Feasibility of intravenous injection of pig plasma extracellular particles into rats: an acute study

Extracellular particles (EPs), especially small extracellular vesicles (EVs), extracted from young animals are increasingly being studied in animal models as agents for regeneration and rejuvenation, with studies using EPs from one species injected into another showing no immune reaction. In this study, we aimed to investigate if the injection of Pig Plasma Extracellular Particles (PPEPs) into rats would produce an acute immune or toxic reaction. Blood from a young pig was collected, PPEPs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography and injected into young male Sprague-Dawley rats, while the control group received a sterile saline injection. After 9 days, the animals were euthanized and their organs were histologically analyzed for signs of cellular damage or immune infiltration. The treated rats showed no signs of acute immunological reaction, behaving normally immediately after the injections and during the 9 days since the first injection. Throughout the trial period, the animals continued gaining weight normally and the histological analysis of their liver, kidney and spleen showed no signs of acute toxicity. PPEPs from young animals do not cause an acute immune or toxic response when injected intravenously into young male Sprague-Dawley rats. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1531997

Unraveling the biology, effects and management methods of Sclerotium rolfsii infection in plants for sustainable agriculture

Sclerotium rolfsii is an economically important soil-borne fungal pathogen that affects various crops worldwide, causing diseases such as blight, collar rot, crown rot, damping-off, Sclerotium wilt, and stem rot. It primarily attacks stems but can also infect roots, fruits, petioles, leaves, and flowers under favorable conditions. Initial symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves, followed by the appearance of white, fluffy mycelium on infected tissues and soil. The fungus forms round, white sclerotia that mature into dark brown or black structures resembling mustard seeds. These sclerotia enable S. rolfsii to survive unfavorable conditions for up to seven years in soil. The fungus has an extensive host range of over 500 species across 100 plant families. S. rolfsii thrives at or near the soil line. Before penetrating host tissue, it produces a considerable mass of mycelium on the plant surface over 2 to 10 days. The pathogen secretes enzymes that degrade the host's outer cell layer, leading to tissue decay, further mycelium production, and sclerotia formation. Managing S. rolfsii is challenging due to its broad host range and persistent sclerotia. Biological control methods have been explored, focusing on bacterial and fungal antagonists. Pseudomonas and Bacillus species have been studied for their ability to inhibit hyphal growth and reduce sclerotia germination. Additionally, antagonistic fungi, including Gliocladium virens, G. roseum, Glomus fascicatum, Penicillium pinophilum, Gigaspora margarita, and various arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, have shown promise in suppressing S. rolfsii. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1528841

Effect of lavender (Lavender angustifolia) extract on food consumption, melatonin, leptin and reproductive parameters in male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a plant of medicinal and economic importance. This study investigated the effects of lavender extract at different doses on metabolism and reproductive physiology in male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) under long photoperiod (16L; 16 hours of light, 8 hours of darkness). Male Syrian hamsters aged 6-8 weeks were administered different doses of lavender extract dissolved in saline intraperitoneally every day at the same time (12:00-13:00 h) for 21 days. A significant decrease in food consumption was observed in the group treated with 200 mg/kg of lavender extract (p<0.05). The effects of the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses on body weight were also noted. Blood samples for hormone measurement were collected at two different times of the day (12:00 h and 00:00 h) at the end of the experiment. It was shown that melatonin levels significantly increased at the 100 mg/kg dose of lavender extract in both times (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the light and dark phases at the 200 mg/kg dose (p>0.05). A significant decrease in testosterone levels was observed compared to the control group. Similarly, no significant difference was detected between the light and dark phases at the 200 mg/kg dose (p>0.05). No significant differences were observed in testis histology between the control and treatment groups. In conclusion, lavender extract has positive effects on metabolism, but it may have negative effects on the reproductive system at high doses. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1529279

Histopathological and molecular characterization of Egyptian's non melanoma skin cancer

In humans, the most prevalent malignant neoplasms are non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) account for approximately 95% of all NMSC skin malignancies. In Egypt, sun exposure is responsible for more than 60% of NMSC, while skin color accounts for about 45%. The present study aimed to find sharp and accurate molecular technology to diagnose NMSC beside histopathology. 20 patients of NMSC patients were randomly selected. Tissues skin biopsies were collected from tumor and free areas for histopathological investigation and molecular analysis by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Histopathological results revealed that 55.0% of NMSC patients had SCC, 45.0% had BCC. 35.0% of the patients were in early stage and 65.0% were in late stage, but 15.0% were in low grade and 75.0% were in high grade. 90.0% of the cases weren’t metastasized by the tumor while 10.0% were invaded by the tumor. RAPD analysis by OPA-02 primer found a significant (P=0.007) tumor marker band (2000 bp) for SCC patients and no significant bands for BCC. The study succeeded in introducing RAPD for detection of skin cancer beside histopathology. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1665187

Protective effects of jamun (Syzygium cumini) seed and orange (Citrus sinensis) peel extracts against lead-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

The present study investigated histological changes in the kidney of lead treated rats and also evaluated role of jamun (Syzygium cumini) seed and orange (Citrus sinensis) peel extracts in protecting the kidney from lead toxicity. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups, Group A: Control; Group B: Lead (Pb); Group C: Lead and jamun seed extract (Pb+JSE); Group D: Lead + orange peel extract (Pb+OPE); Group E: Orange peel extract (OPE); Group F: Jamun seed extract (JSE). The lead dose was 50 mg/kg body weight (b wt) whereas orange peel and jamun seed extract dose was 200 mg/kg b wt/day. Kidneys were fixed on 15 and 30 day following the treatment. 15 day Pb (Group B) treated rats exhibited shrunken glomeruli while 30 day Pb treated rats revealed tubular degeneration, and glomerular hypertrophy. In Pb+ JSE (Group C) and Pb+OPE (Group D) treated rats for 15 day and 30 day, the kidney exhibits changes similar to those as noticed in Pb exposed rats but to a lesser extent. Kidney of rats treated for 15 and 30 day with Group E (OPE) and Group F (JSE) have not shown any remarkable histological change. The present study clearly indicates that histological structure of kidney can be altered adversely by lead. Also, the present study revealed that lead toxicity to kidney can be protected by supplementation with extracts of jamun seed and orange peel. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1674046

Detecting and disinfecting SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater: techniques, challenges, and strategies

Numerous studies have reported the detection of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in wastewater networks and treatment plants. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has raised concerns about the potential indirect transmission of COVID-19 via fecal-oral route, and the possibility of virus spread in domesticated and wild animals, which could lead the dissemination of the pathogen in future outbreaks through cross-infection. Knowing that inhibiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through aquatic matrices has proven to be of great importance as a control of COVID-19, in this review, the main techniques for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 in aquatic matrices and the main reports on the occurrence and viability of the virus in these environments were described. It was presented the mechanisms of inactivation or removal SARS-CoV-2 through primary sedimentation, secondary biological processes, tertiary chlorination, ozonation, ultraviolet irradiation, membrane filtration, and some of the current emerging technological perspectives, such as retention ponds, disinfection by sunlight, treatment with algae, photocatalysis, thermal treatment and ceramic membranes. The article also highlighted strategies concerning the integration of disinfection methods, decentralization of treatment plants, sewage monitoring, and major challenges faced by researchers and professionals engaged in the disinfection of the new coronavirus in this complex matrix. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1691530

Possibility of liquid smoke from plant waste as an anti-termite agent to protect traditional houses in Indonesia: a systematic review

Indonesia is a country with a rich diversity of traditional houses that represent various ethnic groups and cultures. However, these traditional houses are increasingly being abandoned due to deterioration and termite infestations. One potential method to preserve these cultural assets is by utilizing liquid smoke. This study aims to provide a valuable reference for protecting traditional houses in Indonesia from termite infestations. Liquid smoke is eco-friendly because it utilizes waste from plant species readily available in Indonesia. This systematic review follows the reporting guidelines for Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM). The study identifies three termite families commonly found in residential areas of Indonesia: Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae, and Termitidae. Most frequently reported species are Macrotermes gilvus and Coptotermes curvignathus. The liquid smoke can be produced from 13 plant species from eight families distributed across Indonesia, effectively controlling termite populations. These plant families include Apocynaceae, Arecaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Meliaceae, and Poaceae. Utilizing waste from these plants to produce liquid smoke offers an environmentally friendly alternative for termite control. The application of liquid smoke can play a crucial role in protecting traditional houses in Indonesia from termite infestations, thereby ensuring that these cultural symbols of ethnic identity and heritage are preserved. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1528861

COVID-19 long-term consequences: rapidly progressing cor pulmonale and its relation to hypercoagulation

Patients with COVID-19 exhibit alterations in the coagulation process and are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute cor pulmonale. we described the effects of systemic thrombolysis on acute cor pulmonale in a patient suffering from COVID-19 long-term consequences. We examined the correlation between the Rapidly progressing cor pulmonale and its relation to hypercoagulation in 45 post COVID-19 patients at Osh State University, utilizing laboratory characteristics, radiological studies, and other clinical markers. A negative moderate correlation between PTI% and PT sec, suggesting that as PTI% decreases, the PT sec increases, potentially signalling hypercoagulability and the correlation between these variables is statistically significant (p<0.05). Moreover, a positive moderate correlation between PTI% and fibrinogen, indicating that lower PTI% is associated with higher fibrinogen levels. This correlation was also statistically significant (p<0.05). The study underscores the multifaceted nature of long-term COVID-19 complications, emphasizing the need for comprehensive patient monitoring. The significant correlations involving PTI% could serve as valuable indicators for clinicians to assess the risk of hypercoagulation and inflammation in patients, potentially guiding more tailored and timely interventions. However, the predominance of insignificant correlations calls for cautious interpretation of the results. It suggests that while some relationships between these physiological parameters and long-term COVID-19 complications exist, they may not be straightforward or may be influenced by other factors not captured in this analysis. This highlights the importance of holistic patient assessment and the potential for individual variability in response to long-term COVID-19. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1528854

Microbiological analysis of a synbiotic gut health supplement capsule by metagenomics

Probiotics i.e. the use of living microorganisms for health benefits has been known since ancient times. There is an increasing awareness and concern among the consumers, regulators, medical fraternity, researchers, etc. about these products/supplements formulated to contain single or more beneficiary microorganisms. These microbes may be beneficial independently or synergistically for an individual’s health by protecting against pathogens, reduce metabolic disorders and boost immunity. Nowadays, next generation probiotics are being developed with microbial strains isolated from humans (gut or stool) or genetically engineered microbes for treating specific health condition. Gut microbiome studies have also helped in developing probiotics with novel microorganisms. Synbiotics are products containing prebiotics and probiotics. Food safety agencies provide guidelines to characterize and identify the microbial strains and their role in such products. Traditional, rapid identification and molecular methods as well as clinical trials are included to justify the efficacy and safety of the probiotics and related products. We report here the 16S metagenomics study on a synbiotic supplemental capsule available online containing twenty-five bacterial species. These results reveal the presence of a consortia of bacteria containing many species not mentioned on the product label. It also provides some insights for testing of these products using molecular tools for regulatory purpose. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1654300

Automated particle counting app in liquid medium based on digital image processing

This work introduces the mobile app ContLab with advanced computational code installed on mobile devices (tablet, cellphone, iPad, etc.), with internet access, and compatible with Android operating systems. It is designed to be coupled with a simple microscope for the automated counting of particles, ranging in size from 0.05 µm to 50 µm, within the microfiltration spectrum, and specifically customized for micelle counting produced in fermentable processes. It is an easily accessible and cost-effective device for users interested in micelle counting present in any fermentable broth, such as in the pharmaceutical, food, and brewing industries. The app enhances the speed and precision of results compared to the manual counting method. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1354125