Seven-day Intervals Research Articles

Identification and characterization of honeybee flora calendar in Southwest Jimma Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract. Mossie T, Worku H. 2023. Identification and characterization of honeybee flora calendar in Southwest Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Asian J For 7: 54-66. The study was conducted to identify, characterize and document major bee forages, develop an appropriate flora calendar, their phenology, and pollen potential in the various agro-ecological conditions of the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 90 beekeepers were purposefully selected from three districts and interviewed to get primary data. The density and abundance of flowering plants were determined using quadrat sampling techniques. In addition, pollen specimens were collected using pollen traps at seven-day intervals and were also traced back to plant species level under a light microscope. The study has revealed the presence of 141 pollen and/or nectar-source honeybee plant species belonging to sixty-two families in the study area. Herbs were the most dominant bee flora growth forms, accounting for 62 (44%) of a total of 141 honeybee plant species, followed by trees at 48 (34%) and shrubs at 31 (22%), respectively. The herbaceous plant had a greater density value of plant species per plot than did trees and shrubs. One hundred fifteen (81.6%) were both sources of pollen and nectar, whereas fifteen (10.6%) were pollen sources and the remaining eleven (7.8%) were nectar-source plant species. The Shannon diversity index and evenness were found to be 2.8 and 0.6, respectively. This indicated that the study area has a rich bee floral plant species and is suitable for beekeeping. Two main flowering periods of honeybee plants were followed by two honey flow seasons. Therefore, beekeepers should follow the floral calendar of honeybee plants to exploit the potential of the area for honey production.

Current Clubfoot Practices: POSNA Membership Survey

Clubfoot management has advanced in the 21st century with increases in formal training, practitioner experience, and improved casting/bracing constructs. The Ponseti method is the gold standard, yet variations in application persist. This survey aims to identify current treatment practices among clubfoot practitioners within the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA). A 23-question online survey of members was conducted between June and August 2021. Eighty-nine respondents self-identified as clubfoot providers. Of these, 93.1% had an MD degree, 23.6% possessed >30 years' experience, and the majority (65.6%) worked in a teaching hospital associated with a medical school. Most responders (92.0%) were pediatric fellowship trained. A total of 51.7% had participated in a clubfoot training course. More than half (57.5%) noted changes to clubfoot management practices throughout their training. A majority used between four and seven (88.7%) long leg casts (98.4%), changed at seven-day intervals (93.4%). Plaster (69.4%) was most commonly used. The most common bracing device was Mitchell-Ponseti (72.9%). A mean 84.8% of clubfeet required tenotomy. The most common anesthetic agent was numbing gel (43.0%). Tenotomies mostly occurred in patients aged <6 months (63.1%). Tenotomy locations were operating room (46.5%), clinic (45.4%) and procedure room (8.1%). Cast removal was primarily performed with saws (54.7%). The mean incidence of observed cast burns was 5.5%. Most providers did not use a device to prevent cast burns (76.6%). Reported cast complications included slippage (85.9%), skin irritation (75.8%), and saw-related injuries (35.9%). Clubfoot management variations exist in orthotics, tenotomy indications and practices, and cast material. Casting complications continue to be a problem. Further studies are warranted to determine if certain practices predispose patients to specific complications.

Evaluation of the Effects of Different Packaging Materials on the Quality Attributes of the Tomato Fruit

Post-harvest loss continues to be a significant problem in the food industry. Different packaging materials, designed to reduce fruit damage, are anticipated for various applications in the supply chain. Recently, stamped paper (SP) and expandable polystyrene (EPS) trays have been introduced as tomato retail packaging. Although the combination of paper trays and clear plastic are still not 100% biodegradable packaging, they are promising alternatives to the heavy utilisation of petrochemical-based polymers. This study investigated the effects of different packaging materials and storage conditions on the ‘Nema-Netta’ tomatoes’ quality attributes. The treatments consisted of a stamped paper (SP) + polyvinyl chloride (PVC), expandable polystyrene (EPS) + polyvinyl chloride (PVC), stamped paper (SP)+ flow wrap, expandable polystyrene (EPS) + flow wrap, polypropylene (PP), and unpackaged tomatoes stored at cold and ambient conditions. Firmness, physiological weight loss (PWL), pH value, titratable acidity (TA) and total sugars were evaluated at seven-day intervals, over 28 days. Temperature and relative humidity at cold storage ranged between 8–12 °C, 78–80% RH and 22–26 °C, 68–72% RH at ambient storage conditions. The packaging and storage conditions significantly affected the PWL, firmness, pH, TA and total sugars. Samples in the EPS Tray combined with the PVC wrap at cold storage maintained the quality of the tomatoes better than the other packaging. The combination of packaging and cold storage created an ideal environment for maintaining the quality of tomatoes. The relative differences between EPS Tray + PVC (non-biodegradable) and SP Tray + PVC (biodegradable) were less than 5% in multiple tests.

Effect of vital bleaching on surface roughness and microhardness of nanofilled and nanohybrid composite resins

Background: To compare the surface roughness and microhardness of Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one and Filtek Z350 XT after in-office vital bleaching with Pola office. Methods: A total of 20 samples of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm height of Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one and Filtek Z350 XT were prepared. The samples were subjected to two bleaching sessions with 35% hydrogen peroxide (Pola office) with a seven-day interval between each session. Surface roughness and microhardness of the prepared samples prior to and after the bleaching regimen were measured using a profilometer and Vickers hardness tester, respectively. Results: A significant reduction (p &lt;0.001) in the surface hardness of Filtek Z350 XT from 26.67 ± 2.10 to 17.83 ± 1.36 Vickers hardness number (VHN) was observed after the bleaching whereas no significant reduction in surface hardness was observed with Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one. However, in-office bleaching of these materials did not significantly alter their surface roughness. Conclusions: The effect of in-office bleaching on the surface hardness of resin composites seem to vary due to variations in the composition of dental composites such as filler loading. Among the composites tested, in office bleaching of Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ did not result in significant changes in its surface hardness and roughness.

Reliability Assessment of Sensory Outcome Measure a New Developed Tool for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Objective: To investigate the reliability of a recently developed Tool, designed for Hypoxic Cerebral Palsy Children (HCPC) to assess sensory deficits. Method: Internal consistency and all three types of reliability (intra-rater, test-retest, and inter-rater) were investigated. Twenty caregivers of HCPC were addressed. Principal rater took two readings for the intra-rater with a brief break, then another reading for test-retest after a seven-day interval. In the meantime, the observer took the readings for inter-rater reliability testing. The relative and absolute dependability of all three types of responses were evaluated after the recording. Findings : Spearman rank correlation and intraclass correlation values ranged from (0.934 to 1), demonstrating a very strong correlation. While the internal consistency was higher than desired, as indicated by Cronbach’s alpha values, which ranged from (0.966 to 1). Cohen’s kappa coefficient values for inter-rater reliability range from (0.048 to 0.188), and exhibited a small amount of agreement between the two observers. Standard Error of Measurement ranges from (1.026 to 3.810) and indicated credible results. All participant discrepancies on reliability testing were greater than the Minimal Detectable Change, indicating actual differences. Novelty: The uniqueness of this study lies not only in the selection of a recently developed tool for the assessment of sensory issues in HCPC, but also in its extensive analysis of all three types of reliability with both measures along with the assessment of internal consistency . It will be very helpful to researchers who want to create a new instrument or assess the precision of an existing outcome measure. It is the only study that offers a comprehensive analysis of each dependability approach together with the necessary statistical analysis. The Sensory Outcome Measure for Hypoxic Cerebral Palsy children is a reliable tool that has been developed for sensory testing in HCPC. Keywords: CP (Cerebral Palsy); HCPC (Hypoxic Cerebral Palsy Children); SOMH (Sensory

The reliability of lower limb 3D gait analysis variables during a change of direction to 90- and 135-degree manoeuvres in recreational soccer players.

Several biomechanical outcomes are being used to monitor the risk of injuries; therefore, their reliability and measurement errors need to be known. To measure the reliability and measurement error in lower limb 3D gait analysis outcomes during a 90∘ and 135∘ change of direction (COD) manoeuvre. A test re-test reliability study for ten healthy recreational players was conducted at seven-day intervals. Kinematics (Hip flexion, adduction, internal rotation angles and knee flexion abduction angles) and kinetics (Knee abduction moment and vertical ground reaction force) data during cutting 90∘ and 135∘ were collected using 3D gait analysis and force platform. Five trials for each task and leg were collected. Standard error of measurement (SEM) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated from the randomised leg. The ICC values of the kinematics, kinetics, and vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) outcomes (90∘ and 135∘) ranged from 0.85 to 0.95, showing good to excellent reliability. The SEM for joint angles was less than 1.69∘. The VGRV showed a higher ICC value than the other outcomes. The current study results support the use of kinematics, kinetics, and VGRF outcomes for the assessment of knee ACL risk in clinic or research. However, the hip internal rotation angle should be treated with caution since the standard measurement error exceeded 10% compared to the mean value. The measurement errors provided in the current study are valuable for future studies.

The Effect of a Setting Accelerator on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of a Fast-set White Portland Cement Mixed with Nano-zirconium Oxide.

This study compared the effects of calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2.2H2O) on the physical properties and push-out bond strength of white Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (WMTA) and an experimental Malaysian Portland cement mixed with nano-zirconium oxide (nano-ZrO) [(radiopaque Malaysian Portland cement (RMPC). Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) was the first calcium silicate cement (CSC) introduced in dentistry, but up to date, it is an expensive cement with long setting time and causes tooth discolouration. Although Portland cement has been introduced as a potential substitute to MTA, it still faces some challenges such as long setting time and lack of sufficient radiopacity. Four groups [WMTA, RMPC, fast-set WMTA (FS-WMTA) and fast-set RMPC (FS-RMPC)] were prepared. Initial setting time was evaluated using Vicat apparatus. The pH was measured at seven-day intervals. For discolouration potential, cements were packed in the pulp chamber of 46 extracted maxillary incisors. Spectrophotometric readings were obtained at seven-day intervals, and the rate of colour change (ΔE) was recorded. For the push-out bond strength testing, cements were applied in 48 sectioned root samples, and the test was performed using universal testing machine at crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until bond failure. Statistical analysis was done according to the nature of each group of data using SPSS 26. Addition of CaCl2.2H2O decreased the initial setting times of both RMPC and WMTA significantly (p<0.05). The pH values of FS-WMTA and FS-RMPC were comparable to their non-accelerated counterparts ranging from 10 to 12. Discolouration effect was more obviously observed with WMTA and FS-WMTA with time compared to RMPC formulations. Push-out bond strength of the two materials also showed an increase with the addition of the accelerator, however, only FS-WMTA showed statistically significant difference compared to WMTA (p<0.05). The addition of CaCl2.2H2O improves the physical and mechanical properties of the newly formulated RMPC and WMTA. The RMPC formulation overcomes the discolouration potential of WMTA. (EEJ-2022-12-155).

The use of toxic baits for the suppression of Mediterranean fruit fly in mango orchards.

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) is an insect of major economic importance in the mango orchards of the submedium of the São Francisco River Valley, the main area of mango production and exportation in Brazil. To provide alternatives for the management of C. capitata, toxic baits based on alpha-cypermethrin (Gelsura®) and spinosad (Success® 0.02 CB) were evaluated in three commercial mango experiments during two consecutive harvests: 2016/2017 (experiment 1 - area 1) and 2017/2018 (experiment 2 -area 2 and experiment 3 - area 3). According to the results, there was a large reduction in the infestation of C. capitata after five sequential applications of the alpha-cypermethrin (6 g.ha-1) and spinosad (0.38 g.ha-1) toxic baits performed at seven-day intervals during mango fruit ripening in all experiments and years (harvest) evaluated. Compared with the untreated plots, the plots with alpha-cypermethrin and spinosad applications showed a significant reduction in the damage induced (fallen fruits and/or on trees) by C. capitata. The management of C. capitata in mango orchards can include the use of the toxic bait based on alpha-cypermethrin, which represents an alternative to rotate with spinosad toxic bait in the São Francisco River Valley.

Effect of one or two fixed glutamate doses on follicular development, ovarian-intraovarian blood flow, ovulatory rate, and corpus luteum quality in goats with a low body condition score.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a short glutamate supply on the ovarian response in goats with low body condition scores. Twenty-one goats had their estrus and follicular waves synchronized using three injections of prostaglandin analog at seven-day intervals. Goats were allocated to groups receiving 10 mg/kg LW (iv) of glutamate administered in a single dose (group LBCG1, n = 7) or in two doses five days apart (group LBCG2, n = 7). The control group (LBC; n = 7) received saline solution. Glutamate treatment did not affect glucose, cholesterol, or glutathione peroxidase levels, body weight, or adipose deposits. During the experimental period, the LBCG2 group showed a higher (P < 0.05) number of follicles (> 3 mm) and an increase in follicle diameter (P < 0.05). Glutamate supply improved (P < 0.05) the intraovarian Doppler blood area size in the LBCG groups, and the second dose in LBCG2 also induced a higher (P < 0.05) systolic and diastolic peak of the ovary artery. After ovulation induction, LBCG2 exhibited a high (P < 0.05) volume of the corpus luteum and vascularized area. We concluded that the supply of two doses of glutamate five days apart was efficient in ovarian stimulation in goats with a low body condition.

Efficacy of bio agents and fungicides against Colletotrichum blight of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) under field condition in Sankhuwasabha District, Nepal

The field experiment was carried out in five years old Golsai variety of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) at Khandbari-4, Pangma of Sankhuwasabha district between February and April 2022 to evaluate the efficacy of bioagents and fungicides against Colletotrichum blight of large cardamom (A. subulatum). Two bioagents, three fungicides, and control/water were taken as treatments, and the experiment was established in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with an area of 4×3 sqm in each experimental unit having 6 treatments with 4 replications. Treatment wise application of bioagents and fungicides was given by using a high-volume knapsack sprayer with the required concentration. Subsequent sprays were given at seven-day intervals. The result of the study showed that among the tested fungicides, TOPCARE (Azoxystrobin 50% WDG) and bioagent Trichoderma viride significantly reduced blight under field conditions. So, spraying of the fungicide TOPCARE (Azoxystrobin 50% WDG) and bioagent T. viride will be best for controlling Colletotrichum blight on large cardamom in the Sankhuwasabha district.

Exposure to Low Zearalenone Doses and Changes in the Homeostasis and Concentrations of Endogenous Hormones in Selected Steroid-Sensitive Tissues in Pre-Pubertal Gilts.

This study was undertaken to analyze whether prolonged exposure to low-dose zearalenone (ZEN) mycotoxicosis affects the concentrations of ZEN, α-zearalenol (α-ZEL), and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL) in selected reproductive system tissues (ovaries, uterine horn-ovarian and uterine sections, and the middle part of the cervix), the hypothalamus, and pituitary gland, or the concentrations of selected steroid hormones in pre-pubertal gilts. For 42 days, gilts were administered per os different ZEN doses (MABEL dose [5 µg/kg BW], the highest NOAEL dose [10 µg/kg BW], and the lowest LOAEL dose [15 µg/kg BW]). Tissue samples were collected on days seven, twenty-one, and forty-two of exposure to ZEN (exposure days D1, D2, and D3, respectively). Blood for the analyses of estradiol and progesterone concentrations was collected in vivo on six dates at seven-day intervals (on analytical dates D1-D6). The analyses revealed that both ZEN and its metabolites were accumulated in the examined tissues. On successive analytical dates, the rate of mycotoxin accumulation in the studied tissues decreased gradually by 50% and proportionally to the administered ZEN dose. A hierarchical visualization revealed that values of the carry-over factor (CF) were highest on exposure day D2. In most groups and on most exposure days, the highest CF values were found in the middle part of the cervix, followed by the ovaries, both sections of the uterine horn, and the hypothalamus. These results suggest that ZEN, α-ZEL, and β-ZEL were deposited in all analyzed tissues despite exposure to very low ZEN doses. The presence of these undesirable compounds in the examined tissues can inhibit the somatic development of the reproductive system and compromise neuroendocrine coordination of reproductive competence in pre-pubertal gilts.

Dissipation and Residue of Metalaxyl-M and Azoxystrobin in Scallions and Cumulative Risk Assessment of Dietary Exposure to Hepatotoxicity.

Metalaxyl-M and azoxystrobin have been used to control various fungal diseases on scallion and other crops. In view of the adverse toxic effects of both on the mammalian liver, it is necessary to conduct a cumulative risk assessment of their dietary exposure to consumers. The residues of metalaxyl-M and azoxystrobin on scallion were determined by a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method (QuEChERS) combined with high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The half-lives were about 1.15 and 3.89 days, respectively, and the final residues after a seven-day harvest interval were <0.001–0.088 mg/kg and 0.190–4.687 mg/kg, respectively. The cumulative dietary risk quotient of the two fungicides to Chinese consumers calculated by the probability model is 13.94%~41.25%. According to the results of the contribution analysis, the risk posed by azoxystrobin is much greater than that of metalaxyl-M. Although metalaxyl-M and azoxystrobin do not pose a cumulative risk to Chinese consumers, the risk to children and adolescents is significantly higher than that to adults. This suggests that in future research, more consideration should be given to the cumulative risk of compounds to vulnerable groups.

Application of Cow Urine as Bio-Fertilizer and Bio-Pesticide In Boro Rice Production of Bangladesh

This study focused on cattle urine utilization as bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide and its effectiveness on boro rice production comparing with chemical fertilizer and chemical pesticides. Three groups were divided into completely randomized design (CRD) to conduct the experiment. No chemical/bio pesticides and/or fertilizers is being applied in the control group (T0).The second group (T1) is being applied by chemical fertilizer and pesticides in recommended dose. The third group (T2) is being applied by cattle urine as biofertilizer and bio-pesticides in calculative dose. The germinated rice plant BINA boro rice (variety 28) was transferred to a well-prepared rice field after 21 days. The rice field was prepared using cow urine as bio fertilizer. The bio fertilizer solution prepared from mixing cow dung with cow urine (1:1) and then the solution was diluted into1: 9 with water. One kg of fresh neem leaves were kept in 10 L (liters) container with cow urine and allowed 28 days for fermentation. Meanwhile, one liter of the solution extracted from neem leaves was mixed with 10L of fresh water in a ratio of 1:10 to produce a bio pesticide. Cow urine as bio-fertilizer was applied one thousand liters per hectare in boro rice production which was repeated every 28 days from transplant to harvest. Bio pesticide was applied one thousand two hundred liters per hectare by nozzle spraying at 15-day intervals from planting to flowering in boro rice production. Likewise the chemical pesticide was being applied at seven-day intervals. Plant height, chlorophyll content, number of the tiller/hill and grain yield was observed as growth and yield parameter respectively. The tallest plant height and chlorophyll content were 76 cm and 46.5 from T2 on day 45 and 30 respectively, but number of effective tiller per hill, the maximum final score was 14 fromT1.For all treatments, the mean production became identical. However, T2 delivered the highest grain yield at 5.85 t/ha. In yield parameter chemical fertilizer and chemical pesticide (T1) and bio fertilizer and biopesticide (T2) group was non-significant, but in pest infestationbio fertilizer and biopesticide (T2) group was lower.&#x0D; Vol. 9, No. 2, August 2022: 165-169

Intra-Rater Reliability of Shear Wave Elastography for the Quantification of Respiratory Muscles in Adolescent Athletes.

The aim of this study was to assess the intra-rater reliability and agreement of diaphragm and intercostal muscle elasticity and thickness during tidal breathing. The diaphragm and intercostal muscle parameters were measured using shear wave elastography in adolescent athletes. To calculate intra-rater reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman statistics were used. The reliability/agreement for one-day both muscle measurements (regardless of probe orientation) were at least moderate. During the seven-day interval between measurements, the reliability of a single measurement depended on the measured parameter, transducer orientation, respiratory phase, and muscle. Excellent reliability was found for diaphragm shear modulus at the peak of tidal expiration in transverse probe position (ICC3.1 = 0.91–0.96; ICC3.2 = 0.95), and from poor to excellent reliability for the intercostal muscle thickness at the peak of tidal inspiration with the longitudinal probe position (ICC3.1 = 0.26–0.95; ICC3.2 = 0.15). The overall reliability/agreement of the analysed data was higher for the diaphragm measurements (than the intercostal muscles) regardless of the respiratory phase and probe position. It is difficult to identify a more appropriate probe position to examine these muscles. The shear modulus/thickness of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles demonstrated good reliability/agreement so this appears to be a promising technique for their examination in athletes.

Characterization of the spatial distribution of the whitefly-transmitted virus complex in yellow squash fields in Southern Georgia, USA

A two-year study was conducted in 2019 and 2020 to characterize the spatial distribution of whitefly-transmitted virus complex (WTVC) in experimental and commercial yellow squash (Cucurbita pepo) fields in southern Georgia, USA. Field trials planted in Tifton, Georgia, USA were comprised of 30 rows of squash (variety: Gentry) divided into 300 quadrats. Six commercial fields in Tift, Worth, and Colquitt Counties in Georgia, USA were surveyed. In each field, 10 rows of plants per field were partitioned into 70 quadrats so that their approximate location could be mapped and disease incidence tracked in space over time. Plants in each quadrat were visually assessed for TVC symptoms at seven-day intervals (experimental fields) or at fourteen-day intervals (commercial fields). The spatial distribution of WTVC in a one-dimensional space was determined through ordinary runs analysis and in two-dimensional space through spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE). Ordinary runs analysis down and between rows suggested that disease was more likely to be transmitted from infected plants within rows than across rows. WTVC incidence in space was positively correlated with adult whiteflies on squash leaves taken one or two weeks prior to the assessment of virus incidence coinciding with latent period of Geminiviruses. SADIE generated disease severity maps indicated a shift from sparse and randomly distributed disease early in the infection cycle to denser, more aggregated patterns later in time in both experimental and commercial fields. Contour plots of interpolated indices from SADIE analysis suggested an edge effect on the spatial distribution of WTVC in experimental fields as well as in two of the commercial fields. An understanding of the shift from random to aggregated distribution and the edge effect on WTVC incidence are considerations for refining current management strategies.

Establecimiento de gramíneas forrajeras tropicales en el bioma del Cerrado

This study was carried out to evaluate the time for the establishment of tropical forage grasses in the “Cerrado” biome, based on morphogenetic and structural traits. Three Brachiaria brizantha (Syn. Urochloa brizantha) cultivars (Paiaguás, Ipyporã and Marandu) and two Panicum maximum (Syn. Megathyrsus maximus) cultivars (Quênia and Tamani) were distributed in a randomized-block design with four replicates. Morphogenetic and structural traits of the pasture were assessed from d 35 to d 65 after sowing, at seven-day interval. Canopy height rose linearly with the establishment period, in all cultivars. In the Megathyrsus cultivars, tiller density decreased as the experimental period progressed, whereas the number of tillers in the Urochloa cultivars increased. The cultivars Ipyporã and Marandu had the highest leaf appearance rates. The lowest leaf elongation rates occurred in the cultivars Paiaguás, Ipyporã and Tamani, and the highest elongation rates in cv. Quênia. As a result, cv. Quênia showed the highest values of final leaf length (64.9 cm) and leaf blade mass (3,352.9 kg DM ha-1). The higher senescence rate of cv. Tamani (2.1 cm tiller-1 d-1) resulted in the highest percentage of dead material (1,815.5 kg ha-1) being found in the herbage mass of this cultivar. Cultivars Paiaguás, Marandu and Tamani were established at 44 d, whereas cv. Quênia and Ipyporã were established at 51 and 58 d after sowing, respectively, in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Influence of PGPR, Bio-Phosphate Microorganism and Phosphate on Growth of Oil Palm Seedlings Under Drought Stress Conditions

Drought is a major abiotic stress that threatens the production of agricultural oil palms. Drought interferes with plant uptake of phosphorus. The goal of this study was to investigate how plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), bio-phosphate microorganisms, and phosphate affected oil palm growth under drought stress. The study was conducted at the Tri Dharma Research Station INSTIPER in Yogyakarta from January to May 2020, and it used a factorial and completely randomized design with two factors and three replicates per treatment. The first factor was a fertilization treatment that included P1 (PGPR), P2 (bio-phosphate microorganisms), P3 (phosphate). The second factor was a drinking interval of L1 (once per day) and L2 (once per seven days). At 120 days after planting, data were collected. The results showed that the PGPR, bio-phosphate microorganisms and phosphate had no significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, chlorophyll content, dry weight of plants, volume of root, dry weight of root and shoot, stem diameter, number of stomata, and root-shoot ratio. Root volume, root dry weight, and root-shoot ratio were significantly affected by one-day and seven-day watering intervals. Phosphate fertilization with watering once every seven days considerably increased the width of the stomata openingsI&#x0D; Keywords: PGPR, Bio-Phosphate, Phosphate, Oil Palm, Drought

Changes in respiration of the mitochondrial fraction of brain homogenates in rats with stepwise incomplete cerebral ischemia

Objective: to conduct a comparative analysis of mitochondrial respiration in brain homogenates of rats with stepwise incomplete cerebral ischemia (SICI) with varying duration between ligations of both common carotid arteries (CCA). Material and methods. The experiments were performed on 24 male mongrel white rats weighing 260±20 g. All rats were distributed among three subgroups. Cerebral ischemia was simulated under intravenous thiopental anesthesia (40-50 mg/kg). The control group (n=6) comprised sham-operated rats of similar gender and weight. To study mitochondrial respiration, the brain was extracted in the cold environment (0-4 °C), dried with filter paper, weighed and homogenized sensu the modified technique in an isolation medium containing 0.32 M sucrose, 10 mM Tris-HCl, 1 mM EDTA, pH of 7.4 (in a ratio of 1:10), using Potter – Elvehjem homogenizer with Teflon pestle. Results. SICI with an interval of 1 and 3 days between ligation of both CCA led to neuronal damage in the parietal cortex and hippocampus of rats, which manifested itself in a reduction of the neuron size, deformation of the perikaryons, an increase in the number of shrunken neurons and shadow cells. The most pronounced changes were observed in the subgroup with one-day interval between ligations. These changes were similar to the changes in incomplete cerebral ischemia (ICI) (p=0.07), except for the absence of cells with pericellular edema in the hippocampus and a smaller number of those in the parietal cortex. ICI with seven-day interval between ССА ligations, on the contrary, was manifested by less pronounced histological changes, especially in the hippocampus. Conclusion. Comparative analysis of mitochondrial respiration in brain homogenates revealed that the severity of brain damage in SSIC depended on the interval between blood flow arrest in both CCA. At the same time, the highest level of energy metabolism disorder was observed during CCA ligation with an interval of one day, which implied insufficient implementation of compensatory mechanisms.

The Modulation of Arachidonic Acid Metabolism and Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect of Honokiol in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases have consistently been the leading cause of death in the United States over the last two decades, with 30% of the adult American population having hypertension. The metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) in the kidney play an important role in blood pressure regulation. The present study investigates the antihypertensive effect of honokiol (HON), a naturally occurring polyphenol, and examines its correlation to the modulation of AA metabolism. Methods: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were randomly divided into four groups. Treatment groups were administered HON intraperitoneally at concentrations of 5, 20, and 50 mg/kg. Blood pressure was monitored at seven-day intervals. After a total of 3 weeks of treatment, the rats were euthanized and the kidney tissues were collected to examine the activity of the two major enzymes involved in AA metabolism in the kidney, namely cytochrome P450 (CYP)4A and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Results: Rats treated with HON did not experience the rise in blood pressure observed in the untreated SHR. High-dose HON significantly reduced blood pressure and inhibited the activity and protein expression of the CYP4A enzyme in the rat kidney. The activity of the sEH enzyme in renal cytosol was significantly inhibited by medium and high doses of HON. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate the antihypertensive effect of HON and provide a novel mechanism for its underlying cardioprotective properties.

Response of Rambouillet Lambs to an Artificial Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection.

Simple SummaryMeat, milk, and fiber produced from sheep are vitally important resources to society around the world. One of the major challenges to sheep health and performance are parasites, specifically gastrointestinal nematodes. This study was designed to identify the variable responses of a popular breed in the United States, Rambouillet, when inoculated with the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus. Identification of Rambouillet sheep that have greater natural resistance to H. contortus is the first step in breeding sheep that can withstand this parasite. Genetic selection for this trait is critical because H. contortus is an extremely prolific parasite that can build up anthelmintic resistance, which leads to reduced efficacy of dewormers. Our results indicate that fecal egg counts, the primary tool for estimating worm population inside the sheep, can have wide variation amongst Rambouillet lambs that were artificially challenged with a known amount of H. contortus. We also provide evidence that this difference in fecal egg count is reflective of their sire’s estimated breeding value for this trait. While we describe the response of Rambouillet lambs to H. contortus, more research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanism behind resistance and susceptibility of Rambouillet sheep to gastrointestinal nematodes.Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) threaten the productivity and health of sheep worldwide, prompting the need for genetic selection to reduce GIN susceptibility. Fecal egg count (FEC), packed-cell volume (PCV), and various production traits were examined in parasitized Rambouillet sheep and compared to sire FEC estimated breeding value (EBV). Rambouillet lambs (n = 77) were inoculated with 10,000 H. contortus L3 larvae. Subsequently, FEC, PCV, and body weight (BW) were captured at seven-day intervals for six weeks. Lambs were sired by one of two rams with post-weaning FEC EBV of −9% or +9%. Mean FEC differed (p = 0.0132) with lambs from the lower EBV sire (“Sire L”) being reduced, versus those from the higher EBV sire (“Sire H”), being 2135 ± 211 vs. 2912 ± 207 eggs per gram, respectively. Males and females did not differ for FEC, but females exhibited a higher mean PCV than males, (33.74 vs. 29.65%, p < 0.0001). Lambs were shorn ~120 d post artificial infection and wool measurements were captured. A negative correlation between FEC and grease fleece weight was observed. Our results describe the response of Rambouillet lambs to artificial H. contortus infection and suggest FEC EBV can reduce susceptibility to GIN in this breed.