Oval Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL EGG SHAPE INDICES ON CHICK SEX RATIO

Japanese quails are still in the domestication process and it has been observed that while in captivity,they do not sit on their eggs to hatch them. Separation of the males and females such that the recommended ratio is kept in a covey, is necessary for-profit maximization. Presently, sexing in quails is only possible at post hatch even, with the most popular Japanese vent examination technique. Besides, these techniques may be inaccurate, require expertise, facilities and may not be affordable by many farmers hence, the need to use egg shape to predetermine Japanese quail chicks. Egg length, width and indices were used to categories the egg shapes into Round (44), Oval (139), Spherical (9) and Elliptical (60). The 252 Japanese quail eggs were set in an artificial incubator. At hatch, the number of eggs hatched was recorded per egg shape. At 3 weeks of post hatch, the chicks’ sex was identified using the breast feather colour and the number of male and female chicks was recorded. Out of the 252 Japanese quail eggs incubated, 191 representing 75.8% hatched, whereas in 44 Round eggs incubated 36 hatched, 139 Oval eggs (102 hatched), 9 Spherical eggs (7 hatched) and in 60 Elliptical eggs, 46 hatched. While hatchability varied between 73.3 and 81.9% in all the egg shapes examined, the male to female chick sex ratio was 13:23, 20:31, 7:0 and 11:12 in Round, Oval, Spherical and Elliptical eggs, respectively. Since both sexes were recorded in all the egg shapes (except, Spherical eggs), Japanese quail egg shape may not influence chick sex. Thus, use of egg indices may not be a veritable technique to predetermine Japanese quail chick sex.

EFFECT OF SPECIES ON EGG QUALITIES OF POULTRY BIRDS

The effect of species on eggs qualities of poultry birds was investigated. Fifteen eggs each of village chicken, commercial chicken, ducks and turkey eggs were sourced within Kabba town. External qualities of eggs determined were; egg weight, shell weight, % shell, egg shape and shell thickness and internal qualities determined were; yolk weight, albumen weight, % yolk, % albumen, yolk - albumen ratio, albumen height and haught unit using standard procedures and methods. Turkey eggs showed the highest mean weight (84.30g), while village chicken showed the lowest mean egg weight of 55.37g. The shell weight was highest for turkey (10.12g), this was similar to duck (9.55g), while local chicken had the least shell weight (6.48g).Commercial chicken had the least % egg shell. Turkey and duck shell thickness was significantly higher than that of village and commercial chicken. Turkey had the highest egg shape value while the local chicken had the least .The Yolk and albumen weight a were highest for turkey and least for local chicken. The proportion of yolk was highest for duck (32.18%) and lowest for local (24.27%). Albumen Percent was highest for exotic chicken (49.88%) but least for duck (44.55%). Haugh unit was highest for turkey and least for local chicken. It was concluded that species had effect on both external and internal qualities of eggs. However, the egg qualities mean values were majorly higher for turkey and duck. It was recommended that turkey and duck eggs can be widely consume like the common chicken eggs.

Antioxidant and antibacterial extracts from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) skins: Exploring the Potential of Transforming Agricultural Byproducts into Functional Supplements

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is a tropical fruit characterized by its oval shape and hairy skin, primarily valued for its juicy pulp. The peels, constituting 45% of the fruit’s weight, are a source of valuable compounds like geraniin, ellagic acid, and quercetin. These peels possess antimicrobial properties effective against various bacteria, making them suitable for food preservation and packaging. Additionally, rambutan extracts hold promise as supplements in animal feed, enhancing growth and reducing methane production. This research delves into the antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes of diverse rambutan varieties. The skin (exocarp) of rambutan fruits from three Costa Rican cultivars -Creole, Rongrein, and Yellow- were collected and processed. Total polyphenolic content (TPC), proanthocyanidins, antioxidant activity, geraniin content, and antimicrobial activity were determined for the three varieties. Also, proanthocyanidin-enriched fractions from rambutan extracts were generated and analyzed. The results revealed TPC and antioxidant activity variations among different rambutan varieties and harvest years. All rambutan extracts displayed antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, the research underscores the rich antioxidant content in rambutan peels, irrespective of the variety, and underscores their potential for use in both human and animal nutrition due to their chemical composition.

Exploring eco-friendly pseudo stem fiber from the agricultural byproducts of the Alpinia purpurata plant

This study explored the potential of Alpinia purpurata pseudostems, an agricultural waste product, as a sustainable and eco-friendly source of natural fibers for the textile industry. The aim was to characterize the properties of natural cellulose fibers from the pseudostems of the Alpinia purpurata plant. The research employed water retting to extract the fibers, and the intrinsic fiber properties obtained were evaluated for their suitability in textile applications. The average length of an Alpinia purpurata fiber was 67.80 cm with a fineness value of 7.61 Tex. A bundle of Alpinia purpurata fibers was comprised of many elementary fibers. Alpinia purpurata had an irregular cross-section, with the lumen having a varied oval shape. The fibers exhibited tenacity and elongation values of 2.49 g/denier and 5.72 %, respectively, and a coefficient of friction value of 0.49. Additionally, Alpinia purpurata fibers were hygroscopic, with a moisture regain value of 11.97 %. The findings revealed that the fibers possessed notable tensile strength, moderate elongation, and high moisture regain, making them suitable for non-apparel textile products requiring durability and moisture management. While not the strongest among natural fibers, their sufficient strength and other advantageous properties demonstrated their viability for various applications. This work addressed a significant gap in the literature on the utilization of agricultural by-products, proposing Alpinia purpurata pseudostems as a sustainable alternative that aligned with environmentally responsible manufacturing practices and supported the circular economy. Future research was recommended to optimize processing techniques and explore broader applications.

Optical microscopy of ceramic materials based on fly ash from thermal power plants

The data on the annual release of ash and slag waste as a result of the operation of thermal power plants (TPP) in Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation are presented. The main reasons for the insignificant use of ash in the construction industry (about 5-8% of the total waste output) and the problems hindering its use for the production of ceramic wall materials are considered. A brief description of the composition and properties of the raw materials used in this work for the manufacture of ceramic wall materials is given. The compositions of the developed fly ash-based charges and the method of manufacturing ceramic samples with a matrix structure are given. The results of the study of the structure of ceramic materials by optical microscopy are presented. It is established that during the firing process, a matrix (dispersion medium) is formed from the fusible shell of aggregated complexes, and granules from fly ash are transformed into cores (dispersed phase) of a ceramic matrix composite. It was revealed that the kernels have an oval shape due to the deformation of the granules during pressing. Clusters are formed in the nuclei, consisting of a large number of small crystalline grains connected by an amorphous substance and edged with thin chains of pores. It is shown that the developed pore space inside the cores is mainly represented by frost-proof and reserve pores, which ensures high frost resistance of ceramic samples based on fly ash.

First Report of Lasiodiplodia theobromae Causing Fruit Crown Rot on Banana in Ecuador.

Post-harvest diseases like fruit crown rot (CR) on bananas (Musa spp.) worldwide are mainly attributed to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Berk. & Curt.) von Arx and Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griff. & Maubl (Sangeetha et al., 2012; Riera et al., 2019). In April 2019, at a banana farm (cultivar Williams) located in El Oro province (location at 79° 54' 05" W; 03° 17' 16" S), thirty hands were randomly collected from the postharvest process and further placed in a humid chamber at 20 ºC until signs of the disease progressed and became more evident (from 3 days to 20 days). Ten hands presented initial symptoms related to CR during the postharvest process, which included crown or peduncle rot with mycelial development on the crown's surface, leading to the blackening of tissues at the site of the wound left when the cluster was cut. Crown fruit fragments (~0.5 cm) from the edge of healthy tissue and diseased tissue underwent a series of disinfection steps, initially in ethanol (70%) for 1 min, followed by sodium hypochlorite (1%) for 1 min, rinsed three times with sterile distilled water, and dried on sterile filter paper for 10 min. The fragments were placed onto Potato dextrose agar (PDA) + chloramphenicol (100 mg L-1) and incubated at 25°C in darkness for five days. Five isolates with different colony morphologies were obtained. An initial screen of the pathogenicity of all isolates showed that only one isolate showed disease activity in banana crowns. This isolate, C1, showed grayish-white aerial mycelium in culture as described above and, after ten days, became black. We did a full pathogenicity test with C1 using ten individual banana fruits (cv. Williams Cavendish). Briefly, one disc (Ø of 5 mm) of the fungus with agar was placed on the acropetal part of the banana fruit (on the peel) and another piece in the crown without wounding. Inoculated fruit were in a humid chamber at 20 °C for 20 days. Uninoculated fruits constituted the control. Isolate C1 caused 100% of the fruit and crowns to rot, with symptoms similar to those initially observed from fruit collected at the postharvest process (Fig. S1d). The fungus was re-isolated from symptomatic tissue, and its identity was confirmed through morphological characteristics consistent with Lasiodiplodia sp. Matured conidia of all mono hyphal strains (Fig. S1b) appeared dark brown with a single septum, having an ovate shape, and displayed longitudinal striations along their thickened walls (Fig. S1c). The dimensions of the mature conidia ranged from 16.02 - 26.85 x 11.09 - 16.74 µm (n = 60). Morphological characteristics showed similarity to Lasiodiplodia sp. (Alves et al., 2008). Microscopic observations were further confirmed by sequencing three loci: the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin, and partial translation elongation factor-1α (TEF-1α). Fungal genomic DNA from the C1 isolate was PCR amplified using ITS5/ITS4, EF1-728F/986R, and Bt2A/Bt2B primers, respectively, according to Glass & Donaldson (1995) and Bautista-Cruz et al. (2019). The resulting amplicons were sequenced, and those sequences were deposited in GenBank with the accession numbers ITS: PP532861, TEF-1α: PP551938, and β-tubulin: PP537587. Sequence alignment was conducted using ClustalW under the MEGA 11.0 software package (Tamura et al., 2021). Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis was performed using Bayesian inference using the BEAST v1.8.4 program (Drummond & Rambaut, 2007). The concatenated sequence of the isolate revealed clustering to the Lasiodiplodia theobromae clade, confirming its identity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this pathogen causing CR on banana fruit in Ecuador. Based on the report of CR in the country, banana exporters and the Ecuadorian government should consider developing disease management methods that include the cultivation, shipping, ripening, and storage processes of the fruit.

Morphology and anatomical variability of the external auditory canal: A population-based MRI study

BackgroundThe external auditory canal (EAC) exhibits a complex morphology and strong inter-individual variations. However, these have not yet been comprehensively described in the literature. PurposeThis study aims to determine the width, height and cross-sectional area of the cartilaginous portion of the EAC and to describe the three-dimensional morphology and variability of different EACs. MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging was performed on 870 subjects (401 male, 469 female, resulting in 1740 EACs) who participated in the longitudinal, population-based cohort study ‘Study of Health in Pomerania–START-3’. The height and width were measured in the cartilaginous part of the EAC, between the first and second bend. The variability of the EAC morphology was visualized in three-dimensional models. ResultsThe mean height (vertical length) of the EAC was 8.62 mm (SD = 2.42) on the right, 8.47 mm (SD = 2.36) on the left. The width (horizontal length) was 4.08 mm (SD = 1.6) on the right, 3.93 mm (SD = 1.64) on the left. The EAC cross-section was 28.6 mm2 (SD = 15.19) on the right, 27.15 mm2 (SD = 14.33) on the left. The average cross-sectional area of the EAC in men was higher than in women. Subjects with larger body size had larger cross-sectional areas. Subjects with higher body mass index tended to have smaller cross-sections. Although the average EAC had an oval shape, a three-dimensional comparison of different EACs revealed strong individual variation in morphology. ConclusionThis study enhances the understanding of otolaryngologists and anatomists regarding the complex morphology and variability of the cartilaginous portion of the EAC.

Phytofabrication of Selenium-Silver Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Echinacea purpurea Extract: Characterization and Antioxidant Activity

The phytofabrication of selenium-silver bimetallic nanoparticles (Se-Ag BNPs) utilizing Echinacea purpurea aqueous extract is investigated in this study. The synthesis process is characterized by a visible color change to dark reddish brown, a sign indicating successful nanoparticle formation. UV-visible spectrum analysis confirms the presence of SeNPs and AgNPs with absorption maxima at 268 nm and 325 nm, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal the crystalline structure of the synthesized Se-Ag BNPs, exhibiting characteristic peaks consistent with metallic silver and selenium nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showcases the diverse morphological structures of the Se-Ag BNPs, predominantly spherical but also featuring hexagonal and oval shapes. The average particle size is determined to be 33.38 nm, indicating uniformity and stability. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of Se-Ag BNPs are evaluated through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, demonstrating dose-dependent scavenging capabilities with IC50 values of 264.78 µg/mL and 344.19 µg/mL, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of Se-Ag BNPs as effective antioxidants, offering promising applications in various fields such as biomedicine and environmental remediation. Comparisons with previous studies highlight the efficacy of the biosynthesis method using Echinacea purpurea extract in producing Se-Ag BNPs with superior antioxidant activity.

Research Note: Genetic parameters estimation of egg quality traits in Rhode Island Red and White Leghorn chickens

The continuous increasing demand for egg quality and quantity, and the expanding market share have enabled the egg industry to achieve significant benefits through genetic improvement. This study aims to estimate the genetic parameters and explore selectable breeding traits in the purebred Rhode Island Red (RIR) and White Leghorn (WL), which are 2 high-yielding layer breeds, and better understand their underlying genetic basis and accelerate genetic progress. The DMU software was utilized to analyze 12 egg quality traits, including egg length (EL), egg width (EW), egg shape index (ESI), egg weight (EWT), albumen height (AH), yolk color (YC), Haugh unit (HU), yolk weight (YW), albumen weight (AW), albumen-to-egg weight ratio (AWR), yolk-to-albumen ratio (YAR), and yolk-to-egg weight ratio (YWR). In RIR, the heritability of egg quality traits ranged from 0.196 to 0.427, while the repeatability ranged from 0.395 to 0.668. In WL, the heritability of egg quality traits ranged from 0.203 to 0.347, and the repeatability ranged from 0.424 to 0.656. In both RIR and WL, highly strong genetic correlations were observed between AW and EW, as well as between AW and EWT. The genetic correlations for AW and EW were 0.902 in RIR and 0.864 in WL, while the genetic correlations for AW and EWT were 0.981 in RIR and 0.960 in WL. The egg quality traits in both breeds showed moderate heritability, indicating great genetic potential for improvement through selective breeding. This can help breeders meet the increasingly diverse egg preferences of consumers through genetic selection. Additionally, there is a highly strong correlation between egg width/egg weight, and albumen weight in both breeds. In practical production, it is feasible to estimate albumen weight by measuring egg width and egg weight, which can simplify the method for measuring albumen weight. In conclusions, our finding provided valuable insights into the genetic architecture of egg quality traits in RIR and WL chickens. They help our understanding of the potential for genetic improvement of these traits through selective breeding programs.

Nutritional Impacts of Dietary Selenium, Iodine and their Interaction on Egg Performance, and Antioxidant Profile in Laying Longyuan Duck Breeders.

The present study aimed to optimize the combined effect of dietary selenium (SE) and iodine (ID) on the productive and reproductive performance and antioxidant capacity of Longyuan breeding ducks. A total of 288 Longyan duck breeders aged 20 wk were randomly assigned to four groups with six replicates (n = 72 ducks/group; 12 ducks/replicate). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement experiment was performed and included 2 supplementation levels of each SE and ID for 200 days of the experimental period. The first group (SE0/ID0) received a basal diet without SE or ID supplementation and was considered to be the control group, whereas the other three groups, SE0/ID4, SE2/ID0 and SE2/ID4, received a basal diet supplemented with 0.4 mg ID/kg, 0.2 mg SE/kg or 0.2 mg SE supplemented with 0.4 mg ID/kg, respectively. The results indicated that the albumin height of the SE2/ID0 group was lower (P < 0.05) than that of the control group, that the egg shape index of the SE2/ID4 and SE0/ID4 groups were lower (P < 0.05) than that of the control group (SE0/ID0), and that the SE concentration significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the SE2/ID0 and SE2/ID4 groups. Hatchability and embryonic mortality improved (P < 0.05) in the SE2/ID0 group. Plasma GSH-Px activity was increased (P < 0.05) by reducing the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the SE groups. In addition, the tibia length significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the ID (SE0/ID4 and SE2/ID4) groups compared with that in the control group, the plasma content of IGF-1 in the SE2/ID4 and SE0/ID4 groups were greater (P < 0.05) than that in the control group, and the bone mineral content increased (P > 0.05) in the SE2/ID0 and SE0/ID0 groups. Compared with those in the other groups, the mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes, including Nrf2 and SHMT1 in the SE2/ID4 group was upregulated (P > 0.05), especially in the SE2/ID4 group. Overall, dietary treatment with SE2/ID4 (0.2 mg SE in 0.4 mg ID/kg diet) could be a suitable feed supplement for improving the the egg quality, health status, endogenous antioxidant content, antioxidant-related gene expression and pre-hatching quality of Longyuan duck breeders.

A Case Study on Sarcocystis in Laboratory Rabbit

Sarcocystosis spp. was diagnosed in Newzealand white rabbit which was brought for the purpose of experiment. The rabbit was brought from the local market and rearing in group in cage and feed locally available grasses. No any clinical signs were observed infected rabbit. The physiological along with biochemical and hematological test were performed. At necropsy and tissue harvest, a gross lesion was not observed in heart. During histo-pathological observation, an oval round shape along with longitudinal shape cyst was observed in the myocardium.

MRI features of breast cancer immunophenotypes with a focus on luminal estrogen receptor low positive invasive carcinomas

To compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of different immunophenotypes of breast carcinoma of no special type (NST), with special attention to estrogen receptor (ER)-low-positive breast cancer. This retrospective, single-centre, Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved study included 398 patients with invasive breast carcinoma. Breast carcinomas were classified as ER-low-positive when there was ER staining in 1–10% of tumour cells. Pretreatment MRI was reviewed to assess the tumour imaging features according to the 5th edition of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon. Of the 398 cases, 50 (12.6%) were luminal A, 191 (48.0%) were luminal B, 26 (6.5%) were luminal ER-low positive, 64 (16.1%) were HER2-overexpressing, and 67 (16.8%) were triple negative. Correlation analysis between MRI features and tumour immunophenotype showed statistically significant differences in mass shape, margins, internal enhancement and the delayed phase of the kinetic curve. An oval or round shape and rim enhancement were most frequently observed in triple-negative and luminal ER-low-positive tumours. Spiculated margins were most common in luminal A and luminal B tumours. A persistent kinetic curve was more frequent in luminal A tumours, while a washout curve was more common in the triple-negative, HER2-overexpressing and luminal ER-low-positive immunophenotypes. Multinomial regression analysis showed that luminal ER-low-positive tumours had similar results to triple-negative tumours for almost all variables. Luminal ER-low-positive tumours present with similar MRI findings to triple-negative tumours, which suggests that MRI can play a fundamental role in adequate radiopathological correlation and therapeutic planning in these patients.

Experimental study on the effect of longitudinal ventilation on spill fire characteristics in sloped tunnels

A series of spill fire tests were carried out in a reduced-scale tunnel (6 m × 0.6 m × 0.45 m), considering different discharge rates (60–140 ml/min), ventilation rates (0∼1.26 m/s), and tunnel slopes (3 %, 5 %, 7 %). Some crucial characteristic parameters during the quasi-steady combustion stage of tunnel spill fires were analyzed, including the diffusion shape of the liquid fuel, mass burning rate per unit area, flame morphology and plume temperature, and the critical ventilation velocity. The results show that as the tunnel slope increases, the diffusion shape of the liquid fuel transitions from circular to an ellipse shape and then to rectangular or linear shape. Moreover, the mass burning rate per unit area decreases with increasing ventilation rates at low ventilation (V < 0.5 m/s), while it remains almost constant at high ventilation rates (V ≥ 0.5 m/s). This could be attributed to variations in flame tilt behavior under different ventilation conditions. Predictive models for the flame tilt angle and the vertical temperature distribution of tunnel spill fires under the effect of ventilation were further established and verified. Furthermore, the critical ventilation velocity of tunnel spill fires remains essentially unchanged as the discharge rate (or fire source power) increases. This phenomenon was explained by analyzing the resistance of the spill fire plume and the buoyancy generated by the smoke temperature. This work could serve as a critical reference for assessing disaster risks and executing emergency rescue operations during tunnel spill fires.

Engineering Nanobelt Structure via Sulphur and Oxygen Doping: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Complexation with Fullerenes.

This study explores the synthesis, structural characterization, and host-guest interactions of heteroatom bridged nanobelts, focusing on a cyclothianthrene nanobelt and a fused nanobelt incorporating thianthrene and phenoxathiin. Utilizing a cyclization-followed-by-bridging synthetic approach, both molecular belts were successfully synthesized, and their structures confirmed through NMR and MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. Crystallographic studies revealed that the cyclothianthrene nanobelt adopts an octagonal column-like conformation, while the hybrid belt forms an oval tub-shaped shape, both exhibiting distinct assembly motifs. The host-guest chemistry of these nanobelts was investigated with fullerenes (C60, C70, and PC61BM). The cyclothianthrene belt showed no interaction with these fullerenes, whereas the other belt demonstrated adaptive binding capabilities, forming stable complexes with C60 and C70 through π-π interactions and C-H⋅⋅⋅S hydrogen bonds. The binding constants indicated that the hybrid belt has a stronger affinity for C70 due to better size complementarity. Additionally, its interaction with PC61BM showcased a specific 1 : 1 binding mode despite exhibiting a smaller binding constant. This study underscores the impact of heteroatom incorporation on the structural and functional properties of nanobelts, offering insights for future molecular design strategies.

Genotype and dietary supplementation of ginger (Zingibar officinale) rhizome powder affect egg quality traits of layer chickens

This study evaluated the effects of ginger (Z. officinale) rhizome powder on egg qualities of aged commercial and native hens using 160 Shaver Brown (SB) and Nigerian heavy ecotype native hens (HEN). Experimental groups per genotype were control group or basal diet group, and ginger rhizome powder supplemented group (20 g/kg, ginger group). For each genotype, forty (40) hens were assigned to the control group and 120 hens to the ginger group. Each experimental group had four (4) replicates containing 10 hens each for the control groups, and 30 hens each for the ginger groups. The hens were housed individually in laying cages and fed the experimental diets at 125 g/bird/day. Water was given ad libitum and photoperiod was 12 h light and darkness. 80 eggs from SB and 40 eggs from HEN control groups, and 80 eggs/genotype from the ginger groups were used to evaluate egg qualities while 10 shell samples were used to evaluate shell mineral contents for each group. In addition, within genotypes, eggs belonging to the ginger groups were grouped into egg weight and egg shape index grades and assessed for egg qualities. SB eggs had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher weight (EW), length (EL), diameter (ED), surface area (ESA), volume (EV), and shape index (ESI); yolk, albumen, and shell weights (YW, AW and SW); albumen height, diameter, and ratio (AH, AD, and AR); shell volume (SV), compression fracture force (SCFF), and calcium content but lower egg specific gravity (ESG), yolk ratio (YR), yolk/albumen ratio (Y/A ratio), shell Zinc, and Phosphorus contents compared to HEN eggs. Ginger groups had higher EW, EL, ESA, EV, YW, YD, YR, AH, AI, Y/A ratio, and shell Zn but lower ESG, YH and YI compared to control groups. SB-ginger group had highest (p ≤ 0.000) AD while HEN-ginger group had highest (p ≤ 0.05) shell Zinc, and Phosphorus contents. EW grades differed significantly in EW, ESA, ESG, ESI and SCFF in the two genotypes while ESI grades differed significantly in ESI and Y/A ratio in SB but in ESI, YI and Haugh unit in HEN. In conclusion, genotype, diet, genotype x diet, EW and ESI grades influenced egg quality traits. These factors are important for egg quality evaluation and genetic improvement.

Association of clinicopathologic and sonographic features with stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in triple-negative breast cancer

BackgroundIncreased level of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) are associated with therapeutic outcomes and prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study aimed to investigate the associations of clinicopathologic and sonographic features with sTILs level in TNBC.MethodsThis study included invasive TNBC patients with postoperative evaluation of sTILs after surgical resection. Tumor shape, margin, orientation, echo pattern, posterior features, calcification, and vascularity were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were categorized into high-sTILs (≥ 20%) and low-sTILs (< 20%) level groups. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were used to assess the association of clinicopathologic and sonographic features with sTILs level.ResultsThe 171 patients (mean ± SD age, 54.7 ± 10.3 years [range, 22‒87 years]) included 58.5% (100/171) with low-sTILs level and 41.5% (71/171) with high-sTILs level. The TNBC tumors with high-sTILs level were more likely to be no special type invasive carcinoma (p = 0.008), higher histologic grade (p = 0.029), higher Ki-67 proliferation rate (all p < 0.05), and lower frequency of associated DCIS component (p = 0.026). In addition, the TNBC tumors with high-sTILs level were more likely to be an oval or round shape (p = 0.001), parallel orientation (p = 0.011), circumscribed or micro-lobulated margins (p < 0.001), complex cystic and solid echo patterns (p = 0.001), posterior enhancement (p = 0.002), and less likely to have a heterogeneous pattern (p = 0.001) and no posterior features (p = 0.002).ConclusionsThis preliminary study showed that preoperative sonographic characteristics could be helpful in distinguishing high-sTILs from low-sTILs in TNBC patients.

Comparative morphology of blood cells of Ambassis nalua, A. vachelli, and Inegocia japonica

Hematological investigation is an essential tool for monitoring fish health. This research compared morphometric traits and blood cell characteristics between two representative pelagic fish species (Ambassis nalua and A. vachelli) and one benthic species (Inegocia japonica) collected from seagrass meadows off Libong Island in Thailand, where they coexist with human activity. Blood samples were collected and prepared using the smear technique. The erythrocytes of all observed specimens had elliptical or oval shapes. The benthic fish I. japonica significantly outperformed both pelagic fish in terms of the mean size of many erythrocyte features. However, more erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities were found in I. japonica, along with A. nalua. Lymphocytes made up the highest proportion of leukocytes in I. japonica, followed by neutrophils. The morphometric erythrocyte data of I. japonica possibly indicated the greater oxygen requirement of fish living in demersal habitats. The baseline parameters from the hematological data of the sampled fish will be used to monitor environmental quality.

Effect of organic and nano trace minerals at reduced levels in layer diets on egg quality characteristics and its trace mineral content

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of organic and nano trace minerals (copper, zinc, manganese and iron) at reduced levels in layer diets on various egg quality characteristics and its trace mineral content. 240 Hy- Line W80 layer birds of 29 weeks old were randomly distributed to five treatment groups with four replicates having twelve birds each. Basal diet was supplemented with inorganic trace minerals to meet 100 per cent requirement to form control diet or with organic trace minerals at 75 and 50% of requirement or with nano trace minerals at 50 and 25% of requirement to form four test diets. Each diet was offered to four replicate groups for 84 days which was conveniently divided into three phases of 28 days each. Egg quality parameters, viz. egg weight, egg shape index, albumen index, yolk index, yolk color score, Haugh unit score, egg shell weight, albumen weight and yolk weight among the treatment groups were not affected by source and level of trace minerals. However, egg shell thickness was significantly higher in 25% nano trace mineral group on 28th day. The trace minerals (Zn and Fe) in the yolk were significantly lower at reduced trace mineral levels (50% organic or nano and 25% nano form) when compared to 100% (inorganic) and 75% levels (organic form). It was concluded that the substitution of inorganic trace minerals with organic or nano trace minerals at reduced levels (50 or 25%, respectively) in layer diets does not affect the egg quality parameters, but reduces Zn and Fe content in egg yolk.

New species of snailfish of the genus Crystallichthys (Cottiformes: Liparidae) from the Pacific waters off Kamchatka

A new species of snailfish, Crystallichthys longirostris sp. nov., is described from Kronotskiy Bay, southeastern Kamchatka, from depths of 192 to 200 m. The new species differs from the three other species of the genus, C. mirabilis Jordan et Gilbert, 1898, C. cyclospilus Gilbert et Burke, 1912, and C. cameliae (Nalbant, 1965), in the unusually elongated shape of the narrow snout, the dot-like round pupil, simple (not three-lobed) teeth, and the short distance from the anus to the beginning of the anal fin (9% vs. 17–19% of standard length). The colour is pink, with clearly defined red-brown rings in an elongated oval shape. The new species is also recorded near the Northern Kuril Islands at a depth of 309 m. The diagnosis of the genus Crystallichthys Jordan et Gilbert, 1898 is emended considering the characters of the new species.

Larvicidal, bactericidal, antioxidant, hypoglycemic effects and anti-proliferative activity of phyto-synthesized Ag-ZnO nanocomposites using Eranthemum roseum (Vahl) R.Br. leaf extract against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito vectors

This research is conducted using zinc doped silver nanocomposite on Eranthemum roseum leaf extract. E. roseum has its own medicinal properties due its bioactive compounds. Silver and Zinc also has its own medicinal properties due to its microbial properties. Our work is aimed to combine nanoparticles with plant extract to explore the medicinal properties. The synthesized Ag-ZnO NCs is characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDAX) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis. The XRD analysis confirms the crystal nature of the Ag-ZnO NCs. The average shape of the nanocomposite was obtained using SEM as spherical, EDAX analysis confirming the presence of Ag, Zn and Oxygen and TEM conforms the oval shape of nanoparticles Antibacterial activity shows highest level of activity against K. pneumoniae and B. subtilis. DPPH Activity of Ag-ZnO NCs highest inhibition of 52.56 % while the ABTS analysis of Ag-ZnO NCs shows 54.28 %. Hypoglycemic activity α-amylase and α- glucosidase assay of Ag-ZnO NCs obtained good activity with maximum level of inhibition 63 % and 60 %. Anti-proliferative assay shows good activity against cancer causing cells in HepG2 human liver cancer line with 67.11 %. Larvicidal potential of Ag-ZnO NCs recorded good mortality rate against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. This study confirms the maximum activity of Ag-ZnO NCs and acts as Larvicidal, Anti-proliferative, Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic agents.