Positive Control Treatment Research Articles

EFFICACY OF TRICHODERMA HARZIANUM AS A BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT AGAINST FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM IN TOMATOES (SOLANUM ESCULENTUM L.)

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp lycopersici is a soil borne pathogen of economic importance that reduces quality and quantity of tomatoes. Various fungicides have been utilized in the control of the pathogen however, resistance still remains a problem. However, biological control has been found as a promising alternative that suppresses F. oxysporum f.sp lycopersici. In vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to determine the efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum as a bio-control agent against F. oxysporum. In the in vitro experiment, treatments (Trichoderma only, Dual culture, Fusarium only and Mancozeb) were laid in a randomized complete block design to evaluate radial mycelial growth of F. oxysporusm. Trichoderma harzianum significantly (p<0.001) reduced radial mycelium growth to 9.88 mm which is an inhibition of 86.8 % in a dual culture. On the other hand, Mancozeb (positive control) moderately reduced radial mycelium growth by 32.58% hence less effective compared to the Trichoderma treatment. Under greenhouse conditions, plants treated with 4 g T. harzianum exhibited least disease severity and incidence of 17.67 % and 43.7 %, respectively. High severity of 57.33 %, 80.67 % and incidence of 79.2 % and 85.4 %, respectively were recorded for positive and negative controls. In addition, 4 g T. harzianum treated plants recorded significantly higher plant height and total yield per plant for three weeks of harvest than the positive and negative control treatments. In conclusion, 4 g T. harzianum suppressed F. oxysporum development in tomato plants and further research can be done to study its effect on tomato plants under field conditions.

Autophagy-Related Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells Reduces Cellular miR-29a by Promoting Its Vesicular Secretion.

Background & AimsLiver fibrosis arises from long-term chronic liver injury, accompanied by an accelerated wound healing response with interstitial accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the main source for ECM production. MicroRNA29a (miR-29a) is a crucial antifibrotic miRNA that is repressed during fibrosis, resulting in up-regulation of collagen synthesis.MethodsIntracellular and extracellular miRNA levels of primary and immortalized myofibroblastic HSC in response to profibrogenic stimulation by transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) or platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) or upon inhibition of vesicular transport and autophagy processes were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Autophagy flux was studied by electron microscopy, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and immunocytochemistry. Hepatic and serum miR-29a levels were quantified by using both liver tissue and serum samples from a cohort of chronic hepatitis C virus patients and a murine CCl4 induced liver fibrosis model.ResultsIn our study, we show that TGFβ and PDGF-BB resulted in decrease of intracellular miR-29a and a pronounced increase of vesicular miR-29a release into the supernatant. Strikingly, miR-29a vesicular release was accompanied by enhanced autophagic activity and up-regulation of the autophagy marker protein LC3. Moreover, autophagy inhibition strongly prevented miR-29a secretion and repressed its targets’ expression such as Col1A1. Consistently, hepatic miR-29a loss and increased LC3 expression in myofibroblastic HSC were associated with increased serum miR-29a levels in CCl4-treated murine liver fibrosis and specimens of hepatitis C virus patients with chronic liver disease.ConclusionsWe provide evidence that activation-associated autophagy in HSC induces release of miR-29a, whereas inhibition of autophagy represses fibrogenic gene expression in part through attenuated miR-29a secretion.

Effects of electroacupuncture on the functionality of NG2-expressing cells in perilesional brain tissue of mice following ischemic stroke.

Neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2)-expressing cells has multipotent stem cell activity under cerebral ischemia. Our study examined the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy (2 Hz, 1 or 3 mA, 20 minutes) at the Sishencong acupoint on motor function after ischemic insult in the brain by investigating the rehabilitative potential of NG2-derived cells in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. EA stimulation alleviated motor deficits caused by ischemic stroke, and 1 mA EA stimulation was more efficacious than 3 mA EA stimulation or positive control treatment with edaravone, a free radical scavenger. The properties of NG2-expressing cells were altered with 1 mA EA stimulation, enhancing their survival in perilesional brain tissue via reduction of tumor necrosis factor alpha expression. EA stimulation robustly activated signaling pathways related to proliferation and survival of NG2-expressing cells and increased the expression of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tumor growth factor beta, and neurotrophin 3. In the perilesional striatum, EA stimulation greatly increased the number of NG2-expressing cells double-positive for oligodendrocyte, endothelial cell, and microglia/macrophage markers (CC1, CD31, and CD68). EA therapy also greatly activated brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta signaling. Our results indicate that EA therapy may prevent functional loss at the perilesional site by enhancing survival and differentiation of NG2-expressing cells via the activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor -induced signaling, subsequently ameliorating motor dysfunction. The animal experiments were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Pusan National University (approval Nos. PNU2019-2199 and PNU2019-2884) on April 8, 2019 and June 19, 2019.

Investigation of the Effect of Lycopene, Hesperidin, Essential Oil and their Relative Nano-Formulation Form on Experimentally Obese –Induced Rats

The study was designed to investigate the effect of lycopene, hesperidin, and essential oil and their nano-formulation form in high-fat diet (HFD) -induced obese Wistar rats. To achieve this, a total of ninety adult Wistar male rats were used. The animals were made obese by feeding rats' high-fat diet (HFD, cholesterol, and bile acid). A dose of cholesterol (30 mg/0.3 mL olive oil /1 kg b.w.) was orally administrated (five times per week ) for 8 consecutive weeks. Obesity was confirmed by the percentages of body weight gain. Animals were divided into negative control groups (normal rats received normal diet) and positive control groups (normal rats received HFD ) and treatment groups (obese rats received different samples) of five animals each. Dose of lycopene and its nanoparticles 50 mg/kg b. wt., hesperidin, essential oil, and their nano-formulation form (100 mg/kg b.wt). All samples and standard drug (orlistat 12 mg/kg b. wt.) were orally administered once daily for four weeks. At the end of experiement, all animal groups were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Different parameters including total cholesterol, triglycride, HDL-cholesterol, total lipid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinene and urea were determined in the serum. The liver tissue was excised for the determination of hepatic antioxidant biomarkers (catalase and GSH) and oxidative stress (lipid peroxide). Histopathological examination of liver tissue of obese rats showed diffuse fatty liver, circumscribed hepatic vacuoles with prepheralnucleous. However, obese rats- treated with all different samples declaring amelioration in all the measured parameters. The results obtained illustrated that the nano-formulation form are more effective than a native form of lycopene, hesperidin, and essential oil. Besides, the lycopene and its nanoparticles were more effective than hesperidin, essential oil, and their nano-formulation forms. So, it could be concluded that , oral supplementation with lycopene, hesperidin, essential oil, and their relative nano-formulation forms can treat hepatic dysfunction in obese rats.

Design, synthesis, and SAR study of novel 4,5-dihydropyrazole-Thiazole derivatives with anti-inflammatory activities for the treatment of sepsis.

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome is a major feature of sepsis which is one of the major causes of death worldwide. It has been reported that 3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydropyrazole and thiazole derivatives have many biological functions, especially in the aspect of anti-inflammation. According to the strategy of pharmacophore combination, we introduced thiazole moiety into dihydropyrazole skeleton to design and synthesize a novel series of 2-(3,5-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-4-methylthiazole derivatives, and evaluated their anti-inflammatory activities for sepsis treatment. Preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis was conducted by their inhibitory activities against nitric oxide (NO) release in LPS-induced RAW264.7cells, and the optimal compound E26 exhibited more potent anti-inflammatory activity than the positive control treatment indomethacin and dexamethasone. In further mechanism study, our results showed that compound E26 significantly suppressed the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), NO and inhibited the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) through blocking MAPKs signaling pathway. In addition, invivo administration of compound E26 resulted in a significant improvement of LPS-induced sepsis in C57BL/6J mice, with reducing toxicity in multiple organs. Taken together, this study demonstrated the compound E26 could be a promising agent for the treatment of sepsis.

Biomass efficiency and productivity of soybean inoculated with Trichoderma / Eficiência de biomassa e produtividade de soja inoculada com Trichoderma

This work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the product TrichoPlus (Trichoderma asperellum) as a plant growth promoter in soybean and the productive performance at the field in a floodplain in the municipality of Formoso do Araguaia, Tocantins, Brazil. Four treatments with different doses of the TrichoPlus product (2, 4, 6 and 8 g per kg of seeds) were used in the experiment, plus two treatments being a positive control with a commercial product based on Trichoderma asperellum and an absolute control (without inoculation). Biomass, stand and productivity data were evaluated. For the treatment with the TrichoPlus product, a powder formulation was used, with active ingredient based on Trichoderma asperellum 201, formulated with a minimum concentration of 2 x108 UFC g-1, having graphite in the composition as inert, being applied directly to the seeds before planting, aiming better adherence and protection of the Trichoderma in direct contact with the seed and protection right after planting. Significant results were observed for the treatments with different doses of TrichoPlus in the characteristics of biomass, stand maintenance and productivity. The best dose for productivity was achieved in 5.1 g kg-1 of seed, with gains 12.6 and 6.0% higher compared with the absolute control and positive control treatments, proving its effectiveness in promoting plant growth and, consequently, in the productivity, in the cultivation in floodplain soil.

Evaluation of chemical resistance inducers in maradol papaya against Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica

Objective: To test the efficiency of four chemical resistance inducers on Maradol papaya to reduce Phytopthora nicotianae var. parasitica infections in rainfed crops at Chontalpa, Tabasco, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: Three doses of four resistance inducers were tested on 60-day-old papaya plants in a greenhouse with a randomized design, with four replications and 10 plants as experimental plots. Three days after the inducers' application inoculations with mycelium discs were made, there were negative and positive control treatments to evaluating their efficiency by applying Abbott's formula. Results: The four chemical inducers for resistance (sodium silicate (SS), potassium silicate (PS), potassium phosphite (PF) and acibenzolar-s-methyl (ASM)) were statistically different from the control (P < 0.0001**). The inducers SS 1 %, PS 1 %, FP 0.35 % and ASM 0.1 mM showed higher effectiveness (81.2, 75.9, 74.7 and 74.0 %). Study limitations/implications: The retained effective concentrations were tested in a single application, and their durability is unknown, so this point should be broadened. however, it may be an alternative for repeated use after transplanting. Findings/conclusions: Optimal concentrations of SS, PS, FP, and AMS, that respond against P. nicotianae var. parasitica infections can reduce damages in rainfed crops.

Effect of Early Feeding (in Ovo) With Nano-Selenium and Vitamin E on Body Weight and Glycogen Level in Broiler Chickens Exposed to Fasting Condition

This study aimed to reduce the severity of stress on incubating chicks as a result of long staying in hatcheries and exposure to food fasting as well as evaluate its subsequent growth performance. In present study, 750 fertilized eggs were used with divided into 5 treatments, each treatment contains 150 eggs, the first treatment (T1) is a negative control treatment without injection and the second treatment (T2) is a positive control treatment injected with distilled water. The treatments (T3, T4, and T5) were injected with a solution containing vitamin E, nano-selenium at concentrations of (15, 30, 45 mg/ml), respectively. The hatching chicks were divided from the injected egg treatments, where each treatment was divided into 3 replicates and the chicks were starved for 48 hours without providing them feed and they provided with water only. According to results, a significant increase occurred for the treatments (T3, T4, and T5) in weight at hatching and weight at age of 48 hours compared to positive and negative control treatments (T1 and T2). Significant increase occurred for the T5 treatment in the glycogen content of liver with a significant level and for the age at the hatching of (12, 24, 48 hr of bird age), respectively. Significant increase occurred for the treatments (T3 and T5) in the concentration of cardiac glycogen at hatching and at the age of (12 hr). The significant of the T5 treatment continued at the age of (24 and 48 hr) compared to the rest of the treatments. Significant increase occurred for the treatments (T3, T4 and T5) in the concentration of muscle glycogen compared to the treatments (T1 and T2). The results showed that nano-selenium and vitamin E improved the performance of embryonic growth and increased the weight of hatching chicks as well as increasing the level of glycogen in the liver, muscles and heart muscles.

Effect of Cinnamon and Turmeric Nanoparticles Extract on microorganisms of Fresh Ground Beef During Cold Storage

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cinnamon and turmeric nanoscale extracts on reducing the microbial load of ground beef stored under refrigerated temperature at 2 ° C for 12 days. The study included six different treatments T1 positive control treatment (adding water), T2 negative control treatment (without addition) and T3. (Curcuma 248.3 ppm), T4 (Curcuma 496.9 ppm), T5 (Cinnamon 83.08 ppm) and T6 (Cinnamon 166.16 ppm). The treatments were kept with storage periods of 1, 4, 8 and 12 days, respectively. Some tests were performed to detect microorganisms. The results of the treatments recorded lower values for the total number of bacteria when compared with the two control treatments, and the treatment T6 recorded the lowest values. The results observed that there was a significant decrease (P< 0.05) in the numbers of cold-loving bacteria for the treatments to which the cinnamon and turmeric nanoparticles extract was added. Treatment T6 (cinnamon 166.16 ppm) recorded lowest number of cold-loving bacteria, reaching 4.47, 4.57 and 4.77, 5.22 bacterial units/gm. meat. The results of the added treatments showed a significant decrease (P <0.05) in the logarithm of the number of coliform bacteria compared to the positive control treatments (T1 and T2). In addition, T6 (cinnamon 166.16 ppm) reached lowest number of coliform bacteria and reached 3.69, 3.78, 3.87, 3.99 bacterial units/gm meat. This study concluded that the addition of cinnamon and turmeric nanoparticles extracts to fresh beef and stored by refrigerating for different storage periods. This antibacterial activity assured by a decrease in the logarithm of the total number of normal bacteria, cold-loving bacteria and coliform bacteria, compared with the control treatments for ground beef and cryogenic stock.

Aktivitas Anti Inflamasi Ekstrak Biji Litsea Garciae Vidal Pada Odema Telapak Kaki Dan Gambaran Histologis Kaki Mencit

Litsea garciae or malek is a native species from Borneo and belongs to the Lauraceae family. Scientifically, the use of these plants is not widely known. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of Litsea garciae seeds against edema in mice feet and to determine the histology of the carrageenan-induced integument thickness of mice. The study used a completely randomized design with 5 treatment groups. The treatment group consisted of a negative treatment group (K1), a positive treatment group (K2) with 3 different dosages of Malek seed extract groups. The treatment doses used were Malek seed extract at a dose of 0.625 mg/g BW (P1), 1.25 mg/g BW (2), and 2.50 mg/g BW (P3). Edema percentage and integument thickness were analyzed by the One-Way ANOVA test with (α = 0.05). The results showed that the Malek seed extract dose of 0.625 mg/g BW had anti-inflammatory activity against edema of the mice's feet. The percentage of inflammation with doses of 0.625 mg/g BW, 1.25 mg/g BW and 2.5 mg/g BW was 31.10%, 22.58%, and 25.83%. The percentage of reduction in inflammation in the positive control treatment of Na-diclofenac (42.70%) was significantly differ-ent from the treatment of Malek seed extract at a dose of 0.0625–2.5 mg/g BW. The percentage of reduction in inflammation in the group treated with 1.25 mg/g BW (P2) Malek seed extract was not significantly different from the 2.5 mg/g BW (P3) treatment of Malek seed extract. The results of histological observations of mice's feet showed that the extract of Malek seeds did not have a significant effect on the thickness of the carrageenan-induced mice leg integument.

Efficacy of Chemical and Biological Stump Treatments for the Control of Heterobasidion occidentale Infection of California Abies concolor.

We conducted an experimental evaluation of treatments to limit Heterobasidion occidentale infection of white fir (Abies concolor) stumps and wounds in California mixed conifer forests. We tested the efficacy of urea, borate, and a mixture of two locally collected Phlebiopsis gigantea strains in preventing pathogen colonization of fir stumps and separately, urea and borate as infection controls on experimental stem wounds. These were paired with a laboratory test on ~100 g wood blocks with and without a one-week delay between inoculation and treatment. Urea, borates, and Phlebiopsis treatments all significantly reduced the stump surface area that was colonized by H. occidentale at 84%, 91%, and 68%, respectively, relative to the controls. However, only the borate treatments significantly lowered the number of stumps that were infected by the pathogen. The laboratory study matched the patterns that were found in the stump experiment with a reduced area of colonization for urea, borates, or P. gigantea treatments relative to the controls; delaying the treatment did not affect efficacy. The field wound experiment did not result in any Heterobasidion colonization, even in positive control treatments, rendering the experiment uninformative. Our study suggests treatments that are known to limit Heterobasidion establishment on pine or spruce stumps elsewhere in the world may also be effective on true firs in California.

Extract of Triticum aestivum Sprouts Suppresses Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the oldest known food crop, and many studies have reported that wheat shoots (i.e., wheatgrass) possess anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. However, the potentially ameliorative effect of wheat shoots on hepatotoxicity caused by high doses of N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (acetaminophen, APAP) has yet to be reported. C57BL/6 mice received daily oral TAE (100 or 200 mg/kg), positive control (silymarin 100 mg/kg), or negative control (saline vehicle) treatments for 7 days prior to intraperitoneal APAP injection. Histological, serum (ELISA), Western blotting, and quantitative PCR analyses of excised liver tissues were then performed. Pre-treatment with TAE (100 or 200 mg/kg) ameliorated APAP-induced pathological damage (i.e., hepatotoxic lesions), reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and also ameliorated APAP-induced increases in oxidative stress, thereby inhibiting oxidative liver damage and reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, TAE pre-treatment inhibited the expression of Cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), which is a key enzyme in the onset of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, suppressed the expression of the target proteins regulated by the antioxidant enzyme Nrf2, and suppressed hepatocyte apoptosis. These findings suggest that TAE is an attractive therapeutic candidate that exhibits potential hepatoprotective activity by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and liver damage.

ENHANCEMENT OF TOMATO ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES CONTROL USING A NOVEL BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT IN NORTH SINAI

This study focuses on using olive mill waste water (OMWW) as a novel biological treatment to decrease plant diseases while improving food quality. Root-knot nematode Meloidogyne is considered one of the main tomato diseases in North Sinai. The current study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of diffracting olive mill waste waters concentrations compared with the nematicide Oxamylon on Tomato Root-knot. OMWW was applied daily to tomato plants growing in sandy loam soil for three months. Represented five different concentration of OMWW (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) used for irrigation during the experiment. The positive control treatment was treated with Oxamyl at recommended dose. The negative control was watered only with tap water (0%). The results showed that mortality rates of M. incognita were significantly affected by concentrations. All treatments were superior to the untreated control in reducing nematode, except for OMWWs at 100 %, which was equivalent to the control treatment. The largest drop in root galling numbers Oxamyl was achieved (75.73%) was followed by 50% at (73.81%), 75% (68.01%), and 25% (39.67%). The highest reductions rated were recorded with the 50%and 75% concentrations used of OMWW. Overall, in the effort of efficient biological treatments was achieved for root knot control measures in tomato, the OMWW application may be used as one factor of integrated root-knot nematode management.

The Efficacy of Genistein-Rich Edamame as a Prevention of Atherosclerotic Lesion in Abdominal Aorta: Study in Rats Model of Atherosclerosis

Background: Atherosclerosis is the main cause of ischemic heart disease which leads to death for people aged more than 40 years old. Genistein is an important isoflavone compound which may protect the blood vessels from endothelial injury. This research is to observe the efficacy of genistein rich edamame as a prevention for atherosclerotic abdominal aortic lesions that seen from abdominal aortic thickness and foam cells count.&#x0D; Method: Thirty rats were divided randomly into five groups and treated for 28 days. The negative control group was given food and drink ad libitum. The positive control group was induced for atherosclerosis using adrenaline 0.006 mg / 200 gr BW injected on the first day and then the next day was given egg yolk 5 gr / 200 gr BW on next day for 28 days. All of the treatment groups were induced for atherosclerosis and treated with genistein-rich edamame extract 5 mg / 200 gr BW, edamame extract 38 mg / 200 gr BW and atorvastatin 1.5 mg / 200 grBW. Data were analyzed using One Way ANOVA - post hoc Bonferroni test, Kruskal Wallis - Mann Whitney test, and Pearson correlation test.&#x0D; Results: There were significant differences (p&lt;0,001) in abdominal aortic thickness and foam cells count between positive control group and treatment genistein-rich edamame extract, edamame extract and atorvastatin. There was a significant correlation between the abdominal aortic wall thickness and foam cells count (correlation coefficient value 0,753; p&lt;0,001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The administration of genistein-rich edamame extract can prevent the thickening of abdominal aorta and foam cell formation. Genistein-rich edamame can prevent foam cells formation better than atorvastatin.&#x0D;

Ramipril Increases Adma Concentration in Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats Induced by Isoproterenol

In experimental animals, the induction of isoproterenol which is a synthetic of catecholamine, can cause acute myocardial infarction where the pathophysiology and morphology are the same as myocardial infarction in humans. Isoproterenol induction will increase oxidative stress, which will damage the enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), thus causing asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels to increase in circulation. Increased levels of ADMA will inhibit the activity of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase, which results in decreased nitric oxide resulting in endothelial damage. This study aims to determine the effect of Ramipril on asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in rats (Rattus norvegicus) Wistar strain with acute myocardial infarction.&#x0D; Eighteen male Wistar rats (150-250 g) were randomly allocated into three groups: negative control group, positive control, and treatment group. The treatment group was pretreated with Ramipril at dose 3 mg/kg BW orally for seven days. Acute myocardial infarction was induced in positive control groups and treatment groups by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (85 mg/kg BW) for two consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, rats from all groups were anesthetized and sacrificed for blood sample collection to evaluate the level of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine with Enzym-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The result showed that ADMA levels were increased in the treatment group after pretreated with Ramipril. This study concluded that pretreatment with Ramipril increased ADMA concentration in acute myocardial infarction rats induced by isoproterenol.

Pharmacological properties of durva swaras (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.) in an ovariectomised rat model mimicking chronic menopausal syndrome

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), as the first-line management of chronic menopausal syndrome (CMS) in women, has limited application due to adverse effects. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a herbal alternative (HALT), durva swaras (DS) of Cynodon dactylon L. Pers., in a CMS rat model. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to Sham and ovariectomy (OVX) surgery. OVX rats received either 0.11 mg/kg oestrogen as a positive treatment control or 1 (DS1), 2 (DS2), and 4 (DS3) g/kg DS for 160 days. Vaginal smear tests indicated the menopausal status. Routine clinical examinations, weekly body weights (BW), serum calcium, proinflammatory cytokines, and reproductive hormones levels were monitored. Clinical chemistry, body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), uterotrophic response, bone morphometry, and histopathology of major organs were evaluated. BW of OVX rats increased by 18–25% compared to Sham. Total fat and fat percentage were significantly elevated in the oestrogen group compared to DS2, DS3, and OVX group. DS treatment groups showed the levels of TNF- α was slightly reduced, while IL-1β and IL-6 levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) compared to the oestrogen treated group. DS treatment restored serum calcium levels, while BMD, bone quality, osteoblast/osteoclast ratio, and collagen levels improved in both DS and oestrogen treatment groups. The uterotrophic assay demonstrated non-oestrogenic activity of DS. Endometrial hyperplastic change was observed in oestrogen-treated rats. The preclinical non-oestrogenic activity of DS has therapeutic potential in CMS through anti-inflammatory and osteo-protective effects. Further clinical research into DS, as a viable HALT to HRT, is required.

Effects of in ovo injection of Manihot esculenta extract on hatchability and post-hatch performance of Sasso broiler chickens

Abstract Manihot esculenta leaf meal in feed at post-hatch improves growth and egg production. One may question the efficacy of Manihot esculenta leaf extract for in ovo feeding. This study was conducted to determine the effects of in ovo injection of Manihot esculenta extract on hatchability, growth performance and biochemical parameters of Sasso broiler chickens. The hatching eggs from 38-week-old broiler breeders were set and at d 18 of incubation, 600 eggs with evidence of living embryos were assigned to 4 treatment groups of 150 eggs each. These groups were: (1) eggs without in ovo injection (negative control); (2) eggs perforated but no injection of any additive (positive control); (3) eggs perforated and injected with 0.1Â ml of saline solution and (4) eggs perforated and injected with 0.1Â ml of Manihot esculenta extract. Data were collected on hatching performance. During the post hatch growth phase, performance traits such as feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were collected and at 84 days of age, blood samples were taken for determination of serum total proteins, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and alanine amino transaminase (ALAT). The results showed that hatchability was similar in the negative control and Manihot esculenta extract groups but significantly higher (PÂ <Â 0.05) than those of positive control and saline solution treatment groups. Chick quality was better in the groups with Manihot esculenta extract and saline solution application. Post-hatch, the body weight gain of birds from the Manihot esculenta extract group was higher than those in the groups with saline solution application and in the negative control and positive control groups. Manihot esculenta leaf extract increased significantly the triglyceride rate and reduced ALAT and ASAT concentration at hatch. It can be concluded that in ovo inoculation of 0.5Â μg/ml Manihot esculenta leaf extract on d 18 of incubation into the eggs air chamber improved hatchability, chick quality and post-hatch growth of broilers.

Ginger Essential Oils-Loaded Nanoemulsions: Potential Strategy to Manage Bacterial Leaf Blight Disease and Enhanced Rice Yield.

The bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is one of the most serious rice diseases, causing huge yield losses worldwide. Several technologies and approaches have been opted to reduce the damage; however, these have had limited success. Recently, scientists have been focusing their efforts on developing efficient and environmentally friendly nanobactericides for controlling bacterial diseases in rice fields. In the present study, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) were utilized to investigate the mode of actions of ginger EOs on the cell structure of Xoo. The ginger EOs caused the cells to grow abnormally, resulting in an irregular form with hollow layers, whereas the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) treatment showed a typical rod shape for the Xoo cell. Ginger EOs restricted the growth and production of biofilms by reducing the number of biofilms generated as indicated by CLSM. Due to the instability, poor solubility, and durability of ginger EOs, a nanoemulsions approach was used, and a glasshouse trial was performed to assess their efficacy on BLB disease control. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the developed nanobactericides was promising at different concentration (50–125 µL/mL) tested. The efficacy was concentration-dependent. There was significant antibacterial activity recorded at higher concentrations. A glasshouse trial revealed that developed nanobactericides managed to suppress BLB disease severity effectively. Treatment at a concentration of 125 μL/mL was the best based on the suppression of disease severity index, AUDPC value, disease reduction (DR), and protection index (PI). Furthermore, findings on plant growth, physiological features, and yield parameters were significantly enhanced compared to the positive control treatment. In conclusion, the results indicated that ginger essential oils loaded-nanoemulsions are a promising alternative to synthetic antibiotics in suppressing Xoo growth, regulating the BLB disease, and enhancing rice yield under a glasshouse trial.

Investigating the hemostatic effect of medicinal plant Arnebia euchroma (Royle) I.M.Johnst extract in a mouse model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceArnebia euchroma (Royle) I.M.Johnst (AE) has been reported to be a potentially useful medicinal herb for the treatment of several circulatory diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. It shows effects such as “cooling of the blood,” promotion of blood circulation, detoxification, and rash clearance. Aim of the studyTo explore the hemostatic effect of the ethyl acetate extract of AE in mice. Materials and methodsIn this study, we explored the effects of AE on bleeding time, blood coagulation time, platelet count, and blood coagulation parameters in normal Kunming mice. Different doses of the AE extract (5, 10, and 20 g kg−1·day−1) were administered to mice for 14 days. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na at 0.5%) and Yunnan Baiyao (0.8 g kg−1·day−1) were administered as negative and positive control treatments, respectively. Bleeding time, blood coagulation time, platelet count, blood platelet aggregation, blood platelet adhesion to fibrinogen, platelet factor 4 (PF-4) secretions from blood platelets, and blood coagulation parameters including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time (TT), and fibrinogen (FIB) levels were measured on day 15 of administration. ResultsBleeding and blood coagulation time were significantly lower and TT was shorter in the AE extract-treated groups than in the control groups. Furthermore, FIB levels and platelet count were higher, whereas blood platelet aggregation, blood platelet adhesion to fibrinogen, and PF-4 secretion from blood platelets were more obvious in the AE extract-treated groups than in the control group. However, no significant differences were detected for PT and aPTT between the extract-treated and control groups. ConclusionsThe ethyl acetate extract of AE showed potential hemostasis effects in mice by shortening the bleeding and coagulation time. In addition, the extract increased platelet count and induced blood platelet aggregation, blood platelet adhesion to fibrinogen, PF-4 secretion from blood platelets, and FIB level, while it shortened TT.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Dicliptera chinensis (L.) Juss. Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis by Inducing Autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K Signaling Pathway.

To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-hepatic fibrosis activity of ethyl acetate fraction Dicliptera chinensis (L.) Juss. (EDC) in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro and in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model in vivo. For in vitro study, HSCs were pre-treated with platelet-derived growth factor (10 ng/mL) for 2 h to ensure activation and treated with EDC for 24 h and 48 h, respectively. The effect of EDC on HSCs was assessed using cell counting kit-8 assay, EdU staining, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot, respectively. For in vivo experiments, mice were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 (2 ° L/g, adjusted to a 25% concentration in olive oil), 3 times per week for 6 weeks, to develop a hepatic fibrosis model. Forty 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups using a random number table (n=10), including control, model, positive control and EDC treatment groups. Mice in the EDC and colchicine groups were intragastrically administered EDC (0.5 g/kg) or colchicine (0.2 mg/kg) once per day for 6 weeks. Mice in the control and model groups received an equal volume of saline. Biochemical assays and histological examinations were used to assess liver damage. Protein expression levels of α -smooth muscle actin (α -SMA) and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) were measured by Western blot. EDC reduced pathological damage associated with liver fibrosis, downregulated the expression of α -SMA and upregulated the expression of LC3B (P<0.05), both in HSCs and the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. The intervention of bafilomycin A1 and rapamycin in HSCs strongly supported the notion that inhibition of autophagy enhanced α -SMA protein expression levels (P<0.01). The results also found that the levels of phosphoinositide (PI3K), p-PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-mTOR, and p-p70S6K all decreased after EDC treatment (P<0.05). EDC has anti-hepatic fibrosis activity by inducing autophagy and might be a potential drug to be further developed for human liver fibrosis therapy.