Sixth Group Research Articles

THE EFFECT OF SILICON-CARBIDE ADDITIONS ON THE MECHANICAL AND THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY PROPERTIES OF FIBER-REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES

This study investigates the impact of adding silicon carbide (SiC) filler with various weight percentages on the mechanical and thermal properties of carbon- and glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Alterations in the filler content were analyzed to observe the composite material’s response to loading, assessing mechanical properties such as hardness, impact resistance, tensile strength, flexural strength and thermal conductivity. The investigation focuses on composite materials comprising carbon fibers and glass fibers to enhance the binder material (epoxy resin). Accordingly, four different groups of samples were prepared for experimentation. The first group consisted solely of epoxy resin, while the second group of samples contained epoxy resin reinforced with 15 w/% SiC. The third and fourth groups of samples included three layers of glass fibers, with and without 15 w/% SiC reinforcement, respectively. In the fifth and sixth groups of samples there were three layers: one upper layer of glass fibers, one layer of carbon fiber in the middle, and one layer of glass fiber at the bottom, with and without 15 w/% SiC reinforcement, respectively. The experimental findings revealed that the sixth group of samples exhibited lower heat conductivity (with an overall reduction of 10.9 % compared to samples from other groups), while demonstrating the highest tensile strength, hardness, flexural strength values and impact resistance (showing improvements of 20 %, 50 %, 19.5 %, and 11 % respectively, compared to samples from other groups).

Silymarin attenuates oxidative stress and pathological changes induced by salinomycin in adult male rabbits

Feed additives are used in animal husbandry to prevent diseases and enhance growth rates. Salinomycin sodium (SAL) is an approved feed additive for rabbit fattening diets, typically administered at a dosage of 20–25 mg/kg feed with a 5-day withdrawal period. However, the misuse or abuse of SAL can result in toxicity in rabbits. This study aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of SAL administration in different organs for the first time and the protective role of silymarin in rabbits. Seven groups of rabbits were randomly allocated. The control group received no additives. The second and third groups received rations with 20 mg SAL/kg and 40 mg SAL/kg, respectively. The fourth and fifth groups received the same SAL doses with silymarin at 6.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) and 13 mg/kg bw, respectively. The sixth and seventh groups were administered silymarin alone at 6.5 mg/kg bw and 13 mg/kg bw, respectively. Rabbits were euthanized and slaughtered on day 29 following the Halal method. SAL at 20 mg/kg ration caused mild to moderate pathological changes compared to the control group, while 40 mg SAL/kg ration induced severe pathological changes. However, silymarin supplementation, alone or with SAL, improved organs histology. Both silymarin doses (6.5 mg/kg bw and 13 mg/kg bw) mitigated SAL's harmful effects. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential detrimental effects of SAL toxicity on different organs in rabbits. The supplementation of silymarin reduced and prevented these hazardous effects. These findings emphasize the promising role of silymarin as a protective agent against SAL-induced toxicity in rabbits.

Chitosan-encapsulated selenium nanoparticles alleviate CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity through synergistically modulating NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways and regulating Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 expression: A comprehensive study with multiple regression analysis

BackgroundThe delivery of selenium in a nano-form (Se-NPs) is a promising modality of treatment for various oxidative stress-induced diseases. ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the conceivable effects of selenium nanoparticles either alone (Se-NPs) or encapsulated with chitosan (Se-CS-NPs) on toxicity induced by CCl4 in rats. MethodsEighty albino rats were divided equally into eight groups. The first group was the placebo. The second group was a positive control, while the third and the fourth groups got orally (Se-NPs 5 mg/Kg) and (Se-CS-NPs 225 mg/Kg) respectively. The fifth and sixth groups were protective groups in which Se-NPs or Se-CS-NPs were given simultaneously. The seventh and eighth groups were therapeutic as they received either Se-NPs or Se-CS-NPs after stopping the CCl4 injection for 4 weeks more. ResultsOur results showed that the protective and therapeutic groups showed an increase in caspase-3 gene expression with a decline in the expression of Bcl-2, Nrf2, and AFP genes. Histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations showed the role of selenium nanoparticles either alone or coated with chitosan in decreasing fibrotic marker collagen I positive reaction ConclusionSelenium nanoparticles showed an excellent effect in counteracting the toxic effect of carbon tetrachloride on liver functions, inflammation reactions, and apoptosis process. Moreover, using selenium nanoparticles has a strong role in preserving the liver architecture with its normal constituents. No additional benefit was observed when the selenium nanoparticles were encapsulated with chitosan.

Organelle-level toxicity of nanometals relevant to titanium implants. Original research and comprehensive literature overview

ObjectiveThis study analyzed organelle toxicities of nanometals applied as free formulations or titanium rod-coating materials in rats. MethodsAll materials were injected intraperitoneally, including the physiological saline applied to the control group. The first experimental group was implanted with nanosilver-coated titanium rods, and the second, third, and fourth groups received free nanosilver at rising levels. The fifth group was implanted with nanosilver, nanocopper, and nanozinc-coated titanium rods, and the sixth group received the same nanometals as free formulations. Light and electron microscopy and ICP-Mass Spectrometry were utilized to determine the neural, hepatic, and renal toxicities and tissue metal levels. ResultsIn brains, neuropil, myelin, and cellular damages occurred, especially in groups receiving high-dose nanosilver or nanometal combinations. Histiocyte accumulation and dark mitochondria within hepatocytes were discernible in the liver. Kidneys were the organs that were most severely affected by nanometal toxicity. The nephrotoxicity was apparent with the perturbations of the membrane infoldings and mitochondrial damage in the proximal and distal convoluted epithelia. Large angular peroxisomes developed inside the mesangial cells, and Golgi bodies increased in epithelial cells. Systemic metal levels increased on the thirtieth and prominently dropped on the sixtieth day. ConclusionThese results provide insights into the extent of injury and organelle targets of nanometals and will guide optimizing the nanomaterials and implants used in the surgical practice.

Primary Modes of Northern Hemisphere Snowfall Particle Size Distributions

Abstract A comprehensive understanding of snowfall microphysics is crucial for enhancing the accuracy of remote sensing snowfall retrievals. However, variations in regional and seasonal snow particle size distributions (PSDs) contribute substantial uncertainty. Here, we examine snowfall PSDs from across the Northern Hemisphere, applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to disdrometer observations with the aim of identifying dominant modes of variability across varying regional climates. The PCA revealed three Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOFs) that account for a combined 95% of the variability across the dataset, which are attributed to latent linear embeddings of snowfall intensity (EOF1), snowfall character (EOF2) and snowfall regime (EOF3). Examining point clusters with the highest combined EOF values reveals six distinct modes of variability (i.e., Principal Component [PC] groups) with unique PSD traits. These groups are then correlated with environmental factors using data from collocated vertically pointing radar, surface meteorology, and reanalysis to assist in assigning physical attributes. The first and second PC groups, linked to EOF1’s intensity embedding, are described by their PSD intercepts, snowfall rates, and reflectivity and Doppler velocity values, representing low and high intensity snowfall modes, respectively. The third and fourth PC groups, associated with EOF2’s character embedding, are defined by temperature, fall speed, and density, indicative of cold, fluffy snowfall and warm, dense snowfall, respectively. The fifth and sixth PC groups, related to EOF3’s regime embedding, are distinguished by their PSD slope, snowfall rate, and reflectivity profiles, signifying shallow, weak convective systems with small particles, and deep, stratiform snowfall events with large aggregates, respectively.

Genetic variation and population structure of the rice accessions maintained in the AfricaRice genebank using DArTseq

AbstractUtilizing the full potential of rice collections mainly depends on an in‐depth exploration and understanding of the vast diversity in its germplasm. The AfricaRice genebank holds the largest collection of rice germplasm originating from the African continent. In the present study, we comprehensively characterized a collection of 9013 accessions, including Oryza barthii A. Chev., Oryza glaberrima Steud., Oryza longistaminata A. Chev. & Roehr., Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica, and Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica, for genetic diversity and population structure using genotyping‐by‐sequencing through DArTseq analysis. We identified 27,718 high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphism markers after the genotypic data were filtered. Based on the analyses, the collection has extensive genetic diversity, and the average genetic distance of the entire set was 0.267 (range 0.001–0.469), with 45.1% of pairs of accessions being highly distant and 40.1% moderately distant from each other. Neighbor‐joining tree, principal component, and Bayesian population structure analyses clustered the 9013 accessions into six groups, based roughly on their taxonomic and biological status. The first, second, and third groups consisted of accessions belonging to O. glaberrima, O. barthii, and O. longistaminata, respectively. The fourth, fifth, and sixth groups were improved‐indica, japonica, and traditional‐indica accessions, respectively. The highest value of genetic variance proportion (PhiPT) was found in the species group followed by groups based on cluster analysis and on Bayesian population structure at K = 6. These results allow us to better understand the genetic diversity present in 9013 rice accessions maintained in the AfricaRice genebank and offer a valuable tool for pre breeding, breeding, and further genetic applications.

Effect of Al and Zn on Oxygen Evolution Reaction of (FeCoNiMnCu)3O3.2

AbstractBecause of its low cost and abundant sources, hydrogen serves as a clean energy alternative capable of successfully substituting fossil fuels. A highly efficient method for generating hydrogen energy currently is by the electrolysis of water. The oxygen‐extraction reaction (OER), a component of water electrolysis, requires a complex chemical pathway that involves multiproton and multielectron interactions. To enhance reaction efficiency in the OER process, catalysts are crucial; thus, the search for high‐performance, cost‐effective catalysts is underway. This experimental study involved the enhancement of the five‐membered high‐entropy oxide (FeCoNiMnCu)3O3.2 by incorporating a sixth group element (Zn, Al). The organization, morphology, and OER properties were analyzed following the preparation utilizing a mechanical ball milling process. A series of rock salt‐type hexagonal high entropy oxides with differing ball milling durations were synthesized to investigate the influence of the production method on the surface shape and catalytic properties of high entropy oxides. The results indicated that the single‐phase rock salt structure of (FeCoNiMnCuAl)3O3.5, a high‐entropy oxide, exhibited significantly altered diffraction peaks, hence improving OER performance. Optimization of the preparation technique revealed that a 72‐h ball milling duration resulted in an overpotential of merely 293 mV and an electrochemically active surface area approximately double that of the other milling durations.

Effectiveness of different types of toothbrushes on periodontal health in orthodontic patients with gingivitis: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundThe aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of different toothbrushes in reducing gingival inflammation and dental biofilm removal in gingivitis patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.MethodsFollowing baseline clinical assessments, including the Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index (TQHI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing pocket depth (PPD), all patients received nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Patients were then randomly assigned to one of three groups: conventional toothbrush (C-TB), orthodontic toothbrush (O-TB), or single-tufted toothbrush (ST-TB). Each group received tailored oral hygiene instructions based on their assigned toothbrush type. Clinical assessments were repeated and recorded in the first week, sixth week, and third month.ResultsThirty-six patients with a mean age of 23.14 ± 3.86 (18–32 years) participated in the study. All groups with twelve patients each demonstrated significant improvements in clinical parameters compared to baseline. In the sixth week, the O-TB and ST-TB groups showed significantly greater improvements in TQHI and BOP scores compared to the C-TB group (p < 0.05). By the third month, the ST-TB group maintained significantly lower TQHI and BOP scores, while the O-TB group’s scores became similar to those of the C-TB group. ST-TB and C-TB groups had significantly lower GI scores than the O-TB group in all time points. Although the effectiveness of ST-TB was significantly higher than that of other toothbrushes, all toothbrushes demonstrated lower efficacy in the posterior region.ConclusionsThe ST-TB was shown to be more effective in reducing gingival inflammation over three months, while it demonstrated similar efficacy to the O-TB in dental biofilm removal. Further research is necessary to substantiate these findings and to demonstrate the efficacy of this approach in promoting periodontal tissue health in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.Trial registrationThis study was registered with the National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials Registry Platform on 19/07/2024 as NCT06510179.

The Effects of Ubiquinone on the Antioxidant System in Male Rats Exposed to Saccharin-Induced the Hepatic Toxicity

Saccharin (Sac) is a widely used artificial sweetener with significant applications in the food industry, pharmaceutical formulations, and tobacco products. Despite its popularity, saccharin has drawn attention due to its potential carcinogenic effects and associations with various health risks, including renal impairment, hepatic dysfunction, obesity, and diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Ubiquinone, or coenzyme Q10 (COQ10), on liver toxicity induced by saccharin, focusing on oxidative stress and antioxidant markers. In this experiment, rats were divided into six groups of ten. The control group received no treatment, while the second group was administered COQ10 at a dosage of 20 mg per kilogram of body weight. The third and fourth groups were given saccharin at 1/10 and 1/20 of the lethal dose 50 (LD50), respectively. The fifth and sixth groups received saccharin at the same dosages as the third and fourth groups, but with additional COQ10 supplementation. All treatments were administered orally for 30 days, after which liver tissues were collected to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant markers. The results revealed that saccharin significantly increased oxidative stress in the liver, as evidenced by elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Additionally, saccharin-treated groups exhibited a marked decrease in antioxidant markers, including reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). However, the groups that received COQ10 alongside saccharin showed significant improvement, with oxidative stress and antioxidant levels nearly returning to those observed in the control group. These findings suggest that saccharin consumption promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species and contributes to liver damage, characterized by necrotic hepatocytes, sinusoidal dilatation, and inflammatory infiltration. The protective effects of COQ10 in mitigating saccharin-induced oxidative stress highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing liver damage associated with saccharin intake.

Bioactive compounds enrichment in rabbit doe’s diet pre-and during pregnancy improves productive and reproductive performance and cost-effectiveness under hot climates

This study aimed to investigate the effect of diet supplementation with a symbiotic (SY), bee pollen (BP), honey bee (HB), date palm pollen (DPP) and their mixture (MIX) on female rabbit productive and reproductive performances under desert hot climates. Seventy-two Californian does of 5 months age and average body weight of 3250 ± 78.2 g were randomly allotted into six groups, each of 12 does. All does orally receive 3 ml distilled water for 10 days before mating and 28 days during pregnancy. Treatments were repeated for four consecutive parities. The first group served as control (C) given distilled water only, however the second, third, fourth and fifth groups were supplemented with 3 ml distilled water containing 0.2 ml SY, 200 mg DPP, 200 mg BP, 0.2 ml HB/doe per day, respectively. While, the sixth group does were given all previous ingredients (MIX). Sexual receptivity rate, fertility rate, kindling rate, and newborn traits were recorded. Also, maternal feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and digestibility coefficients of nutrients were recorded. Does in all groups were artificially inseminated with 0.5 ml of fresh heterospermic semen of 15 fertile bucks extended in Tris at 806–1006 sperm/ml. Treatment increased maternal body weight and daily gain with highest values (P < 0.05) in BP, SY, and MIX does. All treatments enhanced feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with control. Number services per conception decreased (P < 0.01), while litter size and weight and survival at birth and weaning increased (P < 0.01) in treated than control does. Treated does produced more milk than control. Digestibility coefficients of all nutrients were improved (P < 0.01) in treated does. In conclusion, supporting rabbit does pre- and during pregnancy with diets supplemented with a mixture of honey bee, date palm pollen, bee pollen, and synbiotic improves the productive and reproductive performances of rabbit does and their offspring.

Antidepressant-like effects of the leaf extract of Mallotus oppositifolius (Geiseler) Müll. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) in the chronic unpredictable mild stress model: A role of the gut-brain axis

The gut microbiota has been posited as a target for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Herein, we investigated the effect of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Mallotus oppositifolius (MOE) on the gut microbiota of mice and how this contributes to its known antidepressant-like effect. A 6-week chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) procedure was employed in 7 groups of mice to induce depression. From the third week, oral MOE treatments (10, 30, 100 mg/kg) and two reference drugs, fluoxetine (12 mg/kg) and minocycline (40 mg/kg), known to affect the gut microbiota, were administered. The sixth and seventh groups were the vehicle stressed (VEH-S) and non-stressed groups (VEH-NS). Changes in depressive-like behaviors were assessed using sucrose preference test while the forced swimming test (FST) was used to assess sustained antidepressant-effect after treatment discontinuation. Moreover, changes in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampal serotonin (5-HT) levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of treatment on the profile of the gut microbiota of the groups was elucidated using 16S rRNA Oxford Nanopore sequencing. MOE and reference drugs reversed the depression-associated reduction in sucrose preference when compared to VEH-S. MOE (with peak effect at 30 mg/kg) reduced immobility while increasing swimming and climbing behaviors. MOE reversed CUMS-induced reduction of 5-HT concentration in PFC and hippocampus. The behavioral effects of MOE were associated with shifts in the gut microbiota of CUMS-exposed mice. The study has provided seminal evidence that MOE ameliorates CUMS-induced depressive symptoms by modulating gut microbiota and increasing brain 5-HT levels.

Determinants of the morbidity of the rural population in Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a regional aspect

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the Federal State Statistics Service, as well as statistical materials from the digest “Rural Healthcare in Russia in 2021”, provided by the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Russian Research Institute of Health” of the Russian Ministry of Health were the main sources of information for this study. Analytical procedures included Pearson correlation analysis, factor analysis (principal component method), hierarchical cluster analysis, multiple linear regression with backward elimination method for selecting variables. RESULTS: Six typological groups of regions of the Russian Federation were identified based on the variations in the morbidity rates of the rural population across certain classes of diseases including infectious and parasitic diseases, neoplasms, diseases of the circulatory system, diseases of the respiratory system, digestive system, and external causes. It has been established that there was a differentiation in the regions of Russia in terms of factors influencing the morbidity rate of the rural population by the main classes of diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Healthcare system, medical and social factors had the greatest impact on the overall morbidity in the regions of the fourth and fifth classification groups, on the detection of some infectious and parasitic diseases in the regions of the second, fifth and sixth groups, and respiratory and digestive diseases in the third classification group. The housing quality in the regions of almost all groups was one of the most significant social factors. Economic conditions had a significant impact on the incidence of infectious and parasitic diseases in the regions of the third and sixth groups, as well as on the level of injuries and some consequences of external causes in the regions of the first and third groups. Environmental factors were significant determinants of morbidity in the regions of the fifth group. At the same time, regression analysis showed associations between selected factors for all classification groups of regions for some infectious and parasitic diseases. The smallest number of models has been defined for the incidence of neoplasms and circulatory organs. CONCLUSION: Contribution of socioeconomic, demographic, environmental and natural factors to rural public health should guide the development of policies aimed at development of rural healthcare taking into account regional characteristics.

Cardioprotective of Ethanol Extract of Black Turmeric (Curcuma Caesia Roxb) on Doxorubicin Induced Rats

Discovery of black turmeric's anti-radical, anti-inflammatory properties and ability to inhibit the growth of tumor cells. This study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects and identity the effect of black turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb) ethanol extract in preventing cardiac damage in mice induced by doxorubicin. The experimental design employed is a pre-post test control group design. The study used male Wistar rats weighing between 150-200 grams, divided into 6 groups, with each group consisting of 4 rats. The first group, serving as the normal group, was only provided with food and water. The second group received Na-CMC as a negative control, while the third group was given Vitamin E as a positive control. The fourth, fifth, and sixth groups were administered suspensions of black turmeric extract at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg BW, respectively. The rats were induced with doxorubicin at a dose of 5 mg/kg BW once a week for 3weeks. On the final day of treatment, the rats were fasted for 18 hours, anesthetized, and blood samples were taken for analysis. The rats were also secured on a surgical board. Following induction, CKMB and LDH levels were measured again, and histopathological observations were conducted. The results showed CKMB levels indicated significant differences between groups with p&lt;0,05 (0,025), while LDH levels did not show significant differences with p-value&gt;0,05 (0,225). Histopathological examination of the heart revealed improvements in function and structure in the group IV.

Anticoccidial potentials of Azadirachta indica ethosomal nanovesicle in broiler chicks

This study evaluated the efficacy of Azadirachta indica ethosomal nanovesicle against Eimeria tenella infection in broiler chicks. Azadirachta indica ethanolic extract was screened phtochemically and analyzed active components of the extracts using high‑performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Azadirachta indica ethosomal nanovesicle was synthesized and characterized by zeta potential and scanning electron microscope. Broiler chicks were allocated into seven groups. Control group. The second group administered nanosized ethosomal vesicles (1 mL/kg b.wt.). The third group administered Azadirachta indica nanovesicles (30 mg/kg b.wt.) from 10th day of age. Fourth group was infected with E. tenella at a dose of 1 mL containing 40000 oocyst/ chick at 14th day of age. The fifth group administered Azadirachta indica nanovesicle (30 mg/kg b.wt.) from 10th day of age and infected with E. tenella as fourth group. The sixth group infected with E. tenella as the fourth group and treated with Azadirachta indica nanovesicle (30 mg/kg b.wt. for 4 days after clinical signs appearance. The seventh group infected with E. tenella as the fourth group and treated with diclazuril group (1 mL/4 L of water) for 2 successive days. Coccidiosis significantly decreased body weight, feed intake, reduced glutathione (GSH) level while increased feed conversion ratio, oocyst count, malonaldehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) serum levels, protein expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), BAX and Caspase 3, in cecal tissue and induced cecal tissue injury. However, administration of coccidiosis chicks Azadirachta indica nanovesicle enhanced body weight, and serum GSH. While decreased feed intake, feed conversion ratio, oocyst count, MDA, and NO serum levels, and protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6, BAX, and caspase 3 in cecal tissues and ameliorated cecal tissue damage. This study indicated that, A. indica ethosomal nanovesicle had potent anticoccidial properties.

The Effects of Various Ethanolic Extracts on Some Microbiological Properties of Chicken Sausages

In this study, the antimicrobial effects of different levels (0%, 5%, 10%) of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP), sage (EES), lavender (EEL), yarrow (EEY), and yellow cantaron (EEC) on total psychrotroph aerobic bacteria (TPAB), total coliform and fecal coliform, yeast-mold in chicken sausage were investigated. The sausages were divided into 7 groups. The first and second groups were the control samples. The surface of second control group of chicken sausage was sprayed with only ethyl alcohol (70%). The third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh groups were sprayed with EEP, EES, EEC, EEY and EEL at two levels respectively: 5%, 10%. Prior to each treatment, sausages were left to be stored at +4ºC for 10 days. All extracts significantly (P

Implications of ammonia stress for the pathogenicity of Shewanella spp. in Oreochromis niloticus: effects on hematological, biochemical, immunological, and histopathological parameters

Environmental stressors (such as ammonia) in aquaculture could increase the risk of pathogenicity, posing a more severe threat to farmed fish. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ammonia stress on the pathogenicity of Shewanella spp. in Oreochromis niloticus. First, a 96-hour static test was used to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50) of unionized ammonia to Nile tilapia. After 96 h of exposure, the Un-ionized ammonia (UIA) LC50 was estimated to be 4.26 mg/L. Second, an experiment was conducted to test the effect of unionized ammonia stress on the pathogenicity of Shewanella spp. in O. niloticus for 30 days. A study involved 180 fish divided into six groups, with the first group serving as a control. The second group (AMN1/10) and the third group (AMN1/20) were not challenged and were exposed to 1/10 (0.42 mg/L) and 1/20 (0.21 mg/L) of the 96-hour LC50 of UIA, respectively. Then 0.2 mL (0.14 × 105) of Shewanella spp. was intraperitoneally injected into the fourth (SH), fifth (SH + AMN1/10), and sixth (SH + AMN1/20) groups, which were subjected to 0, 1/10 (0.42 mg/L), and 1/20 (0.21 mg/L) of the 96-hour LC50 of UIA, respectively. The survival rate, hematological indices, immunological parameters, and antioxidant activity of the fish significantly decreased when they were exposed to ammonia and Shewanella infection separately or together. Histopathological changes were also observed in the kidney and liver. Furthermore, both individual and combined exposures significantly altered renal and hepatic function, with notable increases in glucose and cortisol levels, as well as in the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes (TNF-α and IL-1ß). However, the detrimental effects of co-exposure to ammonia stress and Shewanella infection were greater than those of separate exposures. As a result, we may say that increased ammonia concentrations enhance the infection of Shewanella spp. These findings could contribute to a better understanding of Shewanella infection in Nile tilapia.

The addition of Psathyrostachys Huashanica Keng 6Ns large segment chromosomes has positive impact on stripe rust resistance and plant spikelet number of common wheat

BackgroundDeveloping novel germplasm by using wheat wild related species is an effective way to rebuild the wheat resource bank. The Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng (P. huashanica, 2n = 2x = 14, NsNs) is regarded as a superior species to improve wheat breeding because of its multi-resistance, early maturation and numerous tiller traits. Introducing genetic components of P. huashanica into the common wheat background is the most important step in achieving the effective use. Therefore, the cytogenetic characterization and influence of the introgressed P. huashanica large segment chromosomes in the wheat background is necessary to be explored.ResultsIn this study, we characterized a novel derived line, named D88-2a, a progeny of the former characterized wheat-P. huashanica partial amphiploid line H8911 (2n = 7x = 49, AABBDDNs). Cytological identification showed that the chromosomal composition of D88-2a was 2n = 44 = 22II, indicating the addition of exogenous chromosomes. Genomic in situ hybridization demonstrated that the supernumerary chromosomes were a pair of homologues from the P. huashanica and could be stably inherited in the common wheat background. Molecular markers and 15 K SNP array indicated that the additional chromosomes were derived from the sixth homoeologous group (i.e., 6Ns) of P. huashanica. Based on the distribution of the heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphism sites and fluorescence in situ hybridization karyotype of each chromosome, this pair of additional chromosomes was confirmed as P. huashanica 6Ns large segment chromosomes, which contained the entire short arm and the proximal centromere portion of the long arm. In terms of the agronomic traits, the addition line D88-2a exhibited enhanced stripe rust resistance, improved spike characteristics and increased protein content than its wheat parent line 7182.ConclusionsThe new wheat germplasm D88-2a is a novel cytogenetically stable wheat-P. huashanica 6Ns large segment addition line, and the introgressed large segment alien chromosome has positive impact on plant spikelet number and stripe rust resistance. Thus, this germplasm can be used for genetic improvement of cultivated wheat and the study of functional alien chromosome segment.

Effects of Potassium Dichromate and Boron on Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Rats

In this study, the effects of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) and boron (B, as boric acid) on oxidative stress and DNA damage in rat serum and liver were investigated. Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups of 10 animals each. The first group was kept as the control group. The second and third groups received 5 and 10 mg/kg B, respectively, the forth group received 10 mg/kg K2Cr2O7, and the fifth and sixth groups received 5 and 10 mg/kg B plus K2Cr2O7, respectively, orally for two weeks. Compared with the control groups, serum MDA levels increa-sed (P

Extending the shelf-life of refrigerated chicken fillets by using polymeric coating layer composed of ginger Zingiber officinale essential oil loaded-chitosan nanoparticles

AbstractThis study aims to evaluate the effect of coating chicken fillets with chitosan nanoparticles (CHN) loaded with ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil (GEO) on sensory characteristics, microbiological safety, and deterioration criteria; refrigerated at 4 °C. Furthermore, to determine whether different coatings could increase the storage period of chilled chicken fillets. Consequently, about 6 kg of chicken fillet were equally distributed into six groups. The first group being control (C), the second and third groups being ginger essential oil 0.5% (GEO 0.5%) and 1% (GEO 1%), the fourth group being chitosan nanoparticles alone (NCH 1%), the fifth and sixth groups were chitosan nanoparticles loaded with ginger essential oil 0.5% (NCHGO 0.5%), and 1% (NCHGO 1%). All groups were examined on the initial day of treatment (0-day) and every 4 days until the visible deterioration process appeared in each group. Results revealed that, coating chicken fillet with chitosan nanoparticles and ginger essential oil (NCHGO 1%) produced a powerful synergetic effect during refrigerated storage, as it could significantly inhibit microbial growth, decrease the rate of fat and protein deterioration, and improve sensory attributes. Interestingly, coated chicken fillet in refrigerator could last 28 days instead of 4 days. Ginger loaded-chitosan nanoparticles were employed to produce edible coatings as an efficient natural preservative and flavoring agent in poultry processing.

Dietary Chitosan Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Inflammation in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through Regulation of Nrf2/Kaep1 and Bcl-2/Bax Pathways.

Fatty liver injury is a prevalent condition in most farmed fish, yet the molecular mechanisms underpinning this pathology remain largely elusive. A comprehensive feeding trial spanning eight weeks was conducted to discern the potential of dietary chitosan in mitigating the deleterious effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) while concurrently exploring the underlying mechanism. Growth performance, haemato-biochemical capacity, antioxidant capacity, apoptotic/anti-apoptotic gene expression, inflammatory gene expression, and histopathological changes in the liver, kidney, and intestine were meticulously assessed in Nile tilapia. Six experimental diets were formulated with varying concentrations of chitosan. The first three groups were administered a diet comprising 6% fat with chitosan concentrations of 0%, 5%, and 10% and were designated as F6Ch0, F6Ch5, and F6Ch10, respectively. Conversely, the fourth, fifth, and sixth groups were fed a diet containing 12% fat with chitosan concentrations of 0%, 5%, and 10%, respectively, for 60 days and were termed F12Ch0, F12Ch5, and F12Ch10. The results showed that fish fed an HFD demonstrated enhanced growth rates and a significant accumulation of fat in the perivisceral tissue, accompanied by markedly elevated serum hepatic injury biomarkers and serum lipid levels, along with upregulation of pro-apoptotic and inflammatory markers. In stark contrast, the expression levels of nrf2, sod, gpx, and bcl-2 were notably decreased when compared with the control normal fat group. These observations were accompanied by marked diffuse hepatic steatosis, diffuse tubular damage, and shortened intestinal villi. Intriguingly, chitosan supplementation effectively mitigated the aforementioned findings and alleviated intestinal injury by upregulating the expression of tight junction-related genes. It could be concluded that dietary chitosan alleviates the adverse impacts of an HFD on the liver, kidney, and intestine by modulating the impaired antioxidant defense system, inflammation, and apoptosis through the variation in nrf2 and cox2 signaling pathways.