Duy Ha Nguyen¹, Ngoc Anh Thi Ta², Huong Giang Van², Dinh Toi Chu³, Thai Son Nguyen¹ , Van Mao Can¹, Quynh Uyen Nguyen^2*, Hoang Van Vinh^2*

¹Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam

²VNU, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Hanoi, Vietnam

³International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam

Abstract

Diarrhea is a side effect of antibiotic misuse and is frequently associated with intestinal inflammation and imbalanced gut microbiota. Many studies have demonstrated that probiotics can exhibit potential to mitigate the effects of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). In this study, we employed Lincomycin to induce AAD in the rats and subsequently assessed the impact of the multi-strain probiotic preparation LabMix on this model. The rat groups, including healthy control rats, AAD-induced rats, AAD rats with no treatment (natural recovery rats), and AAD rats treated by LabMix preparation, were evaluated regarding the general assessments, some immune indices, and intestinal microbiota analysis. The results revealed that the LabMix preparation considerably lowered the effects of the antibiotic regarding the diarrhea score and the thickness of the ceca in the rats treated by LabMix preparation. Additionally, the LabMix preparation reduced inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-a, and IL-6, while increasing the IgA in sera and in intestinal mucosae. Furthermore, it altered the compositions and abundance of intestinal bacteria of the rats. In particular, the AAD rats treated by LabMix preparation decreased the levels of potentially harmful genera such as Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, and Pseudomonas. They also increased the levels of beneficial genera including Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Romboutsia, and Clostridium innocuum. In general, the multi-strain probiotic preparation LabMix showed the effective mitigation and the improvement of the intestinal microbiota of the AAD rat model.

Keywords: Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea (AAD), Cytokine, LabMix, Microbiota, Probiotic

Ning Wang^1,2,3, Yuanlin Xiang¹, Yi Ma^1,3, Puyu Zhang¹, Xiaoli Zhou¹, Haoran Zhu¹, Zhi Zhang¹, Zaixin Li¹, Xiongjun Xiao¹, Manli He⁴, Muhammad Aamer Mehmood^1,5*, Hui Zhu^1,3*

 ¹ College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong, China

² Luzhou Laojiao Co. Ltd, Luzhou, China

³ Engineering Technology Research Center of Special Grain for Wine Making, Yibin 644000, China

⁴ Laboratory Animal Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China

⁵ Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan

Abstract

Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) produces a variety of biologically active compounds that exhibit antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunoregulatory properties. Here, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to develop an animal model of ulcerative colitis (UC) to evaluate the potential protective benefits of fermented S. platensis against DSS-induced colitis in mice. Gut microbiota alterations were investigated using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. Real-Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of mRNA of inflammatory factors and pathway-related molecules in the inflammatory process. The results showed that fermented S. platensis could reverse the DSS-induced weight loss and colon length shortening in mice. The study of the 16S rRNA sequence showed that treatment with fermented S. platensis changed the gut microbiota of mice, with an increase in the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospira. According to RT-qPCR and histopathological analyses, fermented S. platensis also improved the loss of goblet cells and neutrophil infiltration induced by DSS, while improving anti-inflammatory capacity. In addition, compared with the model group, the fermentation group significantly downregulated the relative expression of MyD88/TLR4 signaling pathway genes compared with the non-fermentation group. Overall, this investigation demonstrated that fermentative S. platensis can reduce DSS-induced UC by regulating gut microbiota composition, and the MyD88/TLR4 signaling pathway.

Keywords: Spirulina platensis, Rhizopus oligosporus, Ulcerative colitis, Gut microbiota

Pheaktra Phal^1*, Kasem Soytong^1,2, Supattra Poeaim³

¹Department of Plant Production Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand

²Research Institute of Modern Organic Agriculture, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand

³Department of Biology, School of Science, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand

Abstract

Phytophthora rot of durian var Monthong caused by Phytophthora palmivora has been proven to be a serious threat to durian plantations in Thailand. The research was targeted to isolate the causal pathogen and prove its pathogenicity by Koch’s postulate. Morphology and molecular phylogeny have confirmed the identification of pathogenic and antagonistic fungi. Evaluation of antagonistic fungus against plant pathogen in vitro and greenhouse conditions, morphology and molecular phylogenetic identification confirmed antagonistic species Trichoderma hamatum K01 and pathogenic isolate P. palmivora PYSC01. The crude metabolite of T. hamatum K01, namely TK01-MeOH gave the most substantial inhibitory effect to inhibit colony growth and sporangia formation at ED₅₀ (50% effective dose) values of 288 and 118 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, nanofibre namely nano-TK01M exhibited the best antifungal activity in inhibiting colony growth and sporangia formation at ED₅₀ values of 11 and 3 µg/mL, respectively. Nano-TK01M treated on durian leaves induced the synthesis of scopoletin, which is known as a defense mechanism and marker of plant resistance or plant immunity. Moreover, the application of nano-TK01M significantly reduced disease incidence, the same as metalaxyl. Additionally, nano-TK01M treatment was the most effective in enhancing plant physiological parameters, including the synthesis of chlorophyll, carotenoid contents and promoted plant growth, compared to both metalaxyl and non-treated control. T. hamatum K01 produced antifungal metabolite pyrone 6-pentyl-2H-Pyran-2-one and sorbicillin. It is reported for the first time that pyrone and sorbicillin could be expressed as bioactive compounds in reduction of the disease incidence of durian rot caused by P. palmivora. The finding confirmed that nano-TK01M from T. hamatum K01 exhibited the most effective in controlling plant pathogen, which could be promoted as agricultural input for plant disease management, and it is also a nontoxic fungicide for living life and eco-friendly.

Keywords: Nanofibre, Trichoderma hamatum, Phytoalexins, Phytophthora palmivora, root rot

Sultan Ali^1*, Rashad Mukhtar Balal¹, Muhammad Mansoor Javaid²

¹Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan

²Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan

Abstract

Bulbous crops like tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) needs abundant amount of water for its better growth and development as compared to other floricultural crops. A mismanagement of irrigation may lead to severe damages to the crop and huge economic loss. Thus, to understand basis of irrigation needs and its impact on tuberose plant, a pot experiment was performed. Drought tolerance capacity of tuberose was assessed by analyzing morphological, physiological, enzymatic and bio-chemical attributes of two tuberose cultivars (Mexican Single and Pearl Double) under different irrigation regimes. Plants were grown in the plastic pots arranged in completely randomized design (CRD). Seven irrigation intervals (2, 3, 4,5,6,7 and 8 days; viz. T₂-T₇ respectively; T₁ = control) were applied. Pots were placed in growth chamber with 30/25°C day/night temperatures and 50±5 % relative humidity. Results revealed that growth parameters in tuberose plant in both cultivars showed better performance under minimum irrigation interval (2 days) followed by 3 days and 5 days interval. Drought caused significant decreases in height of flowering stem (HFS; T₂: 20 cm; T₈: 10 cm), leaf area (LA; T₂: 53.3cm²; T₈: 16.9cm²), plant height (PH; T₂: 27.6; T₈: 12.74), fresh weight of flowering stem (FWFS;T₂: 37.5;T₈: 12.6), relative water content (RWC), photosynthesis rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (SC) and chlorophyll contents (Chl) and increases in leaf water potential (LWP), water use efficiency (WUE), antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, POD, SOD) and biochemical traits (Pro and Gly). However, enzymes activities like CAT, POD, and SOD; proline and glycinebetaine in the leaves of cultivar ‘Pearl Double’ were observed significantly higher than those in the leaves of ‘Mexican Single’ cultivar, regardless of irrigation intervals (water treatments). The results indicated that the growth performance of ‘Mexican Single’ cultivar was better than the ‘Pearl Double’ cultivar in drought conditions.

Keywords: Drought, Tuberose, Relative water content, Antioxidants, Photosynthesis

Yao Akissi Sandrine^1*, Yéo Gnenakan², Nandjui Jacob³, Tiénébo Eric-Olivier¹, Kassi Koffi Fernand Jean-Martial⁴, Kouadio Edouard Yves Gilchrist⁴, Konan Kan Ulrich Urbain¹, Kakou Didier Junior⁴, Kouadio Kouakou Théodore¹, Abo Kouabenan¹

¹Laboratoire de Phytopathologie et de Biologie Végétale. Département de Formation et de Recherche Agriculture et Ressources Animales. Institut National Polytechnique Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY. BP 1093 Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire

²Centre National de Recherche Agronomique. Direction Régionale de Korhogo. Station expérimentale de Ferkessédougou. BP 121 Ferkessédougou, Côte d’Ivoire

³Laboratoire de Biotechnologie Végétale et Microbienne. Département de Formation et de Recherche Agriculture et Ressources Animales. Institut National Polytechnique Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY. BP 1093 Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire

⁴Unité Pédagogique de Recherche de Physiologie et Pathologie Végétales. Laboratoire de Biotechnologie, Agriculture et Valorisation des Ressources Biologiques. Unité de formation et de recherche Biosciences. Université Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY. BP 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Vegetable crops in Côte d’Ivoire are attacked by numerous pests, including plant-parasitic nematodes that cause enormous crop losses. A survey was conducted in six agroecological zones (AEZ) to study the plant-parasitic nematodes associated with vegetable crops. 120 soil and root samples of seven plant species belonging to Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae were collected. These samples were subjected to various laboratory analyses, including extraction, counting, and identifying nematodes. Plant-parasitic nematodes belonging to nine genera have been inventoried: Meloidogyne, Helicotylenchus, Radopholus, Pratylenchus, Hemicycliophora, Rotylenchulus, Hoplolaimus, Xiphinema and Heterodera. Overall, all the populations were abundant in soils (more than 1000 individuals per kilogram) and roots (more than ten individuals per gram). However, segregation between the genera was observed according to the frequency of populations. The genus Meloidogyne was the most frequent and abundant in the whole localities and vegetable crops. Frequencies of 91% and 100% were observed for Meloidogyne in the roots of tomato and the rhizosphere of zucchini. Xiphinema, Hoplolaimus, Heterodera, and Rotylenchulus had very low-frequency values in soils, while the other genera had intermediate frequency values. The Principal Components Analyses based on nematode populations highlighted a strong correlation between the AEZ I and some genera’s abundance, notably Xiphinema 92% correlated in the roots samples. Similarly, a strong correlation was observed between the abundance of some genera and eggplant; notably, Meloidogyne correlated to 83% in the soil samples. This study highlights the importance of plant-parasitic nematodes in Ivorian vegetable crops, hence the need to implement integrated management measures to limit yield losses.

 Keywords: Plant parasitic nematodes, Vegetable crops, Density, Frequency, Agroecological zone

Dunia A. Al-Farraj¹, Muhammad Kashif^2*, Fateh Ullah², Hafiz Muhammad Ali³, Abdul Qayyum³, Asma Yamin⁴, Jawaria Aslam⁵, Shabana Bibi⁶, Sayed M. Eldin^7*, Iftikhar Ali⁸, Abd El-Zaher M.A. Mustafa¹, Mohamed Soliman Elshikh¹

¹Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

²Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Sub-campus Jhang, Pakistan

³Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

⁴Department of Zoology, The Govt Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

⁵Bahawalpur Medical and Dental College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

⁶Department of Biosciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan

⁷Center of Research, Future University in Egypt, New Cairo, Egypt

⁸Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA

Abstract

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of herbal 2% topical gel formulations of either of Allium sativum, Calotropis procera and Prosopis juliflora or their combination compared to an antibiotic cream (Betaderm-N) on healing of full-thickness skin wounds in rabbit. The wound healing (contraction) rate of treated groups was found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher than the positive and negative control groups. The wound treated with A. sativum were healed on 12^th day while those treated with P. juliflora or Betaderm-N cream healed on 15^th day. The wounds treated with combination gel showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher healing rate and completely healed the wound by 9^th day of the experiment and in the histo-pathological examination, there observed an increased number of collagen fibers in dermis of the skin compared to positive and negative controls. Catalase test was used to differentiate S. aureus from other staphylococcal species. S. aureus has golden or creamy colour colonies raised on mannitol salt agar with coagulase positive activity. While the pink colonies raised at Meckonky agar with Indol positive test were of E. coli. By disc diffusion method, the combination of three herbal extracts showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli than other groups and showed a significant increased level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GPx) at 7^th (p<0.05), 14^th (p<0.05) and 21^st (p<0.01) days of treatments. It was thus concluded that the combined effects of three herbal extracts accelerated the healing process of surgical wound in rabbits due to presence of active metabolites.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Phytochemical analysis, Wound healing, S. aureus, Rabbit

Irfan Ahmad Mughal¹, Ghulam Hussain¹, Imran Mukhtar¹, Shahzad Irfan¹, Haseeb Anwar^1*

¹Department of Physiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Oxidative stress accelerates the pathophysiological development of various anomalies like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The current study aimed to assess the role of oxidative stress in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Adult women (n=100) aged ~20–40 years which were diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome on ultrasound following the Rotterdam criteria, were randomly selected from various hospitals within the city of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Fifty healthy women (n=50) with same age and regular menstrual cycles, biochemical and metabolic markers were designated as a control group. Blood samples were collected from both the groups on 2^nd day of menstrual cycle. Serum was separated from the blood samples and evaluated for oxidative stress markers, lipid and hormonal profile in both groups. Stress scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaire was employed to assess the depression and anxiety scale. Results exhibit a strong correlation of FSH levels with oxidative stress parameters. The questionnaire revealed severe depression, anxiety, and stress in patients of PCOS. Apart from elevated oxidative stress markers, dyslipidemia was also prevalent in the PCOS patients. In conclusion the current study highlights the permissive role of oxidative stress in PCOS which results in hormonal disruption.

Keywords: Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Oxidative stress, Lipid profile, Thyroid stimulating hormone, Dyslipidemia

Amina Foughalia¹, Sakina Zerizer^1*, Boutheyna Aribi¹, Zahia Kabouche², Chawki Bensouici³

¹Département de Biologie Animale, Laboratoire d’Immunologie et Activités Biologiques des Substances Naturelles, Université des frères Mentouri-Constantine 1, 25000 Constantine, Algeria

²Département de Chimie, Laboratoire d’Obtention de Substances Thérapeutiques, Université des frères Mentouri-Constantine1, 25000 Constantine, Algeria

³Centre de Recherche en Biotechnologie (C.R.Bt), Ali Mendjli Nouvelle Ville BPE.73 Constantine, Alegria

Abstract

Calendula stellata (Asteraceae family), growing in North-East Algeria was investigated for its biological activities in laboratory animal model studies. The n-butanol extract was prepared from aerial parts using ethanol maceration followed by liquid-liquid extraction then, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and reducing power assay. Then acute toxicity was tested in mice using the Up and Down test and, the anti-inflammatory anti-arthritic activity was evaluated using formalin induced arthritis (FIA) in Wistar rats. Results indicated that, the extract was rich in phenolic and flavonoid contents (224.097 ±7.31 mg GAE/g and 207.36±10.081mg QE/g, respectively). It possessed considerable antioxidant activity, the extract showed no visible toxicity or mortality signs, and the LD₅₀ was > 2000mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, in the FIA, the extract showed significant dose-dependent inhibition in paw edema. It also it decreased the C-reactive protein (CRP) plasmatic, preventing cartilage destruction and liver injury. In conclusion, C. stellata n-butanol extract possesses antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities, in addition to protective properties in hepatic tissue.

Keywords: Calendula stellata, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-arthritic, Algeria

Sobia Khaliq¹, Muhammad Asif Aziz^1*, Ata-ul-Mohsin¹, Ishfaq Ahmed Hafiz²

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

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

Abstract

The performance, life history, and parasitism rate of Diadegma insulare (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) on Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1857) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) reared on six different cruciferous cultivars (Broccoli, Cabbage, Canola, Cauliflower, Chinese cabbage and PakChoi) was evaluated under controlled conditions (25±2 °C, 65±5% RH, and 16 L: 8 D photoperiod). The life history parameters were compared using the age-stage and two-sex life table theory. Significant variations were observed in different life stages of D. insulare on its host, P. xylostella, reared on different cruciferous genotypes. The adult duration of D. insulare ranges from 7.70 day on Pak Choi to 6.65 day on Cabbage. The maximum (19.83 offspring) and minimum (9.23 offspring) net reproductive rates of D. insulare were observed on cultivars Pak Choi and Cabbage, respectively. The increase in intrinsic rate ranged from the highest (0.1970 day-¹) on Broccoli to lowest (0.1471 day-¹) on Cabbage. The maximum (0.2814 host) finite predation rate was recorded on Broccoli, and was the minimum (0.2112 hosts) on Cabbage. The values of stable predation rate increased from 0.1824 (host/ parasitoid) to 0.2308 (host/ parasitoid) with changes in host diet. All tested brassica cultivars affected the life performance of D. insulare. The results confirmed that D. insulare showed better performance on Broccoli genotype when compared to other tested genotypes. Hence, Broccoli can be used for the rearing of D. insulare on a large scale for mass releases of this parasitoid in the brassica fields to get effective suppression in the population of P. xylostella.

Keywords: Biological control, D. insulare, Demography, Intrinsic rate of increase, Cruciferous plants.

Wajid Ali Hisbani¹, Shahbaz Khan^2*, Muhammad Mahamood-ur-Rahman Jamro³, Nisar Ahmad Soomro⁴, Babar Hafeez⁵, Danish Ibrar⁶, Afroz Rais⁷, Safia Gul⁷, Sohail Irshad⁸, Mehjabeen Hameed⁷

¹Sugarcane Research Institute, Agriculture Center, Tandojam, Pakistan

²Colorado Water Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

³Department of Agronomy, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Agricultural College Dokri, Larkana, Pakistan

⁴Water & Agricultural Waste Management Institute, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Tandojam, Pakistan

⁵Soil Fertility Research Institute, Tandojam, Pakistan

⁶Crop Science Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan

⁷Department of Botany, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, Quetta, Pakistan

⁸Department of Agronomy, MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

Worldwide, sugarcane is the major sugar-producing crop and the sugar industry ranks second largest industry of Pakistan. Field experiments were conducted during the sugarcane cultivation seasons of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 at Sugarcane Research Institute, Tandojam, Pakistan. Seventeen sugarcane genotypes (G1 to G17) were studied to select potential genotypes having better agronomic and quality performances. Results of both studied years indicated that the maximum sprouting (66%) was noted by G1 followed by G8 (64%) in the first season, while G10 recorded the highest sprouting of 62.66% in the second year. The lengthiest cane length of 3 and 2.7 m was observed by G1 in two consecutive seasons, respectively. The maximum number of nodes was recorded in G15 (29.67) and G12 (40.67) in the 1^st and 2^nd years of study, respectively. Regarding cane girth, G1, during the first of study, while G1 and G2 performed better in the second year of study. With respect to quality attributes of studied genotypes, the highest brix percentage (23.66 and 23.62) was recorded by G13 and G12 in the first season. In the case of second year, the maximum brix percentage of 23.77 and 23.63 was recorded by G11 and G4, respectively. The highest cane yield of 126.33 t ha^-1 was recorded by G1 in the first season, and in the next season, both G1 (138.6 ha^-1) and G2 (124.6 t ha^-1) produced the maximum cane yield. Among the tested genotypes, G1, G2, G4, G11, G12, and G13 were observed as promising genotypes with the best potential for yield and quality attributes to fulfill the needs of growers and industry.

Keywords: Climate, Genotypes, Growth, Performance, Quality, Sugarcane, Yield