Search Results (48)

Background/Objectives: Glycogen storage disease type II, also known as Pompe disease (PD), is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder triggered by a deficiency in lysosomal acid α-glucosidase (GAA). Recently, we discovered two deleterious missense variants of the GAA gene, c.1799G>A (p.Arg600His) (a pathogenic mutation) and c.55G>A (p.Val19Met), in a domestic short-haired cat with PD. This study aimed to design genotyping assays for these two variants and ascertain their allele frequencies in Japanese cat populations. Methods: We developed fluorescent probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction assays to genotype the c.1799G>A and c.55G>A variants. A total of 738 cats, comprising 99 purebred cats from 20 breeds and 540 mixed-breed cats, were screened using these assays. Results: Genotyping assays clearly differentiated all known genotypes of the two variants. None of the 738 cats tested carried the c.1799G>A variant. However, we identified cats with c.55G/A and c.55A/A genotypes in the purebred (A allele frequency: 0.081) and mixed-breed cats (0.473). A significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in the A allele frequency between the two groups. Conclusions: The c.1799G>A mutation appears rare in cat populations, suggesting it may be confined to specific pedigree Japanese mixed-breed cats. The c.55G>A variant was detected in purebred and mixed-breed cats, suggesting that it may not be directly linked to feline PD. However, additional studies are required to elucidate the precise relationship between this variant and cardiac function. Genotyping assays will serve as valuable tools for diagnosing and genotyping feline PD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Variations in hair length are observed in many dog breeds, as determined by the canine FGF5 gene. Long-haired Akitas, which are disqualified under breeding standards of Akitas, are sometimes born to short-haired parents and may have been subjected to treatments compromising animal welfare. Here, we aimed to identify an FGF5 variant associated with hair coat variations in Akitas in Japan, and to assess how welfare of this breed can be improved by carefully planned breeding. Methods: DNA samples were obtained from 60 Akitas in 2021 (modern Akitas) and 73 Akitas in the 1970s and the 1980s (classic Akitas). Sanger sequencing was performed on all exons and exon–intron junctions of the FGF5 gene to determine the causative variant of long hair in Akitas. A real-time PCR assay was developed to genotype FGF5:c.578C>T in modern and classic Akitas. Using 54 dogs from modern Akitas, scores (1 to 10) of hair length were compared among the three genotypes (C/C, C/T, and T/T). Results: Sanger sequencing revealed that the canine FGF5:c.578C>T variant was associated with long hair in Akitas in Japan. Genotyping revealed that the frequency of the mutant T allele was 0.350 in modern Akitas, which was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in classic Akitas (0.212). The three genotypes were not in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in modern Akitas but were in HWE in classic Akitas. There were significant differences in hair length scores among the three genotypes (p < 0.001) and between the C/C and C/T genotypes (p < 0.005). There was no significant difference in the scores between male and female dogs. Conclusions: This study revealed that a causative variant that determines the long hair trait of Akitas in Japan was the FGF5:c.578C>T variant, which was inherited in an incompletely dominant manner. Akita dog breeders were more likely to select heterozygous C/T dogs based on the appearance of the hair coat for breeding dogs with an ideal fluffy hair coat. This might result in a high mutant T allele frequency and the production of undesired long-haired Akitas with T/T, which may create welfare problems. Genetic testing for this variant is necessary to improve welfare and conserve the Akita breed. Full article

The Fauzderhat coast of Chattogram (Bangladesh) is increasingly affected anthropogenic pressures, necessitating an understanding of its ecological conditions to inform effective ecosystem management. Despite this urgency, the local succession patterns and environmental impacts on macrobenthic communities remain poorly understood. This study examines the saltmarsh bed macrobenthos in Fauzderhat, documenting 81,724 individuals from 54 species. These include ten families and twenty-two species of annelids, ten and twelve species of arthropods, and ten and eleven species of mollusks, as well as six and nine species from different phyla. Seasonality showed significantly different patterns of changes, with the number of species and abundance peaking during the monsoon (53 species) and post-monsoon (21,969) conditions, respectively, and being lowest in the post-monsoon condition (39 species) and winter (18,265 individuals). Species richness, diversity, and evenness were significantly higher in monsoon and lower in post-monsoon conditions, with the differences being only significant in the former. Cluster analysis and line graphs indicated that average species abundance was lowest post-monsoon, increased through the winter and pre-monsoon conditions, then declined again during monsoon conditions. SIMPER analysis revealed the highest dissimilarity between pre-monsoon and post-monsoon conditions while winter and post-monsoon conditions showed the lowest dissimilarity of microbenthic assemblages. Correlation coefficients showed the macrobenthos were positively correlated with soil salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH, while they were negatively correlated with sand, Inundation Period, and nutrients. CCA showed that monsoon conditions (higher water temperature, inundation period, and tidal height) created unfavorable environments for most species, except for several species. Conversely, winter favored species like M. oligobranchia. Post-monsoon nutrient levels increased stress, reducing species presence, while pre-monsoon conditions supported balanced diversity. Full article

RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a potent mechanism for combating pathogenic fungi and oomycetes over the past decades. It offers a promising gene-silencing approach by targeting crucial genes involved in diseases caused by economically and scientifically significant fungal pathogens, such as Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium species. Simultaneously, nano-agro-products have gained attention as alternatives to traditional fungicides in plant protection strategies. However, the instability of naked RNA molecules outside the cellular environment presents a challenge, as they degrade rapidly, limiting their efficacy for prolonged disease control. Concerns regarding the toxicity of protective nanoparticles to non-target organisms have also arisen. Integrating RNAi with nano-agro-products, particularly nanocarriers, to form RNA-nano complexes has demonstrated significant potential, providing enhanced RNA stability, reduced toxicity, and extended disease control. This review explores the mechanisms of RNA-nano complexes-mediated plant protection, addressing RNA stability and nano-toxicity issues while examining the prospects of RNA-nano complex research in plant pathogen management. Full article

One of the oldest techniques for preserving food is drying. Dehydrating foods reduces their moisture content and increases their shelf life by preventing microbiological activity. Food placed on the ground to dry in the sun is a common sight in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries but requires a large amount of land and can lead to food degradation by overexposure to the sun, insects, and vermin. This study designed, fabricated, and evaluated the performance of a solar dryer in comparison to direct sun drying for efficiency and product quality, utilizing bananas and potatoes as representative foods. The dryer was produced and tested within the context of Bangladesh, unlike other commercial devices. With its mild steel frame, fan, solar collector, and DC battery, the dryer achieved a drying efficiency of 49.2% by reaching a drying chamber temperature of 71 °C, which is 30 °C higher than ambient. Drying times were decreased, and samples of potatoes and bananas reached equilibrium moisture content in 6 h as opposed to 9 h for direct sun drying. The moisture content of solar-dried foods was between 12 and 13 percent, making them appropriate for long-term storage. Bioactive substances such as phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity were reduced by 18% and 21%, respectively, in comparison to direct sun drying. Quality assessments showed that there was little loss in color and nutrients for solar-dried samples. With a one-year payback period, an economic attribute of 3.26, and a life cycle benefit of BDT 310,651 (USD 2597.68), economics show the dryer’s feasibility. The solar dryer functioned faster than direct sun drying due to its significantly higher heat generation. The solar dryer was more efficient, effective, and economic within the context of Bangladesh and other low- and middle-income countries. Full article

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). Nevertheless, curcumin is the most researched active ingredient for its numerous pharmacological effects. We investigated the impact of these curcuminoids found in Ryudai gold, an approved cultivar of Curcuma longa, on wound healing, inflammation, and diabetes. Sub-planter injections of carrageenan induced acute paw inflammation in rats. The wound-healing ability of 1% curcuminoids was examined by making a 6 mm round wound on the shaved dorsum of the mice with a biopsy punch. A single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes in mice. Curcuminoids at a dose rate of 100 mg/kg body weight were used with feed and as a gastric gavage to treat diabetes and inflammation in experimental animals. Paw thickness was measured at 1, 3, and 6 h following carrageenan injection. After three hours, mean paw volume was 58% in carrageenan-injected mice, which was 35%, 37%, and 31% in the curcumin, DMC, and BDMC groups, respectively. Histopathology of the paw tissue demonstrated severe infiltration of inflammatory cells and thickening of the dermis, which were remarkably improved by the curcuminoids. The wound-healing abilities were significantly higher in the curcumin- (95.0%), DMC- (93.17%), and BDMC-treated (89.0%) groups, in comparison to that of the control (65.09%) group at day nine. There were no significant differences in wound-healing activity among the groups treated with 1% curcuminoids throughout the study. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes was characterized by an increased blood glucose (552.2 mg/dL) and decreased body weight (31.2 g), compared to that of the control rats (145.6 mg/dL and 46.8 g blood glucose and body weight, respectively). It also caused an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT; 44.2 U/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 55.8 U/L) compared to that of the control group (18.6 U/L and 20.1 U/L, respectively). Histopathological examination of the liver showed that diabetes caused hepatic cellular necrosis, congestion of the central vein, and parenchymatous degeneration. However, all three curcuminoids significantly decreased blood glucose levels, ALT, and AST and improved the histopathological score of the liver. These results evidenced that not only curcumin but also DMC and BDMC have potent anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and anti-diabetic efficacy, and the Ryudai gold variety of turmeric could be used as a functional food supplement. Full article

We evaluated the relationship between decreased pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) levels, inflammatory parameters (serum amyloid A [SAA] and milk amyloid A [MAA]), postpartum inflammatory conditions (mastitis, ketosis, and follicular cysts), and the FOXP3 gene. Nineteen Holstein-Friesian cows were included in this study. Up to approximately eight weeks after delivery, weekly health examinations were performed for mastitis and ketosis, and reproductive organ ultrasonography was performed. The decreasing PAG rate was negatively correlated with SAA concentration (r = −0.493, p = 0.032). Cows with mastitis exhibited a slower trend of PAG decrease (p = 0.095), and a greater percentage of these cows had MAA concentrations above 12 µg/mL (p = 0.074) compared with those without mastitis. A negative correlation, although nonsignificant (r = −0.263, p = 0.385), was observed between the day-open period and decreased PAG rate. The day-open period was correlated with the presence or absence of follicular cysts (p = 0.046). Four cows that developed follicular cysts were homozygous for the G allele of the FOXP3 gene related to repeat breeders. These results indicate a relationship between a decreased PAG rate and inflammatory status during the postpartum period. Thus, suppressing inflammation during the perinatal period may improve reproductive efficiency in the dairy industry. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance has recently been considered an emerging catastrophe globally. The public health and environmental threats were aggravated by the injudicious use of antibiotics in animal farming, aquaculture, and croup fields, etc. Consequently, failure of antibiotic therapies is common because of the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in the environment. Thus, the reduction in antibiotic spillage in the environment could be an important step for overcoming this situation. Bear in mind, this research was focused on the green synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles (ChiNPs) using Citrus lemon (Assam lemon) extract as a cross-linker and application in controlling MDR bacteria to reduce the antibiotic spillage in that sector. For evaluating antibacterial activity, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were isolated from environmental specimens, and their multidrug-resistant pattern were identified both phenotypically by disk diffusion and genotypically by detecting methicillin- (mecA), penicillin- (blaZ), and streptomycin (aadA1)-resistance encoding genes. The inhibitory zone’s diameter was employed as a parameter for determining the antibacterial effect against MDR bacteria revealing 30 ± 0.4 mm, 34 ± 0.2 mm, and 36 ± 0.8 mm zones of inhibition against methicillin- (mecA) and penicillin (blaZ)-resistant S. aureus, and streptomycin (aadA1)-resistant E. coli, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration at 0.31 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration at 0.62 mg/mL of yielded ChiNPs were used as the broad-spectrum application against MDR bacteria. Finally, the biocompatibility of ChiNPs was confirmed by showing a negligible decrease in BHK-21 cell viability at doses less than 2 MIC, suggesting their potential for future application in antibiotic-free farming practices. Full article

Bovine ocular diseases are typically characterized by the concurrent appearances of both macroscopic and intraocular abnormalities. This study examines the diagnostic efficacy of a combination of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the bilateral ocular disease observed in a 9-month-old Japanese Black heifer. This case presented with bilateral strabismus and a white-colored lens structure in the right eye. A combination of ultrasonography and MRI revealed formations of corn-like and V-shaped membranous structures within the vitreous cavities of the left and right eyeballs, respectively. In the right eye, a cataract was suspected on both ultrasonogram and MRI. This case involved bilateral retinal detachments and strabismus similar to the signs of an autosomal recessive hereditary ocular disease; however, the cataract in the right eye differed from that hereditary disease. Finally, in genetic analysis, a known mutation of the WFDC1 gene was not detected. Ultrasonography is superior to MRI in demonstrating intraocular pathological changes. On the other hand, MRI is helpful for evaluating invasiveness of the ocular lesions to the peripheral structures. Thus, the combined use of these imaging modalities is recommended for diagnosing various bovine ocular diseases. Full article

When growing rice, nitrogen (N) is the most vital component since it determines how much grain the crop will produce. Among the many causes of rice’s low productivity, improper nitrogen supply and inefficient nitrogen use are thought to be an important issue. In order to ensure sustainable N-management as well as to lower N-losses, it was decided to investigate how various rice cultivars react to both organic and inorganic nitrogen sources, as well as how weed infestation behavior changes with these sources in boro rice fields. Five distinct fertilizer combinations, including the control, were tested in an entirely block design that was randomized and had three replications. Each of the following sources of N: urea (prilled) at 100% of the RD (N_100PU), poultry manure at 100% of the RD (N_100PM), urea at 50% of the RD + poultry manure at 50% of the RD (N_50PU+50PM), and urea super granule at 100% of the RD (2.7 g per 4 hills) (N_USG) were administered on BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan88, BRRI dhan92 and BRRI dhan96, respectively. It is observed that N_50PU+50PM was beneficial for weed among the nitrogen sources. But comparatively less weed invasion was noticed in the N_USG treated plots next to control specially in BRRI dhan29. With the use of N_USG, all of the varieties tested in this experimentation generated greater grain yield than they did with the use of the other nitrogen sources. When treated with N_USG, BRRI dhan29 showed a rise in grain yield around 64.34% and a greater nitrogen utilization efficiency compared to control. When benefit cost ratio (BCR) is considered, both the BCR and net income were the highest for the BRRI dhan29 variety while N_USG was employed. Finally, it can be inferred that, in comparison to other sources, the combination of BRRI dhan29 with application of N_USG appeared as the promising combination in order to increase grain production while improving nitrogen use efficiency, greatest BCR and to lessen the infestation of weeds throughout the boro season. Full article

Shrimp aquaculture has become a vital industry, meeting the growing global demand for seafood. Shrimp viral diseases have posed significant challenges to the aquaculture industry, causing major economic losses worldwide. Conventional treatment methods have proven to be ineffective in controlling these diseases. However, recent advances in RNA interference (RNAi) technology have opened new possibilities for combating shrimp viral diseases. This cutting-edge technology uses cellular machinery to silence specific viral genes, preventing viral replication and spread. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of RNAi-based therapies in various model organisms, paving the way for their use in shrimp health. By precisely targeting viral pathogens, RNAi has the potential to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to combat viral diseases in shrimp aquaculture. This review paper provides an overview of RNAi-based therapy and its potential as a game-changer for shrimp viral diseases. We discuss the principles of RNAi, its application in combating viral infections, and the current progress made in RNAi-based therapy for shrimp viral diseases. We also address the challenges and prospects of this innovative approach. Full article

In Bangladesh’s hill regions, where there is less cultivable land, increasing crop output requires efficient land use. Thus, in this challenging farming setting, two crop-based patterns evolved into three or four crop-based patterns. To increase cropping intensity and farmer income by incorporating mustard and mungbean in a rice-based cropping pattern, a field experiment was carried out at Sadar and Panchari Upazila, Khagrachhari during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. Two years’ mean data (using a block farming approach) showed that the modified pattern had produced a much higher yield through improved management practices. In the improved cropping pattern (Transplant aman (T. aman)–mustard–mungbean–aus rice), a higher rice equivalent yield (16.25 t ha⁻¹) was found due to the inclusion of mustard and mungbean in the existing rice-based cropping patterns T. aman–fallow–boro (9.87 t ha⁻¹) and T. aman–fallow–tomato (9.09 t ha⁻¹). The gross margin from the improved cropping pattern was 448,715 BDT, which was 44.26% higher than the mean gross margin (311,050 BDT) of the two existing cropping patterns. Farmers are interested in growing mustard and mungbean since both can easily cultivated in hilly areas and can yield great economic returns quickly. For the large-scale production of oil and pulse, the T. aman–mustard–mungbean–aus rice cropping pattern might be introduced in the Khagrachhari district of Bangladesh. Full article

Niemann–Pick disease (NP) type C is an autosomal, recessive, and inherited neurovisceral genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and glycolipids in cellular lysosomes and late endosomes, with a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. This study aimed to determine the molecular genetic alterations in two cases of felines with NP in Japan, a Siamese cat in 1989 and a Japanese domestic (JD) cat in 1998. Sanger sequencing was performed on 25 exons of the feline NPC1 gene and 4 exons of the feline NPC2 gene, using genomic DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. The sequenced exons were compared with reference sequences retrieved from the GenBank database. The identified mutations and alterations were then analyzed using different prediction algorithms. No pathogenic mutations were found in feline NPC1; however, c.376G>A (p.V126M) was identified as a pathogenic mutation in the NPC2 gene. The Siamese cat was found to be homozygous for this mutation. The JD cat was heterozygous for the same mutation, but no other exonic NPC2 mutation was found. Furthermore, the JD cat had a homozygous splice variant (c.364-4C>T) in the NPC2 gene, which is not known to be associated with this disease. The NPC2:c.376G>A (p.V126M) mutation is the second reported pathogenic mutation in the feline NPC2 gene that may be present in the Japanese cat population. Full article

Glycogen storage disease type II (Pompe disease: PD) is an autosomal recessively inherited fatal genetic disorder that results from the deficiency of a glycogen hydrolyzing enzyme, acid α-glucosidase encoded by the GAA gene. Here, we describe the molecular basis of genetic defects in an 8-month-old domestic short-haired cat with PD. The cat was previously diagnosed with PD based on the clinical and pathological findings of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and excessive accumulation of glycogen in the cardiac muscles. Sanger sequencing was performed on 20 exons of the feline GAA gene using genomic DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded liver tissues. The affected cat was found to be homozygous for the GAA:c.1799G>A mutation resulting in an amino acid substitution (p.R600H) of acid α-glucosidase, a codon position of which is identical with three missense mutations (p.R600C, p.R600L, and p.R600H) causing human infantile-onset PD (IOPD). Several stability and pathogenicity predictors have also shown that the feline mutation is deleterious and severely decreases the stability of the GAA protein. The clinical, pathological, and molecular findings in the cat were similar to those of IOPD in humans. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pathogenic mutation in a cat. Feline PD is an excellent model for human PD, especially IOPD. Full article

In an experimental investigation, we looked into how different zinc (Zn) and boron (B) dosages affected the production and the amount of oil in mustard. Zn and B treatments, respectively, were separated into four levels: 0, 1, 2, 4, and 0, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 kg per hectare. We observed considerable Zn as well as B effects on mustard yield and its oil content. The maximum (1.6 Ton per hectare) and minimum (1.3 T ha⁻¹) seed output, the maximum (1.9 T ha⁻¹) and minimum (1.5 T ha⁻¹) stover production, the maximum (4.9) and minimum (3.99) number branches plant⁻¹, and the longest (114.6 cm) and shortest (87.44 cm) plant height were observed from 4 kg of Zn ha⁻¹ and 0 kg of Zn ha⁻¹, respectively. On the other hand, we discovered that applying 0.8 kg and 0 kg of B ha⁻¹, respectively, resulted in the highest (1.6 T ha⁻¹) and lowest (1.3 T ha⁻¹) seed yield, the highest (1.8 T ha⁻¹) and lowest (1.5 T ha⁻¹) stover yield, the maximum (4.75) and minimum (4.02) number of branches plant⁻¹, and the longest (118.7 cm) and shortest (85.15 cm) plant heights. The maximum seed (1.9 T ha⁻¹) and stover output (2.0 T ha⁻¹), tallest plant (140.9 cm), and most branches per plant⁻¹ (5.47) were obtained when 4 kg of Zn ha⁻¹ was given with 0.8 kg of B ha⁻¹. However, while Zn and B were not applied, the lowest output for all of the crop attributes assessed was observed. As a result, for mustard, 4 kg of Zn ha⁻¹ combined with 0.8 kg of B ha⁻¹ may be advised as an effective approach in terms of seed yield and oil content. Full article