Fusarium solani Upregulated Sesquiterpene Synthase Expression,Sesquiterpene Production and Allelopathic Activity in Piper betle L.

Activators of sesquiterpene synthase (STS) gene expression and sesquiterpene production in Piper betle L. were examined using quantitative real time PCR and gas chromatography mass spectrometry methods, and the allelopathic activity of untreated and Fusarium solani-treated betel extracts was tested on seed germination and on the shoot and root growth of Thai rice variety PSL2 (Oryza sativa cv. Phitsanulok 2) and three dominant paddy weeds (Eclipta prostrata, Echinochloa crus-galli and Chloris barbata). The results demonstrated that F. solani dramatically upregulated STS expression and productions of β-cubebene, β-caryophyllene and germacrene D sesquiterpene when compared with the untreated control, and that betel extracts had a greater inhibitory effect on weeds than on rice. The effects were more clearly detected on seed germination and root growth than on shoot growth, and they were found to be dose-dependent. It is also noted that F. solani-treated extract had stronger effects than the untreated extract. The species most sensitive to the allelopathic effects was C. barbata, germination of which was completely inhibited even at a dose of 0.1 mg/mL untreated extract. With regards to rice, although betel extract at 1.0 mg/mL showed no inhibition on germination, it affected the elongation of rice roots, in addition to those of the tested weeds. The obtained data suggested that F. solani has potential as an activator of sesquiterpene allelochemical production via STS expression, the latter leading to the treated betel extract having a stronger phytotoxic effect. These results were beneficial in the promotion of natural herbicide production using biotechnology.     

Protein and Energy Levels for Maximum Growth, Diet Utilization, Yield of Edible Flesh and Protein Sparing of Hybrid Clarias Catfish (Clarias macrocephalus×Clarias gariepinus)

Abstract— Two feeding trials were performed to determine dietary protein and energy levels for maximum growth, diet utilization, yield of edible flesh and protein sparing of hybrid Clarias catfish ( Clanas macrocephalus × Clarias gariepinus ). A 3 × 3 factorial design was employed for experiment 1 in which nine diets containing either 20, 30 or 40% protein and 275, 300 or 325-kcal digestible energy/100 g were used. The follow-up experiment 2 was a 3 × 2 factorial in which three protein levels (30, 35 and 40%) and two digestible energy levels (275 and 325 kcal/100 g) were tested. Dietary ingredients used in both studies were similar but the ratios of energy provided by dextrin and lard were 11.3/1.0 and 3.8/1.0 for experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Each of the experimental diets was fed to apparent satiation twice daily to three aquaria of fish (15 fish/aquaria) with average weight of 4.0 and 2.0 g for experiment 1 and 2, respectively, for 8 wk. Performance of fish in experiment 1 was mainly influenced by dietary protein rather than by energy levels. Maximum growth and diet utilization were attained at dietary protein and energy levels of 40% and 275 kcal/100 g, respectively. Energy levels did not spare dietary protein in experiment 1. In experiment 2, growth, diet utilization, and yield of edible flesh of fish were influenced by protein and energy levels. Furthermore, the protein sparing effect was observed in experiment 2. Best performance and protein sparing were found at 35% protein and 325-kcal digestible energy/100 g. The studies showed that dietary protein and energy requirement for hybrid Clarias catfish are affected by carbohydrate to lipid ratio. Fish utilize dietary energy with a dextrin to lard ratio of 3.8/1.0 more efficiently than that with a ratio of 11.3/1.0. Therefore, dietary protein and energy for best performance and protein sparing of hybrid Clarias catfish reported for experiment 2 were more appropriate.     

Success of Anterior Chamber Paracentesis as a Treatment for Ocular Setariasis in Equine Eye: Case Report

A 7-year-old, male pony was presented to our facility with progressive corneal opacity and blepharospasm in the right eye. Vision could not be determined. A thread-like parasite was found in the anterior chamber of the eye. Removal of the parasite through the cornea using the aspiration technique could not be accomplished. The parasite was successfully removed by making a stabbing incision, as an alternative, and was identified as belonging to the genus Setaria. In this report, details of the surgical procedures used together with surgical complications have been discussed. Vision was restored in the right eye postoperatively, though local corneal opacity still persists.     

Fusarium solani Upregulated Sesquiterpene Synthase Expression,Sesquiterpene Production and Allelopathic Activity in Piper betle

Activators of sesquiterpene synthase(STS) gene expression and sesquiterpene production in Piper betle L. were examined using quantitative real time PCR and gas chromatography mass spectrometry methods, and the allelopathic activity of untreated and Fusarium solani-treated betel extracts was tested on seed germination and on the shoot and root growth of Thai rice variety PSL2(Oryza sativa cv. Phitsanulok 2) and three dominant paddy weeds(Eclipta prostrata, Echinochloa crus-galli and Chloris barbata). The results demonstrated that F. solani dramatically upregulated STS expression and productions of ?-cubebene, β-caryophyllene and germacrene D sesquiterpene when compared with the untreated control, and that betel extracts had a greater inhibitory effect on weeds than on rice. The effects were more clearly detected on seed germination and root growth than on shoot growth, and they were found to be dose-dependent. It is also noted that F. solani-treated extract had stronger effects than the untreated extract. The species most sensitive to the allelopathic effects was C. barbata, germination of which was completely inhibited even at a dose of 0.1 mg/mL untreated extract. With regards to rice, although betel extract at 1.0 mg/mL showed no inhibition on germination, it affected the elongation of rice roots, in addition to those of the tested weeds. The obtained data suggested that F. solani has potential as an activator of sesquiterpene allelochemical production via STS expression, the latter leading to the treated betel extract having a stronger phytotoxic effect. These results were beneficial in the promotion of natural herbicide production using biotechnology.     

Chemical treatment of wood for musical instruments. Part I: acoustically important properties of wood for the Ranad (Thai traditional xylophone)

The purpose of this study is to determine the important acoustic properties of wood for making Ranad bars and the resonator box. The woods used in this study were separated into two groups. The first group is the type of wood that has been used to make Ranad for centuries: Ching-Chan (Dalbergia oliveri Gamble) and Ma-Had (Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb.) for making the bars, and Ka-Nun (Artocarpus neterophylla Lamk.) out of which the resonator box is made. The second group comprises woods that are abundant in Thailand and are genetically related to the first group. The physical and mechanical properties of the woods in both groups were measured including the specific dynamic Youngs modulus (E/), density (), hardness (H), acoustic conversion efficiency (ACE), and sound refraction coefficients (||). The results revealed that high and consistent || were crucial factors of the Ranad bar properties in addition to E/, , and H. The results from measurements made on the resonator box wood revealed that high E/, ACE, and high and consistent || were its crucial properties.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of topical supernatant from human amniotic membrane cell culture on canine deep corneal ulcer after human amniotic membrane transplantation

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of topically applied human amniotic epithelial cell (HAEC) culture supernatant on corneal inflammatory reaction in dogs. Twenty-five dogs were randomly assigned into five groups. The control group consisted of five dogs with normal cornea. Inductions of corneal ulcers were performed using 0.45 cm trephine and human amniotic membrane was transplanted in 20 dogs. These 20 dogs were assigned into four treatment groups: topical antibiotic, topical corticosteroid, topical mock media and topical culture supernatant from HAEC, respectively. Administrations of the testing agents started at 24 h (h) after transplantation four times daily for nine consecutive days. Tears were collected before an operation 24 h after transplantation, but before application of the testing agents on consecutive odd days following transplantation. The concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO) in tear fluid were measured using canine IL-1β ELISA kit and Griess assay, respectively. Our analysis indicates that elevations of IL-1β and NO concentrations are associated with inflammatory conditions in the eyes. Corticosteroid, a reference anti-inflammatory drug, and the culture supernatant from HAEC significantly decreased IL-1β and NO concentrations. In addition, the clinical signs such as conjunctivitis and neovascularization were decreased in both topical corticosteroid and supernatant from HAEC treated groups. Mock and antibiotic solutions failed to decrease NO and IL-1β concentrations. In conclusion, topical application of the culture supernatant from HAEC alleviated inflammation in induced-corneal ulcer of dogs, possibly via inhibition of IL-1β and NO production.     

Canine amniotic membrane transplantation for corneal reconstruction after the excision of dermoids in dogs

Transplantation of canine amniotic membrane (AM) in conjunction with a third eyelid flap was performed after the removal of large dermoids by keratectomy and conjunctivectomy on 7 eyes of 7 dogs. Corneal epithelialization was completed within 2 weeks after the transplantation. Five eyes attained normal transparency of the cornea within 5 weeks. Slight pigmentation of the bulbar conjunctiva at the limbus was observed in 1 dog that had pre-existing pigmentary keratitis. Neovascularization and scarring of the cornea and impaired vision were not found in any dogs at 8 weeks after the transplantation. In conclusion, transplantation of canine AM can promote corneal healing after the excision of large dermoids in dogs.     

Optimization of chitosan flocculation for phytoplankton removal in shrimp culture ponds

The removal of phytoplankton cells from aquaculture systems generally results in the reduction of nitrogenous waste and improves water quality. With this study, the effects of chitosan concentration, environmental condition and pH adjustment on flocculation of phytoplankton in marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture tanks were investigated. The remaining phytoplankton and suspended solids in the system were indicators for evaluating the efficiency of chitosan on flocculation. The results indicate that the flocculation efficiency of chitosan was highest (>85%) and remained fairly constant at a chitosan concentration of 40–80 mg L^?1 and a pH range of 7–9 after chitosan addition. With this novel technique including 40 mg L^?1 chitosan addition, pH adjustment to 6.5 and then to 8.5, high efficiency and consistency of flocculation were achieved. This technique could also be applied with various water alkalinity up to 400 mg CaCO₃ L^?1. The experiment for phytoplankton removal by chitosan flocculation in the recirculating aquaculture system showed that flocculation efficiency remained constant even though flocculation was repeated several times.