<div style="text-align: justify;">For farmers the use of agrochemicals is the preferred method to control pests and diseases. Considering the market demand for biological control products, the encapsulation could be a competent alternative to current commercial formulations for cellular viability and controlled release. The purpose of this study was to use ionic gelation with sodium alginate, starch and maltodextrin to immobilize Bacillus subtilis and to evaluate the biocontrol effect against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in vitro. The matrix with a concentration of 2% sodium alginate, 1% starch, and 1% maltodextrin is a suitable method for cellular viability and biological control activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, with a reduction of mycelial growth of 49.6% and a survival rate for Bacillus subtilis of 98.05% (p&lt; 0.0001).The use of immobilized bacteria as biological control agents are sustainable and effective bio-inputs that could be used at industrial scale and benefit the tomato crops against attack by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici.</div>

Immobilized Bacillus subtilis by ionic gelation as biocontrol alternative of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici&nbsp;

Background: Intravenous urography is a contrast radiographic visualization of the renal parenchyma, pelvis, ureter as well as urinary bladder which overcomes the inherent limitations of plain survey radiography. In veterinary science, the positive contrast research often emphasizes on the usage of iodine concentration of the contrast agent but little attention is paid to its side effects. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess and compare the systemic effects of non-ionic and ionic contrast agents following intravenous urography in healthy dogs. 
 
Methods: Twelve clinically healthy canines were randomly divided into groups I and II consisting of six animals of either sex in each. Both the contrast agents were administered at the same dose rate i.e. 1100 mg I/kg body weight and diluted with an equal amount of 5% dextrose saline solution intravenously over a period of 10-15 minutes under general anaesthesia. The physiological, haemato-biochemical parameters and urine analysis were investigated at (0 hr) and at 1 hr, 6 hr and 24 hrs interval. 
 
Result: Physiological parameters and haematological parameters revealed a non-significant decrease at 1 h following administration of non-ionic and ionic agent. Among biochemical parameters, serum glucose, ALT, AST and ALP showed non-significant variation except serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine which increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) at 1 h following administration of contrast agent in both groups. Urine pH and specific gravity altered marginally. Absence of sediment and glucose in urine were recorded in all the animals of both the group I and II during observation period. There were transient changes in physiological, haemato-biochemical and urine parameters and compensated within 6 h as well as all parameters remained within physiological limits. These parameters provided data assess to evaluate the functional status of urinary system and adverse reaction/systemic effects of the contrast agents. Therefore, it can be concluded that intravenous urography using non-ionic and ionic contrast agents does not produce any adverse reaction or deleterious effect on vital organs and changes remained within physiological limits, thus both can be safely used @ 1100 mg I/kg in canine.

Assessment of Systemic Effects of&nbsp; Non-ionic and Ionic Contrast Agents Following Intravenous Urography in Healthy Dogs

<div>Background: Propolis contains various bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, with diverse biological properties. However, its use is hampered by poor water solubility, instability in aqueous materials and limited absorption within the body. To overcome these limitations, the development of propolis nanoparticles has been proposed. Chitosan is widely utilized to prepare chitosan-based nanoparticles. It readily undergoes gelation upon interaction with polyanions, such as sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Chitosan-TPP nanoparticles, serving as wall materials, are prepared through the ionic gelation method. This study aims to encapsulate propolis extract in chitosan nanoparticles (propolis extract-loaded nanoparticles, PE-NP) using chitosan of different molecular weights (low and medium molecular weight, LMW and MMW), varying chitosan concentrations and different volumes of propolis extract. Furthermore, the PE-NPs were characterized by their physical characteristics and antioxidative properties. 
 
Methods: PE-NPs were prepared using the ionic gelation method, in which chitosan and cross-linker TPP were used as wall materials (chitosan nanoparticles). The formulation was prepared by varying the molecular weight of chitosan (LMW and MMW), chitosan concentrations (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%) and propolis extract volumes (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 ml). The physical characteristics of PE-NP, including pH, turbidity, encapsulation efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential, as well as its antioxidative properties, were evaluated. 
 
Result: The resulting PE-NP revealed low encapsulation efficiency (23.937-41.192%) and pH in the range of 3.9-4.8. PE-NP also presented antioxidant capacity that polyphenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, contributed to. The suspension of PE-NP had a particle size of 350.000-488.280 nm with PDI values higher than 0.3 (heterogeneous dispersion) and positive zeta potential (39.340-48.200 mV), resulting in stable nanoparticles. The PE-NP produced has antioxidant properties, making it suitable for use as a functional ingredient in the food industry.</div>

Preparation and Characterization of Propolis (Trigona sp.) Extract-loaded Chitosan Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles

<div>Background: Tor putitora is distributed in the entire northeast Himalayan region. The declining population of Tor putitora in natural waters has major concern to its fishery. The knowledge of semen characteristics is helpful in the selection of good quality semen for artificial fertilization thus have a role in fishery development. The current study aimed to determine the physical and biochemical composition of seminal plasma of Tor putitora. 
 
Methods: The semen samples were collected by stripping the ripe male brooders procured from the natural habitat. The sperm motility, sperm density, spermatocrit value and osmolality were determined for physical characteristics of semen. Haemocytometric method was used for sperm density. The seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation for the determination of ionic and organic component of semen through atomic absorption spectrometer. 
 
Result: The semen of T. putitora has shown species-specific features of sperm density (1.712 &plusmn; 0.18 &times; 109 ml-1), spermatocrit (62.96 &plusmn; 2.63 %) and sperm motility duration (48.16 &plusmn; 1.68 s). The Na2+ (102.06 &plusmn; 5.115 mM l-l) and K+ (51.66 &plusmn; 3.205 mM l-l) are predominating ions among the other inorganic constituents (Ca2+: 1.38 &plusmn; 0.304 mg dl-1, Mg2+: 0.86 &plusmn; 0.261 mg l-l, phosphate: 4.00 &plusmn; 1.102 mg dl-1, Cu2+: 0.004 &plusmn; 0.001 mg l-l and Zn2+: 0.062 &plusmn; 0.005 mg l-l) of the seminal plasma. The organic constituents of seminal plasma contained - Glucose: 9.6 &plusmn; 0.678 mg dl-1, Cholesterol: 21.0 &plusmn; 1.049 mg dl-1, Triglycerides: 11.0 &plusmn; 0.316 mg dl-1, Urea: 12.6 &plusmn; 1.7206 mg dl-1 and Uric acid: 0.5 &plusmn; 0.10 mg dl-1. The Osmolality (256.8 &plusmn; 31.940 mOsmol kg-1), pH (7.34 &plusmn; 0.04) and ionic composition of semen seem to be the most important factor responsible for inhibition or activation of sperm motility. A high significant positive relationship (r=0.807, P&lt;0.01) was found between sperm density and spermatocrit suggests the use of regression equation for quick and reliable estimation of sperm concentration in Tor putitora. The study is helpful in the selection of high-quality male spawners and provides baseline information for the development of extenders and dilutants for the preservation of viable semen.</div>

<div>A Study on the Physical and Biochemical Characteristics of Semen of Tor putitora- An Endangered Fish Species in Himalayan Water</div>

<div>Background: Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is a common substance used to decrease the harmful effects of abiotic stress and to improve the germination and early seedling growth of crops. However SNP use is limited by its short lifespan and photosensitivity. With this context, current study taken up to that synthesize of SNP loaded chitosan nanoparticles and to standardize for the seed treatment.</div>

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<div>Methods: SNP loaded chitosan nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by using ionic gelation method. A variety of characterization techniques utilized viz., Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and release kinetics. A laboratory experiment was conducted to standardize the ideal SNP nanoformulation dosage for seed treatment in order to minimize the negative impacts of drought stress in maize. The treatments involved soaking seeds in solutions containing various concentrations of SNP nanoformulation, including 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 &igrave;M including control.&nbsp;</div>

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<div>Result:&nbsp;The experimental results indicated that, among SNP nanoformulation concentrations, seeds treated with @ 100 &igrave;M concentration showed the highest germination percentage (85%), promptness index (82.3%), vigor index (1624%), shoot and root length (8.4 cm and 11 cm), fresh and dry weight of shoot (123.7 and 61.6 mg/20seedlings) and root (52.6 and 25.0 mg/20seedlings) respectively, under PEG-induced drought stress conditions compared with control.</div>

Synthesis and Standardization of Sodium Nitroprusside Nanoformulation on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Maize under PEG- Induced Moisture Stress

<div style="text-align: justify;">Background: The fertilization success and seed quality of Labeo rohita from different locations show wide variation. The important reason for these variations is sperm quality. Spermatological parameters are considered to be the deciding factors of sperm quality. The present study envisages delineating the strain-specific variations in spermatological parameters and seminal plasma composition of L. rohita from three different locations (Manimuthar, Thanjavur and Mettur) of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp; Methods: In the present study conducted during 2019, milt samples were collected from three different strains of Labeo rohita. The samples were analyzed for the spermatological parameters such as pH, volume, sperm density, spermatozoa motility and seminal plasma composition (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-) following standard protocols and the statistical comparisons were made. Result: Among the strains, the spermatozoa of Thanjavur strain exhibited best performance with highest motility duration (82.33&plusmn;6.03 s) (p&lt;0.025) and sperm density (2.526&plusmn;0.25 &times; 109 cells/ml). With regard to seminal plasma composition, the concentration of Na+ (113.64&plusmn;4.97 mmol/L) and K+ (149.91&plusmn;1.67 mmol/L) was the highest in Thanjavur strain. Mettur strain exhibited highest Ca2+ (1.24&plusmn;0.06 mmol/L) content (p&lt;0.01) besides its lowest Na+ concentration (51.28&plusmn;3.52 mmol/L). The results revealed a significant correlation between ionic composition of seminal plasma and sperm motility. The increased motility duration in Thanjavur strain was due to increased K+ concentration. A synergistic effect of ions in controlling sperm motility was also observed as the higher Ca2+ concentration could sustain lowered Na+ concentration in Mettur strain.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Comparative Study on Spermatological Parameters and Seminal Plasma Composition of Labeo rohita Strains from Tamil Nadu, India</div>

<div>Background: Garden cress is one of the traditional medicinal plants packed with nutrients. In India, garden cress seeds are consumed either raw or in processed forms. The different processes employed such as roasting may provide palatability, acceptable colour and texture and raise the content of carbohydrates along with retention of minerals.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted to assess the physical and functional properties of raw and roasted garden cress seeds flour. Raw garden cress seed flour was developed by drying the seeds in oven at 60&deg;C for 45 minutes, followed by grinding and sieving through 60 mesh sieve. Roasted flour was developed by initial roasting of seeds in iron vessel followed by similar procedure as for raw flour. Both flours were stored in air tight containers for further research analysis. Physical properties assessed were thousand seed weight, seed volume, seed density, bulk density, hydration capacity, hydration index, swelling capacity and swelling index. Functional properties included water and oil absorption capacity, gel consistency, gelation capacity and flour solubility.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The result for physical properties showed that thousand seed weight, volume, seed density, bulk density, hydration capacity, hydration index, swelling capacity and swelling index of raw garden cress seeds were 1.95 g, 2.6 ml, 0.77, 0.76 g/ml, 7.95, 4.05, 0.82 and 0.32, respectively, whereas, in roasted garden cress seeds, these were 1.81 g, 2.83 ml, 0.64, 0.69 g/ml, 7.21 g/100 g, 3.98, 0.88 ml/100 g&nbsp; and 0.31, respectively. Both raw and roasted garden cress seeds flour were found to have good functional properties. Data on functional properties showed that raw garden cress seed flour had significantly higher water absorption capacity (4.9 g/ml), oil absorption capacity (2.69 g/ml), gelation capacity (7.9%) and flour solubility (21.2%), while roasted seed flour had higher gel consistency (70.33%)&nbsp; than its counterpart. The study concluded thatboth types of flour i.e. raw and roasted garden cress seed flour were having good physical and functional properties implying that these can be incorporated into different food products so as to improve nutritional quality. The high flour solubility of garden cress flour makes it suitable for incorporating in different infant formulas.&nbsp;</div>

Physical and Functional Properties of Raw and Roasted Garden Cress Seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) Flour

<div style="text-align: justify;">Salinity in soil and water is a critical factor that is causing hindrance in crop production under salt affected areas. Plant metabolic activities are apparently restricted due to accumulation of salt. The event of salt stress happens to be the reason of severe alteration in the sequence of plant growth and development which ultimately reduces the survivability of plants. The physiological and biochemical mechanisms of tolerance to various osmotic and ionic components of salinity stress are evaluated at the cellular, organ and whole plant level. The course of adaptation towards salinity stress could be of various types such as avoidance, exclusion, extrusion, ion compartmentalization etc. Appropriate understanding of mechanism involved in salt tolerance at different levels in plant tissues provide a new opportunity to integrate physiological and biochemical knowledge to improve the salinity tolerance of fruit crops, especially from the nutritional aspect. Such information not only helpful in escalating the productivity in salt affected areas, but also facilitate in bringing relatively more salt affected areas under cultivation.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Mechanism of Salt Tolerance in Fruit Crops: A Review</div>

Cowpea protein isolate (CPI) was extracted through salt assisted extraction technique and dehydrated by freeze drying, spray drying and vacuum drying. The effect of dehydration technique for preparation of cowpea protein isolate powder on the nutritive and functional properties was investigated. The x-ray crystallography, phase transition analysis and surface morphology established the variation in the agglomerates and nature of the particles formed upon dehydration. Freeze-dried and spray dried powders displayed least gelation capacity at 8% compared to 12% for vacuum dried isolates besides higher gel strength. The crossover point of storage and loss modulus for freeze-dried CPI was observed much earlier than for the spray and vacuum dried CPI. The emulsion capacity and creaming stability indices for freeze dried CPI were higher. Vacuum dried samples however showed highest emulsion activity index (94.88 m2/g) and good foaming ability (88.89%). Thus depending on the functional attribute intended for end-use, the most economic drying method can be considered as reasonable option for converting the protein isolates into powders.&nbsp;

Physico-chemical and functional properties of cowpea protein isolate&nbsp;as affected by the dehydration technique&nbsp;

<div>Background: Lupinus mutabilis Sweet is a species of Andean legume with a high content of proteins, which present hemagglutinating lectins. Here, we demonstrated that the &gamma;-conglutin lectin isolated from L. mutabilis seeds is responsible for the hemagglutinating activity by evaluating this activity at each step of the isolation process. 
 
Methods: Seeds of three ecotypes of L. mutabilis were used. Saline protein extraction size exclusion and ionic exchange chromatography were performed to isolate the lectin. Carbohydrate specificity, thermostability and resistance to chelating and reducing agents of the lectin were tested. SDS-page and mass spectrometry were performed to characterize the isolated hemagglutinating lectin. Rabbit erythrocyte hemagglutination test was performed at each step. 
 
Result: Pat&oacute;n Grande ecotype had higher hemagglutinating titers and therefore was selected for further purification steps. Hemagglutinating activity of the purified lectin, which was identified as a &gamma;-conglutin, was cation-independent and optimal between 15-20&deg;C. Besides, it resisted temperatures up to 70&deg;C, its activity was lost in basic pH and remained active under reducing and chelating conditions.&nbsp;</div>

Immobilized Bacillus subtilis by ionic gelation as biocontrol alternative of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici

Assessment of Systemic Effects of Non-ionic and Ionic Contrast Agents Following Intravenous Urography in Healthy Dogs

Preparation and Characterization of Propolis (Trigona sp.) Extract-loaded Chitosan Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles

A Study on the Physical and Biochemical Characteristics of Semen of Tor putitora- An Endangered Fish Species in Himalayan Water

Synthesis and Standardization of Sodium Nitroprusside Nanoformulation on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Maize under PEG- Induced Moisture Stress

Comparative Study on Spermatological Parameters and Seminal Plasma Composition of Labeo rohita Strains from Tamil Nadu, India

Physical and Functional Properties of Raw and Roasted Garden Cress Seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) Flour

Mechanism of Salt Tolerance in Fruit Crops: A Review

Physico-chemical and functional properties of cowpea protein isolate as affected by the dehydration technique

Isolation of a Hemagglutinating γ-conglutin from Seeds of the Andean Legume Lupinus mutabilis Sweet (Tarwi)