Iqra Shah^1,2*, Muhammad Qasim Hayat^1*, Umme Laila¹, Saleem Haider¹, Kaleem Ullah³, Beenish Anjum¹, Madeeha Khan¹, Alvina Gul¹, Summya Malik¹

¹Plant Systematics and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan

²Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, 95616, CA, USA

³Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s email: m.qasim@asab.nust.edu.pk; ishah.phdabs15asab@student.nust.edu.pk

Received: 21 July 2024 / Accepted: 27 January 2025 / Published Online: 22 February 2025

Abstract

Cyperaceae, commonly known as a sedge family, is widely distributed and is cosmopolitan, it is the third largest among the monocots. It has great ecological and ethnobotanical value but the taxonomic classification of the family at both morphological and molecular level is not much studied. The species resemble a lot and hence are very difficult to differentiate without proper identification. For the taxonomic implication of nut (one of the important parts of inflorescence) in plant identification, sixteen different sedge species were collected from various parts of the country. They were analyzed under stereo and scanning electron microscope to understand the differences among nut characters which help to differentiate among species of the same family. The three most important characteristics considered were Nut shape, size and color. All the species showed variation enabling identification easily. The surface of nut was also observed under the scanning electron microscope and showed great variation. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to check the impact of characters on the grouping of the species. Based on the results of this study, it can be said that nuts play a very important role in the identification and classification of the plant on a morphological and micromorphological basis.

Keywords: Sedges, Nut, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Stereomicroscopy, Micromorphology, PCA, UPGMA

Ali Nawaz^1,2, Muhammad Khalid Afzal^3,4*

¹School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing-100083, China

²Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha-40100, Punjab, Pakistan

³College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing-100083, China

⁴Institute of Forest Sciences, Baghdad-ul-Jadeed Campus, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur-63100, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s email: mkhalidafzal007@gmail.com

Received:15 November 2024 / Accepted: 27 January 2025 / Published Online: 22 February 2025

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of grazing intensity and management regimes on soil nitrogen cycling and related ecosystem processes in alpine grasslands. Rotational grazing (RG), characterized by alternating short grazing periods at high stocking densities with rest intervals, has been proven to be a practice that enhances herbage production and improves grassland resilience compared to continuous grazing (CG). Our results showed that Proteobacteria are the main ANF phylum under all grazing levels. Grassland sowing is a primary restoration means for heavily degraded alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau, but much less information is known about soil nutrient dynamics under such grazing regimes. This study evaluated topsoil nutrient levels (phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen) and physical properties under three grazing intensities: light, moderate, and heavy. It was concluded that increasing grazing intensity elevated soil organic matter, temperature, and nutrient concentrations (nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus) while reducing soil pH and water content. These findings demonstrate that intensity and regime of grazing significantly influence dynamics in soil nitrogen fixation processes.

Keywords: Grazing intensity, Rotational grazing, Grassland restoration, Alpine grasslands, Soil nitrogen fixation, Tibetan Plateau

Piyaporn Saensouk¹, Sombat Appamaraka², Thawatphong Boonma², Pimtida Niamngon³, Tawanon Niamngon⁴, Areerat Ragsasilp⁵, Sarayut Rakarcha⁶, Kamonwan Koompoot², Ahmad Dwi Setyawan^7,8, Arunrat Chaveerach⁹, Surapon Saensouk²*

¹Diversity of Family Zingiberaceae and Vascular Plant for Its Applications Research Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand

²Diversity of Family Zingiberaceae and Vascular Plant for Its Applications Research Unit, Biodiversity Program,

Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand

³Diversity of Family Zingiberaceae and Vascular Plant for Its Applications Research Unit, MSU Science Park, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand

⁴Diversity of Family Zingiberaceae and Vascular Plant for Its Applications Research Unit, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand

⁵Diversity of Family Zingiberaceae and Vascular Plant for Its Applications Research Unit, Program of Environmental and Resource Management, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand

⁶Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, The Botanical Garden Organization, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

⁷Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia

⁸Biodiversity Research Group, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia

⁹Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: surapon.s@msu.ac.th

Received:15 October 2024 / Accepted: 27 January 2025 / Published Online: 22 February 2025

Abstract

The genus Hellenia (Costaceae) is noted for its taxonomic complexity and ecological significance. This study addresses the limited understanding of the genus in Northeastern Thailand by investigating species diversity, conservation status, traditional uses, chromosome number, pollen characteristics, and unique peeling leaf morphology in Ubon Ratchathani Province. Fieldwork and laboratory analyses conducted in 2023 identified two species, Hellenia lacera (Gagnep.) Govaerts and H. speciosa Hellenia lacera (J.Koenig) Govaerts, which differ in their growth patterns. Conservation assessments proposed to placed H. speciosa in the Least Concern (LC) category according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria. The consistent diploid chromosome number (2n = 18) and unique pollen morphology offer important taxonomic insights. Additionally, the leaf morphology, marked by epidermal detachment, presents a new characteristic within the genus and may indicate ecological adaptations or evolutionary significance. These findings contribute to the understanding Hellenia’s biology and highlight its ecological and taxonomic relevance within the Costaceae family.

Keywords: Chromosomal structure, Conservation status, Costaceae family, Hellenia, Leaf anatomy, Pollen morphology, Species diversity, Taxonomy, Thailand, Traditional Uses, Ubon Ratchathani

Sajid Raza Khan¹, Rehana Iqbal¹*, Muhammad Khalid¹, Muhammad Mustafeez Ur Rehman², Rabia Akram¹, Muhammad Aitazaz Ahsan², Shujaat Hussain³, Sarmad Rehan⁴, Arooj Ali⁵*, Ayaz Mammadov⁶

¹Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

²Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

³Faculty of Veterinary and Animals Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

⁴Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

⁵Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

⁶Department of Life Sciences, Western Caspian University, Baku, Azerbaijan

*Corresponding author’s email: rehanaiqbal82@gmail.com; aroojali4088@gmail.com

Received: 29 September 2024 / Accepted: 03 December 2024 / Published Online: 03 February 2025

Abstract

The investigation and monitoring of exact mechanisms of induction of deleterious effects induced by various synthetic and natural compounds including nanoparticles (NPs) are crucial to lowering the toxic effects of these compounds both on public health and the environment. For this purpose, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using the co-precipitation technique. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) showed that the synthesized NPs had formed spherical structures, and were collected as flower-shaped bundles. The calculated average crystalline size of ZnO NPs from XRD (X-ray diffraction) was 17.6nm. A total of 150 fish (Tilapia niloticus) were reared in cemented tanks having 200L water in different groups (T0 and T1-T3). The fish in groups T1-T3 were exposed to ZnO NPs mixed in feed @ 150mg/kg, 300mg/kg, and 450mg/kg respectively for 28 days. The results revealed significantly increased morphological and nuclear ailments in erythrocytes of fish exposed with higher doses of ZnO NPs (300mg/kg and 450mg/kg) in comparison to unexposed fish. Hematological analysis showed significantly decreased red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin, and lymphocytes while an increased population of white blood cell count (WBC) and neutrophil at higher doses (300mg/kg and 450mg/kg). Serum biochemistry analysis indicated significantly increased concertation of cholesterol, creatinine, urea, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and decreased quantity of total proteins, globulin, and albumin in fish exposed to higher doses of ZnO NPs. The results on the oxidative and antioxidant status of exposed fish unveiled a significantly increased profile of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), a by-product of the lipid peroxidation (LPO) process and a lower quantity of different antioxidant enzymes. The results indicated that higher doses of ZnO NPs disrupt the physiological mechanisms of fish via induction of hemato-biochemical profile and induction of oxidative stress in multiple tissues.

Keywords: Mono sex Tilapia, Haemato-biochemistry, Erythrocytes, Oxidative stress

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