Acta Biologica Szegediensis

The analysis of the histomorphometric characteristics and ultrastructural features of the liver in response to environmental cycle desynchronization in the wild desert rodent (Gerbillus tarabuli)

2024-06-08T08:35:32+00:00

The architecture of the hepatic tissue in the nocturnal wild desert rodent (Gerbillus tarabuli) subjected to a shifted LD (Light/Dark) cycle was investigated using transmission electron microscopy and histomorphometry. Investigation involved two groups: the control group (n = 5), exposed to the regular LD cycle (LD: 12:12), and the shifted group (n = 5), exposed to the LD regimen with a prolonged light phase of 8 h, in a day by day alternation with regular LD cycle (LD: 12:12 / LD: 20:4) during 12 weeks. Histological examination showed in the shifted group disorganization of hepatocyte trabeculae, sinusoidal dilatation, and inflammatory cell infiltration around the portal tracts. Morphometric results revealed hypertrophy of hepatocytes with a size of 29.83 ± 1.69 μm vs. 17.52 ± 0.81 μm and of their nuclei diameter with 8.69 ± 0.25 μm vs. 6.55 ± 0.15 μm. This increase is highly significant (p<0.001) and represents an increase of 70.17% and 32.67%, respectively. We also noticed a significant increase in the number of binucleated cells compared to the control group with an average of 9.73 ± 0.98 vs. 5.53 ± 0.38 binucleated hepatocytes per area unit, respectively. Ultrastructural analysis corroborated the histological findings, confirming the installation of inflammatory foci, characterized by portal and intraparenchymal infiltration of leukocytes, proliferation of Kupffer cells and stellate cells, as well as an expansion of collagen fiber deposits. Electron microscopy also revealed in the shifted group some hepatocytic lesional features represented by vacuolar or liquefied cytoplasm associated with degenerative mitochondria and a rarefaction of organelles in addition to an abundance of lysosomes. Additionally, strong glycogen depletion was observed at the metabolic level. This study showed that 12 weeks of lengthening the light phase of the LD cycle, corresponding to the gerbil's resting period, had a discernible impact on hepatocellular activity, making G. tarabuli an interesting model to study the influence of artificial light at night as a circadian rhythm disruptor.

Protective effects of black shallot extract against acetaminophen- induced nephrotoxicity in mice

2024-06-08T08:55:31+00:00

Acetaminophen (APAP), widely recognized for its analgesic and antipyretic properties, poses a risk of renal toxicity in cases of overdose. Traditional herbal remedies are frequently employed to counteract drug-induced renal damage. This study focuses on black shallot, an innovative food product derived from Allium ascalonicum, a plant highly valued in traditional Vietnamese medicine. The aim is to explore the protective effects of black shallot ethanol extract (BSEE) against APAP-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. BSEE was orally administered at various doses (200, 250, and 300 mg/kg) in combination with APAP (3 g/kg). N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (50 mg/kg) served as the reference drug, while saline (10 mL/kg) functioned as the negative control. Evaluations encompassed renal histology, serum and urine renal function tests, antioxidant enzyme concentrations (SOD, CAT, and GPx), lipid peroxidation, and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). The findings indicated significant alterations in total protein, albumin, BUN, and serum/urine CRE concentrations (P < 0.05), coupled with a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P < 0.05) and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P < 0.05). Remarkable elevations were observed in antioxidant enzyme concentrations, including renal catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (P < 0.05). The macroscopic and microscopic structures of the kidneys exhibited significant improvement. Consequently, BSEE effectively safeguards against APAP-induced renal damage, as evidenced by enhanced renal structure, reduced inflammation, and biochemical modulation, highlighting its potential therapeutic application in preventing APAP-induced nephrotoxicity.

Effect of three different lairage times (0, 18 and 24 hours) on meat quality parameters in camels

2024-06-08T09:05:44+00:00

Animal stress has frequently been linked to pre-slaughter operations, particularly the transportation and handling process. Therefore, it is assumed that an optimal lairage time before slaughter will exert positive effects on the animal's welfare and meat quality. However, the impact of this practice on camels is unknown. This study aimed to assess the influence of three lairage durations: 0 h (L0), 18 h (L18), and 24 h (L24) on the quality of camel meat. Ninety adult male camels aged 6 years were included in this study. Longissimus lumborum was sampled to analyze for muscle glycogen, muscle pH (45 min; 48 h), muscle temperature (45 min; 48 h), electrical conductivity (45 min; 48 h), drip loss (DL), cooking loss (CL), and thawing loss (TL). The L24 group had the lowest (p < 0.05) of muscle glycogen and the highest ultimate pH (48 h). Further, the L24 group had the lowest muscle temperature, electrical conductivity, drip loss, and thawing loss (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a lairage period of 24 h is recommended in the field conditions studied here for full recovery from stress response caused by the pre-slaughter process and for achieving better camel meat quality.

Development and Evaluation of Vegan Yogurts and Sour Milk Alternatives from White Lupin (Lupinus albus L.)

2024-06-08T09:37:41+00:00

Cow milk allergy (CMA) triggers a clinically abnormal immunological response to cow milk proteins. To address this issue, extensive studies have explored milk alternatives from various animal and plant sources. This study introduces a method for producing white lupin milk, resulting in fermented dairy-like products (vegan yogurt and sour milk alternatives). Four commercial yogurt cultures, including two mesophilic (CHN-11, CHN-22) and two thermophilic (YC-380, YC-X11) mixed bacterial cultures, were tested, with thermophilic ones yielding superior sensory outcomes for lupin-based yogurt alternatives. Incorporating inulin (2%) enhanced sensory appeal, particularly evident in strawberry and peach-flavoured variants, which achieved sensory scores comparable to cow milk yogurts. Furthermore, white lupin-based yogurts demonstrated superior water-holding capacity (up to 47.11 g/100 g in comparison with 42.35 g/100 g measured for cow milk yogurt), influencing texture and mouthfeel. They also exhibited favourable fatty acid profiles, notably rich in beneficial unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acid (up to 10.15% and 8.43%, respectively), indicating potential health benefits. Sensory evaluation underscored the impact of starter cultures on product attributes, with certain cultures yielding more favourable results. In conclusion, white lupin emerges as a promising alternative protein source with the potential to produce high-quality dairylike products. While white lupin-based products hold promise as functional foods for individuals with specific dietary needs, further research is necessary to address potential allergenic concerns associated with white lupin proteins.

Understanding the bacteria in Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) from a bioinformatic perspective – a review

2024-06-08T09:45:13+00:00

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) houses a group of non-tuberculous mycobacteria causing pulmonary and disseminated infections. They are accountable for nodular bronchiectatic and fibrocavitary lung diseases in humans, Johne’s disease in ruminants, and respiratory diseases in birds. MAC infections pose challenges, owing to antibiotic resistance, prolonged therapy with antibiotic combinations, side effects, and risk of reinfections. Our objective was to summarize the outcome of computational research on the bacteria in MAC. This aimed to advance our understanding of characteristics, pathogenicity, and transmission dynamics to control infections. We incorporated information from the research on genomes, microbiomes, phylogeny, transcriptomes, proteomes, antibiotic resistance, and vaccine/drug target development to enhance our knowledge. It illuminated the significance of computational studies in distinguishing MAC species/subspecies and recognizing: virulence factors, lineage-specific markers, and transmission clusters. Moreover, it assisted in understanding: genomic diversity, resistance patterns, impact of polymorphisms in disease susceptibility, and taxa-induced dysbiosis in microbiomes. Additionally, this work highlighted the outcome of bioinformatic studies in predicting suitable vaccine epitopes, and novel drug targets to combat MAC infections. Bioinformatic research on bacteria within MAC has contributed to a deeper insight into the pathogens. These would facilitate better diagnosis, improved: therapeutic strategies, patient-specific surveillance, and community-level awareness.

Dry matter distribution, yield and seed quality of soybean (Glycine max) genotypes as affected by water stress

2024-06-08T09:56:02+00:00

Water stress is a major constraint for crop productivity and culturing right cultivars may produce a considerable yield under such stressful condition. An experiment was conducted inside a vinyl house to evaluate the effect of water stress on dry matter distribution, yield, and seed quality of eight soybean genotypes, viz. G00006, BD2336, AGS383, PK472, BCS-1, NCS-1, BU Soybean-1 and BARI Soybean-6. They were grown in pots and subjected to water stress (20% of field capacity, FC) and control (80% of FC). The water stress reduced plant height, leaf number, leaf, stem, and root dry matter by 23, 45, 46, 45 and 19%, respectively, across the genotypes. Under water stress, the soybean genotypes G00006, BCS-1, NCS-1 and BARI Soybean-6 beard only 6 to 30% pod and 5 to 34% seed compared to the control condition. The results further indicated that yield of BD2336 and AGS383 were less affected by the stress than those of other genotypes. Interestingly, water stress exerted positive effect on seed germination, viability, speed of germination and vigor index in BD2336 and AGS383, respectively. Nitrogen and seed protein content were found the highest in BCS-1 under control (9.82 and 58.42% respectively) followed by AGS383. Phosphorus content in seed also reduced by the stress in the tested genotypes, except BD2336 (0.29% in control and 0.96% in water stress) and BARI Soybean-6. Potassium content in seed was reduced by the stress in the tested genotypes, except G00006 and BARI Soybean-6. Based on the findings related to water stress effects on yield and seed quality, particularly seed protein of the tested eight soybean genotypes, it was concluded that genotypes AGS383 and BD2336 might be considered for field trial under water deficit condition.

Lemma and palea micromorphological study of Setaria species (Poaceae) in Iran

2024-06-08T10:03:11+00:00

Setaria (Poaceae, Paniceae, Cenchrinae) comprises 136 species worldwide and 3 species in Iran. This weedy grass is distributed in various parts of the world. In this study, the characters of the lemma and palea of 9 populations of Setaria were studied micromorphologically using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to identify diagnostic characters for the delimitation of the studied species. A total of 18 qualitative and quantitative characters of the lemma and palea surfaces were considered. Different shapes of microhairs, epicuticular wax, and the occurrence of cork cells and silica cells were evident in the studied taxa. The results of this study revealed the taxonomic value of floret micromorphological characters in Setaria species.