrast, NCSSPs had a higher abundance of Ochrobactrum, Rhodoplanes, and Nitrospira. It was concluded that the treatments analyzed in this study induced modulations in the ileal microbiota of the chickens examined.

Efecto de la UV-C en la calidad postcosecha de cítricos de la región nororiente del Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Ultraviolet short wave (UV-C) irradiation is an emerging technology employed in postharvest fruits treatment. This method facilitates a reduction in microbial load, triggers an elicitor effect, and prolongs the shelf life of fruits. In this study, UV-C was applied to rangpur red lime, Tahitian lime, and sweet orange cv. 'Sweety,' which are the primary citrus varieties cultivated in the northeastern region of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The citrus fruits were exposed to UV-C irradiation for 5 min using a lamp positioned 11 cm above the work area. Subsequently, the fruits were stored in plastic baskets for 21 days at 26 °C with a relative humidity of 70%. Positive and negative control treatments were also implemented. The positive treatment involved samples treated with a 150 mg/L sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 min, while the negative treatment comprised samples without any postharvest treatment. The results revealed that UV-C application effectively delayed maturation, prevented granulation, and maintained the physicochemical parameters, morphology, and surface color of citrus fruits. In conclusion, UV-C shows promise as a technology for treating citrus fruits during the postharvest stage, offering a means to mitigate losses, and assuring food availability.

The Influence of Catechin on Adiponectin and Insulin Resistance in Obese Rats

Obesity represented as an abnormal accumulation of visceral fat. The synthesis of adiponectin has been linked to visceral fat accumulation. Obesity, and cardiovascular disease have all been linked to decreased levels of adiponectin. This study included the effect of catechin administration for 30 days on lipid profile, glucose, adiponectin and insulin serum levels as well as IR of obese female rats. Twenty female rats were conducted to the experiment where divide to four equal groups as; negative normal group received normal diet for all experiment time (60 days); positive obese control group received high fat diet (HFD) for (60 days); GTC-fed group fed HFD; ATV-fed group this group received ATV as cholesterol lowering drug. The significant differences considered at (p &lt; 0.05 with 95% CI). The study revealed that the levels of Total-Ch, triglycerides and glucose were significantly higher in positive than negative control group. Additionally, a significant decreased Total-Ch, triglycerides and glucose level of Catechin treatment group than positive control group. Moreover, a significant reduction of adiponectin means levels obtained in positive control group compared to negative control and Catechin treatment groups. Furthermore, a significant difference of IR obtained between means of positive control group with Catechin treatment group. HDL-C levels were also differed significantly between positive control groups and Catechin treatment group. In conclusion this study exposed a positive influence of catechin administration on obesity lethal factors such as cholesterol, hyperglycemia, IR and the serum concentration of adiponectin in obese female rats.

Increasing concentrations of dietary threonine, tryptophan, and glycine improve growth performance and intestinal health with decreasing stress responses in broiler chickens raised under multiple stress conditions

The current study aimed to compare the effects of increasing concentrations of dietary threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), and glycine (Gly) on growth performance, stress biomarkers, and intestinal function in broiler chickens under multiple stress conditions. Five hundred sixty broiler chickens at 21 d old were randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 8 replicates. Birds in a positive control (PC) treatment were raised under low stock density (16.9 birds/m2 per cage) with recommended environmental conditions, whereas birds in 4 treatments were subjected to multiple stress conditions: a cyclic heat stress of 30 ± 0.3 °C for 10 h and 23 ± 0.2 °C for 14 h per day with high stock density (25.3 birds/m2 per cage). A basal diet was assigned to both PC and negative control (NC) treatments. Three additional diets were individually formulated to contain double concentrations of digestible Thr, Trp, or Gly + Ser compared with their concentrations in the basal diet. The experiment lasted for 14 d. Results showed that NC treatment had less growth performance (P < 0.001), jejunal goblet cell counts (P = 0.018), and trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER; P < 0.001), but greater (P = 0.026) feather corticosterone (CORT) concentrations than PC treatment. Thr treatment showed the least (P < 0.001) feed conversion ratio (FCR) among treatments under multiple stress conditions. Thr, Trp, and Gly treatments had less (P = 0.026) feather CORT concentrations, but had greater (P < 0.001) TEER than NC treatment. In conclusion, increasing concentrations of dietary Thr, Trp, or Gly improve the growth performance and intestinal health in broiler chickens with decreasing stress response under multiple stress conditions.

Evaluation of the Protective and Healing Effects of Heracleum lasiopetalum Boiss on a Modified Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Model in Rats

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon with no definitive cure, necessitates the exploration of innovative therapies. Herbal remedies combined with conventional drugs may offer complementary benefits, enhancing treatment outcomes. Objectives: This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Heracleum lasiopetalum Boiss in a rat model of acetic acid-induced UC. Methods: Forty-eight adult female Wistar rats were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 8 per group) for each of two experiments. UC was induced by intracolonic administration of 1 ml of 4% acetic acid for 10 minutes. In the treatment groups, female rats received an oral gavage of 5%, 10%, and 40% aqueous plant extract, sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg), and distilled water for 6 days, starting 3 days after acetic acid administration. The protective groups received substances via oral gavage from 7 days before to 3 days after acetic acid administration. The extent of mucosal ulcers, hyperemia, inflammation, and mucosal bleeding was evaluated based on the Gerald Classification System Score (Macroscopic). Pathological assessment was conducted on prepared slides using the modified Wallace method (Microscopic). Changes in body and colon weight, along with food and water intake, were examined. Results: Significant changes in food intake were observed in both the extract and positive control treatment groups, exhibiting a notable difference compared to the negative control group (P &lt; 0.05). Body weight changes experienced a significant increase in the positive control treatment group compared to the negative control group (P &lt; 0.05), while no significant difference was evident between the extract and negative control treatment groups (P &gt; 0.05). In terms of water and food intake, as well as weight changes, no significant differences were detected among the various protective groups (P &gt; 0.05). Both microscopic and macroscopic examinations revealed a substantial enhancement in the colon of the extract and positive control treatment groups compared to the negative control group (P &lt; 0.05), with no significant difference observed between the protective groups (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Heracleum lasiopetalum extract demonstrates a dose-dependent reduction in colon hyperemia, mucosal ulceration, inflammation, and fibrosis. This highlights its potential as a supplementary treatment option for UC, emphasizing the need for further investigation.

150 Development of a leaky gut model: Meta-analysis of plasma and fecal markers of leaky gut

Abstract Intestinal integrity can be compromised in livestock and poultry species during stress events, including off-feed events. To develop a leaky gut model, weanling barrows 26 to 28 d old [n = 307; Duroc terminal line Fast genetics, initial body weight (BW) = 5.90 ± 0.47 kg), were used in a total of 6 randomized complete block experiments at the NutriQuest modeling center (Fergus Falls, MN). All trials included positive control (PC) and negative control (NC) treatments. The other treatments evaluated (n = 8) were various strains and levels of direct-fed microbial (DFM) products. With the exception of PC, all treatments had complete 24-h feed restriction (FR) approximately 18 d after arrival. Pigs assigned to PC had ad libitum access to feed. Pigs were housed 3 pigs per pen in 1 of 30 pens, and all pigs were fed a common high-quality basal diet. For 3 trials, pigs received Excede (Zoetis; Parsipanny, NJ) IM upon arrival and were provided gentamycin via water for 3 d post-arrival. For 3 trials, no prophylactic antibiotics were administered. Eighteen days post-arrival, fecal and plasma samples were collected from all pigs and feed was removed from FR pens. After 24 h, plasma and fecal samples were collected from all pigs, and one-half of the pigs per trial were harvested for tissue collection. Four days after FR, samples were collected similarly, and the remaining pigs were harvested. Plasma samples were analyzed for LPS binding protein concentrations (LBP), and fecal samples were analyzed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentrations. Data from the PC (n = 90) and NC (n = 92) treatments only were analyzed as Individual Participant Data meta-analysis using PROC MIXED of SAS. Data from all pigs (n = 307) were analyzed using PROC REG of SAS with forward step-wise selection to determine relationships between response variables. Plasma LBP concentrations did not differ between PC and NC 24 h after FR (P = 0.14). However, change in LBP concentrations and the ratio of LBP immediately before and after FR, differed between PC and NC (P &amp;lt; 0.001). For NC, LBP concentrations decreased, and for PC, LBP concentrations increased (Table 1). There was no effect of treatment on fecal MPO concentrations. Using the broader dataset (n = 307), variables that were predictive of plasma LBP concentrations immediately following FR were trial (P &amp;lt; 0.001), treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.001), and fecal MPO concentrations (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Variables that were predictive of change in LBP concentrations before and after FR were trial (P &amp;lt; 0.001), treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.001), and initial BW (P &amp;lt; 0.01). These data, taken with data presented in a companion abstract on ileal tight junction gene expression, suggest that plasma LBP concentrations immediately following a FR event are a useful marker of leaky gut. Fecal MPO concentrations do not consistently respond to FR.

Anthelmintic Effects of Betel Nut and Tamarind Seeds to Ascaradia galli Worms

The main focused of the study is to evaluate the Anthelmintic efficacy of the Betel nut and Tamarind seeds to Ascaradia galli worms in vitro in comparison to commercial anthelmintic. The study was distributed to 8 treatments, which consisted of 5, 10 and 15 grams of betel nut and tamarind seeds, commercial anthelminintic control and negative control treatment. The motility time, changes in sizes and microscopic changes at 24,48 and 72 hours was observed. Results revealed that Betel nut at 15 grams were the most effective as the Ascardia galli worms were dead at 48 hours of observation compared to other treatments. Therefore, using Betel nut at 15 grams was comparable to commercial anthelmintic treatment and it is recommended to utilize to eliminate and as worm killer to Ascaradia galli.

The effectiveness of some rhizobacteria on Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid &amp; White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949 (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae) in cucumber plants

In this study, the possibilities of using 3 specific rhizobacteria isolates for the control of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid &amp;amp; White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949 (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae) in cucumber plants of Beith alpha cultivar were investigated in 2023. The variables of the climate chamber experiment were seedling and seed treatments of the specific bacterial isolates and the QST713 (Serenade®) commercial isolate, nematode (1500 J2/pot) and non-nematode treatments, as well as positive and negative control treatments. As a result of the study, when the rate of root galling on cucumber roots was determined according to the Zeck scale, the most successful treatment in decreasing root galling was the seedling treatment of KD29 isolate (2.64), while the highest rate of root galling was observed in the positive control (6.27). When the bacterial treatments were compared with the positive control, it was observed that all bacterial treatments had a decreasing effect on the number of egg mass. When the effects of the treatments on the reproduction rate of the J2 population were analyzed, it was found that seedling treatments of isolate KD238 (0.69) and commercial isolate QST713 (0.86) had a decreasing effect on the J2 reproduction rate in the soil. As a result of the laboratory experiment, it was determined that KD157, KD238 and KD29 isolates had 42.25, 33.98 and 27.77% mortality effect on J2s after 96 hours, respectively. However, especially considering the decrease in the J2 population in the soil, the amount of root growth and the decrease in the number of egg mass, these bacteria stimulate the induced systemic resistance (ISR).

Coat protein of a whitefly-vectored plant virus as a delivery system to target whitefly.

The sweet potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is responsible for significant crop losses and presents one of the greatest challenges for global agricultural pest management. Management of whitefly populations and associated plant viral diseases is hindered by widespread whitefly resistance to chemical insecticides. An alternative control approach involves the use of insect-specific neurotoxins, but these require delivery from the whitefly gut into the haemocoel. Here we demonstrate that the coat protein (CP) of a begomovirus, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus, is sufficient for delivery of fused proteins into the whitefly haemocoel without virion assembly. Following feeding on the recombinant CP-P-mCherry fusion (where -P- is a proline-rich linker), mCherry fluorescence was detected in the dorsal aorta and pericardial cells of the whitefly, but not in those of whitefly fed on negative control treatments, indicating effective CP-mediated delivery of mCherry into the whitefly haemocoel. Significant mortality was observed in whiteflies fed on a fusion of CP-P to the insect-specific neurotoxin Hv1a, but not in whiteflies fed on CP-P fused to a disarmed Hv1a mutant. Begomovirus coat protein - insect neurotoxin fusions hold considerable potential for transgenic resistance to whitefly providing valuable tools for whitefly management.

Effect of moringa extract on parasitemia, monocyte activation and organomegaly among Mus musculus infected by Plasmodium berghei ANKA.

In Indonesia, malaria remains a problem, with 94,610 active cases in 2021 and its current therapy includes chloroquine and artemisinin; however, resistance has been commonly reported. To overcome this problem, studies about potential medicinal plants that can be used as antimalaria, such as moringa (Moringa oleifera) started to receive more attention. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moringa in parasitemia, monocyte activation, and organomegaly on animal model malaria. This experimental study used male Mus musculus, infected by Plasmodium berghei ANKA, as an animal malaria model. The extract was made by maceration of dry moringa leaves, which were then divided into three concentrations: 25%, 50%, and 75%. Dihydroartemisinin-piperazine was used as a positive control treatment, and distilled water as a negative control treatment. The animals were observed for six days to assess the parasitemia count and the number of monocyte activation. On day 7, the animals were terminated, and the liver, spleen, and kidney were weighed. The results showed that the effective concentrations in reducing parasitemia and inducing monocyte activation were 50% and 25% of moringa leaf extract, respectively. The smallest liver and spleen enlargement was observed among animals within the group treated with a 50% concentration of M. oleifera extract. In contrast, the smallest kidney enlargement was observed in the group treated with 25% of M. oleifera extract. Further analysis is recommended to isolate compounds with antimalarial properties in moringa leaves.

Assessment of the Impact of Humic Acids on Intestinal Microbiota, Gut Integrity, Ileum Morphometry, and Cellular Immunity of Turkey Poults Fed an Aflatoxin B1-Contaminated Diet.

A recent study published data on the growth performance, relative weights of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, liver histology, serum biochemistry, and hematological parameters for turkey poults fed an experimental diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and humic acids (HA) extracted from vermicompost. The negative effects of AFB1 (250 ng AFB1/g of feed) were significantly reduced by HA supplementation (0.25% w/w), suggesting that HA might be utilized to ameliorate the negative impact of AFB1 from contaminated diets. The present study shows the results of the remaining variables, as an extension of a previously published work which aimed to evaluate the impact of HA on the intestinal microbiota, gut integrity, ileum morphometry, and cellular immunity of turkey poults fed an AFB1-contaminated diet. For this objective, five equal groups of 1-day-old female Nicholas-700 turkey poults were randomly assigned to the following treatments: negative control (basal diet), positive control (basal diet + 250 ng AFB1/g), HA (basal diet + 0.25% HA), HA + AFB1 (basal diet + 0.25% HA + 250 ng AFB1/g), and Zeolite (basal diet + 0.25% zeolite + 250 ng AFB1/g). In the experiment, seven replicates of ten poults each were used per treatment (n = 70). In general, HA supplementation with or without the presence of AFB1 showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of beneficial butyric acid producers, ileum villi height, and ileum total area, and a significant reduction in serum levels of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-d), a marker of intestinal integrity. In contrast, poults fed with AFB1 showed a significant increase in Proteobacteria and lower numbers of beneficial bacteria, clearly suggesting gut dysbacteriosis. Moreover, poults supplemented with AFB1 displayed the lowest morphometric parameters and the highest intestinal permeability. Furthermore, poults in the negative and positive control treatments had the lowest cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity response. These findings suggest that HA supplementation enhanced intestinal integrity (shape and permeability), cellular immune response, and healthier gut microbiota composition, even in the presence of dietary exposure to AFB1. These results complement those of the previously published study, suggesting that HA may be a viable dietary intervention to improve gut health and immunity in turkey poults during aflatoxicosis.

UJI EFEK EKSTRAK ETANOL UMBI TALAS HISTOPATOLOGI GINJAL TIKUS PUTIH JANTAN (Rattus norvegicus) DIINDUKSI STREPTOZOTOCIN

Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease or metabolic syndrome caused by chronic disorders, especially in the body's carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism system. This study aims to determine the content of secondary metabolites of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins in the ethanolic extract of taro tubers and determine the effect and effective dose of the extract on the regeneration of kidney organ cells in streptozotocin-induced rats. Rats were divided into five groups: normal control, negative control, and extract treatment groups at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg BW that were performed for 28 days. This study observed changes that occurred in the renal tubular cells of white male rats induced by streptozotocin in the form of the level of damage with a value calculated based on the percentage (%) in each part of the tubule that was injured or damaged. The results showed that the taro tuber extract contained positive secondary metabolites of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. Administration of ethanol extract of taro tubers at a dose of 300 mg/kg BW can affect the regeneration of kidney tubule cells in STZ-induced rats, with an average damage value of 1 out of a maximum of 4.

Antibacterial Potential of Sarang Semut Herbal Extract (Myrmecodia pendans) from Timor Against Staphylococcus aureus: An In Vitro Study

BACKGROUND: The resistance of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to antibiotics is still a problem in clinical medicine. The potential of Ant-nest plant extract (Myrmecodia pendans) from the island of Timor as an antibacterial needs to be tested to be used as a new alternative.&#x0D; &#x0D; OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the antibacterial potential and dose level of Myrmecodia pendans extract from Timor as bacteriostatic and bactericidal bacteria against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro.&#x0D; &#x0D; METHOD: This study is an experimental study, using five doses of Myrmecodia pendans extract from Timor, namely positive control (cephalexin drug) and negative control (200 &amp;mu;l ethanol 95% + 50 &amp;mu;l DMSO), concentration 62.5 mg/ml (P1), concentration 125 mg/ml (P2), concentration 250 mg/ml (P3), concentration 500 mg/ml (P4), and concentration 1000 mg/ml (P5), with five replications each. Samples of Myrmecodia pendans, taken from Nonbaun Village, Central Fatuleu District, Kupang Regency, Mauleum Village, East Amanuban District, and Oenae Village, Kie District, South Central Timor Regency. The Kupang City Food and Drug Control Center obtained the test bacteria. Data were obtained and analyzed using the Standard Plate Count (SPC) method. The SPC value of each treatment was compared with the SPC value of the control treatment.&#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: The results of the analysis showed that the positive control treatment (0), negative control, and concentration treatment of 62.5 mg/ml (P1) had too much bacterial growth value (TBUD). Conversely, treatment with concentrations of 125 mg/ml (P2) and 250 mg/ml (P3) has a Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) value of 9.4 x 104 CFU / ml and 6.7 x 104 CFU / ml, respectively. Treatment with concentrations of 500 mg/ml (P4) and 1000 mg/ml (P5) can both kill bacteria with a Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) value of 0.&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION: Myrmecodia pendans extract from Timor Island has bacteriostatic potential (inhibits) the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria at a concentration of at least 125 mg/ml and potentially bactericidal (deadly) at a concentration of at least 500 mg/ml.

Manufacturing Low-Fat Processed Cheese Using Chickpea Proteins as a Fat Substitute and Studying Its Physicochemical, Rheological, and Sensory Quality Characteristics

Background: Manufacturing processed cheese has many advantages compared to natural cheese because the cost of refrigeration is lower during storage and transportation, and maintaining improved quality with minimal changes in the characteristics of the cheese during storage. It is possible to produce cheese with different intensity in flavor, functionality, and characteristics for different applications. Methods: This study was carried out in the laboratories of the College of Food Sciences, department of dairy science and technology at Al-Qasim green university, where full-fat cheddar cheese was mixed with full-fat soft cheese and used in the manufacture of cooked cheese treated with positive control + C, as well as mixing full-fat cheddar cheese with low-fat soft cheese to manufacture low-fat processed cheese, the negative control treatment was treated C-. Full-fat cheddar cheese was mixed with soft, low-fat cheese, with the addition of chickpea proteins as a fat replacers, with addition rates of 1.5, 3, and 4.5%, represented by treatments T3, T2, and T1, respectively. Results: The chemical tests included estimating the percentage of moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrates, and total acidity, in addition to estimating the pH, while the rheological tests included hardness, adhesion, and springiness. A sensory evaluation of processed cheese parameters was also conducted. The results showed that the replacement treatments were characterized by a lower moisture content and protein percentage than the negative control treatment and close to the positive control treatment. The percentages of carbohydrates, ash, and acidity also increased in the replacement treatments, but the percentage of fats and pH decreased.