Prevalence of Leptospira serogroup-specific antibodies in cattle associated with reproductive problems in endemic states of India

Tropical Animal Health and Production - In this study, the seroprevalence and distribution of Leptospira in dairy cattle in endemic states of India were investigated in association with...     

Changes in the expression of toll-like receptor mRNAs during follicular growth and in response to lipopolysaccharide in the ovarian follicles of laying hens

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in hen ovarian follicles during follicular growth and in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). White follicles and the fifth largest to largest follicles (WF and F(5)-F(1), respectively) were collected from laying hens. To examine the effects of LPS, the laying hens were treated intravenously with LPS (1 mg/kg BW) 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h before examination. Expressions of TLRs and IL-1beta in the theca and granulosa layers were examined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Immunocytochemistry was performed to identify immunoreactive TLR-4. The theca layer expressed TLR-2, TLR-4, TLR-5 and TLR-7, whereas the granulosa layer expressed only TLR-4 and TLR-5. The expression of TLR-4 and TLR-5 in the theca layer increased significantly during follicular growth. In the granulosa layer, the expression of TLR-5 increased, but that of TLR-4 was unchanged. Expression of TLR-4 increased significantly during the period of 6 to 12 h of LPS treatment in the theca layer and during the period of 12 to 24 h in the granulosa layer of F(3). Immunoreaction products for TLR-4 were observed in theca interna and granulosa layers of WF and F(5)-F(1), with the greater amount observed in the theca interna. LPS treatment significantly increased expression of IL-1beta in the theca layer after 3 h and in the granulosa layer during the period of 12 to 24 h. These results suggest that TLRs are expressed in ovarian follicles and that TLR-4 and TLR-5 expression increase with the growth of follicles. Enhanced expression of TLR-4 and IL-1beta by LPS in the theca and granulosa layers suggests possible roles of TLR in recognition of microorganisms.     

Short-rotation woody crops and phytoremediation: Opportunities for agroforestry?

Agroforestry Systems - Worldwide, fuelwood demands, soil and groundwater contamination, and agriculture's impact on nature are growing concerns. Fast growing trees in short rotation woody crop...     

Varietal differences in the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from mango (Mangifera indica) and papaya (Carica papaya) fruits

Mango and papaya, which are rich sources of beta-carotene, are widely consumed in India. In this study, beta-carotene content and its bioaccessibility were determined in six locally available varieties of mango, namely, Badami, Raspuri, Mallika, Malgoa, Totapuri, and Neelam, and two varieties of papaya, namely, Honey Dew and Surya. Varietal differences were evident in both beta-carotene content and its bioaccessibility in the case of mango. beta-Carotene content in ripe mango ranged from 0.55 +/- 0.03 mg/100 g in the Malgoa variety to 3.21 +/- 0.25 mg/100 g in the Badami variety. Similarly, in the Honey Dew and Surya varieties of papaya, beta-carotene contents were 0.70 +/- 0.10 and 0.74 +/- 0.12 mg/100 g, respectively. Bioaccessibility of beta-carotene ranged from 24.5% in Badami to 39.1% in Raspuri varieties of mango. Considering both the percent bioaccessibility and the inherent beta-carotene content, the amount of bioaccessible beta-carotene was highest in the Mallika variety (0.89 mg/100 g), followed by Badami (0.79 mg/100 g). Because mango and papaya are also consumed as a blend with milk, the influence of the presence of milk on the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from these fruits was also examined. Addition of milk generally brought about a significant increase in the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from mango, the increase ranging from 12 to 56%. Bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from the two varieties of papaya examined was similar (31.4-34.3%). Addition of milk increased this bioaccessibility by 19 and 38% in these two varieties. Considering the beta-carotene content of mango and papaya, the latter has to be consumed in amounts roughly 3 times that of mango to derive the same amount of beta-carotene. Thus, this study has indicated that varietal differences exist in the content and bioaccessibility of beta-carotene in mango and that the addition of milk is advantageous in deriving this provitamin A from the fruit pulp of mango and papaya.     

Studies on the antioxidant activities of natural vanilla extract and its constituent compounds through in vitro models

Vanilla extract was prepared by extraction of cured vanilla beans with aqueous ethyl alcohol (60%). The extract was profiled by HPLC, wherein major compounds, viz., vanillic acid, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillin, could be identified and separated. Extract and pure standard compounds were screened for antioxidant activity using beta-carotene-linoleate and DPPH in vitro model systems. At a concentration of 200 ppm, the extract showed 26% and 43% of antioxidant activity by beta-carotene-linoleate and DPPH methods, respectively, in comparison to corresponding values of 93% and 92% for BHA. Interestingly, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol exhibited antioxidant activity of 65% and 45% by beta-carotene-linoleate method and 90% and 50% by DPPH methods, respectively. In contrast, pure vanillin exhibited much lower antioxidant activity. The present study points toward the potential use of vanilla extract components as antioxidants for food preservation and in health supplements as nutraceuticals.     

Taste panel assessment and proximate composition of cultured and wild sea scallops, Placopecten magellanicus (Gmelin)

Cage-cultured and wild sea scallops, Placopecten magellanicus, sampled from a location in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, were assessed by taste panels. Of the five sensory variables investigated (appearance, odor, texture, flavor and overall acceptability), only appearance (P ≤ 0.01) and overall acceptability (P ≤ 0.05) showed significant differences between the two groups. However, no preference was indicated. The adductor muscles were analyzed for total carbohydrate, crude fat, crude protein, moisture and ash. The range for each component was similar (P > 0.05) in both the cultured and wild populations.     

Mercury concentrations in Pacific hake, Merluccius productus (Ayres), as a function of length and latitude

Mercury concentrations in Pacific hake increase with fish size and with the latitude of collection. While the mercury-size trend is consistent with data for other species, the latitudinal trend is opposite to that reported for other fishes over the same geographical area. Consequently, latitudinal trends of mercury concentrations in fishes do not necessarily indicate trends of mercury concentrations in water. Food habits and metabolism may cause the observed variations.