Zixuan Li¹, Jiayan Huang¹, Zhanchun Bai¹, Zhiyang Zheng¹, Yangla Bianba¹, Ci Pu²，Sizhu Suolang¹*

¹Department of Animal Science, Xizang Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Hydatid Disease in Tibet (Co-constructed by Ministry and Province), Linzhi, Tibet 860000, China

²Lhasa Pratacultural Research Institute, Lhasa, Tibet 850000, China

*Corresponding author’s email: xzslsz@163.com

Received: 17 June 2024 / Accepted: 26 November 2024 / Published Online: 29 January 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic sensitivity and resistance profiles of Streptococcus isolated from diarrhea in yaks in Tibetan regions. We successfully isolated and identified Streptococcus from fecal samples using morphological analysis and PCR amplification. Subsequent bacterial susceptibility tests and resistance gene detection revealed that the overall isolate rate of Streptococcus from yaks in Tibet was 57.68%, with Changdu recording the highest (71.43%) and Naqu the lowest (34.09%). The bacteria exhibited significant resistance to macrolides, particularly Erythromycin (52.86%) and Midecamycin (52.14%), β-Lactam resistance, including Ceftazidime, Cephazolin, and Carbenicillin, was the lowest at 7.14%, 2.15%, and 7.14%, respectively. Among the 140 isolates, 37 distinct resistance patterns were identified, with ERY/MID being the most prevalent for Macrolides. The detection rates for the resistance genes were as follows: erma (38.36%), ermb (65.20%), mefa (28.93%) for Macrolides; tetk (13.42%), tetl (14.47%), teto (11.53%), and tetm (20.34%) for Tetracyclines; and pbp2b (5.24%) for β-lactams. The conformity between resistance phenotypes and genes was high, with 82.83% for Tetracyclines, 89.14% for Macrolides, and 95.80% for β-lactams. These findings indicate that Streptococcus in yaks exhibits a predominant resistance to macrolides, accompanied by multiple resistance patterns, with the ERY/MID pattern dominant.

Keywords: Yaks, Streptococcus, Isolation and identification, Susceptibility test, Resistance analysis

Naseer Ahmad^1,2, Muhammad Mobashar², Zhongshi Zhu¹, Tingting Chu¹, Chu Yujian¹, Yue Jiang¹, Jiaxin Liu¹, Niu Chen¹, Lei Zhang¹, Hao Yuan¹*, Yuxuan Song¹*

¹Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China

²Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan

*Corresponding authors’ emails: yuxuan_song2016@163.com; 13119133832@163.com

Received: 05 June 2024 / Accepted: 02 December 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of barley silage inclusion in diet at different proportions on growth performance and blood parameters in Sahiwal cross Friesian calves, providing insights into the nutritional benefits and potential recommendations for calf diet formulations. The current investigation employing a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) was conducted with 16 Sahiwal x Friesian calves at the Government Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm Harichand, district Charsadda, Pakistan. Experimental calves used in this research were selected on the basis of nearly the same body weight and age. They were distributed into four treatment groups, each with four replicates: the control group (routine diet), total mixed ration(TMR)+20% barley silage, total mixed ration (TMR)+40% barley silage, and total mixed ration (TMR)+60% barley silage. The results revealed noteworthy variations (P<0.05) in dry matter intake (DMI) among the treatments, and it ranged from 3.8 to 4.7 kg per day by showing a higher DMI (4.7 kg/day) with TMR+60% barley silage. Significant variations (P<0.05) were noted in body weight gain (BWG) per animal across different treatments ranging from 0.6 to 0.9 kg/day, depicting greater BWG (0.9 kg/day) with TMR+60% barley silage. The mean feed efficiency for the control was 0.15 kg, total mixed ration (TMR)+20% was 0.17 kg, total mixed ration (TMR)+40% was 0.16 kg, and total mixed ration (TMR)+60% barley silage was 0.18 kg. Nutrient digestibility exhibited significant variations (P<0.05) across several groups, with DM (56.8 to 68.5%), CP (70.1 to 78.0%), NDF (61.2 to 67.2%), and ADF (59.5 to 67.3%). Within the blood profile, total protein levels ranged from 59.0-68.7 g/l, blood glucose levels ranged from 60.6-70.6 mg/dl, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels ranged from 14.2-19.2 mg/dl. Better results on nutrients digestibility and blood profile were found with the inclusion of 60% barley silage in TMR. The results concluded that the addition of barley silage in the TMR at 60% attributed to enhanced growth performance, better nutrient digestibility of CP, DM, NDF, and ADF, and elevated profile of blood of Sahiwal x Friesian calves.

Keywords: Barley silage, Blood profile, Growth performance, Total mixed ration, Nutrients digestibility, Sahiwal x Friesian calves

Umbreen Anwar1, Adeel Sattar1*, Muhammad Adil Rasheed1, Muhammad Abu Bakr Shabbir2, Mateen Abbas3

1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Bio-Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
2 Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
3Quality Operations Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s email: adeel.sattar@uvas.edu.pk
Received: 22 August 2024 / Accepted: 26 November 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

Respiratory tract infections are becoming difficult to treat due to multidrug resistance (MDR) bacteria. Nanoparticles (NPs) are suitable substitutes to circumvent MDR. This study was designed to formulate, characterize, and investigate the safety evaluation of azithromycin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (AZM-CSNPs). AZM-CSNPs were prepared using the ionic gelation method and were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release. Genotoxic and cytotoxic activity was determined by COMET and MTT assays. The practical yield of NPs was 77%. FT-IR illustrated the peak appearance at 1638 cm-1, representing the formation of NPs. The bending of spectrum at 1525 cm-1 corresponds to chemical cross-linking with polymer attributing C-N bonds. The average size of nanoparticles was 64 nm with a zeta potential of +26.5mV and polydispersity index of 0.214, which expresses good stability. SEM image exhibited nearly spherical-shaped NPs owning smooth surfaces with entrapment efficiency of 71.14%. Chitosan nanoparticles bestow maximum drug release at acidic pH. The general release profile of the drug was divided into two basic phases: 10% initial burst release at 10hrs then a gradual release after 24hrs. Furthermore, the outcome elucidates that AZM-CSNPs do not cause DNA damage and there was no cytotoxic effect observed on Vero cell lines. Our results revealed that the combination of AZM-CSNPs with cetirizine dihydrochloride may be considered an innovative and promising strategy to improve the efficacy and targeted drug delivery and thus could be an effective approach to prevail over azithromycin resistance.

Keywords: Azithromycin, Chitosan nanoparticles, MTT, COMET, Cetirizine dihydrochloride, Azithromycin resistance

Ling Li¹*, Biyan Zhang¹, Dong Li¹, Yunhui Yu¹, Fei Yang¹, Minjie Zhang¹, Zijun Chen^3, Yunsen Li², Yu Cao¹

¹Suzhou Pharmavan Co., Ltd, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China

²School of Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China

³School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

*Corresponding author’s email: pharmanal@pharmavan.cn

Received: 12 September 2024 / Accepted: 10 December 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

With societal advancements, improved living standards, and an increased focus on product safety, cosmetics with natural ingredients have gained substantial public interest. Isodonis Japonicus (Isodon amethystoides (Benth.) H. Hara), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. The leaves and stalks of Isodonis Japonicus (XCC), effectively inhibit the proliferation of C. acnes, thereby contributing to the balance of skin microecology. QPCR and ELISA results indicate significant suppression of the secretion of inflammatory factors by XCC. Additionally, XCC mitigates free radical damage through the downregulation of ROS expression and exhibits soothing and anti-allergic properties by lowering mast cell counts, as well as IgE expression, pruritus, and ear swelling. These results indicate that XCC possesses remarkable antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergy properties. In conclusion, this study comprehensively investigates the pharmacological activities of XCC from multiple perspectives, elucidating its potential applications in skincare and the treatment of skin diseases.

Keywords: XCC extract, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-allergy, Antioxidant

Madina Kumarbayeva*, Alma Kokhmetova*, Zhenis Keishilov, Ardak Bolatbekova, Assiya Kokhmetova, Kanat Mukhametzhanov, Kanat Bakhytuly

Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan

*Corresponding author’s emails: madina_kumar90@mail.ru; akokhmetova@gmail.com

Received: 10 September 2024 / Accepted: 26 November 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

Leaf rust is one of the most prevalent and harmful wheat diseases in the world. Wheat leaf rust is best controlled over the sustainable development of genetic resistance, which requires thorough testing via field trials and marker-assisted selection. In this research, we studied sixty wheat genotypes to assess their resistance to foliage rust over two growing seasons: 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. The adult plant resistance (APR) severity and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) were calculated for each wheat entry studied. The results of molecular screening showed that five Lr genes, namely, Lr19, Lr24, Lr34, Lr50, and Lr68, both independently and in combination, were identified in 25 wheat genotypes. The genes Lr24 (8.3%), Lr37 (6.7%) and Lr50 (25%) were characterized by the highest frequency of occurrence. Five genotypes were identified as carriers of two Lr resistance genes: CP_13 (Lr19 and Lr68), CP_21 and CP_22 (Lr24 and Lr50), CP_21 and 388_SP2 (Lr50 and Lr68). These genotypes may be used to introduce Lr genes into Kazakhstani wheat cultivars acclimating to leaf rust, since most showed high to moderate resistance to the disease in mature plants. Principal component analysis (PCA) biplots demonstrated the strong correlation between each spike productivity attribute. The study’s sources of leaf rust resistance may be leveraged to improve resistance to leaf rust in Kazakhstani and other relevant international wheat breeding programs.

Keywords: Wheat, Leaf rust, Puccinia triticina, Molecular markers, Lr genes

Patcharapun Wanitsumran¹, Det Wattanachaiyingcharoen², Apichat Vitta^3,4, Anan Kenthao^1,3 , Prattana Lopin^1,3 , Wandee Wattanachaiyingcharoen^1,3*

¹ Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

² Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment,

Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

³ Center of Excellence for Biodiversity, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

⁴ Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: wandeew@nu.ac.th

Received: 28 June 2024 / Accepted: 02 December 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

Golden apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822)) and giant African snails (Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822)) are among the most harmful invasive species that have spread across Thailand and numerous other countries. This study investigated the biochemical changes in these snails after infection by indigenous Thai entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). Five indigenous EPN isolates were used: Heterorhabditis indica (eAUT13.2_TH), H. bacteriophora (eALN18.2_TH), Steinernema lamjungense (eALN11.5_TH), S. siamkayai (eAPL10.3_TH), and S. surkhetense (eALN6.3_TH). Two-, three-, and four-month-old golden apple snails and three- and five-month-old giant African snails were infected with the EPNs at a density of 300 IJs/1.0 ml per snail. Biochemical analyses was conducted at 12 hours, 24 hours, and ten days after infection to assess the impact of EPNs on the snails’ biochemistry. The results revealed significant changes in biochemical parameters after infection. After 12 and 24 hours, the average concentrations of total protein and uric acid decreased, while AST (Aspartate Transaminase) and ALT (Alanine Transaminase) levels increased. Furthermore, after ten days, AST and ALT concentrations continued to increase, while total protein and uric acid levels further declined. All tests indicated statistically significant differences between the control and infected groups. These findings demonstrate that EPN infections can significantly affect biochemical parameters in non-primary host snails, ultimately leading to the death of the infected snails.

Keywords: Pomacea canaliculata, Achatina fulica,Biochemical alteration, Mollusk pests

Yan Ji Teoh^1,2, Wan Hee Cheng^1,2*, Walton Wider^3,4, Kumar Krishnan^1,2, Chee Kong Yap⁵, Qijin Chen⁶, Leilei Jiang⁶, Thomas Man Tat Lei⁷, Tawatchai Tanee^8,9, Runglawan Sudmoon¹⁰, Shiou Yih Lee^1,2

¹Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

²Center for Health, Well-being, and Environmental Sustainability, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

³Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

⁴Department of Applied Economic Sciences, Wekerle Sandor Uzleti Foiskola, Budapest, Hungary

⁵Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

⁶Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

⁷Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Macau, 999078, China

⁸Faculty of Environmental and Resource Studies, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44150, Thailand

⁹One Health Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand

¹⁰Faculty of Law, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: wanhee.cheng@newinti.edu.my

Received: 05 September 2024 / Accepted: 29 November 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

This current study assessed the toxicity of selected heavy metals in paddy and sediments of non-major production sites in Southern Peninsular Malaysia, complemented by bibliometric analysis of research trends and health implications of rice contamination. Paddy (grains, stems, roots) and soil samples were collected from seven selected sites in the Southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia and analyzed for their heavy metals content. The health risk assessments were conducted based on estimated daily intake, and the Web of Science database was used for bibliometric analysis. The results indicated elevated levels of manganese, Mn (0.4 ± 0.07), especially in the roots, compared to other heavy metals. Generally, the heavy metal levels in paddy grains were below FAO/WHO’s tolerable daily intake levels, indicating minimal non-carcinogenic risks to both adults and children. The bibliometric analysis indicated a significant increase in related publications, reflecting growing academic interest. This study highlights the potential of non-major sites to produce rice with lower contamination levels, provides insights into research trends, and identifies future investigation areas, especially for major production sites and post-COVID-19 periods. Therefore, this study offers a robust scientific context, identifies research gaps, benchmarks findings, and guides future research directions, ensuring an in-depth perception on heavy metal contamination and its health risks.

Keywords: Heavy metals risk assessment, ICP-MS, Bibliometric analysis, Rice contamination, Human health

Mahwish Raza¹*, Farid Asif Shaheen¹, Asim Gulzar¹, Muhammad Sheeraz Ahmad², Ambreen Maqsood³

¹Department of Entomology, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

²Department of Biochemistry, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

³Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s email: mahwishraza1214@gmail.com

Received: 12 June 2024 / Accepted: 05 December 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

The saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) is one of the most destructive pests known to target foods that are stored. Due to cosmopolitan nature, it is practically certain to be present in any stored food. Excessive application of chemicals can interfere with natural pest control systems by developing resistance and requiring the use of stronger or higher concentrations of the chemicals. The present research was carried out to find a safe and environmentally sustainable substitute for synthetic insecticides to manage saw-toothed grain beetle. Entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae for suppressing the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis was investigated by using varied fungal concentrations viz. 1×10⁴, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁸, 1×10¹⁰ and 1×10¹² spores/ml in stored split chickpea. Findings of this study have shown that fewer F₁ adults appeared in split chickpea when the highest concentration of B. bassiana was applied as compared to M. anisopliae. Less inhibition percentage of saw-toothed grain beetle adults being found when B. bassiana was applied. Weight loss was more in split chickpea when treated with lowest concentration of B. bassiana.  Adult saw-toothed grain beetles were found to be more susceptible towards M. anisopliae as compared to B. bassiana.  The concentration of 1×10¹² spores per ml of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae are suggested for management of O. surinamensis in stored split chickpea.

Keywords: Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Entomopathogenic, Fungi, Split chickpea

Marzouqah Almudayni¹, Raghad Aljohani¹, Sahar Khateeb¹*, Mody Albalawi¹, Kouther Alharthany¹, Noha Hamed²

¹Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia

²Nuclear Research Centre, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt

*Corresponding author’s email: skhateeb@ut.edu.sa

Received: 14 October 2024 / Accepted: 26 November 2024 / Published Online: 13 January 2025

Abstract

Radiation-related toxicity is a major concern for certain tissues and organs in radiation oncology practice. In abdominal tumor radiation treatment, the pancreas is particularly sensitive to radiation and should be considered at risk. The primary causes of acute pancreatitis after exposure to gamma radiation are oxidative damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of matcha silver nanoparticles (M-AgNPs) in mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by gamma radiation in the pancreas of female rats. Rats were exposed to 6 Gy of gamma radiation and subsequently administered an oral treatment with matcha (M) or M-AgNPs (10 ml/kg/day) for 14 days. We examined apoptotic markers such as caspase 3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2), and B-cell lymphoma-2-associated protein X (BAX) to evaluate their impact on cell survival. Additionally, the study investigated the modulation of antioxidants, glutathione S-transferases (GST), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The findings indicated that the administration of M-AgNPs for two weeks post-radiation exposure is more efficacious in diminishing lipid peroxidation and suppressing apoptotic indicators compared to conventional M treatments. M-AgNPs significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the elevation of MDA and demonstrated a considerable (p < 0.05) increase in GST. Moreover, it exhibited a markedly elevated level (p < 0.05) of BCL-2 and a significantly decreased level of Bax and caspase-3 (p < 0.05) in comparison to irradiated rats. The results of the histopathological investigations showed a notable enhancement in the histological characteristics of pancreatic tissue. In conclusion, the finding indicated that the AgNPs synthesized from matcha could potentially mitigate the adverse effects of radiation exposure. Further investigation is required to elucidate specific molecular pathways and their long-term consequences.

Keywords: Gamma radiation, Matcha, Silver nanoparticles, Oxidative stress, Apoptosis, Pancreas

Mohsen A. Khormi¹, Mohammed A. Alfattah¹, Mabrouk A. Abo-Zaid¹, Saif Elden B. Abdalla², A. El-Shabasy^1*

¹Department of Biology, College of Science, Jazan University, P.O. Box 114, Jazan 45142, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

²College of Medical Laboratory Science, Jazan University, P.O. Box 114, Jazan 45142, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding author’s email: ael-shabasy@jazanu.edu.sa

Received: 09 August 2024 / Accepted: 27 December 2024 / Published Online: 13 January 2025

Abstract

The current study is to highlight the effect of natural phyto-product as Moringa oleifera Lam. oil and another artificial insecticide as cypermethrin on efficiency of two different organs of male rats related to different systems; testes and livers. The study utilized probit analysis to determine sub-lethal and lethal doses. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four experimental groups; G1: controlled group, G2 exposed to cypermethrin (CYP), G3 exposed to combination between Moringa oleifera Lam. oil and cypermethrin. G4 treated with moringa oil only. The biochemical analyses were performed as plasma glucose, total protein and albumin levels. ANOVA test besides histological features examined the parenchyma of both studied organs. Cypermethrin had detrimental effects on rats, leading to elevated serum glucose levels, reduced levels of total protein and albumin besides histopathological alterations observed in both studied organs. The molecular docking analysis of a specific testicular protein expressed the high affinity with Cypermethrin active bonds. The findings confirmed on the need of using natural products to overcome the spread of artificial chemicals in our environments.

Keywords: Insecticide, Medicinal plant, Edema, Hemorrhage, Histology, Toxicity, Anticancer